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[HotHamBoy]

Are you playing on Steam or mobile?

I have the Gold Pass on iPad but I don't play very much at all. The physics are fine, not that big a deal, but the actual tables themselves are just not that exciting and the textures look like hot garbage. Kind of funny that they never upgraded the tech on those tables for about a decade. The sound is terrible!


Getting back to TPA, I'm really worried about the inclusion of Alvin G tables. Seems like a desperate move to replace Williams and Bally and all the Stern-owned stuff (which includes Data East and Sega).

I don't think we are getting any more Bally/Williams tables. The last one was Dr. Who, which was the kickstarter table. Eight Ball Deluxe was probably the last surprise Bally/WMS. That was August. Indy 500 was June. Before that was Hurricane in February.

That's 2 Bally and 1 WMS table this year that we didn't kickstart.

Compare that to the 10 (excluding KS Addams) from the year before. 9 the year before that. 26 non-KS Bally/WMS tables between S1 and S2.

Next Month's Alvin G table makes 4 months without a Bally/WMS (Dr. Who) which is the longest we've ever gone without getting a new one (previously 3 months, earlier this year, and 3 months at the end of season 2). And it ain't for the lack of tables to choose from.

I think it's pretty clear something is up, they know WMS/Bally are the most popular and I'm sure they would make those tables if they could. Alvin G is like, bottom barrel. I'm pretty sure everyone would rather we got Capcom. They are only going after cheap licenses.

 

[added_time]

Are you playing on Steam or mobile?

I have the Gold Pass on iPad but I don't play very much at all. The physics are fine, not that big a deal, but the actual tables themselves are just not that exciting and the textures look like hot garbage. Kind of funny that they never upgraded the tech on those tables for about a decade. The sound is terrible!

I'm playing on Steam. They update the game very often since it's still in early access. The tectures look ok to me. Some of the older TPA textures look just as bad to me lol.

I agree the most of the tables aren't very exciting though.

 

[AstroLad]

Pinball is dominated by middle-aged white men.

Haha yep definitely, but just don't see how this has much appeal even given that. But maybe even something like Kiss is so successful that they don't mind a big step down from that sales-wise. I own Metallica just because it's such a good game but frankly I think the genre is getting really played out ever since Kiss. So many better ideas out there for a pinball and the market is so saturated with these music games already. But that's just my own preference; if someone is big into Aerosmith I'm sure this will be sufficiently awesome.

 

[twinturbo2]

Did they ever work out the emulation issues with the Capcom pinball hardware? It's 20 years old, it can't be that tough, can it?

 

[HotHamBoy]

Haha yep definitely, but just don't see how this has much appeal even given that. But maybe even something like Kiss is so successful that they don't mind a big step down from that sales-wise. I own Metallica just because it's such a good game but frankly I think the genre is getting really played out ever since Kiss. So many better ideas out there for a pinball and the market is so saturated with these music games already. But that's just my own preference; if someone is big into Aerosmith I'm sure this will be sufficiently awesome.

You would be shocked how many people like Aerosmith...

 

[vg260]

Haha yep definitely, but just don't see how this has much appeal even given that. But maybe even something like Kiss is so successful that they don't mind a big step down from that sales-wise. I own Metallica just because it's such a good game but frankly I think the genre is getting really played out ever since Kiss. So many better ideas out there for a pinball and the market is so saturated with these music games already. But that's just my own preference; if someone is big into Aerosmith I'm sure this will be sufficiently awesome.

The only one left Stern needs to make is an Iron Maiden table.

Their fanbase fits the pinball market at this point, and their fans are used to spending a ton of money on band merchandise.

 

[Lomax]

No offense to anyone but how many people are really that much into Aerosmith nowadays? I guess the music ones typically make bank for them, but I thought Kiss underperformed. And it seems like the market for Aerosmith is way smaller thank for Kiss. Doesn't really seem to have much appeal as a game on location either. /shruggie

I do think Batman 66 looks cool.

Aerosmith is arguably much bigger than Kiss. The only thing the current generation knows of Kiss is one reality TV show that didn't focus on music, and musically they were successful across only a single span. Aerosmith had huge success across two generations (70s and 90s) and have a reality TV connection that is music based. So while they are both in the pantheon of classic rock gods, I'd say Aerosmith actually has a wider market.

Edit with numbers: Wikipedia puts Aerosmith at 150 million albums sold and Kiss at "only" 100 million.

