Raza is a pinball machine game with the full title 'Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland,' originally developed by Deep Root Pinball as their flagship title and designed by John Papaduke (J-Pop). After Deep Root's struggles, the game was acquired and revived by Dutch Pinball with a planned 333-unit production run and April 2026 release date, featuring deeproot screen technology and innovative magnet mechanics. However, the project faced significant setbacks including designer Melvin Williams' departure to American Pinball in February 2026, leaving the game's completion status uncertain despite some reports of February 2026 release.
RAZA now has a plausible path to production with Melvin Williams at American Pinball.
Raza is not part of American Pinball's immediate production planning and won't be prioritized in coming 1-2 years
RAZA was reportedly near completion when DPX folded
RAZA prototype was destroyed at Intertek due to exceeding contractual storage period
Deeproot Pinball title that became property in dispute/trade negotiations between Turner Pinball and Melvin Brower
Deeproot's flagship title (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); launching March 2026; positioned as niche, not volume-driver; has undergone narrative/world redesign
Deep Root Pinball project (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); mentioned as title few community members actually pre-ordered despite Robert Mueller's hype
John Popadiuk-originated pinball game; cycled through multiple entities; now expected to move toward production under Melvin Williams at American Pinball
John Popadiuk design; IP owned by Melvin Williams via deeproot Pinball bankruptcy acquisition
Deep Root Games title available for purchase for only 3 weeks; faced production delays and feature cuts
[Triage: The April 2026 release date was the original schedule, which was then advanced to February 2026, representing a status update of the release timeline.]
No linked glossary terms
Raza game from Deep Root Pinball prototypes received poor reception with minimal positive critical commentary
Raza pre-orders total approximately 122 units, though the actual number may be lower
Raza has a fundamental design flaw where the right ramp return is non-functional because the ramp's lowered angle causes balls to drain left rather than return right
RAZA's pin bar (touchscreen lock bar) is positioned in an unnatural location for players to look during normal pinball play
RAZA's playfield geometry features challenging shot difficulty and limited ball flow unsuitable for casual location play
The right flipper on RAZA exhibited excessive give/weakness during the reveal stream
RAZA took approximately one hour and forty-five minutes of streaming before a multiball was achieved
RAZA's flippers are misaligned, a problem visible in promotional photos from months prior
Raza experienced technical issues during the tour that prevented full gameplay testing
Raza's pin armor has an 'orange peel' coating effect that is still work in progress and will be improved for aesthetic appeal
The right ramp shot on Raza prototypes shown at Straight Down the Middle was notoriously difficult to make
Raza should be priced lower than Stern Premium tier to compete for market share
Raza appears visually impressive but should be evaluated for gameplay execution before forming final judgment
Raza was shown with placeholder artwork at Houston Arcade Pinball Expo, not final cabinet design
RAZA originated as a Zidware garage project by John Papaduke before being acquired/continued by Deep Root
The Raza teaser video was uploaded in March
Raza's theme is inspired by Pripyat (the town next to Chernobyl) with a nuclear-era carnival-on-cemetery concept
Deeproot's anticipated first pinball game; expected limited run; center of manufacturing concern discussion; Monday reveal planned
Deep Root pinball game with 2D (After Effects) animations. Animation budget reportedly significantly exceeded standard cost estimates (should have been under $1M but cost substantially more). Animations were completed and 'in the can' when Steven Kandel joined.
Deep Root's first released pinball machine; features pin bar innovation; gameplay video released; John Papadu involved in design; required redesign for Houston show
Deep Root Pinball's planned game; features challenging ramp mechanic; rumored limited production and high pricing (~$10k)
Deep Root Pinball launch title; retro theme; full name appears to be 'Atomic Zombie Adventureland'
Deep Root Pinball title in development; multiple prototypes will be playable at Houston Arcade Expo November 15-16, 2019; not yet final art/code
Deep Root Pinball title (full name: Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland), features nuclear/Pripyat-inspired theme with carnival-on-cemetery aesthetic, teaser video released in March
Deep Root's first machine; full title 'Retro Atomic Zombie Adventure Land'; nuclear zombie carnival theme; shown as prototype at Houston Expo
Deep Root Pinball title; prototypes played at Houston Arcade Expo with positive reception; full reveal planned for Texas Pinball Festival March
Deep Root Pinball upcoming title expected to release early 2020
Dutch Pinball title; criticized layout; financial lynchpin for company survival.
