# DPP #69 "Emily Anderson interview and GOTG!"

**Source:** Don's Pinball Podcast (regular feed)  
**Type:** podcast_episode  
**Published:** 2023-09-14  
**Duration:** 12m 5s  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donspinballpodcast/episodes/DPP-69-Emily-Anderson-interview-and-GOTG-e29a600

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## Analysis

Don interviews Emily Anderson from Jay's Silver Ballroom about their recently-acquired Legends Arcade of Valhalla Pro machine and discusses early gameplay impressions of Venom. They dive into game mechanics like the fast locks, character selection, flipper-specific functions, and plastics/acrylic quality control issues on first-run Pro units. Emily shares operator perspectives on tournament play and location deployment timelines.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Legends Arcade of Valhalla Pro is missing acrylic/plastic covers for exposed circuit boards on the fast locks and other areas — _Emily Anderson described quality control issue on first-run Pro units; Don suggested checking with distributor for proper parts_
- [HIGH] Venom Pro edition has different character selection mechanics than Premium/LE variants — _Emily Anderson noted official matrix shows Pro tagline is 'choose your character change the rules' vs Premium/LE 'choose your character change the game' - left flipper changes character attributes, right flipper changes host_
- [HIGH] Venom will be dropping into location inventory significantly this week and next week — _Emily Anderson's closing statement: 'they've all the time i got a little uh incentive... guys have fun go out there... dropping into locations literally a lot this week, next week'_
- [HIGH] Venom Premium Edition will feature movable mechanical elements that the Pro lacks — _Don stated: 'I'm really waiting for the Venom Premium Edition, though, where there's actually some movable mechanisms in there'_
- [HIGH] Jay's Silver Ballroom has accumulated $2.6 billion in location verified play — _Don stated: 'Jay's already put up a solid $2.6 billion' on We Are Pinball verified system_
- [MEDIUM] Legends Arcade of Valhalla Pro has customizable side art blades that can be swapped between editions — _Don joked about dropping Premium/Elite playfields into Pro cabinets with different graphics; Emily mentioned considering swapping Pro graphics onto Premium because of the purple side art aesthetic_

### Notable Quotes

> "I'm really waiting for the Venom Premium Edition, though, where there's actually some movable mechanisms in there."
> — **Don**, ~18:00
> _Indicates significant mechanical differentiation between Venom editions; Pro lacks movable playfield toys_

> "So your right flipper you're going to use to change up your character. That left flipper gives you different things on it... it's Star Wars style."
> — **Emily Anderson**, ~25:30
> _Clarifies Pro-specific character/rule selection mechanic using flipper buttons; compares to Star Wars pinball design philosophy_

> "I would do the same thing. No shame in that game. You slay them tournaments any way you can."
> — **Don**, ~15:00
> _Comments on operators using character level disparity as competitive advantage in casual/tournament settings_

> "These fast locks are the... My fast locks. Yeah, the fast locks. That's it. The fast locks. I liked it. I do like it a lot more than I thought I would."
> — **Emily Anderson**, ~30:00
> _Early location operator validation of Venom's side lock feature; initially skeptical but pleasantly surprised_

> "I really didn't know if I was going to enjoy it um so far day one I am enjoying it a lot more than I ever expected"
> — **Emily Anderson**, ~22:00
> _Positive early reception from location operator on wide playfield design; exceeded expectations_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Emily Anderson | person | Co-operator of Jay's Silver Ballroom in Iowa; recently acquired Legends Arcade of Valhalla Pro; works as ER nurse and Olive Garden employee; provides location operator perspective on pinball game quality and gameplay |
| Jay Gross | person | Co-operator of Jay's Silver Ballroom in Iowa (mentioned via 'Jay' references); accumulated $2.6B verified location play; husband of Emily Anderson |
| Don | person | Host of Don's Pinball Podcast; interviews Emily about Legends Arcade of Valhalla and Venom; active home player with multiple machines |
| Venom | game | Stern Pinball Marvel-themed game (2023); discussed in Pro, Premium, and LE editions; features fast side locks, character selection mechanics, rotating scoop; experiencing early location deployment |
| Legends Arcade of Valhalla | game | American Pinball game; Emily and Don own Pro editions; features customizable side art blades; Don upgrading with mods (crypt from Elvira, spinner from Bond, potential bumpers) |
| Jay's Silver Ballroom | venue | Pinball arcade venue in Iowa operated by Jay and Emily Gross; hosts tournaments; We Are Pinball verified location with $2.6B accumulated play |
| Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer of Venom; first-run Pro units have quality control issues with missing acrylic covers on fast locks |
| American Pinball | company | Manufacturer of Legends Arcade of Valhalla |
| Measle Mods | company | Pinball modification company; mentioned as potential vendor for Legends Arcade of Valhalla mods alongside The Mod Couple and Pinmonk |
| The Mod Couple | company | Pinball modification vendor mentioned as working on Legends Arcade of Valhalla mods |
| Pinmonk | company | Pinball modification vendor mentioned as working on Legends Arcade of Valhalla mods |
| No Fear | game | Classic pinball game; used as comparison point for Legends Arcade of Valhalla layout discussion; participants disagree on similarity |
| Elvira | game | Classic pinball game; Don planning to use crypt from this machine as mod in Legends Arcade of Valhalla |
| James Bond | game | Pinball game (Bond); Don planning to source spinner from this machine for Legends Arcade of Valhalla mod |
| Star Wars | game | Pinball game; referenced as comparable design precedent for flipper-based character/rule selection mechanic in Venom Pro |
| Shay | person | Plays Venom during interview; Emily notes she cannot see artwork well while watching Shay play |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Legends Arcade of Valhalla gameplay and mods, Venom early gameplay impressions and mechanics, Quality control issues on American Pinball Pro edition, Stern Venom edition differences (Pro vs Premium vs LE)
- **Secondary:** Location operator perspectives on game design and tournament play, We Are Pinball tracking and location leaderboards, Pinball modification ecosystem and vendor ecosystem, Venom location deployment timeline