 

[added_time]

The only one left Stern needs to make is an Iron Maiden table.

Their fanbase fits the pinball market at this point, and their fans are used to spending a ton of money on band merchandise.

That would be a good choice. Especially because their mascot, Eddie, would be a great character design for a pinball table even if it wasn't a license.

 

[HotHamBoy]

If we are talking about potential pinball tables themed after classic bands, might I suggest Pink Floyd? Plenty of imagery associated with them that could be incorporated into the table design. Still pretty popular for classic rock, too.

Knowing Stern, they would probably sooner do Journey. Bleh.

 

[vg260]

That would be a good choice. Especially because their mascot, Eddie, would be a great character design for a pinball table even if it wasn't a license.

They are one of the bands most known for having a huge visual element tied to their music with each album having a different art style and theme. I'd argue the visual production element to their music and performances is more important than any of the bands that have tables already. You could make a whole series of tables, each based on a different album, and each would be unique. Not many other bands could support that. It seems like such a no-brainer choice for pinball tables. Of course, it very much comes down to licensing. I can't imagine no one has pursued the idea.

Actually, I'd almost prefer a set of Iron Maiden tables for Pinball FX2 with each one based on a different album. I would be perfect to have Eddie battling the beast in one of them. A futuristic one based on Somehwere in Time would be perfect too. Same for a Powerslave-themed one.

 

[Shaneus]

Everyone knows that if Stern has to make a metal-themed pinball table, it has to be Spinal Tap.

 

[Triz]

I don't know why they haven't put "Tommy" in as a table for TPA yet. It has to be a license issue but Stern owns the table rights.

 

[Shaneus]

Rights are finicky. There's a reason Mustang doesn't have the licenced music in the Stern TPA release.

Took me a little bit to work out what was wrong with the game until that finally clicked with me. It just doesn't feel right.

 

[HotHamBoy]

Rights are finicky. There's a reason Mustang doesn't have the licenced music in the Stern TPA release.

Took me a little bit to work out what was wrong with the game until that finally clicked with me. It just doesn't feel right.

What? What licensed music is missing? It totally has licensed music in SPA.

I don't know why they haven't put "Tommy" in as a table for TPA yet. It has to be a license issue but Stern owns the table rights.

There's only a couple Data East tables as it is.

Here is a free, fan-made version of Tommy for PC in a stand-alone executable that is absolutely just as good as any TPA release. Looks like a TPA table but with higher res textures. Runs pretty great.

http://pinballarcadefans.com/showth...Pinball-(-Like-you-have-never-seen-it-before-)

 

[Beer Monkey]

My friend the barcade operator is getting Batman '66. Not PBR though. I'll bet the hipsters here would love it for a minute, but what a crazy amount of money for so little game.

 

[Lettuce]

So whats the chances of Spiderman Vault Edition coming to Stern Pinball Arcade, and would they be able to include the playfield and audio from the previous release?....or though licensing issues may stop this?.

Im not even entirely sure how far back in Sterns 'Modern Era' FarSight can go, hopefully stuff like Tron and Avatar would still be possible but i doubt stuff like Pirates of the Caribbean, Family Guy and Ironman would be out of their licensing agreements now!?

Vault Edition Spider-Man has good chances, Sony Spider-Man has zero chances. Iron Man is right on the edge, I think, so anything before that is pretty unlikely unless it's unlicensed.

Guess that would count out LOTR then , or though the special edition did get a re-release in 2009

 

[Shaneus]

What? What licensed music is missing? It totally has licensed music in SPA.

Really? When I played the free one on Steam it had this horribly generic music, vs the old licenced stuff that's definitely in the physical machine.

 

[HotHamBoy]

Really? When I played the free one on Steam it had this horribly generic music, vs the old licenced stuff that's definitely in the physical machine.

I have it on iOS (it is the free table of the month on mobile) and on PS4 and both versions have:

Ace of Spades - Motorhead
Drag City - Jan & Dean
Free Ride - Edgar Winter
Frankenstein - Edgar Winter
Go, Boy, Go - Jimmy D'Anda
I Just Want to Celebrate - Rare Earth
My Own Worst Enemy - Lit <-fuck this piece of shit!
What I Like About You - The Romantics

Original versions, no covers or anything like that. Not sure what's up with the Steam version.

If I'm being honest with you, I could do without half of these songs lol.

