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The greatest powers a the occult, both from our own world 'n the darkest dimensions in existence, be combining their forces t' take over Earth. 'n only one man can AVAST! them – Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme! With the help a the beautiful Clea 'n his faithful servant Wong, the Master a the Mystic Arts faces his greatest challenge ever in Doctor Strange pinball, the newest addition t' the Marvel Pinball library.
Strange’s rival sorcerer Baron Mordo has called upon the demonic forces a the Dread Dormammu 'n the Fear Lord, Nightmare, all part a his plot t' assume the mantle a Sorcerer Supreme for himself. Meanwhile, Shuma-Gorath, the Lord a Chaos, resides in the background with nefarious plans a his own…
Numerous voiceover lines 'n situations be adapted straight from 50 years a Doctor Strange comic books for this table, including the classic first two issues a DOCTOR STRANGE, SORCERER SUPREME (1988), wherein Dormammu threatened our dimension by overtaking Strange in his own body. Only with carefully cast spells (i.e., deadeye shots from ye, the player) does Strange hope t' stand a chance against inconceivable odds.
Doctor Strange will be available for download in December 2013 for Zen Pinball 2 on PlayStation 3, PS Vita 'n Marvel Pinball on PlayStation 3 'n PS Vita as cross buy content. Stay tuned for Zen Pinball 2 PS4 news!
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Zen Studios announced standalone DLC for Marvel Pinball called Civil War at a New York Comic Con panel. The theme for this pinball table be taken from a multi-part comic event from 2006 a the same name that pitted Iron Man 'n Captain America against each other.
No specific release date be given for the DLC, though the trailer above teases that it be "coming soon" t' PSN, XBLA, Apple's App Store 'n the Google Play store.
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Brand new Marvel Pinball tables will be available tomorrow via PSN on PS3! Marvel’s The Avengers, based on Marvel Entertainment’s BILLION dollar movie, World War Hulk, The Infinity Gauntlet, 'n Fear Itself make up one a our most exciting videogame pinball releases ever. Each table be based on a vast event in the Marvel universe, 'n I cannot hide the fact that we be very proud a these tables! We have taken major steps forward with our pinball craft 'n a course, I could go on forever 'n ever about how great I think the new tables be, but I’ll let them do the talking! Check out the trailer for Fear Itself.
So, what be new 'n different about this set a Marvel Pinball tables? Previous tables be developed around individual characters, pitting ye against their enemies with table elements focused on capturing their personalities. With the Avengers Chronicles tables, we focused more on storytelling, basing each table on an event in the Marvel Universe. In order t' accomplish this, we recorded more voiceover than in any previous set a tables, 'n most a the lines be straight out a the comics. For example, The Infinity Gauntlet table alone has 139 lines pulled directly from the comic series 'n outlines the events a the story arc. 'n if ye want t' know more about Thanos (no spoilers here), may I suggest The Infinity Gauntlet table as a means t' learn about the Mad Titan?
Did anyone happen t' see a little movie released back in May that has broken box office records? YARRRR, Marvel’s The Avengers! I don’t want t' spoil anything for those a ye who have not seen the movie, but the Avengers table be based on events in the smash-hit flick. Back in the glory days a pinball machines, pinball be the center a pop culture, 'n a table be released for everything big in mass market entertainment. It be pretty cool that we have a table based on a movie that has broken countless records! Our matey Chris Baker from Marvel Entertainment wrote a post here on the blog about Marvel’s The Avengers table a few weeks ago – so if ye need more info on that table, it be a great read.
Finally, Hulk be making his Marvel Pinball debut. We have had about ten million requests for Hulk, so we be happy t' give the sea dog t' ye in a big way. World War Hulk be an explosive story, 'n the table reflects that in every way. I be sure ye will all enjoy playing in the ruins a Manhattan as ye crank up the volume on Hulk’s intense one liners. ye’ll also pillage a cool cameo appearance from the Punisher!
