Oktoberfest is a Bavarian festival-themed pinball machine developed and released by American Pinball in 2018. Designed by Joe Balzer, the game features 14 tent modes, a challenging left ramp, roller coaster ramp mechanics above the flipper, and notably long gameplay (53+ minutes for four-player games). The machine received generally positive reception despite initial skepticism about the theme and faced some artwork controversy; it was later retired but has received surprise code updates under new ownership (Vincent) as of 2026.
No aliases
Oktoberfest pinball has weak flipper strength that prevents enjoying challenging ramp shots
American Pinball Oktoberfest is seldom seen
Oktoberfest did not sell well
Oktoberfest's poor Twippies Awards performance is attributable to limited venue exposure due to cancelled shows and low geographic availability
Upcoming pinball title with Bavarian theme; features innovative toys and magnets; brief discussion of community reaction to theme
Will be revealed at Pinball Expo
American Pinball's second game; bright festival theme with floaty gameplay; improved animations in later code updates
American Pinball machine with early-stage software issues; has corkscrew ramp, drop target, multiball exploit, non-functional upper ramp shot; no price announced yet
AP's current game; plagued by magnetized ball issues in gameplay; subject of Dave's recent educational video about carbon steel ratings and lock switches
American Pinball ranked #5 by Dennis; designed by Joe Balser; poor art, weak theme, initial artwork scandal involving monkey; decent build quality but fell short of Houdini
No linked glossary terms
Oktoberfest has been very reliable at Penn Skate Arcade
Oktoberfest is priced at $7,400 USD and includes widebody blades
Oktoberfest features a one-handed play mode controlled by dual-flipper button configuration for magnet operation
Oktoberfest game involves visiting 14 different tents as core gameplay structure
Oktoberfest features a lift ramp that goes up almost to the glass with a physical ball lock on top
Oktoberfest art package is less strong and bold than comparable titles like Houdini Master of Mystery
Oktoberfest features 14 main tent modes based on Munich's original Oktoberfest
Every playfield shot in Oktoberfest has strategic value and purpose from a scoring perspective
The game includes a one-handed play mode allowing players to control flippers while holding a beer
Oktoberfest is the first pinball game with three buttons since Deadpool (3-4 years prior).
Oktoberfest will be better received than Dialed In due to stronger theme execution and broader appeal
Unreleased American Pinball machine; primary expected reveal at Pinball Expo; Nirmal Vasini interview may provide unreleased details
American Pinball's upcoming game; announced at Vancouver show; themed around Bavarian festival; features three-button design (first in 3-4 years); playable at Expo; designed by Joe Balcer with Josh Kuhler coding; Joe Schober assisting on code.
American Pinball title; upcoming reveal Thursday night at Expo; Bavarian festival theme; features food frenzy mode and potential beer mode
American Pinball title in development; artwork package distributed to retailers; features bartender and stylized female character; planned reveal at Chicago Pinball Expo
American Pinball's newest release, designed by Joel Balser; revealed at Expo with German-themed art and vibrant playfield
American Pinball's second release by designer Balcer; priced at $7,400; experiencing artwork controversy over monkey grabbing woman's buttocks on backglass
American Pinball game; originally revealed October 2018; re-revealed at TPF with artwork changes; mustache girl plastic artwork controversial/modified
American Pinball game; featured on Special When Lit Monday Twitch streams
American Pinball title, announced October 2018 at Pinball Expo, has 30-40 units shipping to operators/locations, still in pre-order phase, theme was initially polarizing
American Pinball game receiving major code update with new graphics, animations, Stein Slinging wizard mode, voice talent, and family-friendly/adult mode toggle
American Pinball game; recently received major audio/visual update; selling well internationally, especially in Brazil; continuous code/animation updates in progress.
American Pinball game receiving positive feedback after recent code updates
American Pinball title; received new code update with new animations; streaming event with Josh and Dan from American Pinball
American Pinball title being showcased at Helicon Brewing event; autographed stein giveaway for high score
American Pinball game; focus of production after Houdini discontinued; recent code updates praised
American Pinball title; described as 'jam-packed for $7,500'; shown at DPO Expo Netherlands; first units shipped to Switzerland
American Pinball title; second release; criticized for artwork and animations but praised for thematic appeal; graphics updated post-launch
American Pinball title with prototype machines available; pending code updates
Machine Ron played extensively at Pintastic; received code update increasing right flipper power when left ramp comes down
American Pinball title currently in production; ramping up in earnest in new year
American Pinball's second major release. Joe Balser's long-desired theme concept. Original art concept was 'Oktoberfest meets Mad Magazine meets Heavy Metal' which lost direction during production. Subject of art redesign post-reveal (Inga character changed). Josh Kugler critical of final art package. Less commercially successful than Houdini due to narrower theme appeal.
