The Hobbit is a licensed pinball machine designed by Joe Bousler and manufactured by Jersey Jack Pinball, released in 2016 as their second game ever. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel, it features a complex 31-mode ruleset, hexagonal grid LCD interface, widebody cabinet, and a Smaug dragon toy. The game underwent significant playfield redesign post-Expo due to community feedback on initial art, and received multiple code updates post-release to address ruleset and accessibility issues.
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There is a final wizard mode called 'There and Back Again' that requires completing all modes
The game has 32 total modes
The Hobbit achieves immersion through video/sound design without requiring extensive playfield sculpts
Jersey Jack's The Hobbit was brand new or nearly new at 2016 Replay FX
Referenced as example of licensed game trying to cover too much material from source IP; multiple scattered scenes dilute coherence
Jersey Jack title that followed Wizard of Woz; required external support to complete due to company financial depletion from Woz
Cited as benchmark premium-tier JJP game for comparison to Godfather
Jersey Jack Pinball; divisive (love-it-or-hate-it); features LCD on playfield, smog head toy, two center ramps; wide-body; long-playing; beautiful aesthetics but debated gameplay depth.
Jersey Jack Pinball game praised for animations, code depth, and Smaug Edition aesthetics
Jersey Jack Pinball game; Kaneda claims JJP failed to exceed expectations on this title
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Smaug's original design for The Hobbit was a crude lump of pink modeling clay that resembled a foot more than a dragon head
JJP used Wellington Airport Smaug sculpture and airplane billboard images as design references because Warner Bros was secretive about the character's appearance
The Hobbit pinball has the best video asset implementation in pinball history
Drew's Hobbit machine experienced persistent shooter lane ball ejection issues that tech support could not resolve
The Hobbit's new code updates transform the machine's value proposition and gameplay experience
The Hobbit has 31 distinct game modes
The Hobbit is one of the longest-playing pinball machines ever made
The Hobbit's ruleset is simple and easy to understand despite having 31 modes
The Hobbit has too many multiball sequences that extend gameplay excessively
The Hobbit requires extended home play to fully appreciate compared to location play
The Hobbit is within Greg's personal top five pinball machines of all time
The Smaug dragon toy features articulated jaw movement and breathing fire effects
The Hobbit's wide-body design allows for rail-to-rail use but feels more open than Wizard of Oz
The Hobbit has numerous modes, some of which Kyle has played but forgotten about
Blackwater mode in The Hobbit scores over 100,000 points
A Smog multiball mode scored 176,000 points during the stream
The Hobbit has a match animation bug that triggers the knocker during game-over despite match being disabled
The Hobbit playfield art was recently changed with Smaug toy modifications
Jersey Jack Pinball title that received major rework after public feedback; used as example of manufacturer responsiveness
Historical pinball reference; cited by Ralph as example of strong movie theme integration alongside Jaws
Jersey Jack Pinball machine; Eric was working on this as electrical engineer when he developed prototype lit-up spinner (2014)
Jersey Jack Pinball pinball machine based on Tolkien IP. v2.0 is the gameplay version featured in this stream. Features modes including Radagast, Unexpected Party, Battle of the Five Armies, and complex feeder mode architecture.
Stern pinball mentioned as example of strong immersive theming despite mediocre shooting
Jersey Jack Pinball legacy title with reported flipper consistency issues, eligible for IO driver board upgrade
Jersey Jack pinball machine with code issues; criticized by Joe for poor mode selection system, random feeder logic, lack of meaningful progression compared to LOTR, and chronic code neglect
Jersey Jack Pinball title mentioned as having 70 volt slingshot coils
Jersey Jack Pinball game; described as beautiful with LCD screen and playfield but criticized as 'floaty' in feel
Jersey Jack Pinball title being detailed in underside technical tour; features 11 drop targets, dual magnets, and patented shuffle mechanic
Jersey Jack Pinball release; Ryan C.'s on-site machine generating top revenue; code version 2.0 criticized for loops/no endgame (Valinor missing); on-site play volume exceeds home play 6-7x in shorter timeframe
Jersey Jack Pinball game used by Kaneda as sales benchmark; outsold Elton John per his analysis.
