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Big Bang Bar

gameactive84 mentionsFirst seen Oct 11, 2004Last seen Mar 16, 2026

Profile

Big Bang Bar is a rare Capcom pinball game originally designed in 1996 but never reached full production, with only 8-14 prototypes manufactured. The game features artwork by Stanley Fu and was subsequently remade by Gene Cunningham (producing 173-214 units between 2004-2007) and later by Pedretti Gaming. It has become a highly coveted collector's item with secondary market values of $18,000-$30,000, known for strong flippers and proprietary parts that make it difficult to maintain.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • manufacturesGene CunninghamGene Cunningham remade Big Bang Bar, producing 173-214 units between 2004-2007medium
  • affiliated_withStanley FuStanley Fu created artwork for Big Bang Bar; created new art package for recent remake before passing awaymedium
  • manufacturesPedretti GamingPedretti Gaming is remaking Big Bang Bar with expected production and Pinball Expo revealmedium
  • affiliated_withMelvin WilliamsMelvin Williams developed prototype that Pedretti Gaming acquired for remake projectmedium
  • designedMelvin Williams

Facts

  • achievementKerry Stair established production processes for Big Bang Barhighfrom 2005
  • achievementRemade by Gene Cunningham with 173-214 units producedmediumfrom 2004 until 2007
  • achievementOriginal artwork created by Stanley Fuhighfrom 1996
  • achievementOriginal game designed by Capcom in 1996highfrom 1996
  • attributeConsidered unlikely to generate significant market excitement compared to newer titlesmediumfrom 2025-09
  • attributeFeatures strong flippers in original designhigh

Claims (11)

  • factualmedium

    Original Big Bang Bar translight omitted 'Bar' due to silk-screening error; new Pedretti version will correct this

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1130: "Kaneda's Exclusive News About Upcoming Game!!!"
  • rumormedium

    Big Bang Bar remake coming from unspecified international manufacturer with ~250 units production

    Source: KanedaKaneda's Pinball Saturday Morning Spectacular - August 23
  • factualhigh

    Big Bang Bar is being remade by an unspecified manufacturer

    Source: KanedaEpisode 1126: "Kaneda Confirms Some Rumors"
  • factualhigh

    Big Bang Bar was subsequently manufactured by Pinball Manufacturing Inc./Illinois Pin Ball with under 200 units built

Recent Mentions (84)

  • Classic pinball game; owned by Silver Ball Country Club collector (bought new); played by Fresh Pinball crew; first time several hosts had played it under good conditions with audio.

    Texas Pinball Festival Travel FuelMar 16, 2026
  • Classic pinball game being remade; 250 units in production; manufacturer likely Spooky (not CGC per Don's speculation)

    Don's Pinball Podcast Sunday Livestream 8/31/25Sep 1, 2025
  • Classic Bally game, potential remake discussed but Don skeptical due to dated theme and layout limitations

    Don's Pinball Podcast Livestream 9/28/25Sep 29, 2025
  • Pinball machine mentioned as example of limited-run independent release with mixed player reception; referenced in context of new manufacturer quality concerns.

    Episode 8 - Dead Pool vs DOA PinsAug 8, 2018
  • Chicago Gaming Company classic remake candidate; mixed listener feedback (boring vs. good aesthetics); up for consideration as CGC's third remake

    Episode 23 - Pinball HorizonsNov 19, 2018
  • Rumored Pedretti Gaming remake announcement at Expo; ultra-rare original; debate over strategy vs. Theater of Magic.

