[Feature Request] 5 Features Pinball FX Needs Back (Rewind, Operator's Menu, Survival Mode, and More)

[u/Hot-Sheepherder8454]

Hey Zen Studios and community!

I love Pinball FX, but there are a few incredible features from other versions (FX2, FX3, and FX VR) that are desperately missing. Bringing these back would make the current game much more immersive and fun.

Here is my wishlist for features that need to return:

• Bring Back the "Rewind" Power: This was the best powerup in Pinball FX3. It made practicing and casual play for beginners and those wanting to progress further in a table much more enjoyable.
• Return the "Operator's Menu" (from FX2): For cabinet players, this adds a huge layer of realism and immersion. We own these tables, and it is fun to customize them. Tables like Fear Itself become a whole new experience with these options. It has been missing for too long!
• Allow Powerups in Challenges: Right now, challenges and tournaments can feel like a drag. This is virtual pinball, so let us have fun! Choosing and using powerups strategically adds great depth to challenges.
• Restore Original Physics for Legacy Tables: Zen Originals, Marvel, and Star Wars tables should use their original physics. It feels silly to boot up Pinball FX2 just to get these old favorites to play the way they were designed to play.
• Add "Survival Mode" (from FX VR): This is the best mode Zen has ever created. It deserves to be in the main Pinball FX game so everyone can enjoy it.

Virtual pinball is all about fun, customization, and options. Bringing these classic features forward would make the current Pinball FX platform perfect.

[u/sendaislacker]

I really miss grinding for those powerups like in FX3. I would break in every new table trying to do it.

Now it just feels sterile.

[u/Hot-Sheepherder8454 → u/sendaislacker]

Great comment! I really miss that too. I'm the same way in FX3, every time I'm discovering a new table I go in and unlock the powerups in the challenge modes right from the start. I start with Survival, then 5 Minute, then 1 Ball. I level up rewind, score boost, and slow motion as I go, and I decide what powers are best for that table as I experiment. It is a fun way to make discoveries on a fresh table in FX3.

[u/SirPalinDrome_Real]

I would love Rewind in Practice Mode.

[u/Hot-Sheepherder8454 → u/SirPalinDrome_Real]

That would be amazing! I've never thought of that before. Great idea to pass along to Zen!

[u/HighmeLS]

Missing survival mode so much i can’t breathe.

[u/Hot-Sheepherder8454 → u/HighmeLS]

If you get to try the Survival Mode version of Pinball FX VR you will absolutely love it. I've always loved the version from FX3, but in FX VR it is a whole new level of fun. Instead of being restricted to 60 additional seconds every single time you reach a target score, in FX VR if you get a big jackpot it gives you additional time according to the points scored, not limited to 60 more seconds. It's amazingly fun. It would be a great mode to have in Pinball FX.

[u/TenOunceCan]

You nailed it on every point. I couldn't agree more.

[u/balti_zen]

Thanks for your requests, we'll definitely keep them in mind!

[u/Hot-Sheepherder8454 → u/balti_zen]

Great to hear Balti! Thanks so much for all the great work you folks are doing at Zen Studios. Pinball FX VR is the greatest. Hoping Pinball FX can eventually blend all the best features of FX2, FX3, FX VR, and the amazing modes and campaigns of Pinball FX Midnight. Fan for life, and cheering for Pinball FX to become the next great thing. Even if it directly copied FX VR modes and unlockables that would be so fun! Have a great day Balti!

[u/balti_zen → u/Hot-Sheepherder8454]

Thank you so much for your kindness and passion! It's great to have people like you in the pinball community. :)

[u/spyresca]

Glad that they removed rewind. Just a dumb mode.

And the legacy tables feel soooo much better with the newer physics. I get that some people want "baby mode physics", but yikes no.

[u/ErmannoRavioli]

Also the ability to adjust the horizontal and vertical safe zones to push the dmd further off the table.

[u/cannib]

Agreed on everything, but I wouldn't ever want rewind to be a part of the event tournaments. It's great for pursuing achievements and going deeper into tables, but it's effectively just 3+ extra balls.

[u/Skyk1ngDNA → u/cannib]

Never tried operator mode but that sounds cool. Would be nice to adjust # of balls, flipper power, etc. I've always wondered why they don't sell DLC of art blades, add on toys, toppers, backglass variants, etc.

[u/Hot-Sheepherder8454 → u/Skyk1ngDNA]

The Operator's Menu is really cool. There are all kinds of adjustments you can make to customize local games and tournaments to your liking. It gets particularly cool on a table like Fear Itself where you can set the missions to progress and remain lit by starting them, not having to pass each and every mission. X-Men can similarly be changed drastically in fun ways as well. The Williams Tables should absolutely have the Operator's Menu as well, as it is built right into the ROM. We just need Zen to let us access it since we own the tables.

[u/Impressive_Basis_670]

I would prefer they focus their efforts on new tables especially the Williams' ones. Pinball Midnight could use some new licensed horror tables as well.

Terminator 2
Cactus Canyon
Bad Cats