Episode 14: “Pinball Expo 2024 HYPE!”
In this episode of The FlipSide Podcast, we explore all things Pinball Expo 2024. What can we anticipate, and are there any surprises in store? Which game will steal the spotlight: Jersey Jack’s Avatar, Stern’s Uncanny X-Men, or Dutch Pinball’s Alice in Wonderland? We also discuss the intriguing buzz about a $1,000 pinball machine—could it actually be a reality? Who's behind this project, and is it feasible to design a machine that the community will embrace as a legitimate option at that price point?
Kineticist’s take
Pinball Expo 2024 preview with X-Men enthusiasm, Metallica remaster rumors, and affordable pinball startup analysis.
Synopsis
Retro Ralph discusses Pinball Expo 2024 hype, focusing on recently released games (X-Men LE, Avatar, Jaws), upcoming reveals (Metallica remaster rumor), and emerging competitors like Wonderland Amusements pursuing sub-$1,000 affordable pinball machines. He covers streaming setup improvements, praise for underrated games like John Wick and Iron Maiden, and technical features on new Jersey Jack machines.
Highlights
- X-Men LE is 'really fun' with satisfying shots and a cool sentinel head bash toy that provides accessible multiball for beginners
- The initial Stern X-Men livestream featuring costumed players (Zach Sharpe and Jack Danger) made the game look harder than it actually is due to costume interference
- Metallica remaster is rumored to appear at Pinball Expo either on show floor or during factory tour, likely positioned similarly to past limited reveals
- Wonderland Amusements targets a sub-$1,000 MSRP for affordable mechanical pinball machines, positioning at Expo with cabinet designs
- Wonderland Amusements' first game concept will be Alice in Wonderland-inspired but likely not licensed major IP due to cost constraints
- Wonderland Amusements leadership consists primarily of ex-Arcade1Up executives, raising questions about pinball passion and execution quality
- Jersey Jack machines include Bluetooth headphone connectivity and 3.5mm jack audio options for better game audio experience
- Elizabeth Gieske coded the 'Shark is Broken' mode for Jaws and is interested in creating more mini-modes for other Stern games
- X-Men has a recurring issue where the auto plunger ball only makes it around the full orbit approximately 50% of the time on first plunge
- John Wick pinball is underrated and performing well on location despite home sales concerns possibly influenced by 'gun gate' and negative sentiment
Entities
- Game Room Goodies· company
- Jersey Jack Pinball· company
- Spooky Pinball· company
- Stern Pinball· company
- Wonderland Amusements· company
- Pinball Expo 2024· event
- Alice in Wonderland / Adventure· game
- Avatar· game
- Iron Maiden· game
- Jaws· game
- John Wick· game
- Metallica (Remaster)· game
- X-Men (Uncanny X-Men)· game
- Dan (Pinwoofer)· person
- Elizabeth Gieske· person
- Elliot Eisman· person
- Jack Danger· person
- Keith Elwyn· person
- Palowski Pinball· person
- Retro Ralph· person
- Rudy· person
- Tim Sexton· person
- Zach Sharpe· person