Contradictions

  • Existing: Gene Cunningham produced 173-214 remakes (citations vary: 173 in mention 33, 182 in mention 25, 183 in mention 30, 214 in mention 15)vsConflicting: Significant discrepancy in production numbers across reliable sources
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Pedretti Gaming handling primary recent remake efforts (mentions 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 20, 22)vsConflicting: Mention 16 indicates Progetti Gaming (not Pedretti) planning remake with Fast Pinball boards; mention 35 suggests Pinball Legends as alternative revival entity
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Design credit attributed to Gene Cunningham (mentions 25, 26, 28, 33, 36)vsConflicting: Python Anghelo claims full design concept credit in mention 30, stating Cunningham and Morrison took credit for his work
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Re-engineered the Big Bang Bar remake using original Williams files and molds; created prototype licensed to Padron Games
medium
  • producesGene CunninghamProduced approximately 182-214 remake units of Big Bang Bar between 2004-2007medium
  • from 1996
  • attributeSecondary market value $18,000-$30,000 for original unitshighfrom 2025
  • attributePedretti Gaming remake based on Melvin Williams prototypehighfrom 2025-09
  • attributeThird Capcom Pinball game with multiple modes requiring diverse musical themesmediumfrom 1996
  • roleGene Cunningham led remake of Big Bang Barhighfrom 2004 until 2007
  • statusProjekt Gaming planning alternative remake with Fast Pinball boardsmediumfrom 2025-12
  • statusApproximately 250 units planned for Pedretti Gaming remakehighfrom 2025-08
  • statusBeing remade by Pedretti Gaminghighfrom 2025-09
  • status14 prototypes manufactured by Capcom before company ceased pinball operationshighfrom 1996 until 1996
  • Source: Pinball NewsSTAN FUKUOKA DIES
  • factualhigh

    Capcom manufactured only 10 units of Big Bang Bar before cancellation

    Source: Manu SmithThat time I Big Bang Bar'ed twice in one game: Big Bang Bar VPW (Capcom 1996)
  • factualhigh

    Big Bang Bar never made it to arcades during its original release

    Source: Manu SmithThat time I Big Bang Bar'ed twice in one game: Big Bang Bar VPW (Capcom 1996)
  • factualhigh

    Manu achieved Big Bang Bar (major mode award) twice in a single game on this session

    Source: Manu SmithThat time I Big Bang Bar'ed twice in one game: Big Bang Bar VPW (Capcom 1996)
  • opinionmedium

    Big Bang Bar's high secondary market prices are driven primarily by scarcity rather than exceptional gameplay quality.

    Source: Don's assessment based on VP gameplay experience and comparison to Strange ScienceDPP #8 "News! Hot Takes! Big Bang Bar? Dealer Spotlight!"
  • factualhigh

    Only 14 units of Big Bang Bar were produced before Capcom pulled the plug

    Source: Knapp ArcadePorn and Punching Bags...The Collapse of Capcom Pinball
  • factualhigh

    Big Bang Bar secondary market price is $20,000+

    Source: MartinEpisode 119 – Where No Pinhead Has Gone Before
  • opinionmedium

    Big Bang Bar has the most sexually explicit content of any pinball machine ever produced

    Source: MartinEpisode 119 – Where No Pinhead Has Gone Before
  • The Pinball Show Ep 182 BONUS: Dirty Dots & Other Pindustry News
    Sep 23, 2025
  • Capcom game, fourth in poll (10%); surprised hosts due to it being non-Bally/Williams title; licensing questioned

    The Pinball Show Ep 169 BONUS: The Next Pedretti Game: Looking Deeper Into The Poll ResultsJan 28, 2025
  • Capcom pinball game (1996) with only 14 original prototypes; remade by Gene Cunningham (2006-2007) as 183 units; regarded as 'greatest game never to reach production'; notable for electroluminescent lights on plastic ramps and tube dancer feature

    The Capcom Debacle Part 2: Illinois PinBall Inc.Jan 28, 2024
  • Licensed classic remake; rights held by Planetary Pinball; experiencing manufacturing delays; rumored to be manufactured in-house by Planetary Pinball

    Episode 767: "Is There A Better Batman?"Feb 7, 2023
  • 1998 game by Cunningham; Todd mentions giving $2,400 deposit in 2001 and waiting 3-4 years for completion as historical precedent for problematic preorder practices

