Zen Pinball for iOS

Zen Pinball gives you access to the classic arcade game right from your iOS device, with tons of different themed tables to choose from. You get one table for free when you download the app, and you can purchase any additional tables you'd like at any point.

Pros

Table options and themes: No matter what you're into, you're sure to find a table that matches those interests. Popular options include multiple tables with different "Star Wars" themes, as well as tables featuring characters from Marvel comics.

Responsive controls: To control the paddles on your table, you only have to tap anywhere on the side of the screen that you want to respond. The paddles respond perfectly, and the dynamics of ball movement mimic just what you'd find on an actual pinball table.

Cons

Permanent ads:There is no way to get rid of the ads in this game. Even when you purchase multiple additional tables, the ads stay, which is a bit frustrating to have to deal with when you've spent a significant amount of money on an app.

No local multiplayer: There are multiplayer options for this game, including playing random players online. But one element that's missing is the ability to play someone else who is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as you. You can play with a friend on the same device, however, by passing it back and forth between turns.

Bottom Line

Zen Pinball provides just about everything you'd want in a portable pinball game. It's definitely a better experience on the iPad, just because the larger screen gives you more room to tap the controls and to really take in the details of the tables. But it works well enough on the iPhone, too, that you can really take it with you and enjoy it anywhere. If you want to play more than the one free table that comes with the app, you can purchase additional tables for $1.99 each.