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.78) — Both Don and Emily express genuine enjoyment of their machines despite acknowledging quality control issues and design quirks. Emily's initial skepticism about wide playfield converted to positive reception. Some light teasing about game design choices and mechanics learning curve, but overall supportive and encouraging tone.

### Signals

- **[product_concern]** Legends Arcade of Valhalla Pro first-run units missing acrylic/plastic covers for exposed circuit boards on fast locks and bell tower areas (confidence: high) — Emily: 'You could probably check with your distributor and see if they could give you those acrylics that were supposed to go on there... Maybe it's just a piece that's missing.' Don suggested this was an oversight affecting multiple Pro units.
- **[product_launch]** Venom experiencing significant location deployment this week and next week across venue network (confidence: high) — Emily's closing: 'they're dropping into locations literally a lot this week, next week.' This suggests ramping production/shipment phase post-announcement.
- **[design_innovation]** Venom Pro uses flipper-button-specific mechanics for character selection and rule modification (Star Wars-style approach) (confidence: high) — Emily discovered left flipper controls character/rule changes while right flipper controls host selection. Different from Premium/LE which use different UI for host selection.
- **[gameplay_signal]** Legends Arcade of Valhalla wide playfield layout exceeded operator expectations for playability and engagement (confidence: high) — Emily: 'I really didn't know if I was going to enjoy it um so far day one I am enjoying it a lot more than I ever expected' despite initial concerns about width.
- **[product_strategy]** Venom Pro edition limited to cosmetic character changes (rules/tag adjustments) while Premium/LE feature movable mechanical elements (confidence: high) — Don: 'I'm really waiting for the Venom Premium Edition, though, where there's actually some movable mechanisms in there.' Official matrix shows different taglines between editions.
- **[operational_signal]** Location operators may use character leveling disparity as competitive advantage in casual/tournament play (confidence: medium) — Discussion about friends not checking character levels before play and Emily suggesting she'd leverage this: 'they've been building up that Venom... Milk it, girl.'
- **[community_signal]** Multiple modification vendors (Measle Mods, The Mod Couple, Pinmonk) actively working on Legends Arcade of Valhalla mods (confidence: medium) — Don: 'There's a mod out there that someone needs us to try out... I think everybody from The Mod Couple to Pinmonk to Measle Mods should be working on it right now'
- **[market_signal]** Jay's Silver Ballroom has accumulated $2.6B verified play on We Are Pinball platform, establishing significant location presence (confidence: high) — Don: 'Jay's already put up a solid $2.6 billion' on We Are Pinball verified system
- **[gameplay_signal]** Venom's fast side locks initially perceived as potentially overwhelming but well-received by location operators in practice (confidence: high) — Emily: 'I thought it was going to be overwhelming. And no, I do [like it]. I do like it a lot more than I thought I would.'
- **[design_philosophy]** American Pinball differentiating Pro and Premium editions through tagline precision ('change the rules' vs 'change the game') to reflect mechanical limitations (confidence: high) — Emily discovered official matrix shows Pro uses 'choose your character change the rules' while Premium/LE use 'choose your character change the game' to reflect actual playfield differences
- **[regulatory_signal]** Distributor availability of missing acrylic/plastic covers being used as troubleshooting path for Pro quality control issues (confidence: medium) — Don's suggestion: 'You could probably check with your distributor and see if they could give you those acrylics that were supposed to go on there'
- **[content_signal]** Location operator interviews on major pinball podcasts provide early gameplay validation and quality control feedback to community (confidence: medium) — Emily's participation as location operator guest provides authentic venue-side perspective on Venom deployment, gameplay, and mechanical issues to podcast audience

