Battlestar Galactica
Pinball FX Debuting Pin
First Released May 16, 2024
Main Platform: Pinball FX
Switch Platform: Pinball FX
Designed by Andras “Babar” Klujber
Set: Universal TV Classics ($14.99)
In terms of layout, Battlestar is in an elite class. It flows really well and any one shot can transition seamlessly to any other. Even better is the table’s toughest shot, the ramp leading to the Cylon, is tough enough and risky enough that it becomes satisfying to hit, and it does this without resorting to cheapshots. I just wish the rules were a lot less confusing. There’s too many non-essential lights going at once. While this might lend itself better to making your own strategy, it also makes it more difficult for newcomers to use lights to complete modes. The decision to have so many mini-modes that stack with main modes, in a table this visually loud, might not have been the wisest. Otherwise, the atmosphere is spot-on with the various color-coded room lights that change the tone and feel of the pin. That should have been enough without piling on the added distractions of too many mini-modes.
While the layout is solid, we all struggled to become more enthused about Battlestar. Even Oscar, who was a big fan of the show, struggled to put into words why the table just feels kind of middle-of-the-pack, ultimately settling on the pin feels kind of directionless. Which is ironic because the most memorable mode is shooting orbits to aim a ship at the right coordinates and then hit the FTL hole to make it travel. It’s solid. The whole table is solid, and hell, it’s even one of the ultra-rare Zen original designs that doesn’t have Jerk’s Point on the outlanes. Of course, “solid” is usually the word I use to describe something that’s certainly good, but nothing special. It feels like everything here is technically well developed to the point that it’s hard to find too much to complain about, even if I’m not having as much fun as it seems like I should be having. Solid. Oh, and there’s also some minor scoring imbalances tied to some high-yielding bumper scoring bursts that pay-off more than most modes. Battlestar is decent. It’s not there yet. It’s GOOD, so say we all. They told me I had to use that line so I assume Battlestar fans get it. I’ve never seen the show, but judging from the older people here (Dash and Oscar) who have, I’m guessing it wouldn’t help.
Cathy: GOOD
Angela: GOOD
Oscar: GOOD
Jordi: GOOD
Dash: GOOD
Sasha: GOOD
Elias: BAD (Nintendo Switch)
Primary Scoring Average: 3.0 🧹CLEAN SCORECARD🧹
Nintendo Switch Scorecard: 2.8 – GOOD
Overall Scoring Average: 2.85 – GOOD
Some review copies were provided in this review, others were paid for.
The Pinball Chick 