Episode 2: My Unexpected Pinball Path
In this episode, we explore how I first got into pinball. After spending nearly two decades reliving my childhood through arcade gaming, what events led me to the world of pinball? Tune in to find out!
Kineticist’s take
Retro Ralph's three-year pinball journey from skeptic to passionate collector fueled by Expo community and continuous new IP releases.
Synopsis
Retro Ralph recounts his entry into pinball through Pinball Expo (first post-COVID year with Godzilla featured), describing how he transitioned from casual arcade enthusiast to passionate pinball collector. He details his initial skepticism about pinball's cost and relevance, early exposure via CES 2019 Stranger Things demo and a college visit to Terminator 2, and his gradual accumulation of machines (Jurassic Park, Godzilla Premium, Venom Premium, James Bond Pro, John Wick LE on order) through a Stern loaner program via Game Room Goodies. He emphasizes pinball's vibrant community, tournament scene, and social aspects as the driving force behind the hobby's resurgence.
Highlights
- Pinball Expo is a hardcore fan event celebrating all aspects of pinball: artists, designers, sound designers: with no egos and a welcoming atmosphere
- Ralph's initial entry point to pinball was CES 2019 where Stern featured Stranger Things; he interviewed Gary Stern and was initially deterred by $5,500 Pro pricing
- At a dinner during Pinball Expo, acquaintances (Todd Tucky, Jeff, Frank from TNT Amusements, Princess Jillian) predicted Ralph would eventually sell arcade machines to fund pinball purchases
- Ralph participated in a Stern loaner program through Game Room Goodies distributor, during which he fell in love with Venom and James Bond and purchased both
- The current pinball landscape features major IP licenses: Chicago Gaming with Pulp Fiction, Dutch Pinball with Big Lebowski and Back to the Future (confirmed), Jersey Jack with Elton John and Guns N Roses, Stern with Venom and Avengers
- Ralph first played pinball as a teenager (age ~13) on Terminator 2 at his sister's college break room at Syracuse
- Pinball bars/arcade bars with pinball as the central hub are spearheading the modern arcade scene resurgence
- Pinball Map is an app/website allowing players to locate nearby arcade bars and pinball venues in metropolitan areas
Entities
- Chicago Gaming Company· company
- Dutch Pinball· company
- Game Room Goodies· company
- Jersey Jack Pinball· company
- Spooky Pinball· company
- Stern Pinball· company
- Pinball Expo· event
- Godzilla (Stern)· game
- James Bond (Stern)· game
- John Wick (Stern)· game
- Jurassic Park· game
- Stranger Things (Stern)· game
- Terminator 2· game
- Venom (Stern)· game
- Galloping Ghost· organization
- Past Times Arcade· organization
- Stern Army· organization
- Gary Stern· person
- Jeff Arcade Hollywood· person
- Paul E. Niemeyer· person
- Retro Ralph· person
- Pinball Map· product
- Token Taverns· product