    Episode 666: "Mr. Todd Tuckey"Apr 7, 2022
  • Rare 1996 Capcom prototype pinball machine with only ~10 units produced; never released to arcades; features artwork by Stanley Fu; subject of this stream

    That time I Big Bang Bar'ed twice in one game: Big Bang Bar VPW (Capcom 1996)Mar 30, 2023
  • Rare game discussed as host's first purchase; debate whether it's genuinely good or valuable due to rarity

    S294: Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) Stern - Part 2Jun 24, 2020
  • Classic game discussed; designed by Mark Ritchie; almost-magnet game; low production numbers; revival/remake discussion mentioned

    Stream 630: Mandalorian (Stern) PremiumJul 21, 2023
  • #3 most overrated; Capcom rare game; hosts believe rarity-driven hype, not actual gameplay, drives value

    Top 10 Most Overrated Pinball Machines Of All TimeJan 10, 2021
  • Keith Elwin design referenced as example of designer's mastery; features similar hairpin figure-8 shot style

    Jaws Pinball Review (SDTM, 2024)Jun 15, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine; reproduction/reissue cited as having damaged hobby by encouraging speculative collecting over gameplay enjoyment

    Episode 138 - So Which Came First?Apr 4, 2021
  • Original Capcom pinball from 1990s; approximately 120 remake versions produced; Planetary Pinball Supply filing trademarks suggests new reproduction planned

    Episode 186 - Big Bang PlungeFeb 5, 2023
  • Remake/reboot pinball game that appreciated dramatically on secondary market (original backing ~$4,500, current value $20,000-$30,000+); identified as the catalyst that normalized speculation and flipping in boutique pinball market.

    Episode 66 - Mrs. Pin in Da House!Jul 15, 2018
  • Rare pinball machine with goofy space theme; only ~12 in existence; priced around $40,000; first impressed Foghorn Leghorn at Free Play Florida event

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 68 - Craft Brew Sally's Ladies Flip, Blue Ribbon and Snoop D. O. Double G!Mar 20, 2025
  • Game Kyle camped on at VFW; achieved personal high scores due to fresh condition and less crowd pressure

    Vintage Flipper WorldMay 25, 2024
  • Capcom pinball remake by PMI; remake announced October 2004, delivered to European buyers July 2006; originally never produced by Capcom

    Shipping OutAug 5, 2006
  • Capcom Pinball design that never went into full production; later manufactured as prototype by Illinois Pin Ball with Stan's artwork; under 200 units built

    STAN FUKUOKA DIESAug 28, 2024
  • Gene Cunningham production; delayed from March to November 2005; still incomplete at year-end; expectations high for release in 2006

    Review of the YearDec 23, 2005
  • Classic pinball machine being reproduced by PMI; original announcement October 2004, final delivery June 2007; $4,500 retail price for reproduction

    Pigs Cleared for Take-offJun 3, 2007
  • Ultra-rare Capcom pinball machine with only 14 prototypes; subject of 111-unit remake project by Gene Cunningham

    More Bang for Your BucksOct 11, 2004
  • Capcom 1997 classic; previously remade by Illinois Pinball; trademark filings suggest new remake planned

    More Remakes of Classic Pinball Machines Are ComingJun 27, 2023
  • Rare 1990s Capcom pinball machine with only 8-14 prototypes; subject of remake rumors for summer 2023 release

    Pinball Heaven: Capcom’s Big Bang Bar in Pre-Production, to be Released This SummerJun 21, 2023
  • Capcom pinball machine; subject of unconfirmed rumors about Dutch Pinball remake

    Possible Evidence that A Different Company is Now Working on a Capcom Pinball Kingpin RemakeFeb 21, 2023
  • Planetary Pinball trademark filing identified in USPTO database

    Jaws, Godfather, Wednesday Addams, Pink Floyd & Other Interesting Live Pinball Machine TrademarksFeb 7, 2023
  • Rare Capcom pinball machine from 1999 (part of Pinball 2000 series); subject of remake plans; trademarks filed by Planetary Pinball

