Tales from the Crypt is a Data East pinball machine designed by John Borg, released in the 1990s and based on the HBO horror-comedy series of the same name. The game is renowned for its innovative design elements including a custom door-handle shooter mechanism, reactive inks, wire ramps, and a 180-degree ramp, establishing it as a landmark title in pinball design history. It has become a community favorite and design reference point, frequently cited by players and designers for its tight shots, complex routing, and successful integration of licensed IP into gameplay mechanics.
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Tales from the Crypt's design excellence comes from thematic cohesion between creepy theme and mechanical execution
Tales from the Crypt would be 'unstoppable' if it had modern code instead of dated mode design
The doorknob plunger allows locking in the preferred creature feature mode
Most Tales from the Crypt machines now only have a button instead of the doorknob mod
90s DMD machine showing secondary market price at $6k, down from $8k previously
Data East pinball machine featured in tournament; six-ball Electric Chair multiball is optimal mode
Game mentioned as potential trade target in secondary market scenario
John Borg design; located at District 82; similar layout to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles per Eric; played during venue visit
Pinball machine mentioned by hosts as looking interesting for potential ownership.
Homebrew pinball machine by Lynn featuring deep-pull ramp with PETG plastic material
Referenced as prior American Pinball game with dragon-eating-ball mechanic that inspired D&D Pro design
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The right ramp on this Tales from the Crypt machine is exceptionally difficult to hit
Tales from the Crypt has a captive ball on the left side of the playfield
Super Crypt Keeper mode lights the kickback for the entire rest of the ball
Tales from the Crypt has 12 creature feature modes that need to be completed to reach Crypt Jam wizard mode
Tales from the Crypt's artwork is deliberately styled as a comic book to match the show/comic source material
Licensed pinball game David Van Ness collected as teenager; exemplifies his interest in licensed narrative-driven machines
Referenced briefly in shot discussion
Data East 1993 pinball machine being played and analyzed; features 12 creature modes, doorknob plunger, difficult right ramp
Data East pinball machine ranked #5, praised for comic-book style artwork matching the theme
Referenced as visual/artistic comparison point for Lethal Weapon 3's playfield aesthetic
Data East pinball game; ranked #3 by both hosts; praised for graveyard theme and gravity mechanics
Data East machine promoted within Last Action Hero; example of cross-game promotion in pinball history
Classic pinball referenced for up-kicker coil firing speed capabilities ('We know from TNA that they can fire really fast')
Pinball machine that Greg acquired from Zach for restoration project; described as worn from location play but mechanically sound
Data East title by John Borg; delivered to Don Garrison; being upgraded with color DMD
Pinball machine featured in Wizard Mode documentary; the copy used for filming was poorly maintained location machine near Vancouver
Data East (1993) at Honeybee Ice Cream
Ranked #8 in the Pinbotz guide
Tournament game selection; one of Jared's favorite games; noted for tight ramps and sinkholes; challenging shot accuracy required.
Classic themed pinball table; community expressed strong disappointment that it wasn't selected as Halloween Farsight release instead of Bonebusters
Data East pinball machine ranked #1; designed by John Borg; features reactive inks, wire ramps, tombstone mechanism, door knocker, creepy theme
Game Don uses as example of appropriate grotesque/crude content integration; compares favorably to John Wick's conservative theming; Don did live stream on this game
Data East game from classic era, brought by Don on road trip; praised for mechanical complexity but dated code
Features door handle launch mechanic and functional button for knocking down stormtroopers on-screen
Data East game; Borg's first CAD playfield design; ramp-heavy layout; features Joe Pesci/chainsaw girls backglass; original hidden Demi Moore artwork underneath
Vintage pinball game; host James modified with custom audio package featuring Journey and 90s rock music
Vintage pinball played at Electric Bat Arcade; Ralph initially played there, then purchased one for home collection
Data East Pinball licensed title featuring iconic scene of character cut in half with tape (from Joe Pesci episode with twin girls). Demonstrates how IP licensing provides creative inspiration for designers.
Spooky Pinball game; one of five machines in Julian's home collection
Pinball table with at least one extremely narrow shot, typical of certain tight-shot table design philosophy
Data East classic cited by Deep as favorite for curvy ramps; used as design reference
Data East game Don has owned and brought on road; described as heavier
Data East game designed by Borg; featured a QuickSet door handle as the shooter mechanism with custom Crypt Keeper head; known for innovative 180-degree ramp
Data East/Sega game; recently restored by Greg Bone using tumbler polishing technique; moved to basement after cleanup; describes as having good rules and shooting mechanics
Game restored/shopped by Greg Bone; referenced in topside teardown methodology discussion
Pinball machine that sparked Jake's interest when installed in Taiwan bar by Mark (2016-2017)
1990s game referenced for extensive wire forms and complex routing; influenced modern design philosophy to incorporate proven shot mechanics.
Data East pinball; Borg's second design; featured John Cassir who ad-libbed voice lines; Cassir later promised to buy one upon release
Data East pinball machine; Gabe's favorite game; plays frequently; mentioned as example of tight shots and great art.