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SDTM Episode 54: This Month In Pinball - TPF 2018 Edition

Straight Down the Middle·video·1h 5m·analyzed·Mar 26, 2018
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claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.034

TL;DR

SDTM covers TPF 2018: Alice Cooper reveal critique, Spooky hires, code updates.

Summary

Hosts discuss their experiences at Texas Pinball Festival 2018, with primary focus on the Alice Cooper reveal by Spooky Pinball. They critique the reveal execution (poor lighting, audio issues, limited gameplay time) despite enthusiasm for the machine itself. Additional coverage includes TNA improvements, Bowen Kerins joining Spooky as a coder, updates to Guardians of the Galaxy code, and positive mentions of Louisville Arcade Expo and emerging shows like Pinsanati.

Key Claims

  • Alice Cooper is priced at $6,250 base ($6,450 with shipping), representing a $200-400 increase from initial expectations due to P-Rock system transition

    high confidence · Host discussing price discovery at TPF 2018; specific dollar figures mentioned

  • Guardians of the Galaxy code update involves new approach shifting from 'lit shots' gameplay to varied task-based modes (hit spinners, Hadrian enforcers, etc.)

    high confidence · Host played updated code at Marco booth at TPF; detailed gameplay mechanic changes described

  • Bowen Kerins hired by Spooky Pinball to work on code going forward

    high confidence · Direct announcement at TPF 2018; hosts confirm as new personnel move

  • Alice Cooper reveal suffered from poor execution: inadequate lighting during stream, audio issues, machine positioning away from audience, limited play time post-reveal

    high confidence · Host present at TPF; firsthand account of reveal logistics and technical problems

  • TNA received co-op mode update and Denise teased team-based co-op (player 1+3 vs 2+4) on Facebook

    high confidence · Host played co-op mode at TPF; referenced Denise's Facebook post about team variant

  • Louisville Arcade Expo 2018 was larger than previous year with high community engagement and tournament participation

    high confidence · Host attended; directly observed growth and community energy compared to prior years

  • Flash Instinct created custom TNA target decal stickers and is planning Houdini decals; donated two extra sets to show for giveaway

    high confidence · Host received custom decals; referenced Flash Instinct's generous offer and Pinside shop

  • Guardians of the Galaxy is leaving the host's collection due to code staleness, though updates are improving the game

    high confidence · Host's personal collection decision; stated at show opening

Notable Quotes

  • “I think we somewhat discussed that before because we know that licensing can be so freaking expensive. It's almost kind of a smart move if they were to do that.”

    Host (Zach) @ ~20:30 — Theory about Stern's licensing strategy and community code enhancement via Pinball Browser

  • “I was in the front row. And then they tried to pull the glass off, but the damn play field is so shiny and beautiful... I couldn't see it from the first row because I was on the left side front row.”

    Host (Zach) @ ~42:00 — Firsthand account of Alice Cooper reveal visibility issues

  • “It's just that from an outside perspective, I think it let some people down in that aspect. You didn't get to see the game like you should have been able to see the game from home.”

    Host (Zach) @ ~48:00 — Critique of reveal execution and viewer experience

  • “I would just like to see it done better. It could keep a lot of hype going a little stronger. But, you know, some good videos came out.”

    Host (Zach) @ ~56:00 — Summary of reveal critique balancing production concerns with ultimate game quality

  • “I love all this but then once the sheet came off only one machine the machine was turned we got a stream that didn't work we can't hear it no zoom in... just a little preparation have ed or whoever's running the show turn the damn lights down”

    Host (Zach) @ ~52:00 — Specific technical complaints about Alice Cooper reveal execution

  • “It's refreshing that it wasn't just an Alice Cooper pin. That it has a backstory to it. Alice Cooper doesn't even really have anything to do with it. He's like the ringmaster of the circus.”

    Host (Zach) @ ~65:00 — Positive commentary on Alice Cooper game design philosophy

  • “I like the games that hit pop bumpers 100 times per mode, or hit all the stand-up targets, or hit the ramps back and forth, or combos, or instead of just, here's 12 lit shots.”

    Host (Zach) @ ~15:00 — Design philosophy preference on gameplay task variety vs repetitive lit shot mechanics

Entities

Spooky PinballcompanyStern PinballcompanyTexas Pinball Festival 2018eventAlice Cooper (pinball machine)gameGuardians of the GalaxygameTNA (Impact Wrestling)gameHoudinigameBowen Kerinsperson

Signals

  • ?

    business_signal: Community code enhancement ecosystem active: Cleland fixed Houdini sound mix post-release, unknown coder improving Guardians of the Galaxy, Flash Instinct creating aftermarket decals; suggests manufacturer design/code may intentionally leave room for community enhancement

    medium · Multiple examples of post-release code improvements and custom parts; host speculates Stern may leverage this to save licensing costs

  • ?

    community_signal: Spooky/TNA developer Denise implementing cooperative gameplay mode and teasing team-based co-op variant (1+3 vs 2+4) on Facebook; positioning multiplayer as bar/location game feature

    high · Host played co-op at TPF; referenced Facebook tease about team approach; praised as 'stellar' for location play

  • ~

    sentiment_shift: Strong positive sentiment around pinball industry interconnectedness and relationships despite corporate differences; hosts emphasize tight-knit community where different manufacturers' employees are friends and collaborate

    high · Host commentary on Eric Menier, Franchi, Joe Balser hanging out together across companies; emphasis that animosity would isolate people in small niche

  • ?

    design_philosophy: Alice Cooper designed with circus/monsters backstory where Alice Cooper acts as ringmaster rather than central narrative; described as 'refreshing' departure from IP-centric design

    high · Host commentary on game design approach; praised for adding narrative layer beyond just IP branding

  • ?

    event_signal: Louisville Arcade Expo 2018 larger than prior year with strong community turnout, tournament participation, and described as destination event; Cincinnati pinball community launching Pinsanati event

Transcript

youtube_groq_whisper · $0.195

0:00
Are you ready for your next pinball machine? Call Flippin' Out now and choose from the newest and hottest pinball machines from Jersey Jack Pinball, Stern Pinball, Chicago Gaming Company, and American Pinball. Flippin' Out also offers the Escalera Stair Climbing Hand Truck. Visit now at FlippinOutPinball.com.
0:23
The wait is over. A revolution in LED lighting for your pinball is finally here. Fully customizable full-spectrum lighting from Penn Stadium Lights. Order yours now at PennStadium.com. Check out Penn Graphics for the latest and greatest in pinball enhancements, power blades, blade skins, pin blades, and even more. Visit PennGraphics.com now to see what's available for your pinball machine. Marco Specialties, same-day shipping, accessible website, exceptional customer service, and with over 50,000 different pinball parts in stock, Marco Specialties is a must for every pinball enthusiast and operator. Treat your pinball machine right by visiting marcospec.com now.
1:13
Let's kick this shit. You had a fling with a fling shot, you're rolling out the alley again. I tried to cradle you with my flipper, it was all in vain.
1:32
Baby, baby, baby, why are you doing me wrong? Don't you remember the good days when we used to... Welcome to another fine episode of Straight Down the Middle, a pinball show.

Eric Menier was helping set up Spooky and Jersey Jack games at Kingpin booth during TPF setup

high confidence · Host observed Eric Menier at TPF Thursday setup

  • Speculation that Stern may intentionally design games with limited licensed content knowing community coders will enhance via Pinball Browser, saving on licensing costs

    low confidence · Host speculation about Stern licensing strategy; described as 'optimistic approach' with acknowledgment it's theory, not fact

  • “You're getting right up to Houdini prices... when you've got a budget set for your piggy bank, I think that it can, you know, it messed with me”

    Host (Zach) @ ~75:00 — Price sensitivity concern: Alice Cooper at $6,450 approaching Houdini territory affects purchasing decision

  • “It's all encoding. Make it happen. Make it so.”

    Host (Zach) @ ~92:00 — Call to action for game save feature functionality in modern pinball machines

  • “It's such a small niche hobby that I think that it's hard to not, because you're at these shows together, everybody's there together.”