    Planetary Pinball Filed Trademarks for Big Bang Bar at the End of 2022Feb 2, 2023
  • Rare Capcom pinball machine; subject of recent remake rumors mentioned in article

    The Paperboy of Pinball Machines that Almost WasJan 23, 2023
  • Capcom machine; separate Capcom remake rumor mentioned as breaking news same day

    RUMOR: A Large Order Has Been Placed for Twilight Zone Pinball RampsJan 18, 2023
  • Rare Capcom pinball machine from 1996 with limited original production; subject of remake rumor; known for complex history and high collector desirability

    RUMOR: Unexpected Company to Remake One of the World's Rarest Pinball Machines This SpringJan 18, 2023
  • Capcom pinball game (1996) with only 14 units produced; later remade by Gene Cunningham

    Porn and Punching Bags...The Collapse of Capcom PinballMar 31, 2022
  • Rare Capcom pinball; third revival attempt by new manufacturer; high secondary market prices due to scarcity; Don critiques gameplay via VP version

    DPP #8 "News! Hot Takes! Big Bang Bar? Dealer Spotlight!"Jan 22, 2023
  • Pinball table where Chris Franchi excelled in tournament, scoring 35 million with nearest competitor at 10 million

    Forum Questions Part 2Sep 1, 2015
  • Pinball table displayed at Arcade Expo in curtained 'Pinball After Dark' section; noted as looking phenomenal under black light

    Musical Eff Chimes, or Arcade Expo 2016Jan 18, 2016
  • Original Capcom game from late 1990s never in full production; remade in late 2000s with ~100 units; being remade again in spring 2023

    BDYETP 75: Danesi leads next P3 release, BBB Re-Remake, Scooby Updates, Cheater Ramps, Q&AFeb 12, 2023
  • Capcom 1996 game; rumored to be remade by Pedretti Gaming

    What Other Pinball Machines are Coming in 2026? Halo, Goonies, Back to the Future & More…Dec 26, 2025
  • Speculation points to potential Expo reveal/announcement; Don expresses skepticism about this rumor

    DPP #203 "Pinball company theme game! Industry news!"Aug 31, 2025
  • Capcom game redesigned and built into 183 machines by Gene Cunningham; originally only 9 prototypes existed; project cost Gene over $100,000

    Pinball Industy News: November 2019 Re-capDec 4, 2019
  • Referenced as design precedent for behind-flipper shot mechanic seen in Legends of Valhalla

    Episode 184: Legends of Valhalla pinball from Riot PinballMar 10, 2019
  • Rare classic pinball game featured at Sunshine Laundromat venue

    Episode 7: Steven Bowden, Fun With BonusNov 29, 2016
  • Rare Capcom pinball table from 1996; speculated as potential future re-release candidate

    Zen Pinball FX News UnpackedFeb 6, 2021
  • Classic game; whitewood photos leaked and traced to Melvin Williams; speculation about potential remake connection

    What Are Pinball Legends?Oct 2, 2025
  • Rare Capcom game; Don critiques its mythical status as inflated by scarcity rather than gameplay quality

    Quick bonus showAug 27, 2025
  • Rare collectible game used as comparison for Predator's predicted future scarcity value

    Pinpals Ep 11 - 2025 Pinpals Awards ShowFeb 5, 2026
  • Remake/reproduction project where Kerry helped establish production processes and quality standards in 2005; subject of significant discussion.

