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John Wick Pinball 1.0 - The Staircase Wizard Mode

Fox Cities Pinball·video·30m 39s·analyzed·May 25, 2026
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Analysis

claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.020

TL;DR

Fox Cities Pinball plays John Wick 1.0 Staircase Mode, discusses game quality and upcoming titles.

Summary

Fox Cities Pinball streams gameplay of John Wick (Pro) 1.0, focusing on the Staircase Wizard Mode. The host discusses code updates, praises the game's quality despite its initial poor reception, mentions upcoming Transformers and Pokémon pinball machines in development, and reflects on rule card inaccuracies resulting from a coder change mid-development.

Key Claims

  • John Wick (Pro) got a bad rap initially but is actually a good game worth buying at current low prices

    medium confidence · Fox Cities Pinball host, expressing opinion during gameplay

  • Pokémon pinball will eventually reach quality but will take a long time

    low confidence · Fox Cities Pinball host, speculating about game development timeline

  • Transformers pinball is pretty far along in development

    medium confidence · Fox Cities Pinball host, citing indirect understanding of development status

  • The original John Wick coder is no longer on the game; Mike Vettros took over

    medium confidence · Fox Cities Pinball host, discussing mid-development coder change

  • Rule cards for John Wick 1.0 are outdated and need updating due to code changes

    high confidence · Fox Cities Pinball host, noting discrepancies between rule card and actual gameplay mechanics

  • The Staircase is a wizard mode that can be lit by defeating adversaries in John Wick

    high confidence · In-game rule card text read by Fox Cities Pinball host

Notable Quotes

  • “I think it just uh it it obviously needed the code. I'm sure Pokémon Pokémon will get there. You wanted me I'm back. It's just going to take a long time. Sounds like Transformers though is pretty far along.”

    Fox Cities Pinball@ 0:26 — Reveals development status of upcoming Stern games: Pokémon in early code stage, Transformers progressing further

  • “I think it really got a bad rap. Like I said, I was saying earlier, you know, you can find one of these for cheap now and probably get it for a steal.”

    Fox Cities Pinball@ 1:45 — Indicates market perception shift and secondary market pricing for John Wick after initial poor reception

  • “I have no idea what's going on in the mode since I've never gotten there before... That was actually a fun mode. I I'm surprised I was ripping some of those shots like I was.”

    Fox Cities Pinball@ 16:09 — First-time experience of Staircase wizard mode, indicates deep rule complexity in John Wick

  • “That's probably cuz the coder who was originally on the game is no longer on the game, so the rules rules have changed.”

    Fox Cities Pinball@ 26:36 — Reveals mid-development personnel change on John Wick codebase

  • “I believe Mike Vettros was the one who took it over, but I could be wrong, but it's a great game.”

    Fox Cities Pinball@ 27:26 — Attributes John Wick code takeover to Mike Venacore with low confidence

Entities

Fox Cities PinballpersonJohn Wick (Pro)gameJersey Jack PinballcompanyPokémon PinballgameTransformers PinballgameStern Pinballcompany[name withheld pending review]personLights Out PinballgameRetro Ralphperson

Signals

  • ?

    code_update: John Wick 1.0 code underwent significant rule changes after original coder departure; excommunicado multiball now lit by shooting ramp targets instead of pop bumpers

    high · Host read rule card discrepancies and confirmed 'the coder who was originally on the game is no longer on the game, so the rules rules have changed'

  • ?

    product_concern: John Wick physical rule cards are outdated relative to current 1.0 code; need updating

    high · Host noted rule card stated shoot pop bumpers for excommunicado, but actual game requires ramp targets; suggested cards need update with laughter

  • ~

    sentiment_shift: John Wick Pinball reputation recovering post-launch; initial negative reception giving way to recognition of quality after code improvements

    medium · Host: 'I think it really got a bad rap... you can find one of these for cheap now and probably get it for a steal... I think there are a lot of people that are going to play the game and realize that it's something good'

  • ?

    machine_intel: Pokémon Pinball (Stern) in early code development stage; will require significant time before completion

    medium · Host: 'I'm sure Pokémon Pokémon will get there. You wanted me I'm back. It's just going to take a long time.'

  • ?

    machine_intel: Transformers Pinball (Stern) further along in development pipeline than Pokémon

    medium · Host: 'Sounds like Transformers though is pretty far along. And it from from my understanding anyways. Haven't played it yet.'

