Pinball documentary - Special When Lit

[Bamaro]

In case some have never seen this documentary before, here is a link:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/243423/special-when-lit-a-pinball-documentary:cheers:

 

[mrschultz]

It's also streaming on Netflix, haven't checked Amazon prime to see if it's there also.

 

[Bamaro]

One interesting quote from a pinball developer in the documentary. He said pinballs should be like a carnival game:
Easy to learn
Easy to play
Hard to beat
This is a problem that I find with new pinballs today. The rules are so complex and deep that you cant walk up to a new machine and after a short period of time understand what you need to shoot at. Back in the 70's you could walk into a bar or arcade and after a couple of dollars in quarters you could pretty much learn what shots you needed to make to score the most. Not so today. I think this discourages play and has led the steep dropoff in pinball play today.

 

[JonPurpleHaze]

One interesting quote from a pinball developer in the documentary. He said pinballs should be like a carnival game:
Easy to learn
Easy to play
Hard to beat
This is a problem that I find with new pinballs today. The rules are so complex and deep that you cant walk up to a new machine and after a short period of time understand what you need to shoot at. Back in the 70's you could walk into a bar or arcade and after a couple of dollars in quarters you could pretty much learn what shots you needed to make to score the most. Not so today. I think this discourages play and has led the steep dropoff in pinball play today.

I agree with you but some carnival games are sneaky!

Love this documentary and wanted to mention that it's been at Pinball Nirvana's home page for awhile.

 

[tiltjlp]

One interesting quote from a pinball developer in the documentary. He said pinballs should be like a carnival game:
Easy to learn
Easy to play
Hard to beat
This is a problem that I find with new pinballs today. The rules are so complex and deep that you cant walk up to a new machine and after a short period of time understand what you need to shoot at. Back in the 70's you could walk into a bar or arcade and after a couple of dollars in quarters you could pretty much learn what shots you needed to make to score the most. Not so today. I think this discourages play and has led the steep dropoff in pinball play today.

Pretty much defines most trade stimulators, payouts, and counter top games. What skill is involved in hitting a looping ramp 30 times in a row, other than timing. I still believe that standardized flipper placement ruined the game.

 

[JonPurpleHaze]

Here's a video from BBC News about the Pinball Hall Of Fame that's quite interesting:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16838228

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[Neo]

That's a very well-done documentary.

I want to go to Vegas so I can see the Pinball Hall of Fame...I heard the guy who created it has been sick, so I hope if I do get to go it's still there.

 

[chitownpinball]

That's a very well-done documentary.

I want to go to Vegas so I can see the Pinball Hall of Fame...I heard the guy who created it has been sick, so I hope if I do get to go it's still there.

I want to do this as well!

I was there 2 years ago and didnt have a chance to make it over. I still have NEVER played a Haunted House...even at the expo here in chicago. so lame.