Deep Root Pinball prototype featuring pin bar hardware innovation; rules designed by Stephen Bowden over three years; limited playtest exposure (50 players at coffee shop event); status unknown after Deep Root's apparent closure
Pinball machine by Steve Bowden; mentioned as game Orbital Albert hasn't played
Deep Root Pinball's flagship machine; delayed launch originally scheduled for September 21st; prototype shown in Houston; experienced technical issues; gameplay quality unknown due to NDA restrictions
See Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland
Near-complete design by Melvin Brown Williams (full title: Retro-Atomic Zombie Adventure Land); planned second DPX project; caused commercial dispute between Melvin and Dutch Pinball new investors; not currently planned for American Pinball production
Pinball machine project associated with Robert Mueller/Deep Root Pinball; described as 'dead' in the episode
Deep Root Pinball game described as a 'brick fest' with poor playability, comparison point for Alice
Deep Root Pinball title scheduled for September reveal/launch
Upcoming Stern pinball machine; mentioned as part of pipeline following TMNT era
Dutch Pinball exclusive title; Don speculates it will be produced at Dutch's second factory after Back to the Future manufacturing concludes.
Game pre-sold by Zidware (John Papadiuk); never delivered; example of failed pre-order business model
Deep Root Pinball's flagship game, originally slated for reveal in March 2019, then 2020, then September 2024; postponed indefinitely after failed media event
Deep Root Pinball prototype (alternate title: Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); featured in auction as non-functional brick without software
Pinball machine in development by Deep Root/We Are Pinball; affected by 'legal matter' related to SEC fraud investigation; prepaid customers affected by Deep Root collapse
Deep Root's flagship game project; planned to be stripped to basic features in April 2019 to achieve production and cash flow
Mentioned briefly in mid-episode discussion (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland)
Pinball game in development by Deep Root Pinball (full title: Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); project now delayed by unspecified legal matter; surrounded by series of excuses and delays.
Upcoming Deep Root Pinball game (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland), mentioned in relation to Deep Root's September 9 launch
Deep Root Pinball title (full title: Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); machines now in Turner Pinball's possession; status unknown post-acquisition
Dutch Pinball machine; Kaneda predicts ~300 units produced to bridge gap in 2026 release schedule
Deep Root Pinball whitewood prototype (RAZA/Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); being auctioned off at Straight Down the Middle show
Game being developed by Dutch Pinball; speculated to be announced at Texas Pinball Festival; discussed in context of production numbers (400-500 units planned)
Pinball machine (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland) acquired by Don; wrapped and transported in F150
Pinball game in development by Melvin Williams under DPX, production halted after commercial disagreement with Dutch Pinball's new investors, not planned for immediate American Pinball production
Pinball game formerly in development at Deep Root Pinball, now in production under Dutch Pinball, with active manufacturing beginning and preorder window closing end of year
Deep Root Pinball title; recently streamed by Fliptronic; features animated pin bar with MagnaSave; alleged pricing $4,999 base/$6,500-6,900 premium
Deep Root Pinball machine with roller coaster theme; first publicly shown at Houston Arcade Pinball Expo in 2018; praised for its design quality
Deep Root Pinball prototype expected to be shown/prototyped end of 2019; hosts mentioned it as part of bottleneck discussion
Deep Root Pinball's first commercial release; retro-atomic-zombie-carnival theme; features multiple small mechs, backbox screen with smooth animations, brushed steel aesthetic (placeholder), priced around $7,500
Game mentioned as recently revealed; Deep Root Pinball/Dutch Pinball title; George saw picture reveal and video of it being flipped but reserves excitement pending gameplay experience
Dutch Pinball title (alt: Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); predicted to be manufactured before Back to the Future
Former Deep Root Pinball project; Papa Duke-adjacent licensing; American Pinball announced no plans to produce Raza despite acquiring Melvin Williams (former designer).
Deep Root Pinball's first major title reveal; prototype state with placeholder art, 3D-printed components; amusement park/Adventureland theme with atomic shop mechanic
Deep Root's flagship title; precision-based design, 95% complete, approximately 50% through playfield production; featured topper in development
Deep Root's primary machine in development; received fewer than 100 pre-orders before company collapse
Deep Root Pinball's pinball machine being showcased; subject of gameplay footage discussion
Deep Root Pinball's pinball game in development; orders opened ~5 months prior with promised Feb-Mar delivery, now indefinitely delayed
Deep Root's flagship unreleased title; delayed indefinitely; pinbar implementation is primary technical blocker
Deep Root Pinball's first commercial title with 80s theme; features innovative 'pin bar' mechanic and redesigned side rail system; currently in pre-order phase.