Pinball machine Drew previously owned; experienced persistent shooter lane ball ejection malfunction; traded to distributor for Alice Cooper; tech support was responsive but unable to resolve issue
Earlier Jersey Jack game referenced as having more physical content than recent releases like Willy Wonka
JJP game; praised for full asset inclusion (Ian McKellen voice soundalike)
Jersey Jack; Joe Balcer left mid-development on bad terms, Pat Lawlor finished; Kaneda alleges Lawlor deliberately underperformed
Early JJP title; considered company's best-coded game to date but criticized for mediocre, boring gameplay ('like chopping wood')
Jersey Jack wide-body game mentioned as part of company's loaded game portfolio
Jersey Jack Pinball Standard Edition; early game using early JJP audio system; redesigned later with Pat Lawlor
Jersey Jack game compatible with new flipper board; Jason notes old flipper feel was barrier to enjoyment despite theme quality
Jersey Jack Pinball game, criticized by Asher as 'terrible Tournament game' with 'never ending' gameplay and exploit issues
Jersey Jack Pinball title; mentioned in context of machines Meunier has worked on
Jersey Jack Pinball Standard Edition owned by Rowan; in top 5 of his list and frequently calls to him
JJP game; Eric Meunier worked on lighting platform redesign for this title
Pinball machine being streamed; version 1.31 with multiple modes, multiballs, and character-based progression
Jersey Jack Pinball's licensed machine based on The Hobbit trilogy films; v1.90 shown in stream
Jersey Jack Pinball title receiving code update in November, three years post-release; cited as precedent for ongoing support
Referenced as a game with difficult mechanical components (ramps and moving parts)
Jersey Jack Pinball title; still in production; new code update scheduled for July 7, 2018
Jersey Jack Pinball title; Standard Edition featuring new RaDCAL decal technology; Smaug artwork shown as example
JJP pinball machine; early configuration with CPU and I.O. board located in metal box at cabinet bottom
Referenced in title as pinball match subject
Jersey Jack Pinball title used as example; Standard Edition shown with pop-ups highlighted
Upcoming pinball machine by Jersey Jack Pinball based on Tolkien IP
JJP licensed game; mentioned as possible addition to Gonzo's collection
Jersey Jack Pinball game; host lacks access to play but wants to retry after tournament experience; beta code mentioned as game changer
Jersey Jack Pinball game mentioned in comparison; referenced as Standard Edition variant discussion
Pinball machine that Joel owned for a period before selling it and returning to Total Nuclear Annihilation
Compared against Batman 66; preference for special edition with gold elements
Jersey Jack Pinball machine used for comparison; Greg prefers its shooting experience over Wizard of Oz
Pinball game mentioned with Smaug toy as honorable mention
Jersey Jack Pinball game; available in Standard and Smaug editions; features laser-cut ring button plate mods by Flippin' Out; Flippin' Out special edition includes gold-plated ring button upgrade; production may be discontinued when Dialed In moves to main line
Jersey Jack Pinball title; referenced in comparison to Dialed In! visual cohesion and artistic style
Tom's second-favorite machine; 31 modes with 3 wizard modes; he owns Shane Black The Arrow Edition; widely hated but Tom loves it; long ball times, exhausting gameplay
Jersey Jack game; high-priced collector's item with 31 modes and multiple wizard modes; target of want-to-own
Stern pinball machine; Zach mentions experiencing a shipping damage issue with this game previously
Jersey Jack Pinball game; compared in art quality discussion
Jersey Jack Pinball title; Schmitty's first new-in-box purchase at $9,000, initially regretted but became favorite before Avatar arrival
Jersey Jack Pinball title; cited as failed Jack Guarneri theme selection
Jersey Jack Pinball game; mentioned as example of expected quality and mechanical complexity
Jersey Jack Pinball machine based on The Hobbit films; subject of full review covering layout, rules, art, toys, and overall quality
Jersey Jack Pinball machine; described as masterpiece of beauty and elegance; potential future code improvements anticipated
Jersey Jack release; praised for visual beauty and new code, but criticized as floaty on wide body; deep but lacks gameplay tightness
Jersey Jack Pinball machine being played; features 31 modes, complex mode-stacking mechanics, live-action movie scene integration, and recently updated code with new UI elements
