Pinball FX: Mars is well-themed, though it doesn't commit itself completely to the outer space motif. It seems to be more interested in the mystery of the red planet itself, and it's actually more alluring as a result. The space stuff is where all the fantasy elements come into play; satellites and shuttles show up in style and really sell the mission you're apparently on. Sending the ball up one of several ramps gives it a temporary baby blue glow -- for no reason but aesthetics. But the planet itself is where the really interesting mechanics lie. The runic symbols serve as an appetizer, and the main course is... well, I'd better not say. Uncover those mysteries for yourself.
The Mars table certainly sounds like a pinball game, but the developers tread these same waters every time they make a new table. The table is rife with little aural delights, though; the spider-bot sounds like a robotic kitten, and the spaceship sounds like it should. The music is forgettable, but at least it isn't annoying.
