INKS. in IOS

Pinball with a splash of color

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

92/100

INKS is a masterclass in how to reinterpret a classic genre. It takes the mechanical foundation of pinball and marries it to the expressive joy of watercolor painting. Every time your ball hits a target, a vibrant burst of color explodes across the canvas, making the act of playing feel like you're creating a piece of modern art.

From a technical standpoint, the physics are satisfyingly snappy, but the real draw is the aesthetic progression. Instead of chasing high scores in the traditional sense, you're chasing the perfect 'painting.' The levels are brilliantly designed puzzles that require precision and a bit of creative flair. It’s a meditative yet challenging experience that I haven't seen replicated anywhere else on the App Store.

Reviewed on: Tue Feb 24 2026
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

I usually prefer my pinball with flashing lights and a loud 'Extra Ball' shout, but INKS is undeniably classy. It’s a bit too 'artsy' for some, but the mechanics are tight. It feels more like a puzzle than a traditional table. I appreciate the restraint shown here—it doesn't try to be a billion-dollar franchise; it just wants to be a good-looking game. The challenge is a bit light for a veteran like me, and I find the lack of a traditional score-chasing loop a bit soft, but it’s a solid piece of software.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Stunning visual feedback
  • Elegant sound design
  • Unique spin on a tired genre
  • Lacks long-term arcade depth
  • Difficulty curve is quite flat
  • A bit short for the price

Technical Report

Performance: Extremely smooth; the ink physics are well-optimized for mobile.

Accessibility:
  • Simple touch controls

Audience Fit

Buy if: You appreciate minimalist art and want a relaxing take on arcade mechanics.

Skip if: You want a high-octane, traditional pinball simulator with complex missions.

Similar Games:
  • Zen Pinball
  • Pinball FX
  • Alto's Adventure

Reviewer Context

  • Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative critic
  • Hardware: iPad Pro M2
  • Playtime: 4 hours
  • Status: Finished all levels

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

Version 1.5.6Mon Dec 17 2018

Graphical effects are working correctly across all the latest devices in this update.


** App Store Best of 2016 **

** Apple Design Award Winner 2016 **

From the makers of BAFTA-winning Lumino City comes INKS.

INKS updates pinball for a new generation. It combines the joy of pinball with skilful tactical challenges, and allows you to create wondrous works of art as the ball smashes around the canvas.

Blocks of colour burst like beautiful fireworks across the surface, building up in vivid layers and recording a visual history of your game as you perfect your score.

FEATURES:

- Beautiful and elegant design

- Over 100 unique tables to play

- Perfectly balanced gameplay

- Each canvas tells the story of your game

- Share your favourite levels and high scores

If you're enjoying INKS and want to extend the experience further you can also buy Powerups - slow-mo 'Precision' aim, and the 'Stopper' to prevent you from losing the first precious Gold Ball.

“Amazing looking... vibrant, full of life. Are we excited about this.” Pocket Gamer

Inspired by artists like Miro, Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Bridget Riley, each table becomes a unique work of art, sculpted by the player as they fire an ink covered ball around the canvas.

With State of Play’s creative flare and skill at crafting beautifully elegant gameplay, INKS offers something new: art and gameplay as one, for everyone.


Requires iOS 9.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

** App Store Best of 2016 **

** Apple Design Award Winner 2016 **

From the makers of BAFTA-winning Lumino City comes INKS.

INKS updates pinball for a new generation. It combines the joy of pinball with skilful tactical challenges, and allows you to create wondrous works of art as the ball smashes around the canvas.

Blocks of colour burst like beautiful fireworks across the surface, building up in vivid layers and recording a visual history of your game as you perfect your score.

FEATURES:

- Beautiful and elegant design

- Over 100 unique tables to play

- Perfectly balanced gameplay

- Each canvas tells the story of your game

- Share your favourite levels and high scores

If you're enjoying INKS and want to extend the experience further you can also buy Powerups - slow-mo 'Precision' aim, and the 'Stopper' to prevent you from losing the first precious Gold Ball.

“Amazing looking... vibrant, full of life. Are we excited about this.” Pocket Gamer

Inspired by artists like Miro, Matisse, Jackson Pollock and Bridget Riley, each table becomes a unique work of art, sculpted by the player as they fire an ink covered ball around the canvas.

With State of Play’s creative flare and skill at crafting beautifully elegant gameplay, INKS offers something new: art and gameplay as one, for everyone.


Ratings & Reviews

4.7 out of 5 with 1829 Counts
Age Rating 4+

Screenshots

INKS. screenshot 1INKS. screenshot 2INKS. screenshot 3INKS. screenshot 4INKS. screenshot 5INKS. screenshot 6INKS. screenshot 7INKS. screenshot 8INKS. screenshot 9INKS. screenshot 10

INKS. is an award-winning reimagining of pinball from the creators of Lumino City. As the ball smashes into the ink-filled bumpers, vibrant pigments explode in beautiful layers, creating a unique work of art for every player. The game combines the thrill of pinball with tactical puzzles, challenging players to clear the board with the fewest hits possible. With over 100 levels inspired by artists like Miro and Matisse, it is as much a gallery as it is a game.

Features

1

Over 100 unique tables

2

Stunning watercolor visuals

3

Elegant, simple controls

4

Persistent art creation

5

Balanced puzzle difficulty

Tips

Promotion Videos

INKS (By State of Play Games) - iOS/Android - Gameplay Trailer - YouTube

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Gameplays

Q&A

No, INKS is a turn-based experience where you can take your time to aim your shots.

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