Magus
01-18-2014, 01:53 PM
If you're even moderately into pinball and can find one of these machines somewhere, play it now. I haven't had that much fun for a long time. I think it's a new classic. I'd put it up against some of the old greats like Twilight Zone or Addams Family (well, I don't know if the long-lasting playability is up there, but it's got the same level of depth as Tales of the Arabian Nights or something like that, anyway). Truly state-of-the-art as well, it's like pinball FROM THE FUTURE!~ Unlike the new Stern machines it feels lovingly crafted, too. Full LCD 26" screen in the backglass, for one thing, with clips of the movie. Amazing use of the theme, music, and great gameplay. In fact it has TWO mini-playfields! The twister playfield is a blast, as is the castle rescue playfield.
8t-N7QpFKuc
Pay no attention to the man behind the video (I love CGR reviews). The 4 main goals to unlock wizard modeare pretty clear and displayed on the backglass at the beginning of the game, freeing up the lighting system for obnoxiously bright lighting! But actually the lights settle down when you start a mode and light up for the stuff you're supposed to hit, so I think he's exaggerating.
It's the first machine manufactured by Jersey Jack Pinball (they have The Hobbit coming next). It was founded by Jack Guarnieri, who spent his whole life working on the things. Slate did a great write-up on him and his (probably ill-fated) attempt to "save pinball":
http://www.slate.com/articles/business/doers/2013/01/jersey_jack_pinball_wizard_of_oz_pinball_is_dying_ can_arcade_entrepreneur.html
Again, if you find one to play in public, do so. Someone was willing to drop $8,000 on it, so you gotta help them defray that cost! And have fun doing it, too.
8t-N7QpFKuc
Pay no attention to the man behind the video (I love CGR reviews). The 4 main goals to unlock wizard modeare pretty clear and displayed on the backglass at the beginning of the game, freeing up the lighting system for obnoxiously bright lighting! But actually the lights settle down when you start a mode and light up for the stuff you're supposed to hit, so I think he's exaggerating.
It's the first machine manufactured by Jersey Jack Pinball (they have The Hobbit coming next). It was founded by Jack Guarnieri, who spent his whole life working on the things. Slate did a great write-up on him and his (probably ill-fated) attempt to "save pinball":
http://www.slate.com/articles/business/doers/2013/01/jersey_jack_pinball_wizard_of_oz_pinball_is_dying_ can_arcade_entrepreneur.html
Again, if you find one to play in public, do so. Someone was willing to drop $8,000 on it, so you gotta help them defray that cost! And have fun doing it, too.