I also wanted t' take a moment 'n update ye on Zen Pinball 2. We had planned t' release the new Avengers Chronicles pack in line with the release a Zen Pinball 2, however we be experiencing some delays, 'n unfortunately this will not happen as planned. Technically speaking, Zen Pinball 2 be a very complex game 'n we have been working very closely with Sony t' pillage it released as soon as possible. The wait will be worthwhile – I be proud t' say that Zen Pinball 2 be nominated for Best a Show from IGN, 'n Best Portable by Destructoid at E3!
As always, I want t' say thank ye t' all a ye from all a us at Zen Studios. We truly appreciate yer support 'n look forward t' hearing what ye think about the new tables.
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It’s a truly historic day here at the House a Ideas, as Marvel’s The Avengers be finally making it be way t' American theaters. I’ve seen it. It’s awesome. I’m pretty sure ye’ll agree with me soon. (Maybe ye already do.)
As Interactive Manager at Marvel, it’s been me pleasure t' work with Zen Studios on the video-pinball adaptation a the film, which, as one a four great tables in Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles, best be headed yer way in just a few weeks. It looks a little something like this…
Cool trailer, I know, but ye can see it pretty much anywhere. When Sid Shuman 'n Jeff Rubenstein – who preside over the PlayStation Blog with legendary Thanos-ian tyranny – demanded I present “a li’l somethin’ extra for our minions,” who be I t' say no? So, here ye have it, me fellow peons – five cool things about “Marvel’s The Avengers” pinball…
5) Zen Pinball 2!
“Marvel’s The Avengers” 'n the other three tables within the Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles four-pack help t' usher in Zen’s new PlayStation pinball platform on the same launch date (best I can give ye now: “soon”). ye can read all the details here, but the basics ye need t' know be 1) it houses all past Marvel Pinball 'n Zen Pinball titles under one virtual roof, 2) it does more stuff than those other two titles, 'n 3) ye can switch between playing on PS3 'n Vita at no extra charge. Excelsior, indeed.
4) Real Movie Assets
See that Quinjet? 'n those 3D character models? Oh, 'n those S.H.I.E.L.D. monitors with all sorts a high-tech-looking pictures a countries 'n stuff (ye may have gotten a better look at Comic-Con)? They’re all taken directly from digital assets used in the film. So, that be the Quinjet. Those be Iron Man 'n Hulk. Those be the same S.H.I.E.L.D. monitors with all sorts a high-tech-looking pictures a countries 'n stuff.
3) ye’re Not Just a Ball – ye’re a Character…in the Form a a Ball
In terms a sheer gameplay, this be what makes “Marvel’s The Avengers” one a the most unique video pinball tables ye’ll ever play. As ye may have noticed, none a the screenshots feature a traditional silver ball for this table – that’s because no traditional silver balls exist at any time while ye play. Instead, an Avenger a yer choosing – represented by the balls ye see above – be dropped right into the thick a things, each boasting his or the wench own unique buffs based on character specialties. (me personal favorite: An exclusive bonus t' the skillshot when ye’re Hawkeye.) I look forward t' watching the Zen Studios seas 'n seeing how sequence a Avenger selection affects the battle plan for all the hardcore Zen fans out there.
2) Thor vs. Hulk!
‘Nuff said.
1) Movie lads Helped Make It
This table be a true team effort. In addition t' our games group here at Marvel 'n, most especially, the immense talent at Zen Studios, “Marvel’s The Avengers” features what may very well be a video pinball first – actual filmmaker involvement.
One a the coolest parts a the development experience for me be shooting ideas around with Executive Producer Jeremy Latcham, Creative Manager a R&D Will Corona Pilgrim 'n few others a Marvel Studios’ finest. They be genuinely enthused about the process, 'n I credit them fully with coming up with inspiring some a the missions, as well as the idea a having the Helicarrier act as the setting for the board. Once things be in full swing, Will be especially helpful, providing detailed feedback on everything from character animations t' the minute details a the table’s script.