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## Transcript

 All right, next up on the podcast, we've got Ms. Emily Anderson coming out of the center of Iowa. Just got off her shift at the Olive Garden. What's going on? What's new with you and Jay's game room of wonders? Then I made it to the location. We are verified, and Jay's already put up a solid $2.6 billion. so I've got some catching up to do definitely I'm going to have to move up in my levels a little bit but I was I've definitely been playing around with my host and changing the game well hang on hang on you've got the pro so the only thing you can change is plastics to cover up those exposed circuit boards right on the fast locks yeah those are driving me nuts a little bit I'm sure it was just an oversight at the factory You could probably check with your distributor and see if they could give you those acrylics that were supposed to go on there. I know. There's got to be something that I'm missing there. And, like, the little ones that are sticking out behind the bell tower, you know, I don't know. Maybe, you know, like, I know that it's, like, a first run of the pros. But maybe it's just a piece that's missing. Yeah, yeah. You know. They just want to get it out for the operators, you know, get it out there. And then the fix will come later, you know, just like the rush scoop. Yeah. was this your first time playing there's a mod out there that someone needs us to try out and see how it looks in a machine I think everybody from the mod couple to Diddy's pinball mod should be working on it right now I'm waiting to see what Mezzle puts on there now luckily there's some room in the play field so I'm going to take the crypt from Elvira and just drop it in there and then I'm going to take a spinner from Bond and throw that in there and then I think it'll be more of a complete game you know Can I have a center pop bumper in there too? I know there's some hiding in the back, but I'm just, you know, like I need a little bit more bumping. You want to tuck them up out of the way. You don't want them too prominent, those pop bumper nests. Absolutely. So I have to say, for this game, I was surprised at how I can trap up the ball. I am not. I suck at my trapping up on the ball and actually being able to go for the shot. but there is that points that you can lose out on those combos. If you are trapping up, if you're trapping up for too long. Oh, and on this game, you have not one, but two flippers to choose from. So, I mean, there's a lot of variety that's there. There is, there is only, you know, it keeps it wild and crazy with the two flippers. I, it will save this bad action game. Um, I'm not gonna lie. There's a couple of times I got a little overly excited because I thought I had a multiball dropping but no it just a lot ball dropper However we want to say that but uh that But you know Venom definitely got some depth to it I definitely get to see some of the great artwork that's been coming out. Or, you know, like as I watch Shay play, I can't really get a look up there as often as I would like to be able to. But it's also day one for me getting to play it. It's fun to tease Venom. I did have fun playing it. Was this your first time playing it? At home? What better venue is there? I played it on a location a couple days ago, and I actually liked the fast locks more than I thought I would. I like to watch balls in the wire form, typically, so the cutting that short I was worried about. But it was fun. It was fun. So Venom's an okay game. I'm really waiting for the premium, though, where there's actually some more movable mechanisms in there. Agreed. I will say that's going to be something I might listen to. I think that we need to do a trial run and see how it works with going into the tournament mode and starting at zero every time because there is that difference. I feel like some of our friends are going to get hustled at the bar by not checking out a level that they're at. Yes. You know, like, hey, what's going on? I haven't seen you in forever. Really, they've been building up that venom, you know, levels and whatnot. But, yeah. Milk it, girl. I would do the same thing. No shame in that game. You slay them tournaments any way you can. I'm going to do the same. I'll put some toes in and just go, what? Oh, Julie Venom, this looks like a fun game. Better drink on it. Well, good. I'm glad you guys are enjoying your new game. It looks awesome. I do like the art on the pro. Yes. Agreed. I gotta say, the cabinet looks a little bit sweeter on the Pro. I mean, obviously, I'm taking out the white buttons. Those are going to go with the purple. I wouldn't mind taking the Pro graphics and throwing them on the premium, to be honest, because I like that purple. I like that perp on the side. Yep. Yep. That purple does look beautiful. And, oh, my gosh, you drive them crazy, Dawn. And if you go ahead and drop a premium or an Ellie inside of a pro cabinet, I mean, it's your opinion. I got to get the haters something to talk about. I mean, come on. I am just an ER nurse after all. You know, I'm glad. I'm thankful for my nurses. And all of the docs out there. Saints of the earth. Literally. Literally. keep me bigger. It's all about keeping you in the game and trying to keep you on track is like hurting a squirrel running loose in the game room. Absolutely I out there hearing him He just popped a replay and I being polite by any time we pop achievements in this house we definitely holler out noob across even though it literally a brand new game I love getting 10 