The Great British Pinball Podcast Ep 30 Part 1 - Scott is Back and Its an Expo Special!
Send us a textTwo-part special - Regular episode and part 2 - Exclusive Special Guest Interview! SummaryIn 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.Chapters00:00 The Return of Scott03:03 Scott's Birth Experience05:49 Life Changes and Support08:45 Reflections on Life and Loss11:38 The Impact of Parenthood14:38 Pinfest Insights17:34 Pinball Game Reviews25:59 The Importance of Cliffies and Mylar in Pinball28:47 Insights on Harry Potter Pinball32:24 Comparing Harry Potter and Jaws36:08 The Challenges of Lower Playfields38:54 The Pressure on Pinball Designers43:00 The Complexity of Game Design49:28 Star Wars Pinball: Expectations vs. Reality54:12 The Impact of Region Locking on Gaming55:16 Cost Analysis of Importing Games56:56 Warranty and Support Considerations59:01 The Economics of Game Pricing01:00:39 Navigating Tax Regulations in Game Imports01:09:03 The Role of Distributors in Pricing01:11:37 The Debate on Premium vs. Pro Models01:18:31 Valuable Pinball Machines01:19:35 Pro vs Premium: The Great Debate01:21:20 Understanding Game Features01:23:01 Market Trends in Pinball01:24:54 Upcoming Events and Expectations01:27:17 The Future of Pinball Games01:29:39 Printed Manuals and Their Value
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The Great British Pinball Podcast Ep 30 Part 2 - Exclusive interview Rob Berk - Pinball Expo!
Send us a textNeil has a last minute interview with Rob Berk ahead of Pinball Expo this week.
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The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 29 - The Star Wars Fall of the Empire Special!
Send us a textSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysThe 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."
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The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 28
Send us a textJust Neil this time, can you guess why?Neil covers UKPinfest, Star Wars and the potential impact of Disney's licensing decision and a few other things in the pinball world!
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The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 27 - UK Pinfest Pinfest 25 Special!
Send us a textIn this special episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, hosts Neil McRae and Scott Rundle dive into the excitement surrounding UK PinFest, sharing personal updates, discussing game collections, and exploring market trends. They also touch on maintenance issues, community engagement, and the latest industry news, including the controversial Predator pinball machine and quality control concerns with recent releases. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and a deep love for the pinball community. In this episode, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss the current state of the pinball industry, focusing on American Pinball's challenges, the future of pinball design, and the innovations from Stern. They also preview upcoming games, emphasize the importance of accessibility in pinball, and provide insights into the upcoming Pinfest event, highlighting community engagement and the need for personal cleanliness at events.
New Zealand