Steam is running a bunch of festivals lately, often following specific genres or vibes that the individual games featured in them have. The Pins and Pegs Fest have games that are sort… roll-y! Balls, pinball, plinko – there are a lot of different types of games that fit in the category. We’ve covered quite a few that are currently on discount (alongside the free demos and the games that are being highlighted ahead of release) for you to take a look at:
Pinball FX
“As a restart to the entire series Pinball FX is a really interesting proposition, it’s also launching beyond the Epic Store this year, with it planned for most home consoles before the year is out. There are lots of different types of pinball players in the FX community, and it’s certainly hard to balance those who are simply looking to launch a few balls with those who own tables and enjoy learning their very core. It’s certainly hard to appease those latter players, who can open up their own tables and tweak sensitivity, customise modes and turn off the tilt, but Pinball FX further cements Zen’s position as masters of approachable Pinball simulation, and hopefully, they’ll keep adding more licences as time goes on.”
Pinball FX is Zen Studios’ Early Access relaunch, and its off to a strong start
Yoku’s Island Express
“We are at the dawn of a new era of pinball games and Yoku’s Island Express is a fine jumping off point for future titles in this unique genre. It nails everything from the eclectic music to the brilliantly executed art design, making a game that simply feels good to play. If there was one thing I might be concerned about, it is the difficulty of executing some flipper angles, but ultimately it’s simply a matter of patience, and that’s not a terrible thing to ask of players, especially with a game this interesting and fun. Yoku may be a dung beetle, but he serves as a great roll model with a brilliant game that redefines what a Metroidvania can be.”
Zombie Rollerz
“It isn’t all pinball however, there are overworld maps which are comprised of beautifully designed, hex-based environments. You’ll navigate these between pinball battles, finding items, loot and new allies as you explore the story. While the whole game is especially charming, these segments highlight the fantastic design choices behind Zombie Rollerz, and it makes me long for a little RPG from Zing Games set entirely in this style.”
Zombie Rollerz is a pinball, wave-defence RPG and is as fun as it sounds
BALL X PIT
“Speaking of the grind in BALL x PIT, it is a game that you are going to have to play time and time again to really get anywhere with it. Whether the RNG just doesn’t work out, you slip up and take just one too many hits or you just aren’t strong enough you will be replaying levels to progress and make each character stronger.”
Ballionaire
“Its fantastic, its magnetic, and I’ve already lost far too long on the simple demo. That demo includes two of the final boards, as well as a pretty natty tutorial for three different combo trees — although maybe introduction is the better word as random boons and choices follow quickly and the second you release your first ball you’re off the rails.”
You’ve got now until August 10th to check out all of the fun games from the Steam Pins and Pegs Festival with plenty of new games to wishlist before they are even released.
