The Great British Pinball Podcast

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In this Xmas episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss a variety of topics related to pinball,  personal experiences with pinball machines, and the challenges of the current market. They delve into modifications and upgrades for games, the expansion of Stern into the European market, and the dynamics of community forums. The hosts also review popular games like Jaws and Star Wars, share their holiday pinball plans, and discuss the arrival of new games just in time for Christmas. In this episode, Scott Rundle and Neil McRae discuss various aspects of the pinball industry, including frustrations with game releases, trends in collecting, market dynamics, and the importance of iconic themes. They reflect on missed opportunities for game updates, the challenges of licensing, and the role of nostalgia in game preferences. The conversation also touches on the secondhand market, game reliability, and community engagement through streaming. As the year comes to a close, they share their thoughts on the best and worst games of the year, highlighting the evolving landscape of pinball.

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Scott and Neil talk over the new pinball updates and react live to the Spooky release of Beetlejuice!

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Neil has a last minute interview with Rob Berk ahead of Pinball Expo this week.

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Two-part special - Regular episode and part 2 - Exclusive Special Guest Interview! 

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Scott shares his challenging birth experience and the support he received from his community. The discussion transitions into the importance of paternity leave and how it can significantly impact work-life balance. They reflect on the recent Pinfest event, showcasing the evolution of pinball games and the importance of quality control in manufacturing. The conversation also delves into the complexities of game design, particularly focusing on the mixed reviews of the Harry Potter and Star Wars pinball machines, highlighting the balance between accessibility and complexity in gameplay. In this conversation, Scott and Neil discuss various aspects of the pinball industry, including the challenges of region locking, the economics of importing games, warranty considerations, and the impact of VAT on purchases. They delve into the differences between premium and pro models, the value of limited editions, and the role of homebrew games. The discussion also touches on the implications of online marketplaces and the future of pinball imports, concluding with thoughts on the value of printed manuals and upcoming events in the pinball community.

Chapters

00:00 The Return of Scott
03:03 Scott's Birth Experience
05:49 Life Changes and Support
08:45 Reflections on Life and Loss
11:38 The Impact of Parenthood
14:38 Pinfest Insights
17:34 Pinball Game Reviews
25:59 The Importance of Cliffies and Mylar in Pinball
28:47 Insights on Harry Potter Pinball
32:24 Comparing Harry Potter and Jaws
36:08 The Challenges of Lower Playfields
38:54 The Pressure on Pinball Designers
43:00 The Complexity of Game Design
49:28 Star Wars Pinball: Expectations vs. Reality
54:12 The Impact of Region Locking on Gaming
55:16 Cost Analysis of Importing Games
56:56 Warranty and Support Considerations
59:01 The Economics of Game Pricing
01:00:39 Navigating Tax Regulations in Game Imports
01:09:03 The Role of Distributors in Pricing
01:11:37 The Debate on Premium vs. Pro Models
01:18:31 Valuable Pinball Machines
01:19:35 Pro vs Premium: The Great Debate
01:21:20 Understanding Game Features
01:23:01 Market Trends in Pinball
01:24:54 Upcoming Events and Expectations
01:27:17 The Future of Pinball Games
01:29:39 Printed Manuals and Their Value

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Summary
In this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil McRae provides an in-depth review of Stern's latest pinball machine, Star Wars: Fall of the Empire. He discusses the stunning artwork, technical innovations with Spike 3, and the engaging gameplay mechanics that immerse players in the Star Wars universe. Neil shares insights on character modes, audio quality, and the overall market reception of the game, concluding that it is a significant step forward for pinball design and gameplay.
Takeaways
The artwork commissioned for the game is some of the best Star Wars art ever seen.
Spike 3 introduces significant technical improvements, especially in audio quality.
The gameplay is designed to engage players quickly, with modes that are easy to activate.
The layout of the game is a fan layout, appealing to both pinball enthusiasts and casual players.
Each character in the game has unique modes, enhancing the storytelling experience.
The audio quality is a standout feature, providing an immersive experience.
The game includes a unique 'force' mechanic that adds depth to gameplay.
The game is not currently available in Europe, which may disappoint fans.
Neil believes this game will sell well due to its engaging design and audio.
The overall market for pinball is stabilizing after a period of oversupply.
Sound Bites

"The artwork is amazing."
"You're right in there."
"It's a huge amount of fun."