I honestly thought I wouldn't add any more pins in 2007 after adding World Poker Tour early in the year. I was out of room in my main gameroom and was knee deep in restoring my Twilight Zone. Stern's newest offerings, Spiderman and Wheel of Fortune did nothing for me and I wasn't about to bring in an older machine that would require maintenance or restoration while the Twilight Zone was still in pieces throughout my basement.
Early in 2007, Stern had released Family Guy. It had caught my interest a bit because I liked the series but I never considered it seriously due to budget issues and the simple fact that I wasn't going to jump on the hype after getting a little burned by Pirates of the Caribbean. However, months had passed and people were still praising the game. Some going as far as calling it Sterns bests. Then, I finally had a chance to play it and see it for myself. Not only was the game incredibly challenging and unique but it had great humor to accompany it. I really enjoyed it.
I debated it for a few months and finally bit the bullet in September 2007 calling Jack at Pinball Sales to place my order. I committed myself to reorganizing the downstairs and expanding the gameroom into a second room so all my pins would be in the same general location. Now that I've got the Family Guy in my house I can definitely say it was a great purchase. I play it a ton, it is Crimson's favorite and guests like it quite a bit.
With 2007 now over. I've got 7 pins in my lineup. However, with expansion into a second room, I've got room for at least 2 more. How long will it be before I add the next? Right now there are no plans. Stern's got a Batman Dark Night, CSI, Indiana Jones and 24 pins rumored to be heading out next. None of those have much interest for me. However, there is a possibility of a Led Zeppelin pin that would almost certainly be a purchase IF it comes to fruition. The other option may be the purchase of an older pin but that will almost certainly wait until the Twilight Zone is restored.
Who knows. I've somehow managed to acquire 7 in roughly 3 1/2 years. Something I never anticipated. It's an addiction that I don't see a cure for any time soon.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Do Pinball Machines Multiply? - Pinball #6 - World Poker Tour
If you've been following along closely you'll realize that my 5th pin, Pirates of the Caribbean, filled the final spot in the gameroom. Any additional pin purchases would require either some major reshuffling of this room or placing pins in other locations in the house. I really wanted to keep all the pins in the same general area so I thought my pin purchases would be curtailed for a least awhile.
Along came a deal I couldn't pass up. Stern had released a game in early 2006, World Poker Tour that had few things going for it I really liked. First, it had a huge number of drop targets, a long time favorite of mine and not really represented much on any of my machines. Second, the software designer, Keith Johnson was the same person who had created the extremely deep Simpson's Pinball Party and Lord of the Rings games. This guy had earned my highest respect. Third, the Texas Hold'em theme fit one of my interests.
Unfortunately, this machine also had several negatives. First and foremost, the backglass was hideous. The cabinet and playfield artwork weren't much better. Also, early on, there were some issues with the software that made the game less enjoyable to play.
Two things happened in early 2007. First, Keith took care of the software issues and added some great features. Then, a distributor who was having trouble selling the machines offered them at closeout pricing. Suddenly my interest was elevated and space be damned I order the pin. I'll figure out the space issues later. For the time being I'd use an empty room on the main floor to store the pin.
Along came a deal I couldn't pass up. Stern had released a game in early 2006, World Poker Tour that had few things going for it I really liked. First, it had a huge number of drop targets, a long time favorite of mine and not really represented much on any of my machines. Second, the software designer, Keith Johnson was the same person who had created the extremely deep Simpson's Pinball Party and Lord of the Rings games. This guy had earned my highest respect. Third, the Texas Hold'em theme fit one of my interests.
Unfortunately, this machine also had several negatives. First and foremost, the backglass was hideous. The cabinet and playfield artwork weren't much better. Also, early on, there were some issues with the software that made the game less enjoyable to play.
Two things happened in early 2007. First, Keith took care of the software issues and added some great features. Then, a distributor who was having trouble selling the machines offered them at closeout pricing. Suddenly my interest was elevated and space be damned I order the pin. I'll figure out the space issues later. For the time being I'd use an empty room on the main floor to store the pin.
Do Pinball Machines Multiply? - Pinball #5 - Pirates of the Caribbean
I was pretty content with 4 machines, but there was still room for one more in the gameroom so when pictures and especially video surfaced in June 2006 for Stern's latest, Pirates of the Caribbean I had the itch once again. The unique sinking ship, spinning disc and great artwork were enough for me to take the plunge. This time I was going with a first-class Stern distributor, Jack from Pinball Sales. Not only does Jack offer extremely competitive prices, but he offers a 3 year warranty on the purchase (instead of 90 days) and backs it up with excellent customer. I doubt I'll ever buy a new pinball machine anywhere else.