My friend the barcade operator is getting Batman '66. Not PBR though. I'll bet the hipsters here would love it for a minute, but what a crazy amount of money for so little game.

Your friend is a lucky man! I don't think I've ever wanted a Stern game more than a Batman 66, gameplay be damned. I'm a huge fan of the Adam West show and the table looks magnificent, some of the best art Stern has ever commissioned! Better than I ever hoped it would be when they announced it. So far it looks like it is hitting a lot of the same ideas I had myself when I dreamed up a Batman 66 piball table a couple years ago. But the price they want is absurd, especially between the three versions for what you get.

I know at least two places that are getting one but they are between 90-120 minutes away from me.

 

[Shaneus]

I have it on iOS (it is the free table of the month on mobile) and on PS4 and both versions have:

Ace of Spades - Motorhead
Drag City - Jan & Dean
Free Ride - Edgar Winter
Frankenstein - Edgar Winter
Go, Boy, Go - Jimmy D'Anda
I Just Want to Celebrate - Rare Earth
My Own Worst Enemy - Lit
What I Like About You - The Romantics

Original versions, no covers or anything like that. Not sure what's up with the Steam version.

Weird. Unless I just happened to pick a mode that didn't have the music in it. Can't play the free table on PS4 (maybe because FS hasn't released STPA in Australia and it doesn't like me trying to play the one from the US store). Haven't touched the iOS one either as it requires iOS 10.

 

[HotHamBoy]

Weird. Unless I just happened to pick a mode that didn't have the music in it. Can't play the free table on PS4 (maybe because FS hasn't released STPA in Australia and it doesn't like me trying to play the one from the US store). Haven't touched the iOS one either as it requires iOS 10.

I don't think they do a free table of the month on consoles.

It sucks that iOS 10 is required. Is your device too old? Farsight is really shit at optimization.

 

[Beer Monkey]

Your friend is a lucky man! I don't think I've ever wanted a Stern game more than a Batman 66, gameplay be damned. I'm a huge fan of the Adam West show and the table looks magnificent, some of the best art Stern has ever commissioned! Better than I ever hoped it would be when they announced it. So far it looks like it is hitting a lot of the same ideas I had myself when I dreamed up a Batman 66 piball table a couple years ago. But the price they want is absurd, especially between the three versions for what you get.

I'm really looking forward to playing it, a 10 minute walk from my house no less. Having a barcade in the neighborhood is great, even if playing pinball is expensive (video games are free). It'll get rotated out at some point, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Right now the floor has Medieval Madness, Ghostbusters, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Rob Zombie, The Shadow, and a couple of other machines. Addams Family and Funhouse have been rotated out but life can't be perfect.

 

[HotHamBoy]

I'm really looking forward to playing it, a 10 minute walk from my house no less. Having a barcade in the neighborhood is great, even if playing pinball is expensive (video games are free). It'll get rotated out at some point, so I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Right now the floor has Medieval Madness, Ghostbusters, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Rob Zombie, The Shadow, and a couple of other machines. Addams Family and Funhouse have been rotated out but life can't be perfect.

That's a fantastic line up!

What does pinball cost there? I find playing with money really adds some stakes to the game. Unlike arcade games, pinball rewards good play with free plays, so the better you get the less it costs! Getting a Replay is super satisfying and it really matters when you have to pay to play.

Where is this barcade located?

What are your thoughts on Rob Zombie? I got to play it a little bit but I honestly wasn't that impressed. My first encounter with Spooky Pinball. Maybe I just needed more time with it.

Now, Game of Thrones I've played quite a lot and I think it's one of Ritchie's weaker games. I just can't get into it. But Ghostbusters is awesome!

 

[Benedict]

There is a special version of pinball arcade on Amazon Underground App Store for Android. It contains the first season free.

 

[HotHamBoy]

There is a special version of pinball arcade on Amazon Underground App Store for Android. It contains the first season free.

Surprised no one has mentioned it before.

Tons of great games free on Amazon Underground, btw.

Also, Zen Pinball on Google Play has some apps that rotate the free game each month. I know the Aliens Pinball app does.

Stern Pinball Arcade has Mustang and Frankenstein for free right now, too.

 

[Shaneus]

Has anyone else played the Dr. Who re-theme? Fired up the trial on PC TPA and it's just terrible. Playfield has been gimped (no more time expander, just a crappy loop shot), artwork doesn't look that great (not a big surprise though) and the rules are completely different. Far fewer inserts on the playfield too, so the game's clearly been quite dramatically changed.

