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FLIPPIN' FANTASTIC
5 Pinball Games to Play in 2024 - From Classics to Newer Titles
Pinball has an incredibly rich history. From their nationwide ban in the 1940’s to their influence on pop culture throughout the late 1900’s, this part of retro gaming history is undeniably enticing (we’ve written a whole post about this, read it here). Today, pinball machines are relatively rare, and hence the countless iconic games created for them have been left slightly in the shadows – especially when compared to popular arcade games. Here are our 5 top picks for pinball games to try this year – all of course available on our bespoke pinball machines.
1. Austin Powers
Austin Powers is an iconic franchise, so it’s no surprise that a pinball game has been created in honour of it.
If you don’t know what or who Austin Powers is, here’s a quick overview: these satirical spy movies follow the adventures of a young, ridiculous spy called Austin Powers, as he navigates countless problems, classic to spies. The films are essentially parodies of the classic 1960’s Bond movies, with popular titles including “Goldmember” (AKA a parody of Goldfinger).
This pinball game was first released in 2002, and is based on the first two Austin Powers films. The purpose of the game is to defeat Dr.Evil (Austin’s archenemy), by destroying various other enemies including fembots, and a mutant sea bass.
We love the vibrant gameplay of this virtual pinball game, and the iconic soundtrack and fun clips from the movies that feature between levels make it an absolute top pick for us.
2. Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider is a newer generation pinball game, but one that you have to give a try. This game is one of four Marvel tables available on the Jiraiya, and is based on the 2006 comic series, which follows the journey of stuntman ohnny Blaze’s transformation into Ghost Rider, or the “Spirit of Vengeance”, who fights against villains alive and dead.
From the moment this game starts, the tone is perfectly set. The soundtrack is eerie and dark, yet has an exciting undertone that gets your adrenaline pumping.
The story of this pinball game is essentially based on four key battles that the Ghost Rider must fight against villains, followed by a final battle against former archangel Zadkiel.
There are countless tricks and special moves players learn along the way, and you’re guaranteed to be in a constant battle to beat your previous score.
Overall this is a super fun, intense pinball game we love!
3. Fish Tales
Feeling old school? Go retro with Fish Tales, a classic pinball game first released by pinball giant Williams in the early 1990’s. Fish Tales is one of the top 20 most sold pinball games of all time, with over 13,000 of the original machine sold.
Although this game is on the older end, it’s gameplay is as fun as any of it’s newer counterparts. The objective of the game is, of course, to get the highest score possible, which can be achieved through various means. Top challenges for gaining points including catching thrashing fish, striking the boat in the centre and fighting monster fish.
The thing we love most about this game might be the most simple; the catchphrases and graphics that appear on the scoreboard throughout the game. These include cool videos of fish feeding, waves, bubbles and lobsters, not to mention encouraging phrases like “Oh yeah, that’s a keeper!” and “Gone fishin’, leave a message.”
4. Back to The Future
Another retro pinball game for the books: Back to The Future.
There’s just something about Back to the Future that is so inherently nostalgic – the whole franchise beams unparalleled retro charm. The pinball spin-off of these popular films is a must-try classic on the Jiraiya pinball machine, complete with all the nostalgic features you would hope for.
The game was originally released by Data East in 1990, after the release of the third movie, and therefore the gameplay unsurprisingly features the objective to relive the events of the Back to the Future trilogy. Players take a journey through various times and locations using the iconic DeLorean, taking on diverse challenges and enemies.
A major highlight for us is that the game features four songs from the three films. The Power of Love, Back in Time, Doubleback and Alan Silvestri‘s orchestral theme, as well as its from its gameplay sounds and score.
Fun fact: Michale J Fox (the actor who originally played Marty), refused to have his picture used for the game, so Data East’s game designer’s son Brad replaced him as Marty on the cover image of the game.
5. Spider-Man
Another newer pinball game, also part of the Marvel game collection available on the Jiraiya, the Spider-Man pinball game. Released originally by Stern in 2007, the aim of this pinball game is to defeat 3 main enemies; Green Goblin from Spider-Man, Doc Ock from Spider-Man 2, and Sandman and Venom from Spider-Man 3.
This game is one for those wanting to learn special tricks and hacks, as different movements and combinations allow you to do some seriously cool moves.
Steve Riche, game creator, states “Spider-Man pinball is a game of speed, flow and constant action and excitement… that anyone can learn in a few plays.”
So, if you get the chance to play any pinball games, this is definitely up there on ones to go for – especially for the hardcore Marvel fans!