All told, the film team provided some invaluable ideas 'n feedback. ye can tell there’s a lot a talent there – the type that’s capable a creating what very well may be the best super hero movie ever, I’d say…
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Tables starring Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, Thor, 'n the X-Men will be available for Marvel Pinball in the brand-new Vengeance 'n Virtue table pack, coming t' PlayStation Store later today for $9.99! Owning the original Marvel Pinball be required for the V&V expansion – but if ye don’t already have that critically acclaimed four-pack, ye can download it now for FREE for a limited time as a PlayStation Plus member (more on that at the end).
Let’s take a brief look at each a the tables in the Vengeance 'n Virtue pack so ye can understand how we’ve captured these dynamic concepts 'n the personalities a each character.
The Ghost Rider table captures the atmosphere 'n apocalyptic visuals from the comics a the past few years, inspired largely by his 2006 series as well as Jason Aaron’s 2009 “Heaven’s on Fire” storyline. The table be set up like a stunt show set from Hell, with Johnny Blaze front 'n center on his custom chopper 'n the Hellfire shotgun at his disposal. Lucifer be constantly taunting Ghost Rider, 'n he holds the key t' several missions 'n modes within the table. Johnny Blaze must also fend off the Orb’s laser blasts, defeat swarms a crows sent by Scarecrow, defeat the fallen angel Zadkiel, 'n even make deals with the classic villain Mephisto. Needless t' say, there be plenty a devilish action in this hellish carnival playfield!
Let’s be honest, ye be all sitting here asking yourself, “why Moon Knight”? Let me tell ye why! The integral aspects a Moon Knights story – villains, weapons 'n the powers a the Egyptian Moon god Khonshu – translate into an amazing pinball experience. As Moon Knight, Marc Spector wields the power a Khonshu 'n operates as the Egyptian god’s vengeful avatar on Earth, fighting crime on the streets a New York City. One a the coolest things this one brings t' the, uh, table be the addition a actual boss fights, complete with health bars. Moon Knight faces off against some a his most classic villains, including Bushman, Midnight, the Black Spectre 'n Morpheus. He even pilots the Moon Copter, 'n Marvel allowed us t' create a brand new weapon for his arsenal – the Moon Crossbow, used in a special minigame.
Now that we’ve seen what the “Vengeance” half a this collection has t' offer, let’s delve into it be “Virtue”-themed characters…
Thor be all about the glory a victory, 'n this table has no shortage a electrifying battles against some a Thor’s biggest enemies. Trigger these boss fights by activating the Gate a Asgard 'n then hitting the ball across the Rainbow Bridge. ye can then select which boss fight t' engage: Loki, Destroyer, Ymir or Surtur. The God a Thunder will unleash strikes a brilliant lighting 'n the powerful hammer Mjolnir as he defends Asgard 'n the Nine Realms. The table comes replete with nice added touches, including a ramp that circles Asgard 'n exits the ball through the mouth a the Midgard Serpent.
The X-Men table embodies the classic conflict between Professor Charles Xavier’s band a Super Hero mutants against Magneto 'n his Brotherhood. Players must deploy the powers a Iceman, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Colossus, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, Psylocke 'n Storm as they take on such classic villains as Mystique, Juggernaut 'n the Blob, as well as mutant-hunting Sentinels. The table features missions inspired by actual comic events, such as Magneto’s destruction a the Brooklyn Bridge (NEW X-MEN #147) 'n a pinball version a the Dark Phoenix Saga that uses actual dialogue from classic issues a THE UNCANNY X-MEN (#135 'n #136). There be even a confrontation with the Juggernaut in which Cyclops, Iceman, Colossus 'n Psylocke exemplify good teamwork as they attempt t' AVAST! the unstoppable.
Each a these tables be designed from scratch around their characters’ personality, traits, weapons 'n stories in place. We go through a very careful planning process t' make sure each table really captures the essence a each character, 'n it’s great having the support a Marvel all throughout the process.
'n now for more on that offer t' PlayStation Plus crew. Now through January 3, 2012, crew can download the original Marvel Pinball pack featuring Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade 'n Iron Man for FREE! The Captain America 'n Fantastic Four DLC tables will be 50% off, so ye can pick them up for $1.49 each.