I'd be pissed if I backed the KS for this specific table.

 

[AstroLad]

Was just thinking as I was curating my podcast subs -- did Nate from C2C just bail on podcasting altogether? :/

 

[Shaneus]

Was just thinking as I was curating my podcast subs -- did Nate from C2C just bail on podcasting altogether? :/

Nah, I don't think so. He's just moved to Amsterdam! And has the NAMM expo on right now.

 

[HotHamBoy]

Has anyone else played the Dr. Who re-theme? Fired up the trial on PC TPA and it's just terrible. Playfield has been gimped (no more time expander, just a crappy loop shot), artwork doesn't look that great (not a big surprise though) and the rules are completely different. Far fewer inserts on the playfield too, so the game's clearly been quite dramatically changed.

I'd be pissed if I backed the KS for this specific table.

It's pretty boring for $10. I passed.

Gladiator sucks too.

 

[dreamcastmaster]

It's pretty boring for $10. I passed.

Gladiator sucks too.

Sums up my thoughts too.

 

[Vyse24]

Looks like next table is Cactus Jack's.

 

[Lettuce]

Looks like next table is Cactus Jack's.

Another fecking Gottlieb table, wtf!!

 

[Triz]

I think the iOS version is broke? My phone keeps asking me to connect to the internet to play or download tables and I have a valid connection....

 

[Shaneus]

The Jetsons Pinball by Spooky Pinball.

Looks basic, but a great licence. Bit pricey though, can't imagine what it'll land in Australia for :/

 

[Beer Monkey]

Nice album from the monthly pinball tournament at my local arcade bar.

link

What does pinball cost there? I find playing with money really adds some stakes to the game. Unlike arcade games, pinball rewards good play with free plays, so the better you get the less it costs! Getting a Replay is super satisfying and it really matters when you have to pay to play.

Where is this barcade located?

What are your thoughts on Rob Zombie? I got to play it a little bit but I honestly wasn't that impressed. My first encounter with Spooky Pinball. Maybe I just needed more time with it.

Now, Game of Thrones I've played quite a lot and I think it's one of Ritchie's weaker games. I just can't get into it. But Ghostbusters is awesome!

I actually haven't played Rob Zombie. The barcade is in Cincinnati. 50 cents a play. The arcade also has a free (!) tournament second Fridays and a money tournament final Sundays.

 

[AstroLad]

Jetsons is an awesome license. Looks like they maybe tried to simplify the gameplay too so we'll see how that turns out. Could go either way. I miss listening to C2C pinball thoughts on such things. :/

 

[nicoga3000]

Jetsons is an awesome license. Looks like they maybe tried to simplify the gameplay too so we'll see how that turns out. Could go either way. I miss listening to C2C pinball thoughts on such things. :/

What happened to Nate? I love my C2C shirt and wear it all the time.

Also Jetsons is a neat theme but the game looks...like a Zizzle.

 

[AstroLad]

What happened to Nate? I love my C2C shirt and wear it all the time.

Also Jetsons is a neat theme but the game looks...like a Zizzle.

He moved to Europe to take a job at his guitar company there and I don't think he's done a podcast in many months now. Remember when he used to do like four a week? hahah Guess he burned brightly for a brief time.

 

[Beer Monkey]

Batman '66 (regular aka 'premium' edition) just showed up at the local barcade. I probably won't go check it out for a day or two, I expect the table will be mobbed tonight and tomorrow night.

 

[bronk]

Hey guys I have a question. Why did they release stern pinball if some tables are also on pinball arcade? I dont get it. I own a bunch of tables on pinball arcade. Ps4 by the way

 

[nicoga3000]

Hey guys I have a question. Why did they release stern pinball if some tables are also on pinball arcade? I dont get it. I own a bunch of tables on pinball arcade. Ps4 by the way

Honestly, Farsight is kiiind of a joke. There's no amazing reasoning for this. Maybe to get people to spend more money?

 

[AstroLad]

I see how much fun people have playing Ghostbusters just from the theme, so thinking about swapping out my Metallica once a quality game with a great theme comes out (no serious or DUDES-ONLY themes). Batman '66 was really close, but it's just not quite perfect theme-wise and it being based on a not-that-heralded earlier game made me lose a bit of interest. Bring on more titles pls.

