As with a traditional pinball machine, the player fires a steel ball onto the playfield using a plunger.

[6] In addition to traditional attempts to reach a high score, the game has specific missions tasked to the player.

[8] Players will be able to activate a slow motion feature and can save game progress mid-game.

[20] Between August 4, 2010 and September 2, 2010, Zen Pinball was released as a free download to PlayStation Plus subscribers.

Brett Todd of GameSpot called the physics "superb" and "first-rate" and added "the ball rolls, spins, and bounces like it has real weight.

"[27] Destructoid's Brad Nicholson praised the game's "lifelike pinball physics and [...] multiplayer options.

"[8] Daemon Hatfield of IGN stated that although no virtual table could perfectly replicate gameplay on a real table, he stated that "Zen Pinball makes up for that with new features that you don't get with the real thing.

He felt that the individual tables were well detailed and added praise for the dynamic camera angles show during gameplay.

[29] Brad Nicholson of Destructoid also gave high marks for table design and visuals.

[26][27] GamePro's Sean Ely stated "just four tables might seem bare at first" but added that he had "much hope for some DLC in the near future.

"[26] Destructoid's Brad Nicholson also agreed, stating "With only four tables, all of which can be accessed from the very beginning, Zen Pinball feels a little light on variety.

[26] Daemon Hatfield of IGN echoed these comments and said the game's tables "are all fun to play, look great, and are hiding all sorts of secrets you'll need to discover if you're going to rack up a high score.