Pinball is often used in TV shows and movies to recreate a retro atmosphere, so you might be surprised to see that the game is still going strong. If you haven’t seen a pinball machine recently, this look at why it’s still popular might inspire you to find a game to try.
Online Versions of the Game
Most people who bought a Windows PC around the turn of the century will have played the free Space Cadet version of pinball that was included with it. This classic pinball game wasn’t the first online version but it reached millions of players and helped to popularise pinball. It was included from Windows Plus 95 through to Windows XP, with a collision detection bug to blame for it subsequently being dropped from later versions of the operating system.
Online pinball can be found in many different versions, with many of them represented in a retro style for players looking for a touch of nostalgia. Pinball King and Pinball Master are among the free versions currently offered online. Another option is to check the Prize Pinball jackpot promotion at Betfair Casino. This daily, free-to-play offer lets players launch a ball to try and win a prize. Free spins and bonus funds to use in the casino are among the potential prizes.
Build Your Own Pinball Machine
If you haven’t played a physical pinball cabinet in a few years, maybe you like the idea of getting one at home. While you can buy refurbished machines online, the price and availability vary greatly depending on where you live.
Another way of reliving the thrill of playing classic pinball games is by building your own. You can go for the hi-tech option of installing an embedded microcontroller like the Raspberry Pi computer if you like, but the simplest approach is by using cardboard. With lollipop sticks as the flipper, this is an interesting way to create unique games with little effort.
New Machines Being Launched
We fondly remember classic pinball machines of the past, like the 1992 Addams Family cabinet that sold over 20,000 to become the best-selling pinball game in history. Yet, this is a market where new games continue to be released. Many of the latest games are based on movies and TV shows that are currently popular, but there’s still room for classic themes that take us back in time.
The latest models to be launched include themes such as James Bond and Star Wars. Among the most recent releases, the JAWS machine from Stern Pinball Inc. shows how far this industry has progressed. Based on the 1975 movie by Steven Spielberg, this game has a multimedia approach that lets players listen to the famous theme music and also see clips from the film
Pinball games have evolved to meet current tastes and technology without losing the essence of metal balls rebounding off bumpers and flippers. This type of game seems set to continue to be one of our favourites even as an increasing number of alternative types of entertainment appear in our lives.