    Host (Greg) @ ~33:00 — Commentary on tight-knit pinball community dynamics and industry relationships

    • Matt (Back Alley Creation)
    person
    Eric Menierperson
    Christopher Franchiperson
    Joe Balserperson
    Flash Instinctperson
    Clelandperson
    Denise (Spooky)person
    Louisville Arcade Expoevent
    Pinsanatievent
    Marco Specialtiescompany
    Flippin' Out Pinballcompany
    Zach Sharpeperson
    Greg Boneperson
    John Borgperson

    high · Host attended Louisville Expo; observed growth vs. prior years; mentioned multiple tournament competitors present; Chuck Wirt organizing Pinsanati

  • $

    market_signal: Price sensitivity emerging in collector segment: $6,250+ Alice Cooper with shipping (~$6,450-6,650) puts premium Spooky titles out of reach for budget-conscious buyers; impacts 'first new-in-box' purchase decisions

    high · Host was targeting $6,000 range, disappointed by $6,250 base price; states extra $800 'can break' when spread across year; hindrance to purchase enthusiasm

  • ?

    personnel_signal: Bowen Kerins (professional pinball player) hired by Spooky Pinball as coder; likely to focus on game balancing; first full game code work may take time

    high · TPF 2018 announcement; hosts confirm hire and discuss expected role in code balancing vs. designing

  • $

    market_signal: Alice Cooper priced at $6,250 base (+$300-400 shipping), representing $200-400 increase attributed to P-Rock system transition; affects collector purchasing decisions as it approaches Houdini territory

    high · Host directly states price discovery at TPF disappointed despite game quality; compares to Houdini pricing; mentions impact on personal budget

  • ?

    announcement: Alice Cooper pinball officially revealed at Texas Pinball Festival 2018 by Spooky Pinball with dual playfield design and circus-themed storyline approach

    high · Host attended reveal; detailed gameplay description, artwork commentary, and price point confirmed

  • ?

    product_strategy: Guardians of the Galaxy received major code update shifting from repetitive 'lit shots' gameplay to varied task-based modes (spinners, targets, Hadrian enforcers); unknown coder involved in rework

    high · Host played updated code at Marco booth at TPF; described specific mechanic changes and improvement in engagement

  • ?

    technology_signal: Alice Cooper reveal execution suffered from poor technical planning: inadequate lighting during stream preventing visibility, audio issues, machine angled away from audience, no post-reveal play time; hosts criticize reveal quality despite game design merit

    high · Host was in front row, firsthand account of visibility and audio problems; referenced hot mic issues and difficulty hearing commentary

