Pinball FX VR: Tomb Raider Pinball DLC [Meta Quest 3] | REVIEW

Pinball FX VR continues its stellar streak of table releases with the Tomb Raider Pinball DLC, and as a longtime fan of Lara Croft’s adventures, this pack feels like a loving tribute wrapped in the addictive gameplay of classic pinball. From the moment I first heard the iconic Tomb Raider theme kick in when I first stepped up to the tables, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia that reminded me of just how much I adore the series, and fortunately, Zen Studios has done a fantastic job of capturing the spirit of the games, bringing the thrill of exploration, the relic-hunting excitement, and the occasional booby trap into the world of pinball.

Check out some screenshots down below:

The DLC includes two tables: The Adventures of Lara Croft and Secrets of Croft Manor, each offering a different kind of experience that perfectly capture the world of Tomb Raider.

The Adventures of Lara Croft serves as a loving homage to a wide selection of titles in the series. With visual and gameplay nods to iconic moments and artifacts from titles including Tomb Raider II, The Last Revelation, Legend, and more, it feels like a playable greatest hits collection. The large playing area is packed with ramps and rails (some of which can admittedly be challenging to hit consistently) which makes skill-based play rewarding. There are plenty of stop-and-go moments when the ball gets caught in certain features, but they serve a purpose, often triggering mini-games, score boosts, or simply laying up scenes pulled from Tomb Raider history on the table’s LED display. Watching the miniature animated Lara Croft swan dive off the table or seeing the Venice speedboats hit the ball into play is nothing short of delightful too, with these little nods sure to bring a smile to the faces of long-time Tomb Raider fans. Add to that fun features such as the mini-game that has you tilt the table floor to guide the ball, and you’ll quickly find there are plenty of cool little things to keep players entertained with the table.

“It offers a nostalgic and engaging experience that caters to both fans of pinball and long-time followers of Lara Croft’s adventures.”

However, it’s Secrets of Croft Manor that steals the show in this collection. This table is faster, more frantic, and filled with more interactive features, whilst mini-games such as bouncing the ball to clear obstacle course obstruction or guiding the ball through the maze from Croft Manor feel creative and befitting of the series. The table can be tough, with tighter ramps and trickier lanes, but it’s that difficulty that makes scoring big feel so satisfying. However, while I absolutely loved the Croft Manor theme and its variety, I can’t help but to feel that Zen Studios missed a golden opportunity by not letting players lock the butler in the freezer somehow – it’s a cheeky but beloved series moment that fans would’ve loved to see acknowledged.

One curious omission is the absence of a full-sized Lara Croft figure standing next to the table, especially since other tables have utilised iconic characters in immersive ways. Still, seeing miniature versions of Lara leap across the table and having a statue of her to display in your customizable hub space is a pretty cool consolation, so it’s not the end of the world.

Developer: Zen Studios
Publisher: Zen Studios
Platform(s): Meta Quest 3 (Reviewed), Meta Quest 2, PC VR
Website: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/pinball-fx-vr/7255396864545733/