Upcoming American Pinball game; next title after previous releases
American Pinball title; market apparently saturated
American Pinball's beer-themed game; cited as example of non-traditional theme that received community criticism
American Pinball title at MGC; disappointing in person due to muddy artwork, flow issues, and difficult beer barrel shot
Recent pinball machine with cheesy theme, corkscrew wireform, keg multiball, and nudge-based ball save mechanics
American Pinball title; Kaneda notes heavily loaded mechanical game but criticizes artwork; suggests re-skin opportunity
American Pinball title with limited production openings; no further production planned for 2023
Pinball release; community consensus that artwork/theme is universally disliked
Stern release; theme initially disappointing to some but redeemed by code depth and mechanical features; extensive magnets
American Pinball machine; featured at American Pinball's open house event; part of their current production pipeline
American Pinball game; coded by Josh Kugler; Kaneda claims it sold under 1,000 units
American Pinball machine recently acquired by Ian; 14 modes; featured extensively in personal news segment
Pinball machine at Stack Brewing with weak flippers and steep ramps; Foghorn played it and struggled with shot difficulty
American Pinball title; Josh Kugler creating 3D sculpts for (Octo character); part of claimed four-line production setup
American Pinball title being revealed at Pinball Expo; features mystery right-side button; Nirmal Basani confirmed this feature
Pinball game previously streamed without tilt bob
Joe Balser's previous game at American Pinball; criticized as poor theme choice; implied to have underperformed
American Pinball game; ranked #1 worst art package; heavily criticized for chaotic, multi-style collision of artwork and terrible theme execution
American Pinball title priced at $7,500; in Scott Ian's collection; subject of potential sale/trade discussion
Pinball machine Scott Ian sold to fund Creature restoration parts
Stern pinball machine being sold by Scott Ian, currently priced at $6,800-$7,000
American Pinball machine with open IP; described as having more open/fast flow compared to Houdini
Steven Martin reports hearing it's very fun but it underperformed at Twippies despite beer theme appeal, hasn't played it yet
American Pinball game owned by Drew; described as approachable for casual players; family-friendly gameplay noted
American Pinball title; Josh and hosts express strong desire to own this game; noted as having complex, deep code
Stern Pinball game, Jonathan traded away due to difficulty and shot tightness
Drew's target machine to trade for; willing to add cash on top of Whitewater trade; interested in acquiring this year
Pinball machine mentioned as comparison point, considered weaker in art, discussed in Poll of the Week concept
American Pinball game; owned by Scott Ian; has gap feature for shooter lane recovery
Pinball machine listed for $5,000+ in used market; both hosts considering acquisition
Existing machine in Scott Ian's collection; discussed as potential trade-off if acquiring Deep Root Pinball machine
American Pinball game; recently updated with new code; theme-appropriate for beer-themed bars; Scott Ian enthusiastic about acquiring despite already owning Whitewater
The Games title; performed poorly in Twippies Awards voting; hosts attribute to limited venue exposure
Drew planning to rent machine rather than sell; estimates ~$83/year rental rate per chat member
Pinball game played by hosts; featured dribble scoop issue similar to Monster Bash; played at UpDown
Stern pinball game being sold by Drew; described as fun but less appealing than Deadpool; recipient to pick up approximately May 15th.