    • 1:46
    Here we are. I just got back from Texas Pinball Festival Which I'm extremely jealous And pissed off at myself I hate it Did you guys see Greg there?
    1:58
    In spirit Yeah because you know what Most people didn't want to see me They were like hey Zach from straight down the middle And then they were like we're looking around And they were like where's Greg I've got a confession to make So Basically I felt that I had to stay home from Texas to give Zach an opportunity to feel appreciated and wanted in the pinball community. So I felt that it was my obligation as a friend to stay at home and let the light shine on him. It didn't shine on me. The only light shining was on that damn play field of Alice Cooper. I couldn't play. We'll talk about that here in a minute. So I went to Texas Pinball Festival. Our buddy Greg here was planning on going. Last minute couldn't get a sitter. Something came up. So you were with us. You know what? I honed my inner bone. Hone the bone. I honed the bone. Don't ever say that again. Friday night and Saturday. Have you honed your inner bone? Friday and Saturday I honed the bone. and I partied it up. You'd be proud of me, Bone. You'd have been proud of me. They frown upon that in Texas. What, honing the bone?
    3:28
    How do we start off like this? That's fantastic. Oh my gosh. Okay, so before we get into TPF 2018, because I've got a lot to say about it and you're going to be here, let's do some housekeeping first. we're going to draw for that Star Wars plate we're giving away so that's coming up soon we'll contact the winner so thanks for doing that so Guardians of the Galaxy is leaving my collection yes it is it's leaving Sunday sad but the code is getting a little stale I did play an updated code at the Marco booth at TPF it's getting better. Was it the one with the where the, well I don't even know what I'm allowed to say. Say it and I'll edit it if not. Okay. Is it the one where they have changed the coding around to hit spinners, different things. It's not just the lit shots. That's right. So they're changing some of the stuff. Was that the one you played or is that still the one? No, that was at Marco. So that's what's to come. Behind the scenes somebody told me that another coder, an unknown kind of coder to us right now came in and said let's switch it up a little bit we're done with the lit shot stuff one mode you have to hit all the Hadrian enforcers and not to spend too much time to dwell on this but like I think that is so much needed in that game because I think it's a good shooter it's a fantastic shooter I actually like it do I think it encompasses the world no not necessarily but that doesn't mean it encompasses the world but I don't think it's like Star Wars of where that it's because of the art or because of the design. I think it's literally the code doesn't pull you in and make you feel like you're a part of the film and everything. So I, and when you're just shooting lit shots, it's like we talked about, even though you're shooting a lot of shots, it's fun, it's open. It's just, that's repetitive. Okay. Because like from Gamora to someone else, okay, now I'm shooting these lit shots over here a little bit, but it's going to go, it's still basically just all the same lit shots. All the basic shots. Exactly. Why not make Houdini, not to shill Houdini anymore that needs to, but on that, you have to, there's all kinds of different tasks. I like the games that hit pop bumpers 100 times per mode, or hit all the stand-up targets, or hit the ramps back and forth, or combos, or instead of just, here's 12 lit shots. But it feels like a form of progression, because unless you become so familiar with each shots that you have to hit in this game, they all end up feeling the same because you don't really remember it that's Lonnie's biggest the complaint against Lonnie it's not that he's not a good coder yeah it's just he'll mix it up yeah okay sorry so uh what I was gonna say is it's leaving my collection but before so um I helped uh demo out or beta code out with Cleland the new sound mix it transforms that game oh yeah it's it's really fantastic I agree so uh props to Cleland for fixing and saving a pin again here's what i was going to talk about real quick what if we we know that uh stern everybody says they're horrible people and they don't want to pay for licensing they don't want to pay for the songs they want to pay for the call us what if this theory holds true what if they know that the pinball browser is so easy to access on their system oh yeah that they purposefully say you know what let's save some bucks let's try to get what we can in this machine i think we somewhat discussed that before because we know that i don't know if we have because licensing can be so freaking expensive. It's almost kind of a smart move if they were to do that. It seems stupid. And make it accessed by a pinball browser and they say, we know somebody's going to fix this and it's not a big deal. And it's out of their hands. Cleland to the rescue. He's got his cape on. But they don't have to deal with any kind of legal ramifications or anything else or happen to get it. I'd like to think going forward that's what they're doing. I'd like to think that. That's an optimistic approach. I also helped Flash Instinct. Well, look at you just helping all these people you know goddamn pinball charity now flash instinct sent me a tall task i will say for houdini he messaged me and said hey man i'm making these uh he made tna decal stickers uh stand up uh-huh decal uh decals and they look phenomenal on tna and he was like i want to make some for houdini and i was like flash my man uh that's what i want so um he had me measure every damn target so i had to go in there and measure every target every top of the spinner every top of a scoop, everything. It kind of sucked, Flash, I'm not going to lie. But he gave us... Mystery!
    8:07
    So he hooked it up, he made them, and they are gorgeous. They are really fantastic. They are gorgeous. I will agree. Put them on my machine. Very high quality. He was so nice. He was like, you know what? I love the show so much. I want to give you guys two extra sets to give away on the show. Not one, but two extra sets. Well, shipping and handling fees. Jack, up to $44.95. That's right. I think the set itself is pretty cheap, so go on Pinside and check out Flash Instinct. As we keep moving along. They really are really sweet looking. Houdini accessories are pouring out. I got the side blades, and they are phenomenal. Yes. Love them. Look good. That magic glass is coming out as well. And code just continues to be updated. At Texas, they had new code on it. It was cool. New skill shot. Oh, nice. New skill shot. Different options. You can start a theater straight out of the skill shot. start a theater mode. Oh, that's a plus. That's cool. Some were arguing for that. He doesn't have to do anything to that code, but that thing just keeps getting better. Yeah. All right. Buy our t-shirts. I wouldn't know. Oh, yeah. Buy our t-shirts. Definitely. People are loving it. We're doing another run. Yeah, they're selling like crazy. We already are on our second run from it. And it's just the fit and the quality.
    9:14
    Right. With a fantastic design. Right. Designed by a fantastic artist. Right. And sold by two fantastic, awesome people. Yeah, it's debatable. we also we want to give a special thank you at the beginning of our video to the mod couple oh my gosh yeah they reached out to us and they voiced some very kind words to us yes that meant the world and they also helped out with a donation that should be mentioned here so mod couple you're in my heart and while you guys are at it support the mod couple by going on their website and on pinside they make the greatest mods for Batman I mean, 66, yeah. And Star Wars. Yes, I agree. And he told me a couple of the ones he's working on. Oh, my gosh. Yeah, I'm excited. Wow. I like those guys. Bolt covers. So we had a guy with pin bolt caps. So Google pin bolt caps. He sent us out. He was like, you guys don't have to mention us or anything. But we make these covers for the bolt, the ugly bolt sometimes. If you've got older machines and stuff. They slip right over. It's a nylon or a plastic. Or if you just want it to blend a little more. You get your Lucy over there and a set on the Lucy looked really good because there's no really stainless or anything besides on the head. So I believe they offer different colors and stuff. So pin bolt caps, thank you so much for that.
    10:35
    Okay, let's get into it. Texas Pinball Festival. I got there Thursday. I got there early, got my red VIP vendor thing. Aren't you special? Well, I am. And I wanted to help. I don't think I had the media pass. I don't know what the media pass was. But I don't think I had it. No. But you're not that special. Well, I think I am. But... Hey, before we get into that, though. Yes. Hey, we got to... Okay, so we didn't get to mention this because of the way the filming schedule was. I have no clue what's coming. But again, like, a big thank you and a shout out to the Louisville Arcade Expo. Oh! Like, speaking of expos here. That's right. And everything. Like, absolutely. They killed it. Completely generous. It was the best show they had had. Yeah. And I'm telling you what, like, I mean, it was smaller than Chicago and stuff, obviously. But it was bigger this year than last. It was bigger than last year. But I'm talking about the excitement and the fun of the people being there was as big as any show that I've been to. And you get a lot of good people that turned out for the tournament. Lyman was there. Keith Johnson. Stephen Bowden was there. Stevie B. Yeah. I mean, you know, and Alec. We got to finally meet Alec. Oh, that's our boy, Alec. Yeah, we got our picture taken with him. That's right. I like Alec. I mean, you know, it's actually, again, man, guys, it's starting to become. You're not going to tell people about the whole we played Alec on Godzilla and you still to this day won't let down that you won? I beat Alec on a Sega. Okay, what's his last name? He's a hot name. I don't want to mess it up, Alec. I think it's just Marchick. Yes, that's probably right. But Alec, I think he was closing his eyes to make you feel better. I think he made me feel better. Because he owns the game and he was just closing his eyes. But I still wore it with a badge of honor all day long after that had happened. I felt pride. I wasn't going to gloat to people about it because I'm sure he'd come back and kick my ass. That's right. It was still a fantastic meeting. He did a blast to play with me. He was. He was a lot of fun because it's just fun watching people with that level of playing skill to play. Marco Booth was there with Larry at Flippin' Out Pinball. Yes. Oh, a hell of a setup. I took home one of the first unboxed ACDC Lucys. Yes. Freaking gorgeous. Well, I took it home. My buddy's buying it, but I thought, I'll put down the money so we can review this thing coming up. Yes. And it's going to go over his house. So much fun. But, yeah, so Louisville was a good show, man. It is really starting to become a destination that's worth your weekend to come down or up and go to. Honestly, it's a fantastic show. And then to mention one more show, our good buddy Chuck Wirt. Oh, that's our boy. Chuck Wirt. They are starting, those Cincinnati guys are starting Pinsonati. What a great opportunity there. Be on the lookout for that show, man. We're going to try to make it to that one. Oh, hell yes, we're making it. We've got to support Chuckie. Well, yeah. Yeah. Oh, the guy that says he's going everywhere and goes nowhere. Yeah. That would be me with the damn camera crew on this camera. And then Greg giving me tips. Make sure you get this. I do what I can. Make sure you get that. I do what I can. It's like the director behind the phone. Yeah, so sorry to cut you off. I just thought those were good honorable mentions. So Texas Pinball Festival is my first year that I've been, right? I went Thursday, opened up Friday at 5. So I thought, I'll get in there Thursday, help the guys. And I'm glad I did because I helped Larry at Flippin' Out set up his booth. was around when Scott at Penn Stadium was setting up his booth, hung out with Penn Graphics guys. Marco. I missed Joe. I really wanted to see Joe again. I love Joe. I love Joe too.
