# Zizzle Newz **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2009-06-10 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/news/zizzle4.html --- ## Analysis Pinball News reports on Zizzle's third home pinball game model, Atari Arcade Classics, based on classic Atari video game IP. The machine uses the same three-quarter size playfield as Zizzle's earlier Marvel Heroes & Villains and Pirates of the Caribbean models, with new artwork, sounds, and a central asteroid toy. The game was in development as of June 2009 with expected release during the 2009 holiday season. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Zizzle produces three-quarter size home pinball games with layouts by John Popadiuk, Jr. — _Article states Zizzle 'range of three-quarter size home pinball games with layouts created by pinball designer John Popadiuk, Jr'_ - [HIGH] Zizzle's first two games (Marvel Heroes & Villains and Pirates Of The Caribbean) launched in the second half of 2006 — _Direct statement in article about launch timing_ - [HIGH] G2 versions of Zizzle games added updated theming, extra lighting, and new decals approximately one year after original release — _Article describes 'updated and improved G2 version' with new features_ - [HIGH] Atari Arcade Classics combines elements from Centipede, Super Breakout, Asteroids, Missile Command and Pong — _Explicitly stated in article description of the new game_ - [MEDIUM] Atari Arcade Classics was expected to release during the 2009 holiday season — _Article states 'arrives in the shops in time for the 2009 holiday season' but notes game was 'still in development' with 'any number of changes' possible_ ### Notable Quotes > "Regular readers will know we've been following the progress of Zizzle and their range of three-quarter size home pinball games with layouts created by pinball designer John Popadiuk, Jr since before they hit the shops." > — **Pinball News**, opening > _Establishes Zizzle's product positioning and designer relationship_ > "Atari Arcade Classics combines elements from Centipede, Super Breakout, Asteroids, Missile Command and Pong" > — **Pinball News**, mid-article > _Details the specific classic game IP integrated into the new Zizzle model_ > "The new game is still in development at the Zizzle offices so there could be any number of changes made before it arrives in the shops in time for the 2009 holiday season." > — **Pinball News**, late article > _Acknowledges the prototype status and development uncertainty as of June 2009_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Zizzle | company | Manufacturer of three-quarter size home pinball machines with classic and licensed themes | | John Popadiuk, Jr. | person | Pinball designer credited with creating layouts for Zizzle games | | Atari Arcade Classics | product | Third Zizzle home pinball game model, based on classic Atari video game IP, announced June 2009 | | Marvel Heroes & Villains | product | First Zizzle home pinball game model, released second half 2006 | | Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest | product | Second Zizzle home pinball game model, released second half 2006 | | Pinball News | organization | Publication reporting on Zizzle developments with exclusive prototype photos | ### Topics - **Primary:** Zizzle product line expansion, Home pinball machines and consumer market - **Secondary:** IP licensing in pinball (Atari, Marvel, Pirates of the Caribbean), Product design iteration (G2 versions) ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.75) — Article presents Zizzle's product developments in a promotional, enthusiastic tone with exclusive prototype imagery. No criticism or controversy evident. Framing emphasizes innovation and IP relevance (Atari resurgence on new platforms). ### Signals - **[announcement]** Zizzle announces third home pinball model, Atari Arcade Classics, with release planned for 2009 holiday season (confidence: high) — Article provides exclusive photos, design details, and release timeline for machine in development - **[product_strategy]** Zizzle G2 versions introduced iterative improvements (updated theming, extra lighting, new decals) approximately one year after G1 launch (confidence: high) — Article describes Pirates of the Caribbean G2 updating to At World's End movie version with new cosmetic/lighting features - **[licensing_signal]** Zizzle securing Atari classic game IP (Centipede, Asteroids, Missile Command, Pong, Super Breakout) for home pinball product (confidence: high) — Game explicitly combines multiple Atari video game franchises with tie-in to Asteroid Attack wizard mode --- ## Transcript Date: 10th June 2009 Regular readers will know we've been following the progress of Zizzle and their range of three-quarter size home pinball games with layouts created by pinball designer John Popadiuk, Jr since before they hit the shops. Their first two games were Marvel Heroes & Villains and Pirates Of The Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest which they launched in the second half of 2006. The original Zizzle Marvel Heroes & Villains design These were followed a year later by an updated and improved G2 version of the same themes which brought the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise in line with the latest movie - At World's End - and added extra lighting alongside new decals on the playfield plastics. The G2 range Now they have added a third model to the range and we have an exclusive series of sneak pictures of the game in development. Based on a number of classic Atari video games, the new game uses the same playfield design as the earlier two models but has all new artwork, sounds and a new central toy. The new Zizzle model - Atari Arcade Classics Atari Arcade Classics combines elements from Centipede, Super Breakout, Asteroids, Missile Command and Pong - games which have enjoyed a resurgence since they have become available on an increased number of new platforms and consoles. The prototype playfield without its central toy installed The new game is still in development at the Zizzle offices so there could be any number of changes made before it arrives in the shops in time for the 2009 holiday season. The top rollovers and pop bumpers The final game is expected to include a model asteroid as the central toy to tie-in with the Asteroid Attack wizard mode. The new game in the Zizzle offices We'll be sure to keep you up-to-date with the latest developments here at Pinball News as the release date for the new game approaches. 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