achievements right away the first time you play something and then like never again. yeah yeah no uh it's uh it's really great um you know it's I was really holding back on them just because of the wide play field I really didn't know if I was going to enjoy it um so far day one I am enjoying it a lot more than I ever expected um and I was really worried with the whole kind of having that whole playing and building off of that yeah like the whole tagline like choose your character change the game that only applies to the premium in le i actually looked at the matrix and there's a special line for this it says for the pro it's choose your character change the rules is actually the official tagline on the matrix of the different editions which i thought that was that that was that was funny how they're spinning that because I'm so new. I don't read the rules. I like to just walk up, plunge it, let's see what goes on, let's see what we make happen. I was bored at work today. I was reading through it. But, like, I'm so stupid. I went up to the first pro and location, and I picked my character, and I was looking as I was scrolling through the characters for the things to change in the play field, and then I'm like, oh, that's right, nothing changes. Now, your left flipper, it does. Oh. Okay, so this is new information for me. Okay. So your right flipper you're going to use to change up your character. That left flipper gives you different things on it. So whether you're wanting, oh, shoot, I'm sorry, Stern, and everybody else that's going to laugh and go, how the hell does this girl not know this? We'll fix it in post. Don't worry. But anyway, Gwen, let's just go with Gwen. And when she gets her venom, when she's my, yeah, we're hosting her. I went for the, I want to say I hit my button three. times aggro oh my gosh i'm gonna save i'm gonna butcher the heck out of it bring it this is good content you want to be lighting up and this girl doesn't know what she's doing but anyways i go to that one hold on the left flipper do the full punch and shoot in for that yellow shot which was the scoop yeah it'd be a scoop there's a scoop back there yeah yeah we're going in this I just want to make sure I'm saying the right terms because Jay makes fun of me for those. Oh, you'll get called out. Yeah, I know. And it's totally fine. It's totally fine. So that one did great. I mean, there were some shots that was like a 30 million shot. I want to say for Jay when he did it. I don know if that because his level up higher or whatnot but then I also I mean I was switching up characters so finding the 2x um you can increase your multiplier but change your host with your right the left flipper is how you gonna so it so it's Star Wars style I'm familiar with that okay yeah yeah yeah that'd be a great way to that's a great way to think of it um now anyone that's wanting to I guess fan layout wise and people are wanting to compare it to no fear i actually i i dig the shit out of no fear it's similar but not even close who who is comparing this to no fear well i mean i feel like i mean well i guess in the pinball world some people know who canada is um you know and he's someone that definitely leans more in the collector's area you know and he definitely brought in that um no fear is uh built up or you know like a fan layout and i guess for me that's how I was imagining fan layout. I mean, I've played no fear. I don't see it. And no fear is nothing like this. If you took no fear and took out, like, three of the ramps and several of the shots, then maybe. And the talking skull. I know, but I don't have a drop target. I'm not jumping. Like, I can't. I do, like, the do. Okay. All right. We'll just not even comment on that. That pure speculation. Right. I mean, and those side locks are the, Don, what are they called? My fast locks. Yeah, the fast locks. That's it. The fast locks. I liked it. I do like it a lot more than I thought I would. I thought it was going to be overwhelming. And no, I do. There again is that slight of excitement that I think I'm dropping a multiball, and I'm really not quite yet, but it's okay. Yeah, so I think Venom will be a fun game. It'll be interesting to see how it plays in tournaments. Thank you so much for the standing invitation I've got to come down to see you guys. I swear I'm going to make good on it at some point. I hope so. And I have exciting news for you. I feel like I broke your heart with ever hearing that a never-ending pasta bowl was gone. Yeah. It's coming back. Stop it. Really, really soon. Never-ending pasta bowl at Olive Garden is coming back. I'm excited. Yep. I need that. I need the never-ending stack of Andy's mints at the end of the meal, too. That's a must. Done. Done and done. Saints alive. This is a good day. This is a red letter day. New Venom, new pinball day. News that the never-ending pasta bowl is right around the corner. Emily Anderson, a smiling face for the pinball race. Thank you so much for joining today. Come back anytime you would like. Thanks. Love to. Have a great night, Don. It's great to be able to give you guys an update on the gameplay. I know that there'll be dropping into locations literally a lot this week, next week. guys have fun go out there build your characters up and and have a blast you know now they've all the time i got a little uh incentive to go try to be able to beat their friends when they can step up let's do it all right thanks

_(Acquisition: groq_whisper, Enrichment: v3)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 2c9a8a54-620f-41bb-96fc-c234c0795797*