Looking back on it, I might have got a bit caught up in the hype of this machine. While the playfield design and toys are pretty enjoyable, the lack of cooperation by Disney really keeps this title from being even better. The sound and especially the speech are very shallow. Although it offers a nice contrast to some of my other machines, I may have passed on this one if I played it more first. That being said, I don't think it'll go anywhere unless I trade it for something better in the future.
Looking back on it, I might have got a bit caught up in the hype of this machine. While the playfield design and toys are pretty enjoyable, the lack of cooperation by Disney really keeps this title from being even better. The sound and especially the speech are very shallow. Although it offers a nice contrast to some of my other machines, I may have passed on this one if I played it more first. That being said, I don't think it'll go anywhere unless I trade it for something better in the future.
Do Pinball Machines Multiple? - Pinball #4 - Attack From Mars
Fast forward another year to the fall of 2005 and the itch had stuck again. Another table, Attack From Mars had caught my eye. It was the B-Movie Sci-Fi theme that had initially attracted me. The fast gameplay and great art hooked me. This title, from 1995 was in pretty high demand and wasn't going to be cheap especially if I wanted a nice one.
I saw one on EBay that had been restored by Treasure Cove. The price on this auction got a bit too steep for me but my interest got noticed by Christopher Hutchins of High End Pins. Chris's reputation had proceeded his contact. He's well known in the pinball community as one of the best restorers, if not THE best, in the country. I was very interested to hear what he could do for me. When I found out he'd help me locate a table to restore, I decided to pursue that it.
During our search for a machine, one of Chris's former customers responded saying he'd like to sell his machine. Seeing the pictures had me convinced this was a great chance to get a top notch machine. A nice chunk of money was exchanged and the beauty was headed my way but not without a side stop at Chris's place in North Carolina. Chris was going to put the finishing touches and replace the cabinet decals with reproductions that were not available at time of initial restoration. When it finally arrived and was unboxed at my home, I was amazed at how good it looked and played. This machine look and played like new even though it left the factory 10 years ago. This table is often a favorite for guests and is one of my favorites as well.
I saw one on EBay that had been restored by Treasure Cove. The price on this auction got a bit too steep for me but my interest got noticed by Christopher Hutchins of High End Pins. Chris's reputation had proceeded his contact. He's well known in the pinball community as one of the best restorers, if not THE best, in the country. I was very interested to hear what he could do for me. When I found out he'd help me locate a table to restore, I decided to pursue that it.
During our search for a machine, one of Chris's former customers responded saying he'd like to sell his machine. Seeing the pictures had me convinced this was a great chance to get a top notch machine. A nice chunk of money was exchanged and the beauty was headed my way but not without a side stop at Chris's place in North Carolina. Chris was going to put the finishing touches and replace the cabinet decals with reproductions that were not available at time of initial restoration. When it finally arrived and was unboxed at my home, I was amazed at how good it looked and played. This machine look and played like new even though it left the factory 10 years ago. This table is often a favorite for guests and is one of my favorites as well.
Do Pinball Machines Multiply? - Pinball #3 - Lord of the Rings
Even though I had a Twilight Zone on its way, another pin had piqued my interest, Stern's Lord of the Rings. There was so much to like about this new pinball machine, I knew I'd have to find a place and the money for it. I loved the books, loved the movie and the machine features were great. This time I found a better source for a NIB (new in box) purchase and had yet another machine on the way. This one played a lot differently than my other two. It was considerably faster and had little stop and go to interfere with the flow. The integration of sound into the overall game package was superb.
Only two months in to the hobby, I had 3 pins. It did look like that would be it for awhile simply because my budget wouldn't allow more. However, there was still space for a couple more pins so I knew I'd eventually fill it. In the mean time though, I was very content to play with the 3 I had.
Only two months in to the hobby, I had 3 pins. It did look like that would be it for awhile simply because my budget wouldn't allow more. However, there was still space for a couple more pins so I knew I'd eventually fill it. In the mean time though, I was very content to play with the 3 I had.
Do Pinball Machines Multiply? - Pinball #2 - Twilight Zone
The blog has been on hiatus for awhile. Things are always busiest for me at the end of the year with the holidays and Crimson's birthday demanding my time in addition to my passion for NFL football and the NHL.
I've returned with a vengeance. Hopefully several posts over the next few days will make up for the lack of activity over the last 2 months. A full range of topics will be covered but I feel it is best to resume where I left off. I had promised a little more on my pinball obsession.
