It's too bad they don't sell the tables for FX2 anymore. FX3 is a noticeable step down in so many ways.

[SYSTEM GLITCH]

We tried to give FX3 a go, but in the end, we came back to FX2, because the menu system is layed out so much better, with instant access to the local Top 10. FX3 is quite convoluted in comparison, I simply won't spend money on it.

If I were allowed to, I would own every table FX2 offers. I consider myself lucky to have over 50 as is, it is ultimately enough to be a great selection of tables, but I would have liked more.

I have no idea why they took something so well designed and turned it onto FX3... a real shame.

[StephenC]

The next version (currently only on EPIC) is a mess and makes FX3 look well put together.

[SYSTEM GLITCH]

I also didnt like the fact that I had to jump through hoops and use a code to get cabinet mode. Removing existing feature in cabinet mode and then implementing an arbitrary system where you have to prove you are going to use it legally with direct communication through email, so you can use that feature once again is also very anti-consumer. A system that anyone can easily fake as well.

Anyone wanting to use FX3 for nefarious means only has to put a laptop or monitor on its side and take a picture with the game running. Insta code. It's a strange form of DRM where only honest consumers suffer... yet again.

Funnily enough, I explained my stance and refused to provide proof, explaining in detail why it was wrong. They sent me a code anyways. It still rubs me the wrong way... obviously.

Originally posted by StephenC:

The next version (currently only on EPIC) is a mess and makes FX3 look well put together.

I read about that when i was trying to figure out how to get cabinet mode working. It reminds me of what is happening with Rocksmith right now. Also a sad turn of events.

Sadly, greed always ruins good things. Any positive benefits of greed are short lived, and far outdone by the negative consequences.

Oh well, at least we can play older versions still, that is not always a guarantee anymore. Looking at you Blizzard.

[BreakingWaves]

for the price of all tables you could get an upgrade to play FX3 smoothly

[Kargor]

Yeah, I disliked Zen, kind of "blacklisted" them for their transition when they killed some tables (but then again, are they actually doing anything else?), and basically forcing people on FX3 for no useful reason at all; even more so as I thought FX3 was worse.

On the other hand, while I kind of liked FX2 due to its flashy looks and stuff, I'm certainly no Pinball expert so each game only lasted a short time anyway; I could probably run FX2 still, but they kind of demonstrated what they think about customers so I didn't really feel like starting it up again.

[Pinballwiz45b]

My guess on why FX3 came into play was the following:

1) FX2 was still using DirectX 9, while Pinball Arcade was releasing their tables in DX11. I took a look on FX2 for Xbox One, and the graphics on each table looked almost exactly the same as the Steam version. They needed to upgrade, but graphics won't be enough. FX3 was also in the Steam database for quite some time.

If FX2 released their offerings the same method as Pinball Arcade (in both DX9 and DX11), we'd have a problem with storage space.

2) Platform unification. The reason why the name "Pinball FX" didn't make it to the likes of Playstation and Nintendo was because Microsoft owned the name for publishing. Hence "Zen Pinball" and "Zen Pinball 2". Remember that FX released in 2007, and FX2 released in 2010. FX3 resolved this in 2017, but the Switch version suffered from a lack of Marvel and Star Wars. The latter got its own separate release.

3) The amount of tables they "killed" were likely due to licensing issues. Given the amount of heavy hitters they're releasing today, we'll have to see if they end up returning on the new FX.

I have FX and it was a rocky mess at the start. It's seen some improvements but it's still not ready for a platform-wide release.

[Kargor]

Originally posted by Pinballwiz45b:

My guess on why FX3 came into play was the following:

1) FX2 was still using DirectX 9

Personally, I didn't see an improvement in FX3.

2) Platform unification.

There are few things that I could care even less about. "Thank for being one of of your little customers. Since we don't really care about you, and we want to unify or stuff, please take the door over there for a quick way out. Much appreciated".

3) The amount of tables they "killed" were likely due to licensing issues.

Sure. Like the Zen Football table -- I'm sure the Zen team refused to expand their license...

Also, these stupid license things: if they can put a table on FX2 but not FX3... they could have just updated FX2 :-)

[Pinballwiz45b]

Well, if they updated FX2 with more tables, with the UI that's currently present, they'd continuously have to make the icons smaller. They solved this problem on consoles with categories, and again with FX3. I agree FX3's overall UI could be better -- too many steps involved in launching one single player table.

Besides, they never took away your purchases, only your ability to purchase anything you don't own. Still, it sucks they did that without warning. It'd be nice to see the previous licenses return, maybe even see the console exclusives (SF2, Ninja Gaiden) make it on PC for the first time.

Super League is tricky, considering different teams and player names appear on the Zen FC table.

[Rabid Urko]

FX is Early Access, cant compare yet really.

[Pinballwiz45b]

Originally posted by Rabid Urko:

FX is Early Access, cant compare yet really.

Not anymore. February 2023.

[Rabid Urko]

Originally posted by Pinballwiz45b:

Originally posted by Rabid Urko:

FX is Early Access, cant compare yet really.

Not anymore. February 2023.

oh , cheers for that, i didnt know.

[RedLightning]

Really FX is out of Early Access? I couldn't tell. still full of bugs.

[Pinballwiz45b]

Originally posted by RedLightning:

Really FX is out of Early Access? I couldn't tell. still full of bugs.

Update incoming on June 8th. FX is still relatively early, and was in far worse shape this time last year.

They've fixed several issues during that time as well, and it'll continue to get better. Issues still exist, and frankly I think they were crunched recently.

[RedLightning]

We shall see.. and knowing that there are bugs in fx as old as FX2 .. yea.. I have doubts. .

[Pinballwiz45b]

Originally posted by Kargor:

Sure. Like the Zen Football table -- I'm sure the Zen team refused to expand their license...

Also, these stupid license things: if they can put a table on FX2 but not FX3... they could have just updated FX2 :-)

You're in for a big surprise!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSFEd8C-zB0

EDIT: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/2328760/view/3714963711029692375?l=english

[Pinballwiz45b]

Originally posted by Kargor:

Sure. Like the Zen Football table -- I'm sure the Zen team refused to expand their license...

SURPRISE! IT'S FREE!

https://steamcommunity.com/games/2328760/announcements/detail/4218260628044580906