    13:54
    Cracks me up, man. But Marco had like 50 people setting up their gargantuan booth, so they didn't need me at all. And then it was cool because Eric Menier was helping his brother at Kingpin set up all of the spooky games and all of the Jersey Jack games. So I get to hang out with Eric again. That was really fun. And at one time, it was just amazing because I was sitting there helping everybody, and I had like Eric Menier, Franchi was there, Joe Balser was there. It's cool to see all of these guys in different companies, but they're all friends. They're all true pinball people. That was a lot of fun. Well, but it's hard not to be because it's such a small niche hobby. that I think that it's hard to not, because you're at these shows together, everybody's there together. It's hard to not be at least good acquaintances with each other, honestly, because you wouldn't talk to anybody. Absolutely. If you had any animosity towards each other, you know, you would be in your own world. It's just crazy. I could just list off the people that I got to meet in the industry this weekend. You can hang out with Borg. I'm really jealous of hanging out with Borg. We'll get to that. You got to hang out with Borg. It's awesome. So let's start. what took the show of TPS from an outsider perspective? As you were watching Pinside and getting the SDTM updates, what took the show for you not being there?
    15:18
    Best in show. What was it? Not with you talking to you, just literally what I could see from the outside. You love talking. That was the best in show. I was going to say, because again, if it's talking to you it's literally just the people that are there. Hanging out with everybody like Franchi and everybody else like that was the show i didn't play that much i'm completely anti-social but like i i like seeing all those guys i like talking pinball i could i could literally do it the full three days non-stop there that's what everybody did yeah so that to me from that aspect um from an outside just watching it i mean you have to give obviously alice cooper because you're waiting for that That was the reveal. Yeah to come out So that was it. I was a little let down with it with all honesty. We try to be honest Let's get into that then I was Alice Cooper took it for me, too Yeah I was just I was let down with the stream And you could hear the guys you hear bugging everybody They were trying to get the lights turned down You know I heard them Because they ran a hot mic the entire time Yeah Which is a no-no. Yeah, that's kind of a bad thing. But so you could hear them up there trying to get somebody to turn down the lights to be able to show the machine. And then some people just weren't complacent or something and didn't happen.
    16:34
    But it was. Because when you're sitting there and you're waiting for the reveal, the reveal happens. And I still can't see the game. I couldn't either. Because of the glare. I was in the front row. And then they tried to pull the glass off, but the damn play field is so shiny and beautiful.
    16:48
    And it was a weird ring light. It was like a circular. Oh, them damn things were everywhere. You know, this spiral light. So I don't think that helped. I couldn't see it from the first row because I was on the left side front row. And they had the machine turned. Oh, so yeah, away from me. It was like just sitting there. Damn thing. So from an outside perspective, I mean, that was kind of my downfall. Plus, I wish that they would have had more time to leave it there and done almost like the way that J.J.P. had done it for a little bit where people were still allowed to come out and play right there. And made it a longer thing than just the unveiling and then let's get the pin off to get it to people. And I understand their thinking behind that. I'm not really knocking those guys. It's just that from an outside perspective, I think it let some people down in that aspect. You didn't get to see the game like you should have been able to see the game from home. Yeah, yeah. You still almost needed that. There's so much going on in there, and especially with that second play field, and as tight as what everything is, I think you called it correct, it's very reminiscent of Game of Thrones Premium and Pro. Yeah, Big Upper Playfield. Or Premium and LE. Big Upper Playfield. Yeah, so you almost have to get down in there and get away from that overhead view to actually be able to see the work that went into that pin, because it is. That castle stuff was marvelous looking. It is a sick looking pin. It doesn't look like it shoots like a normal Spooky. It doesn't. You know, it looks fantastic. So it was nice to start seeing some video come out after that unveiling. And I wish that, and I don't know who was in charge of it. I wish that they. Who was in charge of what? Of the stream between TPF, whether it was the Texas. Whether Spooky couldn't do their own stream of it and it had to be on the Texas Pinball Festival thing. whether they could have ran two simultaneous streams. I don't think spooky streams. Well, I mean, somebody to set it up and do it. Oh, I got you. To have more time, more prep time. Tommy Skinner. Yeah. This living by the river. Yeah, and I'm sure, but I'm saying, like, the time to get in there and set up was probably very minimal. That's what he was saying. I was hanging out with him one evening, and he was like, I just, there wasn't any time to set it up. Yeah. And I think, I mean, we of all people know we rush. Streaming is tough. We rush some crazy, stupid shit, and we make mistakes. Yeah. Videos are offset. That audio. There's always, when you're messing with this stuff, there is anything and everything will go wrong. Zero budget is, yeah. But I wish with something as important,
    19:13
    especially with it being like really the only main game to be unveiled, that they could have had more prep. We need a bread of better reveals. That's it. I've been kind of salty lately. So I'm not going to be salty to the point of making you cringe. Margarita. But I've been salty this week. So I think it might come out in this video. point blank without rambling the reveal kind of sucked it just kind of sucked for us in the audience it looks like a fantastic game Charlie was like I'm nervous and you can tell he's nervous I like that was the best part of the reveal seeing the family up there seeing KT and Bug and seeing Denise up there that was the best part of it and just seeing how much they freaking cared about this machine because if you ain't nervous he was all dressed up I was like this is fantastic this is a family endeavor I love all this but then once the sheet came off only one machine the machine was turned we got a stream that didn't work we can't hear it no zoom in and Charlie told me they were playing it there so I thought okay well I'm right up here ready but then they didn't and then I had to race to try to because I was trying to get video for everybody that was frustrating you didn't even play the damn thing I didn't I got up front I could have played or I could have videoed so I ran there couldn't see the lights roll like ah just a little preparation have ed or whoever's running the show turn the damn lights down and the freaking tna's beside love tna but so loud and you couldn't hear anything on alice cooper like just turn the damn things down 10 minutes tops fix your reveal i'd like to see better reveals in the future but does it matter no are they gonna sell 500 yeah absolutely i think it's gonna hurt sales but i think that it could help uh boost initial sales i just that That first impression is so important. That's what I'm saying. I would just like to see it done better. It could keep a lot of hype going a little stronger. Yeah. But, you know, some good videos came out. I tried to give you guys the video.
    21:08
    It was good. I mean, that was the best. It was good. That was the best I could do fighting through a crowd. Yeah. All right. So, Alice Cooper's cool. I like it. I played it a couple times. They were on one ball later in the evening, two ball. But it doesn't shoot like the other spookies. No. So, we don't have those chaotic slings everywhere. So, I like that. Yes. All the molding My Mad at Back Alley creation So fantastic That guy owns his own company But he needs to give himself a raise It's unbelievable Yeah It really was The play was good The flow was good The code How they explained How it was going to be set up That's going to be good I love the look of it It's going to be fun I love the look of that You're getting through your You're getting through the rooms To defeat the monsters To get to the wizard mode Well it's like somebody said You know It's refreshing That it wasn't just An Alice Cooper pin That it has a backstory to it. Alex Cooper doesn't even really have anything to do with it. He's like the ringmaster of the circus. But that's cool. It's fantastic. His music is the background.
    22:07
    Once you're trying to defeat the monsters. I think all that was a very smart move. The art, Greg. I like the art. Some people were mad about it. I like it. I enjoy it. I think we had to argue for some people. I may have seen a sneak peek before. But, in person, Oh, yeah. I like it. I think it flows. It's got that continuity throughout all the art. That big face in the middle. It reminded me of the Donnie Darko bunny. Yeah. Oh, yeah, it does. Just a nasty, gruesome face. The side cabinet. I don't think they're going to have a problem selling this. Hell no. I don't think so at all. Hell no. Now, they did up the price. It went from, I think, $62.50 up a couple hundred, $64, $50, $65, $50. I know this is ludicrous. And that's because of the P-Rock system, which I'm glad they transitioned over to. Yeah, I agree. I know that all RGB. I didn't know that shipping wasn't included either. So when you're looking at $62.50, and I know when you're spending that much, when people are going to get mad. You're going to be close to $7. Oh, my God, you're so stupid that you're mad about $700 or $800.