Jersey Jack Pinball title; criticized for relying too heavily on LCD screen for world under glass effect vs. Lord of the Rings
Jersey Jack Pinball machine ranked #6 by Greg; full-featured with improved code updates
Referenced as Jersey Jack Pinball title with long mode structures
Jersey Jack game with long mode sequences; highly integrated theming; compared against Pirates, Iron Maiden, and Lord of the Rings
Jersey Jack Pinball title; used as comparison point for art direction, shooting feel, and code depth relative to Guns N' Roses
Jersey Jack Pinball game; Elite's first topper product, now commanding $500-$1,000+ secondary market prices
Jersey Jack Pinball release; initially criticized by community but host has become advocate
Pinball machine that received new playfield art and Smaug toy changes revealed during stream
Jersey Jack Pinball licensed game based on Tolkien IP, displayed as Standard Edition at Pinburgh 2015
JJP licensed title; described as designed for everybody
Jersey Jack game requiring complete redesign due to Paramount withholding movie assets; cost over $1 million extra to redo; released after successful redesign
JJP game that Ryan owns; referenced as comparison point for games that play too safe and too long
Referenced as comparison point for Domino's roundabout mechanic around central toy; Dennis suggests Domino's executed similar concept better
Jersey Jack Pinball's next release after Wizard of Oz
JJP game previously praised for asset integration; now used as benchmark for comparison on what pinball games should visually achieve
Classic pinball machine they recently had in-house and streamed
Jersey Jack Pinball game praised for integration of LCD screen with movie clips and theatrical presentation; referenced as benchmark for immersive theme integration
Future Jersey Jack Pinball game in development; Ted Estes will work on it
Jersey Jack pinball machine (2016) in the venue
Upcoming Stern pinball machine planned for Tilt; expected arrival in UK confirmed by Phil Palmer
Jersey Jack Pinball machine based on The Hobbit film trilogy; subject of this technical review
Jersey Jack Pinball title added to Silverball Museum Delray Beach collection after October 2016 initial review visit
Jersey Jack Pinball game in development; received negative reception at 2014 Expo but underwent playfield and software improvements; sub-assemblies being built end of 2015 with production expected early 2016
JJP's second game in development; expected to ship late 2014
J.R.R. Tolkien literary work; provides thematic inspiration for Arkenstone topper project.
Jersey Jack Pinball title exhibited at Pin-a-Go-Go 2016
Standard tier pinball machine at NickelRama #1
Jersey Jack Pinball game referenced as successful product
Much anticipated JJP game line scheduled for fall 2015 release
Jersey Jack Pinball title with significant shipping delays and order backlog as of January 2016
Referenced pinball machine with individually resettable drop targets; used as comparison point for Captain Nemo's drop target design
2016 pinball machine featured as one of the contemporary machines in the exhibition
Jersey Jack Pinball table used as the grand final machine at APO 2016; described as slow-playing with high endurance requirements
2016 pinball machine included in exhibition as example of contemporary games
Jersey Jack Pinball machine; brand new or nearly new at 2016 Replay FX
JJP game no longer listed for sale on company website (delisted from active inventory)
Jersey Jack Pinball release; featured at Mystic Pinball
Classic wide-body game used as reference for 'floaty' wide-body feel that Scooby-Doo avoids
Jersey Jack Pinball title; described as most challenging project due to Warner Brothers revisions and design changes to Smaug sculpture
Jersey Jack Pinball game; has secret flipper code easter egg revealed by Eric Martin
Phase 1 JJP title alongside Wizard of Oz; established early product quality benchmark
Forthcoming pinball machine expected to feature LCD screen similar to Wizard of Oz; not yet released
Jersey Jack Pinball machine; Chris played at Ground Control; Jersey Jack released 'really good' Dial-In trailer for it; features independent line volume controls and dedicated headphone jack design (unlike Stern implementation)
Pinball game featuring Smaug dragon; described as having excellent ruleset and compared favorably to Medieval Madness