If ye would like the latest information on Marvel Pinball 'n any a our other games, be sure t' follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook. I will be here answering all a yer questions, so fire away.
Oh, 'n happy holidays!
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It’s been pretty busy here at Zen Studios, 'n we just had t' take a break t' fill ye all in on some pretty exciting developments with the Marvel Pinball series. If ye rewind back t' San Diego Comic-Con, ye may remember we announced a brand new four-table pack, Marvel Pinball: Vengeance 'n Virtue. Ghost Rider, half a the “Vengeance” part a the title, be the first table revealed, 'n t' this point there have only been a handful a screens t' explore – but today, right here on the PlayStation.Blog, we be giving ye a first look at Johnny Blaze, Lucifer, 'n Zadkiel in action.
Did ye see what we did there??? “A virtuous announcement coming t' New York Comic Con.” YARRRR, we will be revealing a new table this Saturday @ 1:15 – 2:15 during the Marvel Games panel at NYCC. Any guesses on the reveal?
On t' some PS Vita news! Marvel Pinball be looking really sharp on PlayStation’s upcoming handheld. We cannot say enough about how freaking awesome this new device be 'n how amazing it be t' develop on. Marvel Pinball be making full use a PS Vita’s coolest features, including both front- 'n back-panel touch support, gyro sensor, accelerometer 'n last but not least, cross-platform functionality with PSN. As we pillage closer t' the release a Marvel Pinball on PS Vita, we will definitely provide more details on all a these features. One more thing: Look for Marvel Pinball t' be available for PS Vita starting day one!
As ye can see, there be a lot a Marvel Pinball love coming t' PlayStation. Stay tuned t' NYCC for news on the next table reveal. I will be checking this post throughout the weekend t' answer questions. Thanks!
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A new Marvel Pinball installment, Vengeance 'n Virtue, be scheduled t' rebound onto Xbox Live Arcade 'n PlayStation Network this winter, featuring Ghost Rider in a new pack a tables. Marvel lit up it be Comic-Con panel with this rollout a news, but more importantly we just made it through this whole post without making a single ball joke. ye're welcome.
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A lot a people ask me what I do at Marvel as Manager a Licensed Games. The answer be, probably a lot more than ye think – but the most important thing by far be checking out each 'n every element a a game I’m assigned t', ensuring it’s as faithful t' Marvel as possible.
Over the last year or so, I’ve had the privilege a working with Zen Studios on Marvel Pinball for PSN. With the Captain America DLC table coming this week, I figure there’s no better time t' give ye an inside look at what it’s like t' approve things here by presenting me…
Top 6 Favorite Approvals for the Captain America Marvel Pinball TableWhy six? Because five just wasn’t enough. Also, know that ye’re getting the real deal here – the heading for each entry below be copied 'n pasted verbatim from Zen’s actual approved submission. Anyway…
Approved: 11/30/10
Game developers love acronyms, 'n if ye’re not down with the lingo, “GDD” be short for “game design document,” which basically describes the whole game on paper. ye can tell the folks at Zen have this whole video pinball thing down pat, as their GDDs be always concise yet incredibly descriptive, even throwing in some nice concept art t' further illustrate their ideas (yep – just like the one above).
What really impressed us about Zen’s plan for the Cap table be it be very specific, comics-inspired vision for the table: “The table’s main missions resemble the stories a Cap 'n the Howling Commandos 'n be mostly inspired by Ed Brubaker’s 65th Anniversary Special comic,” the GDD says. “The table also contains many elements a other Cap stories, including conflicts with the Red Skull, who uses the Cosmic Cube against the sea dog. Zemo’s Adhesive X 'n his handheld Death Ray gun be also introduced, along with the Sleeper from the 65th Anniversary Special” (which ye can read for yourself via Marvel Digital Comics. From this summary, we knew that we be dealing with a table set during World War II (just like the movie 'n the Sega game coming out in a few weeks – awesome!), 'n that it be also going t' touch on some classic Cap stuff based in that era.