    TOPCast 12: Kerry StairMar 9, 2007
  • Classic game being potentially revived under Pinball Legends; Don doubts commercial viability despite possible improvements; considers it poor use of ~$15,500 investment

    DPP #208 "Big Trouble in Chicago"Oct 4, 2025
  • Pinball game where Kerry Stare worked with Gene Cunningham; project that prompted NAPA alliance formation discussion

    TOPCast 15: James LoflinMar 16, 2007
  • Capcom pinball game remade by Cunningham; 173 units produced with significant technical challenges

    TOPCast 11: Gene CunninghamMar 6, 2007
  • Capcom pinball game with Stan's artwork; later remade by Gene Cunningham for full production run; never reached full production at Capcom

    TOPCast 52: Stan FukuokaFeb 6, 2008
  • Third Capcom Pinball game designed with multiple modes requiring diverse musical themes

    TOPCast 43: Jeff PowellJul 8, 2007
  • Capcom game; Python credits himself with full design concept including dancing lady inspired by beer mug; claims Gene Cunningham/Rob Morrison took credit and produced 183 units

    TOPCast 42: Python AngheloJul 1, 2007
  • Prototype pinball game by Illinois Pinball; not physically present at either show despite high community interest; expected release within month from Rocky Mountain show date

    TOPCast 31: Tech showApr 29, 2007
  • Limited edition game (111+ units) designed by Gene Cunningham, delivered to European customers in summer 2006

    TOPCast 27: Jonathan JoostenApr 15, 2007
  • Game mentioned as giveaway at Texas Pinball Festival at $28,000 value per unit

    TOPCast 26: Tech showApr 15, 2007
  • Remake available at Texas Pinball Festival; two units present (regular and gold); silent auction pricing starting at $10,000-$12,000

    TOPCast 19: Tech showMar 25, 2007
  • Unreleased 1996 Capcom pinball prototype; 14 prototypes made before Capcom ceased operations; remade by Gene Cunningham (182 units, 2004-2007)

    CLEPIN 2025: Stephen Prusa's Big Bang Bar Pinball BuildSep 13, 2025
  • 1996 Capcom Pinball game; alternative Pedretti remake possibility alongside TOTAN

    Big News About Upcoming Bally Williams Pinball RemakesDec 31, 2025
  • Rumored candidate for Pedretti's next remake; community speculation before Theatre of Magic theory emerged

    New Details on the Next Bally Williams Pinball RemakeJan 2, 2026
  • Resurrected prototype; Pedretti Gaming handling production; Don skeptical of revival necessity

    DPP# 206 "Fall of the Pinball Empire?"Sep 18, 2025
  • Classic Capcom pinball with 10 original units; historical fire destroyed warehouse inventory; rumored Pedretti Gaming revival attempt; heavily sought after with mythical status; hosts have played twice at high-end collector locations.

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 82 - Expo Prep And An International Man Of Mystery!Sep 25, 2025
  • Prototype remade by Pedretti Gaming at Lumberjack Dave's collection; hosts appreciate as desirable but impossible-to-own machine

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 85 - New Games and Books and Lumberjack Awesomeness!Nov 13, 2025
  • Remake/re-release criticized as artificial scarcity play; original limited to ~200 units; reissue expected to cannibalize secondary market value

    We Are Pinball #43 "WAP is back! Star Wars no hype?"Sep 3, 2025
  • Capcom original being remade by unnamed manufacturer; Kaneda criticizes adding company logo to artwork

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Aug 30Aug 31, 2025
  • Pedretti Gaming title; Kaneda skeptical of its appeal

    Episode 1132: "Why The Star Wars Launch Kills Me Inside"Sep 5, 2025
  • Referenced as comparison point for proprietary parts scarcity and difficulty sourcing replacement plastics

    Episode 43 – Zombie Yeti (Jeremy Packer) interview on Iron MaidenMay 14, 2018
  • Progetti Gaming planning remake with Fast Pinball boards; expected to improve on original Funhaus version

    Episode 1166: "Pinball Things I'm Thankful For"Dec 3, 2025
  • Original Bally Williams design from 1998; 8 prototypes made; Gene Cunningham produced 214 remakes; now being remade by Pedretti Gaming; secondary market value $18,000-$30,000

    Episode 1130: "Kaneda's Exclusive News About Upcoming Game!!!"Sep 1, 2025
  • Classic pinball game being remade by Pedretti Gaming; image leaked, confirmation by Kaneda