Transcript

youtube_auto_sub · $0.000

0:03
Thank you, I appreciate that. Wick, uh >> [panting]
0:04
[panting]
0:04
[panting] >> Wick's awesome. I I really like this
0:07
Wick's awesome. I I really like this
0:07
Wick's awesome. I I really like this game. I'm I'm glad I I'm glad I stuck with it. I think it just uh it it obviously needed the code. I'm sure Pokémon Pokémon will get there. You wanted me I'm back. It's just going to take a long time.
0:31
Sounds like Transformers though is pretty far along. And it from from my understanding anyways. Haven't played it yet. Well played. Dirty pool pinball, what's up, Jeff?
Luke
person
Minnesota Pinballorganization
Triple Drainevent
  • ?

    gameplay_signal: Staircase is a wizard mode in John Wick requiring defeat of multiple adversaries; complex rules with time pressure element

    high · Host played through Staircase mode; rule card states 'Defeat adversaries to light the staircase'; mode features ticking clock timer and multiple shot requirements

  • ?

    personnel_signal: John Wick Pinball experienced mid-project coder change; original developer departed and reportedly replaced by Mike Venacore

    medium · Host: 'I believe Mike Venacore was the one who took it over, but I could be wrong' and 'that's probably cuz the coder who was originally on the game is no longer on the game'

  • $

    market_signal: John Wick Pinball secondary market prices down significantly from launch; machines available 'for a steal' according to streamer

    medium · Host: 'you can find one of these for cheap now and probably get it for a steal. A market is not to be taken lightly'

  • ?

    content_signal: Fox Cities Pinball upgraded audio equipment setup for streams; testing new device alongside Rodecaster Pro II for tournaments

    high · Host discussed sound setup changes: 'I think the sound setup worked well... I'm going to start using this instead... I love my Rodecaster Pro II... but I'd rather keep that for tournaments'

  • ?

    event_signal: Whopper Chopper tournament starting Thursday featuring high-level talent; Triple Drain tournament ongoing

    high · Host: 'Whopper Chopper coming up. Starting on Thursday. Don't sleep on the Whopper Chopper cuz there's going to be some pretty good talent at that event'

