Pinball FX VR has added another themed table to its growing collection, this time diving into the world of Tomb Raider. It’s not based on the gritty modern reboots or the movies, but on the original 1996 Lara Croft low-poly shorts, dual pistols, and all.
This isn’t just a reskin either. The table actually leans into the era it’s inspired by, creating a VR pinball experience that feels rooted in ‘90s game design while using today’s tech to pull it off.
Table layout emphasizes precision over flash
The Tomb Raider table plays tighter than some of the others in the FX VR lineup. The layout keeps most of the key targets in the mid-field, which puts more focus on shot timing and less on flailing for far corners. It’s not a fast table, but it’s deliberate. That slower rhythm works well in VR, where tracking and ball control feel more tactile than on flat screens.
There’s a clear sense of structure. Ramps are readable. Loops have logical entry points. You’re not wrestling with gimmicks or unpredictable bounces. It’s a table that rewards players who learn its flow, and that makes it a bit more approachable if you’re new to VR pinball.
Visuals play with nostalgia and atmosphere
Visually, the Tomb Raider table is firmly rooted in the mid-’90s aesthetic. That means blocky geometry, angular ruins, and a color palette straight out of an early PlayStation-era jungle. But in VR, those simple assets carry charm. They’re stylized rather than dated, and they help keep the playfield readable while still giving you environmental variety.
You’ll see animated moments like Lara diving or torch-lit statues coming to life, but they’re used sparingly. Instead of overwhelming the table, they’re layered into the backdrop, giving the world texture without distracting from the ball.
Sound design keeps things grounded
One of the better touches is the sound mix. Classic Tomb Raider sound cues are layered with environmental audio, from trickling water to stone doors grinding open. The music doesn’t overtake the action. It fades in and out depending on the mode you’re in, keeping the focus on pinball first, theme second.
Voice lines are minimal, and that’s a smart choice. The audio keeps you anchored in the game space without turning into a nostalgia fest or background noise.
A thematic but focused addition to the lineup
Compared to some of the more elaborate tables in Pinball FX VR, Tomb Raider feels intentionally scaled back. That’s not a drawback. It makes it easier to learn, and the table doesn’t try to be everything at once. It stays within its theme and uses it to guide the design, not to cover up a lack of mechanical clarity.
This one isn’t trying to reinvent VR pinball. It’s just doing the basics well, with a smart nod to a familiar character. And in the broader context of the FX VR collection, that restraint helps it stand out.
Virtual Reality Explorer & Game Reviewer
Always the first to plug in. VRSCOUT dives head-first into the most immersive VR worlds, analyzing mechanics, comfort, innovation, and that elusive “presence” factor. If he says it’s worth it, it probably is.