American Pinball game; praised for code quality and mechanics but criticized as feeling cheaper/lighter than Willy Wonka; themed appropriately with magnet-driven beer-themed shots
Spooky Pinball rerun game; Drew's current favorite; plays all week; never leaving his collection
Pinball game with carnival/drinking theme; referenced in theme discussion context
American Pinball title in production; using 3D-printed components; features pinball personality on backglass
American Pinball title; in supply chain (shipping containers); equipped with dollar bill and credit card reader for barcade use
American Pinball game; more units promised; parts affected by Pacific shipping container loss; improvements will be retroactively applied to all existing units
American Pinball machine; features beer barrel and coaster lock mechanisms prone to unwanted multiball issues
American Pinball pinball machine being used as subject for spinner adjustment and replacement tutorial
American Pinball title used as example machine in skill shot tutorial; features multiple skill shot opportunities on plunge
American Pinball title compatible with standard daisy-chain connector topper lighting
Primary game featured in troubleshooting demonstration
American Pinball game in active production, shown on playfield assembly line during tour
Previous American Pinball release mentioned in teaser
American Pinball machine; subject of this coil replacement instructional video
American Pinball title; comparison point for game design depth and shooting mechanics
American Pinball release; colorful theme with many toys; fun playfield but needs code polish; improving with updates; Greg prefers it over Black Knight thematically
American Pinball title cited as example of strong theme integration alongside Houdini
Upcoming pinball game from American Pinball designer (inferred to be Joe Balzer), anticipated by Matt Scott based on Houdini's quality
Second pinball machine by American Pinball; unlicensed Bavarian festival theme with 14 tent modes, multiple multiballs, and amusement park aesthetic
American Pinball game featured in This or That segment as a new title choice.
American Pinball's Oktoberfest-themed game revealed at 2018 Expo; features large lift ramp, multiball modes, German theme with female character artwork, smooth shot quality
American Pinball pinball machine with Bavarian beer theme, featured extensively in gameplay
Bavarian festival-themed pinball machine being unboxed; first production unit; features roller coaster ramp, bumper cars, bar artwork, shaker motor, 2.1 channel sound system
Pinball machine with bar door mechanism requiring troubleshooting support
American Pinball's second game title; Bavarian beer/dachshund themed; features tall ramp and membrane switch lock
New pinball machine from American Pinball featuring carnival/festival theming with 14 tent modes, multiple multiballs, innovative mechanics, and one-handed play option; announced at Pinball Expo
Previous American Pinball game; heavy mode-oriented design with steins and tents; contrasted with Hot Wheels' approachable orientation
American Pinball's second title; poor-selling game criticized for inconsistent art across cabinet, playfield, mechs, and display; had good gameplay mechanics but music was annoying
American Pinball game with approximately 420 units sold; officially retired by company in late 2024
American Pinball title; features corkscrew ramp and other innovative mechanics; just being revealed at Expo; featured in 'This or That' segment as new vs. classic choice
American Pinball's second pinball machine announced at Expo 2018; features 14 tent modes, dual multiballs, player-controlled magnets, and one-handed play option
Speaker had not played since TPF 2019; made strategic error choosing wrong multiball mode; first ball resulted in 4,000 points; took second place with ~700,000 points
Upcoming American Pinball machine with family-friendly theme, three flippers, open playfield, planned October reveal at Pinball Expo
Upcoming American Pinball game with playfield by Joe Balser; rules/code designed by Joe Schober and Josh Kugler; early in development process; themed around festival concept, not just beer
American Pinball game with no licensing restrictions; still in active production
American Pinball prior game; improved shot geometry over Houdini but still had difficult shots like barrel lock
American Pinball's second title; widely panned for both theme and gameplay; sales poor
American Pinball game; deluxe model being simplified in production
American Pinball game; reportedly did not sell well; designed by Joe Balzer
Jersey Jack game; on route at 403 Club; initially seemed fun but became less enjoyable with extended play; criticized as their worst of three releases; also had flipper strength issues
American Pinball game designed by Dave Fix; criticized as overly long, with poor shot design (too tight); example of Fix's design failures
Referenced as example of overly busy art package
American Pinball's second game; recently received major code update with new animations, mechanical ramp fix, music changes, and adult mode content
Machine with rollercoaster ramp; acquired from Flippin' Out Pinball
American Pinball's second title, revealed October 2018
American Pinball's second title; had extended cabinet side rails
Second American Pinball game; released prior to Hot Wheels
American Pinball machine; inaugural game streamed on Flippin' Out Pinball channel (first three weeks); compared favorably to Black Knight
Chris (chat participant) has machine; shirt will be returned via Dak; associated with Ken's acquaintances