    • 0:53
    I am trying to finish all them these lower modes. They put you in the mess. All these things. And I keep screwing up. But come so close.
    1:18
    The high cable score >> Feel so alive like It would be best to
    1:21
    Feel so alive like It would be best to
    1:21
    Feel so alive like It would be best to remember that. Yeah, exactly. This is uh It's a good game, I think. I think it I think it really got a bad rap.
    1:45
    Like I said, I was saying earlier, you know, you can find one of these for cheap now and probably get it for a steal.
    2:03
    A market is not to be taken lightly, but
    2:03
    A market is not to be taken lightly, but Sure. All right. Let's save my lights out, I think.
    2:20
    Oh, imagine. All of a sudden I can't hit the left ramp. Like I couldn't miss it.
    2:29
    [snorts]
    2:29
    [snorts] >> It's right there. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Honey, how many times
    2:40
    Yeah, I still like Lights Out Pinball, personally. I I It That game I do like, too. But, I can guess I can see why people don't like it. >> was impeccable.
    2:51
    was impeccable.
    2:51
    was impeccable. >> That was impeccable.
    2:54
    That was impeccable.
    2:54
    That was impeccable. You have no business Let's go. I got to finish this.
    3:17
    What are you What are you doing? I always said hitting targets was a thing I'd be an expert at it.
    3:28
    Now, if I could just hit all the other shots. No. No, okay. There we go. What do I get? What do I get? What do I get? Lights Out Motion Sensor. >> hearing from them again.
    3:55
    hearing from them again.
    3:55
    hearing from them again. >> Actually since I totally ignored
    3:58
    Actually since I totally ignored
    3:58
    Actually since I totally ignored that it was lit. Don't need a transforming figure in the game. Coming from Jason who is a huge Transformers fan. That's got to be saying something. Cuz uh Are you armed?
    4:28
    I'm trying to think. Didn't wasn't there like a uh the Megatron in the old game? Didn't that like kind of move? Didn't really transform, I guess, but it moved.
    4:47
    I think that was a thing, but I could be wrong. All right. Let me get my mode started here. Let's lock a ball. All balls locked.
    5:07
    We have some work that needs to be taken care of. >> Reveal three targets. All right.
    5:23
    Oh god. All's I had to do is that. All's I had to do. All I had to do. Screwed it up. The old game was supposed to have a rotating Okay. I know like Okay, I remember Remember Starscream moved and then the Ironhide playfield on the right. And then I thought thought the Megatron did something.
    5:57
    Megatron was supposed to shoot the ball down. But he does now. Ah.
    6:07
    Ah. The Continental does not appreciate your accuracy. Uh I'm I'm excited to play it. I'm looking forward to the game.
    6:22
    I think it's going to be a good one. Attention, extra ball awarded. I hope I'm right. An extra ball has revealed [laughter] itself, Jonathan. All right. I was talking to Retro Ralph. He had me dying. He's like I said >> I got the LE, so it's not
    6:40
    I got the LE, so it's not
    6:40
    I got the LE, so it's not >> [laughter]
    6:41
    [laughter]
    6:41
    [laughter] >> broke them all with you. It should drop
    6:43
    broke them all with you. It should drop
    6:43
    broke them all with you. It should drop in value. I don't chat's an over there. Yeah, I think the game's going to be good. I I I have a strong feeling.
    7:20
    I think there are a lot of people that are going to play the game and realize that it's something good.
    7:32
    It's my opinion, but >> Rules that cannot be broken, Jonathan.
    7:34
    Rules that cannot be broken, Jonathan.
    7:34
    Rules that cannot be broken, Jonathan. No blood on Continental ground, and every marker must be honored. The uh Stern video they released on the gameplay looked pretty good.
    7:53
    Why am I not shooting the center ramp? I don't know. No. YEAH, I KNOW I KNOW WHERE TO SHOOT. I just can't.
    8:59
    Extra balls we need. Okay. And this right ramp sometimes tricky, but if you hit it as a combo, it seems to go pretty well.
    9:36
    Finish him. So much for professional courtesy. All right. Nice. >> they didn't even stand a chance.
    9:52
    they didn't even stand a chance.
    9:52
    they didn't even stand a chance. >> Nice.
    9:54
    Nice.
    9:54
    Nice. Two points. All right, let's see if I can not slap into the Evercerial Administration chat.
    10:12
    The marquee is highly respected at the hideout. The rules will be tilted in your favor. >> Oh.
    10:17
    Oh.
    10:17
    Oh. I'm just going to combo out here if we can.
    10:25
    This one This mode at least I know what's lit until you drain and and don't matter no more. Uh, thanks everybody for stopping in. I really appreciate it.
    10:41
    Notice they just thrown me biddies. Thank you. All right. >> Shoot again.
    10:54
    Whopper Chopper coming up. Starting on Thursday. Don't sleep on the Whopper Chopper cuz there's going to be some pretty good talent at that event.
    11:13
    The bodies here very >> Not going to name names. You just got to
    11:14
    Not going to name names. You just got to
    11:14
    Not going to name names. You just got to tune in.
    11:48
    So sleeping on the caramel double.
    11:48
    So sleeping on the caramel double. Oh, that was scary. I didn't need that. That I really needed.
    12:29
    That I probably didn't. Hit the thing. Can't hit I can't hit anything with the lights out. Oh, wow. Almost a triple drain. Stunner. Um you get two balls in the shooter lane.
    13:05
    Oh. There it goes. Holy crap. Oh, I didn't you go in there. There we go.
    13:20
    Had a ball. We won't be hearing from them anytime soon. Forever.
    14:10
    Oh, no problem. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you get your premium.
    14:27
    Huh. Forgot I had the extender on the motion sensor. Oh, [ __ ] We have rules here. Follow them or else. Wow. Holy cow. Okay.
