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Summary
In this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil McRae provides an in-depth review of Stern's latest pinball machine, Star Wars: Fall of the Empire. He discusses the stunning artwork, technical innovations with Spike 3, and the engaging gameplay mechanics that immerse players in the Star Wars universe. Neil shares insights on character modes, audio quality, and the overall market reception of the game, concluding that it is a significant step forward for pinball design and gameplay.

Takeaways

• The artwork commissioned for the game is some of the best Star Wars art ever seen.
• Spike 3 introduces significant technical improvements, especially in audio quality.
• The gameplay is designed to engage players quickly, with modes that are easy to activate.
• The layout of the game is a fan layout, appealing to both pinball enthusiasts and casual players.
• Each character in the game has unique modes, enhancing the storytelling experience.
• The audio quality is a standout feature, providing an immersive experience.
• The game includes a unique 'force' mechanic that adds depth to gameplay.
• The game is not currently available in Europe, which may disappoint fans.
• Neil believes this game will sell well due to its engaging design and audio.
• The overall market for pinball is stabilizing after a period of oversupply.

Sound Bites

• "The artwork is amazing."
• "You're right in there."
• "It's a huge amount of fun."

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Just Neil this time, can you guess why?

Neil covers UKPinfest, Star Wars and the potential impact of Disney's licensing decision and a few other things in the pinball world! 

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In this special episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, hosts Neil McRae and Scott Rundle dive into the excitement surrounding UK PinFest, sharing personal updates, discussing game collections, and exploring market trends. They also touch on maintenance issues, community engagement, and the latest industry news, including the controversial Predator pinball machine and quality control concerns with recent releases. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and a deep love for the pinball community. In this episode, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss the current state of the pinball industry, focusing on American Pinball's challenges, the future of pinball design, and the innovations from Stern. They also preview upcoming games, emphasize the importance of accessibility in pinball, and provide insights into the upcoming Pinfest event, highlighting community engagement and the need for personal cleanliness at events.

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Scott and Neil talk about venues and the state of the hobby in the UK then cover the usual questions about new games etc.

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Scott and Neil debate the recent pinball launches and ask the question is pinball in a panic?

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In this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil and Scott discuss personal updates, including health issues and family matters, before diving into the world of pinball. They explore the challenges of maintaining and refurbishing pinball machines, the importance of parts availability, and the dynamics of the pinball market. The conversation also touches on recent game acquisitions, upcoming events, and the mixed reception of the Dune pinball machine. Throughout the episode, they share insights on the value of pinball machines and the impact of market trends on collectors and enthusiasts. In this conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss the vibrant pinball scene in the Bay Area, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Harry Potter pinball machine, and the future of pinball with various upcoming titles. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and supporting local venues to keep the pinball culture alive.

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It's the TPF wrap episode - And Neil gives Blues Brothers some Boomstick! More swearing warning :D

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Neil and Scott cover a wide variety of the rumoured goings on at TPF and Scott shares some fantastic news about a new delivery coming!

Apologies about the audio, we are going to move away from our podcast software as we keep having issues that don't show up in testing.

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In this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss their recent experiences in the world of pinball collecting, including the challenges of moving machines, the intricacies of game mechanics, and the evolution of pinball technology. They share personal anecdotes about their collections, including a Metallica LE and an Indiana Jones machine, and delve into the technical aspects of modern pinball machines, such as audio and visual enhancements. The conversation also touches on the challenges of homebrew projects and the satisfaction of building custom pinball machines. In this segment of the conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss various technical challenges faced by Stern pinball machines, particularly focusing on the Rush Premium LE model. They delve into the community's frustrations regarding game code updates for popular titles like John Wick and X-Men, and share insights on upcoming pinball titles and industry rumors. The discussion highlights the balance between manufacturing challenges and community expectations in the pinball industry. In this conversation, Scott Rundle and Neil McRae discuss the current state of the pinball industry, focusing on upcoming game releases, the challenges of game development, and the importance of player experience in events. They delve into rumors surrounding new games, the significance of community support for pinball venues, and the need for effective communication in event management. The discussion emphasizes the players' role in shaping the pinball experience and the necessity for organizers to prioritize their needs.

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Why did the wizard bring a ladder to the dungeon? Because they heard the campaign had a lot of high-level encounters! Its new pinball week - its D&D!

Summary

In this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, hosts Neil McRae and Scott Rundle reflect on their holiday experiences, discuss their pinball collections, and share insights from their recent visits to pinball events and manufacturers. They delve into the challenges facing the pinball industry, including production issues and the importance of quality assurance. The conversation also covers personal projects, Christmas gifts, and the highly anticipated Dungeons and Dragons pinball game, exploring its potential impact on the market. In this engaging conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle delve into the intricacies of a new pinball game that incorporates RPG elements, discussing its mechanics, layout design, sound features, and community engagement. They explore the differences between various editions of the game, the ambitious coding behind it, and the procedural generation of gameplay. The discussion also touches on homebrew projects, event highlights, and the recognition of community contributions in the pinball world.