    23:08
    When you broke like us, yeah. Yeah, but, yeah, that literally can break. I mean, sometimes within a year, that extra $800 is hard to scrounge up for a pin. So I was very, very, like, I was like, oh, my God, $62.50. You've been thinking about buying this? Yeah, this could be my first new in-box pin. I'm right there at that budget. I wanted a Houdini, and we talked about that. But I'm like, it's just out of my price range and everything. So I was like, man, maybe this Spooky could be my first new in box. It gives us something new to play with. I love the look of everything. But then when I heard the $64.50, and then you're coupled with, you know, could be a $300 to $400 shipping charge, then I was like, oh, it puts me out. Again, I know that sounds stupid. You're getting right up to Houdini prices. Yeah, but when you've got a budget set for your piggy bank, I think that it can, you know, It messed with me, and I know it's not a cheap complaint for most people, but it did. It hindered my enthusiasm. I was like, no. And I understand the point. I mean, I know you've got to recoup. I understand business. So it's nothing against them at all. It disappointed me. For what you get for that price in this industry, you get a lot still. Oh, my gosh, yeah. You still get a lot. Oh, yeah, not knocking that at all. With everything that's in that. But you were hoping it was closer to the $6,000 range. Yeah, because then I thought, you know, it went from, okay, this is jam-packed at a good price at the $62.50. That's jam-packed at a freaking stellar price. I agree. I can't wait to review this thing because what I would love to do, in a perfect world, we could – I was talking to Matt at Back Alley at the show. We'd sit down and talk with him about his sculpture pieces. That would be cool. Yeah, it would be. So I can't wait to review this. I really want to get in there. I'd like to see him doing some work on them. I'd like to do a little chronicling of him actually sculpting and doing the molding process and everything else. But even – I want to get that camera in there. You know like we do. I just want to get that camera in there, learn about it, and then see it with the glass off. Yeah. All right. So let's move on. Let's stick with Spooky. TNA was there, and it kept being cool and awesome. But Denise, he isn't done with the code. He added a co-op mode. Oh, I love that. I think that is stellar. It's really cool. Yes, I agree. So who did I play with? I played with Charles Thomas, Ryan C. CT. What's up, CT? Ryan C. I roomed with those two, Ryan C and Charles Thomas. That was a trip. CT, how did you get so lucky, brother, to room with two pinball celebrities? Holy face. What? I roomed with two pinball celebrities. CT pops up more than anybody does. I know. That guy's everywhere. He's with Jack Marini. He's with everybody. But anyway, we were, those two and Hilton, the infamous Hilton. Oh. Yeah. So we all played. Hilton, I think, did the best to help us out. We got to reactor six or something like that, five or six. We didn't do bad, but it was cool. You know what? And not on that same level. This is quite a bit different. but we sort of discussed something sort of similar about how that we talked about with bringing these gamer kids in that could be the next generation. These gamer kids? Or these whippersnappers? Bringing these old Twitch kids. But, like, you know, we talked about how neat it would be to be able to have just, like, a really long code, like your advent from Sega and Super Nintendo to your PlayStation games, of how that you, now that you can save progress, and you can have an even larger adventure, and how neat it would kind of be at certain points to be able to save a game. Yeah, and it all loads back up. And it all loads back up, whether it be through a code or whatever you do. That would be cool. There ain't nobody talking about that. No, but it's sort of the same thing like the co-op thing that you're able to do that. Trademark SDT and pinball. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. I think that'd be some sick shit if you could have this whole thing. There's been so many times I'm getting ready to leave and my wife's like, come on, damn it. And I'm like, I just want to hold the save button. Yeah. Save, boop. Exactly. And to me, it wouldn't be hard to do. It's all encoding. it literally just saved your progress we'll reach out to our buddy keifer and see if it's all encoding it's all encoding make it make it happen make it so but i do love that from scott the call mode and he teased again on facebook that now he's thinking about doing a team approach co-op so player one and three are on a team versus player two and four oh i think that is stellar for pinball especially a good bar game like that right there you know good location we're getting ready to review tna yes we get our hands on one that's news to me moving on speaking of spooky they hired a new person yeah bowen cairns yeah congratulations one of the greatest pinball players of all time congratulations very entertaining he's going to be working on code now going forward with spooky so do you think he's working i mean i guess because obviously because coding is uh very uh actually not there with uh with alice do you think he's working alice Yeah, he might help, but they already have the foundation of what the coach is going to be. Oh, okay. So he might balance it out because he's a balancing man. But they already know what the coach is going to be. Okay, okay. Well, that takes that. All right, we're going to move on to... So it might be a while before we see Bowen's first full game. I bet so. Yeah, I bet so. And they got Fosma. Fosma does a great job. Yeah, oh yeah, I agree. I like Fosma because he has...
    28:02
    And Ben Heck, too. They work together on a lot of these things. They have interesting modes kind of thing. Yeah. They have very interesting masks. Yeah, Fosman's working on Alice, isn't he? He worked on all the spooky stuff. Yeah, but I'm saying he's primarily driving. Okay, yeah. So, but he's got some cool ideas, so I like him. I do, too. Very fresh. We need to talk to him, too. Very fresh. Yeah. No, we need to talk to him. No. Let's give Fosman some love. Yeah, I agree. We like to find those obscure people that nobody's really talked to and given any credit to. Like J.P. DeWin. Yes. For the win. We need to say his name in every video. I agree. J.P. DeWin. Okay. let's move on to circus maximus yeah they were making a game uh pinball circus outside perspective i'll give that okay and then it shot pretty cool you're talking about kingpin uh what am i talking i was saying uh circus maximus did the pinball circus yeah and then they said hold up well they did kingpin this is crazy let's do kingpin yeah i was jumping ahead of you sorry outside perspective on kingpin you got video by straight um so initial impressions yeah back glass looks like turd like literally just looks like a turd like i wait until i drink all right like it looks like like to me it's reminiscent i was gonna tell you before he starts shitting on these guys um i think we're trying to work with him to go down and film some stuff yeah well but again this is what we do but we yeah i mean i can't hold back i'm not gonna just because you know if you're scared to give us an opportunity be scared like yeah don't invite us don't invite us yeah because we're hey guess what i'll back you up trains light looked like a turd yes it did like i just didn't understand it's faded yes it just looked like that i printed it off my printer stuck it back there it was like uh uh oh my god what's the raven or something like it was like oh my careful man it looked wow it just looked old and it just did not fit the game that's kind of like your mom She's old and she can't fit the game. She can't run the game no more. Mama, out the game. Out the game, Mama. Sorry, Ms. Bo. The play field looked like it was cool. It was? It looked like it shot fantastic. And everybody who commented on it said that it shot fantastic.
    30:19
    The side art. The side art's beautiful. It just needs to be glossy like the butter cabinets on Alice Cooper. Yeah, and I like the fact that they went with a gray cabinet. That's different. I like different. Make it black. We're talking mafia here. Make it black. Black and red. I understand the gray, so I'm fine with that. Do you understand the gray? What's the understand? I don't know. I feel like it's gray. Gray's my favorite color, and I still don't like it here. I don't know. No, it's black. It fits okay. Put a black on it. You can do a black on it. But so that negativity of the back glass, that's, again, it's just an outside perception and looking at it. Did you see our boy Stephen Bowne tear it up? Yeah, that's what I'm saying, though. Like, I've heard that it shoots good, and people had fun with it. Like, he got to the wizard mode. Yeah, but it's not deep. Like, is that the original rule set that they were working on? But they're going to have the extended rule set. With the LCD integration and stuff like that. Yeah. So here's the thing. I'm still excited about it. I am, too. The art, we came in thinking it was going to be a turd. Like, eh, we don't care. We said on past videos, eh, we don't care. Yes. Then I played it, and I thought, I kind of care. Exactly. I kind of care. Yeah. Spinner's on the ramps of Mark Ritchie Design. This thing flows really good. It's just very much a 90s cool, fun pen. And I love that. Yes, don't get me wrong. Don't take the back glass criticism. No, it's just the quality. Take it. No, take it because fix it. Yeah, the art is terrific. I heard the art was fantastic on it. Yeah, I like that. I couldn't make it because it looked so faded and it looked so bad. It just made it look bad. But everybody who was there in person said it's actually a cool image. Yeah. Oh, it's really cool. It's the play field. Yes. That Dick Tracy kind of. Yes. It's really cool. Now, the LE back glass that's done by the artist, Christensen, I think, that you're going to pay extra for, that is ugly. Oh, is it? Yeah, it's really ugly. So, here's what I would say for Circus Maximus. If you're going to do the LE, that's fine. It's a known pinball artist. But isn't the LE going to be the original art? No, it's going to be the LE. That's what I'm saying. The LE back glass. Yeah. And the L.E. Bank glass is ugly. But it going to be the original art No you saw the original I thought they said the L Oh the L is going to be original art No it all going to be original art Oh I thought there was some stuff drawn up for it before That for the LE The LE is going to get a new back glass Yeah. It's ugly. I'm confused. It's ugly. If you're buying an LE, Circus Maximus, let them have the original trans light as well. But I think those guys were, I think that it was an impressive showing. And you know what? Those guys were really cool. Yeah. Really knowledgeable. Really cool. I'm excited. I think that they did it right because this is what I think was fantastic about that. They went in there with very little hype.