 

[Weevilone]

I see how much fun people have playing Ghostbusters just from the theme, so thinking about swapping out my Metallica once a quality game with a great theme comes out (no serious or DUDES-ONLY themes). Batman '66 was really close, but it's just not quite perfect theme-wise and it being based on a not-that-heralded earlier game made me lose a bit of interest. Bring on more titles pls.

Jetsons?

Or too simple, expensive, etc?

I've played pinball since the early days and I play a good bit of digital pinball. Still, I'd consider myself a novice. I'd love to have a table, but space has somehow become an issue, and I'm worried about potential maintenance. The Jetsons license seems awesome, but I'm not familiar with the manufacturer.

I have a couple of desireable arcade kits that I haven't played in years that would easily fund a couple tables. Biggest issue is sellling the wife on the use of space without making any huge sacrifices. I'm sure she would be happy to have one if I got rid of an existing arcade cab, but that's not likely.

 

[Shaneus]

Jetsons?

Or too simple, expensive, etc?

I've played pinball since the early days and I play a good bit of digital pinball. Still, I'd consider myself a novice. I'd love to have a table, but space has somehow become an issue, and I'm worried about potential maintenance. The Jetsons license seems awesome, but I'm not familiar with the manufacturer.

I have a couple of desireable arcade kits that I haven't played in years that would easily fund a couple tables. Biggest issue is sellling the wife on the use of space without making any huge sacrifices. I'm sure she would be happy to have one if I got rid of an existing arcade cab, but that's not likely.

Honestly, maintenance really isn't as bad as people perceive it to be. You'll tinker a lot, for sure... but that's only because you can, not because you have to.

Remember, these things were made to be used constantly over periods of years, so in a home arcade once they're setup they should be mostly maintenance free (save for tightening a screw here and there, replacing a bulb etc.).


FWIW as far as The Jetsons machine, the manufacturer is VERY solid. They made America's Most Haunted, Rob Zombie's Spookshow International and a Domino's officially licensed game before doing TJ.

 

[Triz]

I see how much fun people have playing Ghostbusters just from the theme, so thinking about swapping out my Metallica once a quality game with a great theme comes out (no serious or DUDES-ONLY themes). Batman '66 was really close, but it's just not quite perfect theme-wise and it being based on a not-that-heralded earlier game made me lose a bit of interest. Bring on more titles pls.

Ive heard "The Big Lebowski" is a great table, but I haven't had the pleasure I've trying one or seeing it in public.

 

[Rick Dangerous]

Important question: i moved recently from ps 3 to ps4 pro. Redownloaded pinball arcade, but i can't find the numerous tables i bought. Wtf ? Please tell me there is a way and that i'm not stuck on ps3... Please...otherwise farsight, you will feel my wrath &#128545;

 

[Triz]

Important question: i moved recently from ps 3 to ps4 pro. Redownloaded pinball arcade, but i can't find the numerous tables i bought. Wtf ? Please tell me there is a way and that i'm not stuck on ps3... Please...otherwise farsight, you will feel my wrath &#128545;

Its not crossbuy....

 

[Rick Dangerous]

Its not crossbuy....

Wtf. They perfectly know that it's all about building a good library of table. If so bye bye pinball arcade, welcome zen pinball.

 

[Dinjoralo]

Wtf. They perfectly know that it's all about building a good library of table. If so bye bye pinball arcade, welcome zen pinball.

Zen Pinball doesn't do cross buy, either.

 

[Jucksalbe]

Zen Pinball doesn't do cross buy, either.

Well, at least they let you import your tables from the PS3 on PS4.

Farsight really screwed up with this. I used to buy all the tables on PS3, as soon as I heard I won't be able to use them on PS4 I stopped. Not even their supposed season 1 "discount" works properly yet. I waited until season 1 and 2 were on sale to get them on PS4, but I basically stopped caring after that (not like season 3 ever went on sale on EU PSN as far as I know).
Not to mention that the console versions (and especially the European console versions) are still behind on the released tables. Or the European WiiU version that as far as I know still wasn't released at all (technically they still owe me the Twilight Zone table from their kickstarter way back when).

I really love the concept behind The Pinball Arcade. They just fucked it up.

 

[Weevilone]

They definitely screwed up. I used to buy all the tables on PS3 for Pinball Arcade, and I'd usually buy them on iOS as well. Then when the eventual sale happened on Steam, I'd buy them again. Yeah I'm a sucker, or was..

When PS4 launched and they didn't do cross buy with that, I was out.. everywhere.