Deep Root's flagship game with technical issues; visitors expressed concerns about launch readiness; features innovative glass-lifting side rail system and optional Pin Pod shipping box
Deep Root's flagship/launch title featuring pin bar, innovative cabinet design, and standard Bally Williams form factor
Flagship pinball game title from Deep Root Pinball; postponed from planned launch due to technical issues and feedback
Upcoming pinball game from unspecified manufacturer that Hardy is excited about but hopes will not disappoint
Deep Root's unreleased pinball machine in development; plagued by multi-year delays; criticized for poor mechanical design (pointless right ramp), weak clear coat, and minimal gameplay depth; estimated 122 pre-orders (accuracy questioned by Hardy)
Full title 'Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland'; Deep Root Pinball's game with panoramic art, floating backbox, and touchscreen interface; available in Arcade and Extra (XE) editions
Referenced as negative design example where ramp returns to sling shot instead of flipper, contrasting with Avengers Infinity Quest's ball control philosophy
Deep Root Pinball's debut game featuring zombie/alien theme with animation elements; host played prototype in November 2019 and had critical gameplay concerns
Deep Root Pinball game designed by Steve Bowden; release event planned for September
Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland; Deep Root's flagship title with zombie/alien theme; prototype played at Houston Arcade Expo in November
Full title 'Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland'; Deep Root flagship title with year+ development history; arcade and extra editions being revealed
Deep Root Pinball's first commercial release; pre-orders ending December 30th; host analyzes discontinuation strategy and manufacturing implications
Deep Root Pinball's debut/debut game title with zombie theme, pin bar (touchscreen lock bar), MagnaSave feature, and four selectable modes; revealed via gameplay stream with average players
Deep Root's flagship game theme; experienced technical issues with Pinbar integration during VIP demo; not the primary focus despite being the flagship title
Deep Root Pinball title announced with pre-order deposits; host has played prototype and criticized playfield layout ('shoots like shit'); became focal point for community skepticism
Zidware zombie-themed pinball project; unaddressed by American Pinball at Expo; status uncertain; dependencies on Houdini sales suggested.
Pinball machine with infamously difficult ramp shot; featured troublesome reveal gameplay; Deep Root game; ramp was later addressed in code updates
Deep Root Pinball prototype reveal discussed in Episode 101
Deep Root Pinball's game with promised innovations; prototypes shown end of 2019; expected to ship shortly after September reveal; described as having 'indestructible, hit it with the hammer playfields'
Deep Root Pinball game; project affected by legal issues; remains in development limbo following fraud charges and Mueller's detention
Deep Root Pinball game; prototypes received poor critical reception; only one media figure praised it; unclear gameplay quality; potential Turner Logic revival candidate
Upcoming pinball game from Deep Root; pricing discussed ($59.99-$69.99 range expected); lighting/artwork visibility concerns noted; placeholder artwork shown at Houston Arcade Pinball Expo.
Deeproot Pinball's first release; full title 'Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland'; available in Arcade and Xtra models
Unreleased Zidware/Deeproot pinball game (full title: Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); prototype likely destroyed at Intertek; IP now owned by Turner Pinball
Deeproot pinball machine whose prototype was unsuccessfully coded by Turner Logic; machines now owned by Turner following bankruptcy auction
Deep Root prototype game shown at Houston Arcade and Pinball Expo; features spinning lamp mechanic, motorcycle ramp, and wide display; described as fun by attendees; still in early development with rough 3D-printed toys
Deep Root's primary/debut game; stuck in certification phase; affected by Texas winter storm power/water outages; targets mid-April certification completion; approximately 100 pre-orders sold
Deep Root Pinball game that was announced but never released due to company failure
Spooky Pinball game; compared unfavorably to Alice; criticized for 'stupid pinball bar' feature
Confirmed next release from Dutch Pinball; Kaneda states 'it's not Back to the Future. It is Raza'
Retroatomic Zombie Adventureland; Kaneda predicts this Spooky game could fund Dutch Pinball's Back to the Future completion
Dutch Pinball crowdfunding project; requires 333 orders minimum; success critical to Back to the Future production
John Popadiuk pinball game for which Van Ness created custom animation sequences (magic mirror effects, character appearances). Unused animations remain in Van Ness's possession; never appeared in final game.