    33:02
    Yeah. And they impressed. How are they going to build these things? Well, I don't know. They're not a manufacturing company? No. Just two dudes. I don't know. That's for them to find out. But kudos, guys. I still think that... And price point? How much did you pay for this thing? I still think that to do that in your garage, it was superb. I think collectors are going to buy this. It's not pinball player players. No, maybe not, but it's cool. All right. So that was a cool pin. I did like it a lot. Yes. Man, I want to play it. See? Let's move over to your boy Gomez for life to the seminar. What's up, Gomez? Georgie G. I heard you being yelled at, my friend. G squared. Who do you, you didn't yell at me. I'm talking about Kaneda. He's your friend? No, not really.
    33:48
    You heard it here, folks. All right. So George Gomez did the Stern of the Union, and he talked about Iron Maiden. No, he didn't. They made some name up for it. He said Titanium Man's coming out. I think they're revealing it tomorrow, actually. Oh! So we're a little late, so many of you guys have already seen it by now. That's okay.
    34:10
    Zombie Eddie artwork, and who's doing the Keith Elwin Archer layout. Yes. And I'll tell you what, man. I'm not a big Iron Maiden fan. I'm okay with their music. I'll listen to it. I wouldn't go buy an album, but I'll listen to it. I think Iron Maiden sucks. But I'll tell you what. Yeah. Four flippers, that Archer layout, the fantastic artwork. No, why Iron Maiden?
    34:31
    I'm actually excited. I am too, but I don't want Iron Maiden everywhere. Super excited. I mean, I'm fine with it. You know me. I'm a themed guy, but it's got to suck really bad to not like it. I think just since Zombie Eddie's doing their artwork, I'm kind of okay with it. But you didn't like Metallica. You didn't really care for Metallica when Metallica came out. You didn't know Metallica. But I grew to love it because of that music. No, absolutely not. I've tried. I've forced myself to listen to it. It's bad. I don't like it. I don't like it at all. So that's coming out. He also said that they have a new programmer. We've been saying this since we got into pinball. Where in the hell is Brian Eddy at? Oh, yes. Where is Brian Eddy? It's like, where's Waldo? Yeah. He's back. He's with Stern 2019. Brian Eddy. Everybody else is saying Attack from Mars and Medieval Madness. Brian Eddy is the designer of the Shadow. We know you love Shadow. But three fantastic pens. He helped on Black Rose. He helped on Indiana Jones too. So why did he leave? He went to gaming. He probably paid more.
    35:33
    Hopefully he didn't lose that pinball mojo. I think Stern's feeling a little heat. They're like, oh shit. Everybody else is getting these new designers. Watch out now. We've got to change stuff up a little bit. I liked it. I'm excited. There's nothing really coming out that seems spectacular. but I'm also very excited about the direction that pinball is moving in that these companies are moving in. Cause it's like you said, spooky stepped it up. You know, you've got circus Maximus trying to do their thing coming out. You've got American pinball releasing a fantastic machine. And they've got a second thing coming out. Second thing coming out. You've got Stern who is, is seemingly trying to please the people. You disagree. Yeah. I disagree. I'm just talking about like anything. Like I feel they're making some efforts of releasing code. They're updating code a little faster. Now they're still releasing pins with no code. But I still feel that for so long, everything was so stagnant with them, at least they're doing releases. I've come to this acceptance. No? I've come to this acceptance on Stern Pinball. Here it is.
    36:38
    This might be a bit controversial, but I think it's true. And I'm not hating on anybody in this situation, right? Jersey Jack Pinball makes pinball machines for collectors they also like when their machines go on route and make people money they're fine with that too Stern Pinball makes machines for on location and for competition they don't care much about the hobbyists they just don't now do they like when hobbyists buy their products? Absolutely I've come to that awareness They didn't reveal a pin because they really don't care about the hobbyists. How are they revealing it? At their Stern Pro circuit tour. I understand. I understand you're angry about that. I'm not angry. You're angry. I'm accepting now. Stern has told me now what they are. At least I can accept that.
    37:32
    That's where I'm at. If you want to buy a premium machine, you don't buy a Stern. I agree with that. It is what it is. But I think there's a very big home market for the Pro just because of the affordability. Yeah, but it's not geared towards the home market. I mean, it's stripped down usually. That's why I was so excited about Spooky's price point of the $62.50. If that came to my door at $62.50, that literally is so close to a Stern Pro with so much more that that would be the squeeze. The squeeze. The spooky squeeze. The squeeze. So, yeah, I'm accepting of how Stern is doing their business. As a collector, I'm like, okay. The cards are on the table. I understand that now. Yeah, we'll see where it goes. They don't reveal at shows anymore. What are shows for?
    38:20
    To meet and greet. Yeah, it's for the hobbyists. Yeah, I think so. I can understand that. They're going to announce it a week later. I can understand your frustrations.
    38:29
    Speaking of, I have to go back a little bit here. This is cracking me up because I'm salty, right? so congratulations to Scott Denisey pinball news ranked total nuclear annihilation the game of the year how well deserved is that it's a very good game absolutely arguably the best game of last year that and dial down so Scott Denisey our buddy do nice job you very much deserved that here's my issue I don't have issue with that that was a smart move on pinball news. Roll salty balls. Salty balls. Hillbilly pirate and salty balls. So great. Here's my issue. Pinball news, they do, I like pinball news, but I don't know what the hell they're doing. They don't have news often. And when they do, it's news like this. They have the, so they, they sent out this thing on their website, like you vote for the pin of the year. I don't know how much stock I put into their voting when they like third place was Lexi Lightspeed. And like fifth place was Barnyard.
    39:41
    Yeah. And Aerosmith was like 10th. It's like, okay. Anybody give them hell like they did poor Jeff on the Twippies? Nobody. Nobody said anything. This is a sad thing because I don't think a lot of people. I don't think a lot of people are following. Poor Jeff got hung up, man. And that was legit scoring. I'm not bringing it up because of that, but it's just like. Well, then what are you doing, Salty Balls? Well, because I was going to congratulate Denise for that win, because that was the only one that made sense. Everything else below it, I was like, rocks? Like, on Multimorphic? Did he only give this survey out to Multimorphic?
    40:16
    That's cruel. We'll talk about Multimorphic here in a minute, but come on, Pinball News. Don't even release that shit. You're boring me. Come on. All right, so what else? Gomez called out Kaneda.
    40:29
    I haven't even listened to that in about eight times. I get to meet Kaneda, right? And I thought, this guy's a character. I enjoy his show. He's the most entertaining podcast. He really is. So I listen to them and I meet him thinking, he's a marketing guy. He's probably pretty smart. He has this character. I shit you not, Greg, the son of a bitch is the same way in real life. Maybe even a little worse.
    40:50
    He actually holds back on the show. Oh, my God. Five minutes in, I was like, oh, shit. This is him. This is really him. I really wanted to meet Kaneda, too. That was one of the people that I really wanted to meet. So we can talk about that. We did the dinner with all of our friends, Ryan C., him. We had, who else was there? Franchi. Franchi was there. Sheets, we got Lyman to go out, have dinner with us.
    41:18
    Blake Dumasville. Blake is the artist for Cosmic Chaos that we'll talk about. Oh, that was fantastic. The hospital spooky pin. It looked really good. And guess what else he did? What? award winning logo by Larry at Flippin' Out Pinball. He did Larry's logo? Oh, Larry's logo was really nice. His vein ramp. Jeff at This Week in Pinball was having dinner with us. Who else do we have? Who am I missing? See, that's the thing that made me so jealous. I was just like, oh, I missed it because Chicago was so much fun going out with everybody. Oh, dang it. Jackie D was there. But it was so weird sitting around and having the conversations that we were having because it was like Pinball Media. We had an artist there. We had a coder, arguably one of the best coders. Yeah, she just got together and made a damn pinball machine. No, not with Kaneda. You'd have little trouble of big China bullshit up there. Good Lord. You know what, though? I swear to God, this is an absolute true story. I don't know how many times I rolled my eyes this weekend. This is a true story. So my wife's best friend's husband, I've tried to get him into some pinball and stuff. So literally like twice, he's like, hey man, did they make a big trouble in little China pinball? That would be my first one. I'm like, no, they don't make that. Who the hell cares about that movie? And then literally when Canadas started arguing for it, I was like, I guess I'm overlooking something because it's something I'm not seeing in the world. Because I thought it's a good movie. I think it's cool. It's a good movie. But I sure as shit don't want a pinball machine. I like playing at pinball machines that shouldn't be made too. All right, so let's go to, there was no Monster Bash. Yeah. None. Yeah.
    42:50
    We know it's Monster Bash. Yeah. They're still working on the topper. They're still working on some special stuff that they're adding. I was talking to some people. I don't think that hurts them at all. It doesn't hurt them. It'd been nice to see there. Yeah. Attack from Mars was cool with it. I played that again. That was neat. No Monster Batch. That's coming. Yeah, your big premiere with it. Like, they did it upright because they took something, I feel, that, you know, like, oh, we've all played those games a hundred times. They're out there, whatever else. But what they did was they had the badass toppers and little special things that you get with their machine. they're adding a little extra on this one too little things that make you excited about an old game that's marketing genius to sell it, it's genius to do that, because it actually it's not unveiling the pin and not really oh is it Cactus Canyon, what is it it's not really that that you're waiting to see what tweaks they've done to it and what kind of topper they've got that's the magnificent unveiling I know, I agree, I'm excited, I like it so no Monster Bash, I played Pirates again I'm jealous of that too I still had fun it shoot good and strong yeah feel good it's awesome nice the game's awesome here's what I want to let everybody know on how long is this list I gotta bleep that don't worry about my list you just worry about your non-list over there okay it's all over here the collector's edition people are saying I don't know about the barnacles I was talking to Eric and See, I like that. I've heard some other people say that, too. And actually, I like the barnacle. Well, that's not how it's going to be. The entire thing is going to be encrusted. So not just spots. Yeah, how cool is that? The entire damn lock bar, everything is going to be encrusted side armor.