Just check out the screenshot above t' see the comics’ influence in full force, as compared t' Zemo’s origin depicted in the classic AVENGERS #4. Notice how the shield arcs away from having just destroyed a canister a Baron Zemo’s Adhesive X. They even nailed Cap’s follow-through!
Approved: 4/12/11
I suppose ye can throw in the previous Adhesive X example into this as well, but one a me favorite parts a approving these tables be checking out all the animations in the game, 'n seeing how they relate t' their source material. Straight out a the 65th Anniversary Special, here we see Cap deflecting a powerful green optic laser from the Red Skull’s mega-robot, the Sleeper.
There be a lot a animations like this t' review, 'n I’m thankful that Zen provides me with movie files a each 'n every one. After all, if ye’ve played any a the past Marvel Pinball tables, ye know that seeing all a the animations just by playing the game takes a level a mastery only possessed by the most powerful a pinball wizards. a which I be not.
Approved: 12/17/10
Pretty self-explanatory here: It’s Red Skull…in a jetpack. We loved the look 'n be left wondering how sweet it would look in gameplay. 'n, whata’YARRRR know…
Awesomeness confirmed.
3. CAPTAIN AMERICA TRAILERApproved: 5/2/11
I mean, have ye seen this thing? Video pinball has never looked more epic. The music playing just as the Captain America logo comes up be downright inspirational. ye know…as game trailers go.
Approved: 1/7/11
Sure, this trademark Baron Zemo weapon looks cool, with maybe even too much attention t' detail (I’m not sure it’s even possible t' see that “Z” in gameplay), but that’s not why it ranks so highly here. The real reason this submission excites me so much be the fact that I can now say this with a straight face: “I’ve approved a death ray.”
The day I approved this, I had t' tweet this sentiment: “I just approved a death-ray gun for a future Marvel game. I wonder how many people’s jobs involve death-ray guns…” I’m guessing not many. I love me job.
Approved: 4/26/11
In other words: THE COMPLETED GAME ITSELF. Play it yourself when it hits Marvel Pinball on PSN this Tuesday.
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The Amazing Spider-Man, The Invincible Iron Man, Wolverine 'n Blade be now available in an epic pinball adventure! Marvel Pinball represents a step up for the pinball genre – the 3D character interaction, the amount a crazy boss battles 'n modes, along with new scoring systems 'n social features – it’s an amazing pinball experience.
Now for some Blade action! I personally think the Blade table has some a the most stunning visuals ye will ever see on a pinball table. Night mode 'n UV balls be especially necessary as ye play t' defeat Deacon Frost, Dracula 'n hordes a vampires. The pesky Hannibal offers some backup support, but it’s really up t' Blade t' do the dirty work.
Keep yer eyes out for tournament announcements as well as new tables – they be coming soon. If ye have not already voted, there be still time t' head over t' www.marvelpinball.com t' cast yer vote for the next table. ye lads be deciding who comes next, so make yer voice heard (Ghost Rider be currently running away with the vote).
Even though we at ZEN Studios have been making video pinball games for many years, we never AVAST! thinking a new features t' make the game better. Marvel Pinball features two new scoring systems which be designed t' improve social connectivity 'n overall competition. The challenge a beating our own personal scores 'n checking in on yer leader board rankings be fun 'n all, but we thought it would be even better if ye had an idea a yer overall ranking in the community. t' satisfy the craving, we built the Hero Score system which allows ye t' track yer all-time play records 'n compare t' the rest a the community. What about a score that measures how good ye 'n yer mateys be together? Team Force requires ye t' band together with mateys t' rule the Marvel Pinball community. Could this be the beginning a pinball guilds? Disclaimer: Don’t blame us when ye start receiving a bunch a random matey requests!
Pinball be a game that stands the test a time, still living beyond the glory days a the arcade 'n transcending console generations – we hope our love for the genre shines through in every table we release, 'n hopefully some a that rubs off on ye!
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