After acquiring The Simpson's Pinball Party, I was playing like crazy. I'd try to sneak in a game before work, a couple at lunch, plenty more in evening and often end the day playing yet another game. My knowledge of the table and the rules was improving as was my overall skill level. My scores began to climb. I wouldn't call myself a "great" player but I was no shlub either. While there was still plenty to uncover in The Simpson's Pinball Party, known as one of the deepest pinballs ever made, I was starting to think some variety would be nice. Hell, since I had more space, why not fill it with some more pinball.
Since Twilight Zone had been the last machine I cut when deciding on The Simpson's Pinball Party, I decided I'd go back and get that one. I knew going in that this machine would be a bit different experience than my first. For one, the machine was over a dozen years old and had spent a good deal of time in some smoke-filled bar in Germany. Although it functioned pretty well and had been spot cleaned, it was going to need some tender loving care to keep in functioning and make it more presentable. However, I looked forward to this opportunity to learn about pinball maintenance and restoration. I plunked down my money, got it delivered and squeezed into the basement.
I was delighted with the purchase. Although I had played it for more than a few minutes at the dealer, this pin really came to life with extensive play at home. The unique features, toys and challenging game play coupled with some great artwork linked to one of my favorite TV shows made it a great purchase. However, on closer look I discovered several cosmetic and a few mechanical problems. Nothing really major but enough for me to realize that I may have overpaid a bit.
My next step was to gather the resources, information and tools so that I could maintain and beautify this machine as well as any future purchases (already I'm thinking of more!). There were two great resources I discovered rather quickly. First, I found the USENET group, rec.games.pinball. Having been a long time user of USENET, it was great to discover this was THE place for pinball discussion. I'm not a huge fan of web based forums and find USENET a much speedier experience but for those not familiar or comfortable with USENET, Google does provide a web based interface at rec.groups.pinball. The knowledge of people frequenting this group is incredible and in general they are very helpful. With years of posts archived and searchable via Google, I learned a ton very quickly. The second valuable resource I found was the pinball repair guides. These contained enough information to start another spending spree on tools and give me the guidance necessary to attack just about any pinball problem.
I've returned with a vengeance. Hopefully several posts over the next few days will make up for the lack of activity over the last 2 months. A full range of topics will be covered but I feel it is best to resume where I left off. I had promised a little more on my pinball obsession.
After acquiring The Simpson's Pinball Party, I was playing like crazy. I'd try to sneak in a game before work, a couple at lunch, plenty more in evening and often end the day playing yet another game. My knowledge of the table and the rules was improving as was my overall skill level. My scores began to climb. I wouldn't call myself a "great" player but I was no shlub either. While there was still plenty to uncover in The Simpson's Pinball Party, known as one of the deepest pinballs ever made, I was starting to think some variety would be nice. Hell, since I had more space, why not fill it with some more pinball.
Since Twilight Zone had been the last machine I cut when deciding on The Simpson's Pinball Party, I decided I'd go back and get that one. I knew going in that this machine would be a bit different experience than my first. For one, the machine was over a dozen years old and had spent a good deal of time in some smoke-filled bar in Germany. Although it functioned pretty well and had been spot cleaned, it was going to need some tender loving care to keep in functioning and make it more presentable. However, I looked forward to this opportunity to learn about pinball maintenance and restoration. I plunked down my money, got it delivered and squeezed into the basement.
I was delighted with the purchase. Although I had played it for more than a few minutes at the dealer, this pin really came to life with extensive play at home. The unique features, toys and challenging game play coupled with some great artwork linked to one of my favorite TV shows made it a great purchase. However, on closer look I discovered several cosmetic and a few mechanical problems. Nothing really major but enough for me to realize that I may have overpaid a bit.
My next step was to gather the resources, information and tools so that I could maintain and beautify this machine as well as any future purchases (already I'm thinking of more!). There were two great resources I discovered rather quickly. First, I found the USENET group, rec.games.pinball. Having been a long time user of USENET, it was great to discover this was THE place for pinball discussion. I'm not a huge fan of web based forums and find USENET a much speedier experience but for those not familiar or comfortable with USENET, Google does provide a web based interface at rec.groups.pinball. The knowledge of people frequenting this group is incredible and in general they are very helpful. With years of posts archived and searchable via Google, I learned a ton very quickly. The second valuable resource I found was the pinball repair guides. These contained enough information to start another spending spree on tools and give me the guidance necessary to attack just about any pinball problem.
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