    44:36
    How's that going to feel with your flippers, though? I don't know. They'll figure it out. Matt's going to figure it out. Put just a smooth hand spot. How cool is that? The whole thing is going to be encrusted over it. So I just had to say that. All right. Marco's booth had New Code on Guardians, which was cool. We talked about that. And Batman 66. Yeah, I heard of it. The Catwoman, different stuff, video stuff. So the game's still cool.
    44:58
    Houdini. Houdini was kind of the surprise hit of the show again. If you look at the pin side threads, people are like, yeah, I liked Houdini a lot. The game didn't break down. They had four of them. Yeah. None of them broke down. They've been solid. I think they said the accuracy of the trunk shot was 99% on all of them. Yes. Coming out of the factory, they have had no problems per se. Like at shows and stuff. They have held up. I even think Rush said that, or Coogler said that we're going to see some cliffies here soon too. Nice. Because even at the Louisville show, that was the surprise hit at Louisville. Yeah. Honestly. It was crazy. People were talking about it. And I would think it would just be the opposite, honestly, because it's tight and it's hard as what those shots are to learn. Oh, yeah. So when you come up to it at a show, I figured people would be turned off by it. But people loved it. They're having tons of fun with it. I think so. I like it. I think so. So that was cool.
    45:47
    Cosmic Chaos. Yes. So we talked about that. Mark Ritchie possibly. Spooky maybe. Making it. I'll show you guys pictures. I keep trying to wrap my head. As beautiful as it is. It's the old school guys. I keep trying to wrap my head around whether I would buy it. What time is it that you're yawning? It's like noon. Yeah. Are you ready for a beer? I need a nap. You need a beer and a nap. I do need a beer.
    46:09
    Cosmic Chaos. It looks cool. But I think it's going to be another one of those things that people are going to get behind Spooky and say, you guys are doing something different. This is cool. Yeah, I agree. Oh, I think it'll sell. Because I think it looks really neat. Mark Ritchie's got some cool designs. Yeah. Okay. Elvira wasn't there. Nope. But Gomi said it's still coming and the exclusive that you guys are going to hear here is that people are wondering, Nordman, he's going to Deep Root, what's up with that? They already bought the playfield and stuff from Nordman. That's already done. Okay. So they've got it done. Nice. The machine is essentially done. Do the coding and stuff. You'll see that in 2019. Wow. Our boy Christopher Franchi did a seminar.
    46:56
    Franchi's working on some new stuff. I'm excited. For a seminar, I was taken aback and I was honored. He asked me to, and you, asked us to introduce him. I bet he was so disappointed that he was stuck with just you.
    47:14
    he was like damn it it's actually possibly true i'm not even gonna damn it this was gonna be such a great seminar yeah and then i get this one so he had to fill in jack danger filled in and we sort of look similar so oh really yeah you know we're both uh sultry tall dark handsome men that drink too much that drink a little too much no you guys are both awesome you're both funny and you're both good looking. Whatever. Okay. So, thank you, Frenchy, for asking me to do that. I tried to... I didn't know what I was doing, but I did it. Penn Stadium was there with like nine machines and he debuted his new... Oh, did you get to see him? They look cool. I keep wanting to see him. I'm really excited. And Visit Shield. I'm really excited about trying that. Visit Shield's cool. It's only like $19.95 for a set of them. Yeah, it blocks that side view. That was, again, that was my only complaint about him. And nobody else really seems to have that complaint like I do. But I want those. That's what I'm... Orion's belt's coming out, so stay tuned for that. What the fuck's that? Oh, I'll tell you off camera. Okay. It's the new Penn Stadium product that goes... I think it's... Yeah, I'll just tell you after. Why don't you tell them about this, Scott? I don't know. It's going to come out this summer, I think. All right.
    48:31
    All right. I put it on the bottom of the list here. P3 Multimorphic. Yeah. They got a new game. Yeah. Cosmic Kart Racing. Mm-hmm. It's really cool. okay it beautiful like the ramps light up with leds rainbows unlike anything i ever seen maybe the coolest looking thing in pinball to this day But how does it shoot It boring Nah I'm sorry, guys. Is it worth the... How much are they for those inserts? Who cares? That bad? Yeah. Here's the deal. God, I don't want to be mean to these guys because they've got a cool product and they make the P-Rocks and... Well, that's the bad thing about... But I'm not going to bullshit. Here, I'm not going to bullshit. This is what happened. Me and Jeff at This Week in Pinball were playing. He started a one-player game. He played. And I was sitting there. And I don't like waiting. And I was sitting there because he kept playing. Because if you drain it, you get another ball because it's a race or something. And he kept playing. And I ditched Jeff.
    49:27
    I left. Because you didn't want to wait. I didn't want to wait. It took forever. And I thought to myself, like, oh, my God, I'm going to have to play that. I haven't touched it. So I can't really judge. I can't really talk about it. But to me, it seems like I can. You know what? Technically, I can't either because I didn't play it. Oh, so you never even touched it. No. Don't listen to him. No, he played it for like five minutes on ball one. I was like, oh my God. So it seems more like a... I've played Multimorphic P3 before. Almost like a redemption game mixed with... No, I can't even call it that. ...a pinball machine. I don't know what the hell it was. But it's got like the coolest magnet stuff. It's got three magnets on the back, like the Hyperloop, but it can stop them. You can lock a ball and it throws it to the third and then it throws the second. And then when the ball comes out, you don't plunge it. You press it. It comes out of the backboard. Three, two, one. And then it does the sanctum throw. But you know what? I had to give it to them for trying, and I hope they succeed or have success to at least earn their money back. Because I think that we would all sit around and be like, how cool would it be if we could just interchange themes? And it's one of those things when you sit around having a beer and you're talking about pinball that you want to do exactly what they did. I will say. It's just sometimes things don't always turn out to be what you feel they would be. Here's the thing, Ray. I think it was so cool that this is the first time I looked at that multi-morphic system, that P3 system, and said, I'm starting to get it. Like, that looks like it's fun to shoot. They just need to change that code. Oh, it's just coding. Oh, it's atrocious. It's atrocious. Stop trying to be cute. Just give us a good pinball code. Because that back two-thirds, that's cool. That's cool. Okay. All right, Deep Root was there. Yeah. Well, their banners were everywhere. and they said the fifth day of Deep Root is going to be next year at TPF. They're going to have these machines ready at TPF next year. We going? Yeah. We need to reach out to Robert Mueller. Yeah. Yeah, we do. We definitely do. We do. See if he'll let us hang out at Deep Root and check out all their Deep Root machines. Agreed. So they were... Bob and Bob. Some of the designers and stuff were there. And you know what? I talked to these guys.
    51:28
    Everybody associated with it, off the record, is really positive. sometimes you don't find that I swear I'm not going to name names but they were all like no the guy's like really good he's legit he's paying us this is there's nothing wrong with this he's not taking people's money that makes you feel really good about the direction the company's going in because I think you can always tell a lot by it's employees I still don't care until I see a machine they had a pong machine there Yeah, I saw that. It was cool. Yeah, it looked really cool. All right, so I honed the bone. And not only Friday night, but Saturday night, I hung out with the cool kids and put back a couple.
    52:19
    Yeah, I did. And Friday night, when I came in, Ryan C. from Head to Head Pinball Podcast was passed out. Jet lag. Oh, jet lag. That's a hell of a trip, though. I don't even know if I could make it through Expo if I had to come all the way from Australia. This is TPF, Ryan. Come on. So he was passed out. Charles Thomas fell asleep at 8 o'clock with his shoes on. I took a picture of that. Here's that picture right, bam, right there.
    52:50
    Zach called and told me about that. I laughed so hard. I came in that night thinking they'd be up or something. I was like, ooh. I was like, CT's on my schedule.
    53:00
    We didn't get nothing done. So Friday night, hung out. There was a lot of people hanging out. I probably shouldn't say their names, but one of the best Stern designers was there hanging out. Two of the best Stern designers were hanging out. One of the best Stern coders was hanging out. The measles, I got to hang out with the measles. You talked very highly of the measles. The measles are awesome. Very highly, yeah. Tim and Chris the measles. Measel Mods check out their stuff I heard there's a little birdie that told me that they're getting into the topper business that's pretty exciting wow have you seen their dialed in prototype topper I have not seen it but you told me it was sick wow and like I like their products a lot wow I got to hang out with JJ at Game Exchange Saturday night he's a hoot and I got to hang out with the old gang again well he's a hoot there guys he's a hoot and then all the Stern group came back man we had a great time. That's the time the Stern people know how to party. That's one thing because it was a good time in Chicago. That was like the second time I hung out with Steve Ritchie and I was like damn it man you're awesome. I love that man. You know what always makes me feel bad is like I love that man. They hang better than what I do. They're out till like three in the morning. I'm in bed at like nine. No, no we're not saying what time they were out till.