Upcoming Deep Root title; faced ramp difficulty issues in prototyping; two art packages available (nebula/space vs. toxic amusement park); planned ~500 unit production cap
Deep Root Pinball unreleased title; pre-orders closed Jan 1; estimated 100-200 unit run; credibility concerns due to Nordman's engineer shortage comments
Deep Root Pinball's first announced game; has technical issues noted by tour group; single machine available for play; first game available in three model tiers
Deep Root title; IP acquired by Turner Pinball through Zidware settlement
Deep Root's game (full title Retro Atomic Zombie Adventure Land); prototype shown at Houston Arcade Expo 2019, redesigned for failed September 2020 launch
Deep Root's first game (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland); playable units promised for November Houston Arcade Expo; pre-order claims deadline June 28th
Deep Root Pinball game mentioned in holiday wishes; rumored for future availability despite production uncertainties
Deep Root Pinball game announced for TPF (March 2026); previously delayed; hosts maintain cautious optimism
Deep Root Pinball's first game; prototype to be exhibited at Houston Arcade Expo; described as working prototype not ready for public streaming; features innovations withheld from reveal
Deep Root Pinball prototype unveiled at Houston Arcade Expo; Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland theme; 333-unit limited production planned; designed by John Papaduke (J-Pop); features zombie letter spelling, ramp mechanics from prior designs, animation-heavy presentation
Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland; game Melvin was working on at Dutch Pinball; will not be completed under American Pinball
Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland; upcoming game designed by Melvin; scheduled for release; production now in doubt
Dutch Pinball title; recently released (Feb 2026); served as cash flow bridge between Alice and Back to the Future; production/delivery complete allowing Back to the Future construction to theoretically begin unimpeded
Cursed Deep Root project associated with fraud; being revived by Chris Turner/DPX at higher costs; Don strongly advises against supporting due to criminal history and poor design
Dutch Pinball game based on resurrected prototype; Don skeptical of viability
Dutch Pinball bridge game between Alice and Back to the Future; uses deeproot screen; Don dismisses as 'scam' product; expected to continue production despite failures; April 2026 release (referenced in other sources)
Dutch Pinball announcement; 333 units planned; April 2026 release; uses deeproot screen; expected to sell out instantly
Dutch Pinball's 300-unit game attempting to revive failed deeproot IP; expected $12k-$16k+ with tariffs; poor community interest; no compelling theme differentiation vs. Predator
Deep Root game; displayed at Houston Arcade Expo; unit broke during Ralph's gameplay; rumored to feature spectacular visual design
DPX release of failed Deeproot Pinball machine (Retro Atomic Zombie Adventure Land); 300 unit run; bridges to Back to the Future
Dutch Pinball's next game after Alice; John Papaduke design; hosts discuss potential ramp issues needing fixes
DPX game in development; now discontinued with DPX closure; was intended as follow-up to failed projects
John Papaduke design being handled by Dutch Pinball; 333-unit production; playfield modifications including magnet assistance for right ramp; originally Deep Root project
Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland; 333 units production; originally Deep Root Pinball project; now produced by Dutch Pinball; April 2026 release anticipated
Dutch Pinball title (333 units); bridge game to Back to the Future; predicted to generate only 135-150 pre-orders; uses deeproot screen
Dutch Pinball game criticized as continuation of failed Magic Girl/Alice design philosophy; expected to be unpopular due to poor source material
Upcoming deeproot Pinball game; expected announcement by end of year; will replace Alice in production; described as 'deeproot game on crack'
Boutique pinball game cited as more exciting than Star Wars
Dutch Pinball's next announced game after Alice; host criticizes lack of communication/content about it
Upcoming/rumored game referenced sarcastically by Ryan as example of FOMO market where even poor-quality machines sell due to scarcity
Jersey Jack Pinball with 333 units. Features interactive apron design (first of its kind), enhanced Deep Root art package by Matt Andrews, new sculpts, and magnets. Code by Steve Bowden noted as complex/unclear.
Game with reworked ramp design and restored magnets; described as 'much further coded' than Alice; fewer units planned than Alice
Planned Dutch Pinball title; demand viability questioned given Alice delays
Melvin Williams boutique game; praised for stunning translite and topper; expected to ship next year with innovative magnet usage
Upcoming Dutch Pinball release; original J-Pop's Alice design being brought to production; features magnets, ball saves, sculpts, ramps, UV lighting; releasing 2026
Upcoming release after Alice
Co-host of Head to Head Pinball podcast; focuses on theme, competitive implications, and market positioning
Game design owned by Melvin Williams; will not be produced by Dutch Pinball; characterized as 'the J-pop game that can never get made'
Forthcoming pinball game; mentioned as part of upcoming release wave
Dutch Pinballs bridge game between Alice and Back to the Future
Dutch Pinball game; 333 units; April 2026 release; bridge to Back to the Future; uses deeproot screen; expected to sell out instantly
Dutch Pinball title limited to 333 units; re-announcement met with minimal audience response but Kaneda remains positive on sales