    14:50
    I don't know why I keep doing that. All right. I'm glad the lights are on.
    15:02
    Guys, survive. Wow. In the hole. There we go. >> The Bowery King does not play games.
    15:33
    All right, here we go. Lights out almost. Get a ball. Nice. We'll be sending some of our finest
    16:04
    Oh, yeah, the staircase is lit. Nice. That's what I was working toward. I have no idea what's going on in the mode since I've never gotten there before.
    16:49
    Somebody's got their headphones on. Who is ringing that doorbell?
    16:57
    The clock is ticking. Clock is ticking, so am I. Shoot. All right, I do have an extra ball. I might have two, I don't know.
    17:19
    Yeah, I mean honestly, there's a few um There's a few that that orange one you can. Um there's there's quite a few. Or just another ball.
    17:36
    Apparently, I want to shoot that. So, let's do that. Unless that's a lip board. Find out. Oh, there's something.
    17:55
    So, who out there is going to climb those 222 steps? Ben Shawn's.
    18:28
    Your aim was impeccable, Jonathan. All right, that was pretty cool. Please.
    20:38
    Oh, come on. I'm away.
    21:15
    It's quite a fall.
    21:15
    It's quite a fall. >> [laughter] Kane. Hey, thanks for the happy partner anniversary. Appreciate it.
    21:54
    Betty. >> [laughter]
    21:56
    [laughter]
    21:56
    [laughter] >> Tumbling down the stairs. Okay, now he's pissed. Now he's pissed.
    22:13
    Over and out. Nine.
    23:09
    I just don't know if the white shots are
    23:09
    I just don't know if the white shots are like fluff points. It's Oh, okay. It's like a multiplier. [ __ ] Uh I should have just kept playing.
    23:29
    John, you're incredible. Hey. But my name's John. It's not John.
    23:40
    That was pretty cool. Sign here. Did I not even get the the staircase champion? >> the Continental proud.
    23:48
    the Continental proud.
    23:48
    the Continental proud. Or is there not such a thing? What? That was really cool. I agree.
    24:04
    I I just I got to s- Get me out of here. I got to see if there's an actual score for that.
    24:22
    Showdown champion. Cheers. Cheers. Okay, so 1.01 code put the uh high score in for the staircase, please.
    24:43
    Now, that was fun. That was actually a fun mode. I I'm surprised I was ripping some of those shots like I was.
    24:54
    Yeah, sometimes you miss the good stuff when you just get up and walk away, you know? It happens. It happens. We all do it. Uh I think that duel is in the game. I think that's if you play all the multi-balls. Like you have to do all the car ones and then do the the pop bumper one and then do the captive ball one. Um
    25:28
    I think that's the case. But I'd have to look it up. But I'm pretty sure that's the case. I think the only I think the only mode they haven't put in a special assignment, which I assume you have to do everything or I I don't know. I I think it would be pretty hard to do all the the uh adversaries. But maybe that's a thing, too. Not sure. I I'd have to read the read me. Uh or the rules. Uh let's see if it says it on here.
    26:15
    Oh, that's interesting. Says on the rule card, shoot the administrate administration to battle and then all the the characters. Defeat adversaries to light the staircase. That's not the case. But that's probably cuz the the the coder who was originally on the game is no longer on the game, so the rules rules have changed.
    26:44
    Yeah, it also says for the excommunicado, shoot the right or shoot the ramp targets to light excommunicado multi-ball at at the red circle, so I guess we need updated cards. >> [laughter]
    27:00
    [laughter]
    27:00
    [laughter] >> Oh, yeah. I think I think the game is
    27:02
    Oh, yeah. I think I think the game is
    27:02
    Oh, yeah. I think I think the game is way better. I did like shooting the targets to start excommunicado instead of the the pop bumpers, but or or the pop bumper, but I the game is far well it it's a great game. It's a great game. Uh I believe Mike Venacore was the one who took it over, but I could be wrong, but it's a great game. Uh absolutely. All right. After that, I don't think I could finish that up tonight, but I'll probably I'll probably stream more of this. Maybe I'll maybe I'll try to do the multiball uh maybe even tomorrow. I'll try to do the dual. I'll have to look up how to do it. So, but let's uh let's raid somebody. Thanks everybody who stopped in. I appreciate it. I think the sound setup worked well. I'll have to go back and listen to it. Uh but I think I'm going to start using this instead. Uh hopefully it was better. Uh I was doing it a different way. It sounded great. That's what I wanted to hear. That's what I wanted to hear cuz I had I originally had this mic uh set up for the whole game sound, and I stopped using like direct sound out of the out of the board. And with this device, it's actually easier for me to to do it. So, um I love my Rodecaster Pro II, uh but it's really big and it's great for my tournaments. But I'd rather keep that for tournaments. And I think I'm going to use this this thing not only for my home streams, but also probably probably use it on triple drain, too. So but I I appreciate it. Thank you. So let's yeah, let's raid somebody. See who's out there. I know the amazing race was going on. Maybe we could raid that out.
    29:37
    Oh, they're doing I think they're doing like a Well we got options, but I think I'm going to do
    29:52
    Minnesota Pinball. Cuz Luke's been a huge supporter of my stream.
    30:04
    So I'll do Minnesota Pinball. Have a lot of friends there in Minnesota. Luke's been a huge supporter of my stream. Actually, when I was first getting into tournament streaming Luke actually helped me out quite a bit. So uh check out Minnesota Pinball. They do a great job if you've never watched and you like you like watching tournaments. Uh and uh keep on keep on watching pinball. Keep on flipping and uh probably see you tomorrow. So thank you. Thanks everybody.