Jersey Jack Pinball game; reportedly received hardware hardening improvements for 24/7 operator use
JJP licensed game; #4 on list; emphasizes immersion through LCD/video/sound design with Gandalf interactions
Referenced for map progression mechanic through spinner hits that influenced Dune's mode structure design
Jersey Jack game discussed as universal appeal title
Referenced as multiball-heavy game; keeper game that may not be tournament-suitable despite quality design
Jersey Jack Pinball title; Art of Pinball releasing new sculpts for pop-up creatures in flexible resin (limited run, shipping Oct-Dec)
Mentioned as Jersey Jack game that may have supported earlier Pindemption system
Pinball machine; filmed quick guide at same collector's location as Wizard of Oz
JJP game; mentioned as receiving positive player feedback
Jersey Jack title cited as example of game with dramatic mechanical/theme integration
Pinball machine referenced for center ramp diverter mechanism comparison
Fantasy film series in which Sylvester McCoy played Radagast
JJP game; part of company's design evolution and increasing innovation trajectory
Jersey Jack Pinball game used as comparison for theme integration quality
Jersey Jack title; version 3.12 update with Scorebit achievements announced
Jersey Jack title receiving Elite Pinball Toppers custom screen topper (50 units, $750 retail)
Jersey Jack Pinball game ranked by Tom as one of three best JJP titles
Previous JJP game; Jack references name change controversy and community reaction
JJP licensed title; rich asset library (three films); compared to Wonka for licensing asset availability
Stern pinball machine that received major code update addressing Beast Frenzy mode and ring button mechanics; update released day of podcast
Jersey Jack Pinball game; surplus playfields sold through Factory Finds program
Jersey Jack Pinball game that cost $1M+ to redesign after Smaug character looked different than assets used; cautionary example for licensing risks
Jersey Jack Pinball game with prolonged development that delayed Thiel's income in 2015; finally completed allowing him to work on Alien and Dialed In simultaneously.
2016 JJP wide-body release; 4,000 produced; Black Arrow Edition final revision with all quality fixes; theme praised but playfield criticized as open/floaty; compatible with precision flippers
Deep ruleset game Alex owned during COVID pandemic; example of game with long play times (45+ minutes per good game).
Jersey Jack Pinball game; featured in early factory visit with Buffalo Pinball (July 2016); planned as machine for potential Kevin vs. Joe battle
Jersey Jack Pinball game based on J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit featuring Smaug dragon toy; subject of extended design process discussion
Jersey Jack Pinball release (2016); featured LCD on both playfield and backglass
Jersey Jack Pinball game; discussed as lengthy, immersive, beginner-friendly experience priced ~$6,000; playfield seconds available for art
Previous Jersey Jack license; Eric Meunier involved; had one character unavailable due to licensing; mentioned as precedent for character licensing negotiations
Jersey Jack Pinball machine; Limited Edition version with 27-inch HD screen, shaker motor, bronze powder coat finish, and Invisals feature
Jersey Jack Pinball game from 2014, their second ever release; widebody machine with complex mode structure and thematic design
2016 licensed fantasy pinball game; production difficulties; community negative reaction to initial art at Expo; underwent art redesign before release
Jersey Jack game that doesn't appeal to Rhodes
Joe Bousler design; Gabe owns; too heavy to transport to show; part of personal collection.
JJP title discussed for mode structure issues; hosts criticize lack of coherent end-goal wizard mode
JJP game; praised as one of Jack's great designs
JJP game, Joe owned NIB unit, lost ~$2000 USD on resale, criticized for poor tutorial/accessibility, had rule set issues, received final code update after Joe sold
Referenced as pinnacle example of video asset integration in pinball; contrasted with Jurassic Park's licensing limitations
Pinball machine cited by Mueller as non-functional
Jersey Jack title; complex 31-mode ruleset; hexagonal grid LCD interface; underwent significant playfield redesign post-Expo
Referenced as example of game with ball-interactive toys
Referenced in code discussion; final wizard mode was added after community feedback; example of how adding wizard mode can improve games