American Pinball game featuring Bavarian beer-drinking theme; corkscrew wireform; approximately 14 modes; being rotated off Flippin' Out Pinball stream
New pinball machine being streamed and reviewed; developed with Josh Kugler and Joe Schober as code developers
Newest American Pinball title; theme-based game with tent modes, stein power-ups, juggling multiball; party/social game focus
Second American Pinball release designed by Joe Balcer
American Pinball game previously in production (prior year reference)
American Pinball title; in active production during tour
Arcade game by Mr. Arcade EU; remake of Ice Cold Beer with beverage vending, thermal printer, ticket dispenser integration
American Pinball game; production run completed; units in stock
American Pinball title in production
American Pinball title currently in production that shares components with Houdini
American Pinball 2018 machine; described as seldom seen; thematically appropriate for brewery setting
American Pinball game featuring Otto figure being modded
American Pinball game; physical mod in development targeting reliability improvements
American Pinball title currently in production on assembly line
American Pinball title programmed by Josh Kugler
American Pinball game receiving final current-spec Deluxe Edition in Late April/May before manufacturing changes
American Pinball game scheduled for May production (200 Deluxe units), receiving team play code addition
American Pinball 2018 title available at Penn Skate
American Pinball 2018 release; uncommon title featured at Ayce Gogi
American Pinball pinball machine; high fun factor with multiple shots and modes; most-played game during visit
Stern pinball; features steep left corkscrew ramp; flipper power insufficient initially, later coded to increase power
American Pinball title; code update coming soon per Kaz correspondent segment
American Pinball title; receiving code updates; continuing post-release support
American Pinball title; received code update v20.09.19 with boot improvements, new light shows, call-outs, lock switch adjustments
American Pinball title; cited as example of flipper/button code accessibility customization
American Pinball title; has left-side ramp difficulty issue; MSRP $7,395
Rumored title for American Pinball game two; whitewood mostly complete, code implementation beginning
American Pinball game replacing Houdini rerun in production schedule using new-style cabinets and hardware
Pinball game; first game where single-side flipper controls were observed
Rumored second game from Spooky Pinball. Features three flippers and different mechanics. Theme-unannounced details speculation by Gabe.
American Pinball's pinball machine being demonstrated; features Mad Magazine-inspired American Oktoberfest theme, various modes, magnet mechanics, and coaster ramp
American Pinball title; newly updated with team play co-op mode code
American Pinball's second game; advancement over Houdini; designed for barcade market segment.
American Pinball game receiving new run with updated cabinet and electronic systems
Referenced as example of American Pinball's game quality and support issues David Fix addressed
American Pinball's new release revealed at Expo 2018; fairground-themed with double-flipper button system; $7,400 MSRP with i-blades; features controversial artwork later revised
Latest American Pinball release; debuted at Pinball Expo at 50-60% code completion; features tall ramp, two-button right-side play mode, 20+ stand-ups, magnet-assist upper flipper shots; offensive monkey artwork removed post-Expo
American Pinball title with updated layout including improved side ramp and scoop rejection fixes; seminar at TPF Saturday 5 PM; Marty streaming live from TPF Friday 11 PM
American Pinball game; had shot design issues at Expo that were fixed before shipping; received code updates; featured at Pintastic
American Pinball machine featuring Bavarian theme with multiple modes, magnets that activate during gameplay, steep left ramp challenge, and unusually long ball times (53+ minutes for four-player games)
American Pinball's early unlicensed game; co-designed by Josh Kugler and Joe Schober; cited as example of going 'way overboard' on advanced player strategy.
American Pinball game with interesting mechanic (flippers slow down as drunk mode progresses); criticisms about artwork implementation
Pinball machine at venue in row of modern Sterns
Referenced for roller coaster ramp above flapper mechanic; compared to Beetlejuice's stacked ramp innovation
American Pinball retired game receiving new code updates under Vincent ownership
2018 American Pinball game receiving surprise code update
American Pinball game receiving code update under new ownership
American Pinball title; had left ramp difficulty issues; long gameplay; predecessor to Walking Dead improvements
American Pinball game in development after Houdini
New American Pinball release unveiled at Chicago Pinball Expo; festival-themed with 14 tent modes
Referenced as having more under-the-glass content than Harry Potter
American Pinball title; Joe Balzer design; ~30% complete; received well despite initial skepticism about theme; tight shots, good playfield design, placeholder voice acting
American Pinball release with artwork controversy ('monkey ass grabbing'); mentioned as fresh drama but excluded from 2018 categories
Stern 2019 release; difficult side ramp (~1 in 20 success vs 1 in 5 ideal); uncertain sales performance; poor critical reception despite Marty's personal enjoyment of prototype; Joe Bolsa design; unknown if produced in quantity