    Episode 1133: "NEW PIN WEEK!!!!!!"Sep 8, 2025
  • Pedretti Gaming remake; expected reveal at Expo

    Episode 1136: "Thoughts After Seeing More Star Wars Gameplay"Sep 15, 2025
  • Prototype remade by Pedretti Gaming; Melvin Williams not involved; positive design changes noted but not implemented

    FREE SHOW: EPISODE 1140: "Kaneda's 4am Takedown of Stern Pinball That Everyone at Stern Needs to Hear!"Sep 24, 2025
  • Classic game; sequel was in development (artist completed art package before death); remake/sequel interest low

    Saturday Morning Spectacular July 26Jul 27, 2025
  • Rumored Stern remake in development; expected 2026

    Episode 1147: "The Eve of Expo"Oct 13, 2025
  • Planned release from Pinball Brothers/Pedretti Gaming; rumored to potentially not appear at Pinball Expo due to manufacturing partner financial strain

    Episode 1139: "Has Stern Experienced 3 Strikes in a Row?"Sep 23, 2025
  • Classic pinball game being remade; original artist created new art package before passing away (per Kaneda's exclusive news)

    Episode 1125: "The Price of Pinball Content Freedom"Aug 19, 2025
  • Padron Games remake; based on Melvin Williams prototype; subject of community debate about quality

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Sept 27Sep 27, 2025
  • Upcoming remake with 250 unit production, new art package by Stanley, improved mechanics

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Take 2Aug 31, 2025
  • Game cited as unlikely to generate significant market excitement

    Episode 1135: "Kaneda Got a Bad Feeling About Star Wars - First Impression Review"Sep 13, 2025
  • Capcom pinball title; ~100 units manufactured by Cunningham's Illinois Pinball Company from original parts; coveted game selling for $20k+ on secondary market; features strong flippers; controversial but highly valued

    Episode 119 – Where No Pinhead Has Gone BeforeDec 2, 2019
  • Classic game being remade by unnamed manufacturer; Kaneda warns current owners that remake is 'undeniably coming' and recommends listing machines for sale.

    Episode 1126: "Kaneda Confirms Some Rumors"Aug 22, 2025
  • Classic pinball game receiving a remake from unnamed manufacturer with ~250 units planned; features new artwork by late Stanley Fu

    Kaneda's Pinball Saturday Morning Spectacular - August 23Aug 24, 2025
  • Classic game with prototype developed by Melvin; acquired by Pedretti Gaming for remake

    Episode 1141: "Spooky Said Whaaaaaaaaat?"Sep 26, 2025
  • Existing: Remake by Gene Cunningham occurred 2004-2007 (mention 25)vsConflicting: Mention 36 references Kerry Stair establishing production processes in 2005, suggesting earlier timeline
    [Triage: Kerry Stair's 2005 production process establishment represents an earlier phase within the broader 2004-2007 remake period by Gene Cunningham, indicating a sequential progression of development activities rather than conflicting claims.]
    Resolved
    temporal_progression · Feb 21, 2026
  • Existing: Gene Cunningham produced 173 units (mention 33) or 182 units (mention 25) or 183 units (mention 30) or 214 units (mention 15)vsConflicting: Multiple sources report different production quantities ranging from 111+ to 214 units across 2004-2007 remake period
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Original Capcom prototypes: 8 prototypes (mention 15), 9 prototypes (mention 43), 10 original units (mention 21), or 14 prototypes (mention 25)vsConflicting: Sources disagree on exact number of original Capcom prototypes made before production ceased
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Original Capcom production was 14 prototypes (mention 25)vsConflicting: Mention 21 states 10 original units; mention 30 implies different designer attribution
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Designer attribution: Gene Cunningham and Rob Morrison credited (mention 30) vs. Python Anghelo claiming full design concept (mention 30)vsConflicting: Python Anghelo credits himself with full design concept including dancing lady inspiration, claims Cunningham/Morrison took credit
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026