    54:17
    No, no. Might have been in at ten in the morning. Or ten at night. But, man, they're freaking awesome guys. I love it. So, Stern Group, you guys are fantastic. I love you guys. And then I hung out with Jonathan Houston. I don't think he likes me from Pinball Magazine. Oh, really? Because I kept referring to him as the juice is loose. The juice. I'd call Ryan and say, I'd be like, is the juice with you? I could see all these people really secretly hating you, and you thought you had a really good time, and they all liked you, but they all secretly went back hating you. That's not even true. Believe me. believe me that's not true but uh hone the bone hung out did all that hung out with tommy skinner he's cool it's fun man it was fun all right and these assholes get some of these sorry guys bear with me these assholes do so saturday night we were hanging out i had to catch a 545 flight so that means i had to uber at like three in the morning right it was like one i was like i'm gonna call it quits early and then here my buddies come out unnamed buddies they were like hey man we know you're drinking bud here's a bud and i was like ah guys i can't like i gotta go to bed i gotta get up you know what though i'm proud of you i know but wait there's more so i drink that and i drink that and then i was like all right guys i'm out and they were like oh cool that's fine man and then here comes another buddy out and it's like i got you another budweiser and i was like oh god and then the one of these shots called the uh fireball things yeah then those came out and then shit got crazy you know you hung better than me like that at chicago because like they were still trying to do that shit. I did. You went to bed early. I dipped out. I was just like, I literally just got up like I was going to take a piss and then just like, what can I say? I get crunk for pinball.
    56:00
    That's right. Yeah. Your boy, your boy comes out during pinball shows. Just when I was proud of you. During pinball shows.
    56:10
    I'm proud of you for representing us in the fun. I did. Spread the love too. Yes. Spread the love. I agree. We met a lot of fans too. I met a lot of fans, took some pictures with some, had a lot of people, everybody that came up and said hi and they appreciate the show. I didn't get one negative. I did get one negative comment. Had one guy come up. Who was it?
    56:29
    I'll know it later. But he came up. Dude was wearing our shirt, took a picture with me and all this, and I was so excited. I was like, oh, my God, thanks for supporting the show. Facebook, not two minutes after I post the damn picture, says, hate to tell you, buddy, I'm more Team Greg. I was like, what? You asshole. Like, screw you, dude. he was like I'm just going to get photo at least one of them even though it's not my favorite photo's better than no photo he was a really nice guy though yeah he's a really good guy alright to end the show this month in pinball that was TPF alright we're looking forward to next year speaking of shows Chicago has an expo or do they yeah what do they have now so the two guys that ran it split because one was reportedly an asshole and the other one supposedly was titled. And you know what? It really puts somebody like me in limbo because I'm not the most in-depth into the pinball community. And I'm too far. Yeah, you're too far. You have a vast amount of knowledge. I was told this weekend that somebody doesn't watch us because a pinball player don't watch us because we don't know anything about pinball. And I'll tell you what, we don't know a lot about code. We don't know a lot about code. Yeah, but that doesn't mean you don't know a lot about pinball. Put me up against all the other ones. Oh, I don't know shit about pinball. I'll be the first to admit that. But you know what? I feel a lot of people share my opinion. I am the people's player. Yeah. You. The nerds player. Yeah, you, if you like tournaments, you would be a tournament player. Yeah. But you have a vast pinball knowledge of history and of each game and how each game is laid out, who designed that game. That's right. Everybody else. And you know code decently, too. Like, I won't knock that. Yeah.
    58:15
    I don't know where I was going. Oh, let's let him sit with this one. Let's let him sit with it because I know exactly where we were going. You got me off on your shit trying to defend you. We were talking about the Chicago Expo-ish. Okay, now we're back on track. So this is what messes me up.
    58:33
    Is, man, I want to go, like, I'm not one side or the other. Oh, here's Mr. Neutral. No, it's not being neutral. Like, I literally, I don't know Mike. I don't know those guys. So, like, I can't pick a side. I enjoyed Chicago last year even if people said that it was what about that guy at the that guy at the door was a dick I will be clear that guy was a dick an asshole for no reason multiple times stick up his ass just for no reason was an asshole but what if you found out that was the other guy then I can make a decision because I'm not going to the door guy show but like I want to go where everybody's going to be everybody knows your name. Yeah, I want to go to the Cheers one. That's the one I want to go to. You want to be where you can see. But don't you? I mean, do you want to go where half the vendors are missing or half the... I want to go where the vendors are and I want to go where the reveals are happening. I don't give a shit when you're doing it. I don't either. That's what I'm saying. But it puts us in because what if they start splitting all that up? Then we'll go to MGC and we won't do any of the shit. I don't know where we're going to go. Yeah, fix it or nobody will come. I just want them to fix it soon so I can make plans. God, now I'm thinking of Christy Alley when she was cute. I like, I thought she, I mean she was cute. I had a crush on her when I was like, what was our, how old were we? Probably 8 to 12 when Cheers was kind of. Yeah, I didn't think she was so hot on Cheers. Like, I liked her a little bit later on. A little bit later than even, yeah, I don't know who she was talking. She was in that movie with Tim Allen about the Amish.
    60:06
    For Rich or Poor, she looked pretty hot in that. That was like late. Yeah, she looked good there too. Yeah, she was starting to change. Yeah, but I don't care. I think she's hot. Why are we talking about Christy Alley? Okay, man. Lou Ferrigno was there. Yeah. At TPS. Were people allowed to talk to Lou? Because I saw somebody's comment on your thing. Did Ferrigno's handlers get a hold of you? No. No, he was signing.
    60:30
    Like, you could take a picture with him for 20, 30 bucks. Yeah. That's the way most of that stuff works. Yeah, that's fine. At any cons or anything else. But I didn't know if he was approachable, like if he was walking around and having a good time and if you could approach him. No. Or whether that was. No, you couldn't. Somebody might have told me. I might have dreamed this. So this is just hearsay. I might have dreamed it. Somebody said he might have been a pain in the ass to deal with during that show. All right. That's a lot of celebrities. And before we close out, we want to throw a big prop to Jeff at This Week in Pinball. He's got his brand new website. Yeah, it looks really good. How awesome is that? Yeah, revamped it a little bit. Yeah, so check out This Week in Pinball. A little bit of a new logo. Yeah, and he's got some exciting stuff. hung out with him all weekend. I like to introduce him, Jeff, because people don't know him. He's the man behind the curtain. There's no face. Yeah. So he was shocked that people read his website and stuff like that. He was just really humble. Feels good. And he's like the most humble guy anyway. Very reserved. So check out This Week in Pinball because we love those guys over there. I think that's it, man. That's This Week in Pinball. Thanks for listening to us rant and rain for a long time here.
    61:33
    People need to check out Chuck Wirt on Twitch. Tax season is over. It's not over yet, is it? It's almost. Chuck Wirt's about to be back on regular for This Week in Pinball. We're still reaching out to some people to join the stream team. About to step up some tutorials on my own.
    61:51
    I'll show you guys some Demoman. Let's have you start with Lethal Weapon first. I'll show you guys some Jurassic Park Lost World. Favorite game ever.
    62:01
    You're going to learn how to play that game. You're going to learn something today. You're going to learn something today, son. All right, so we've got, people need to check out our Facebook page. Check out our Twitch. Check out our other YouTube channels. Share this. Freaking like us on Facebook. You know why? Because we put some really good shit on there. And we have nothing to do in our lives but love pinball. So if Stern releases something, anybody releases anything, we link that shit up. Hey, sometimes our stuff's so good this week and pinball steals it. We're one-stop shop. One-stop shopping. We're like a mall. We're a mall. I like it, and then I'm going to have to edit the audio. No, I'm fucking so soft. No, you're not. All right. I think that's it, man. Check us out next week. Right? Can they check us out next week? Yeah, we're always here. We'll be doing a top ten list or this or that next week, probably, or a machine review. I agree. Or something special.
    62:55
    That's good enough. All right. That was good. Right? The trumpets are all the same. I want to go. Everybody knows your name.
    63:09
    You hit it off with a bumper. Now you're straight down the middle again. Middle again. You had a fling with a fling shot. You're rolling out the alley again.
    63:21
    All right, Greg, you ready? Yeah. Let's get it on. Oh. What music you been listening to lately? Hoobastank? Tupac. Have you? I brought my Tupac shirt to wear. Nice. All eyes on me. I like Tupac. What's your favorite song? I don't know. I like a lot of Tupac. I don't really have a favorite Tupac song.
    63:43
    California Love, probably. Fancy. Hoes. I've got hoes. That's not Tupac. That's Ludacris. That's not Ludacris? Yeah, it is. In a different area, cold. That's Ludacris? Nate Dogg. Yeah. Tupac had that. Oh, and I'm the one that doesn't know music. he's like 15 years later area codes comes out by ludicrous featuring nate doge rest in peace okay ludicrous has turned into like an actor now yeah he thinks he is fast and furious his mom are you serious no on the street corner oh yeah wow that was a little harsh okay but he's got money he can take it. Just like his mom does on the street. Damn! That's a double. Poor Ludacris' mother. Yeah. She's probably a fox. He's a sellout.
    64:39
    Not ripping the streets anymore. Tupac was a fucking thespian. He was. He's a thespian. Yeah. He was like a performing art school and shit. Yeah. I think he kind of was a thug though. Well, because he got wrapped up in it, but he was fucking basically really behind the scenes here wow i didn't know any of this yeah you are a thug at heart i grew up the project we're so white