The Great British Pinball Podcast

Send a textNeil and Scott return for a post xmas post PATB; Covering BeetleJuice and the wider stuff of pinball - plus a old event comes back to life.

Send a textIn this Xmas episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss a variety of topics related to pinball,  personal experiences with pinball machines, and the challenges of the current market. They delve into modifications and upgrades for games, the expansion of Stern into the European market, and the dynamics of community forums. The hosts also review popular games like Jaws and Star Wars, share their holiday pinball plans, and discuss the arrival of new games just in time for Christmas. In this episode, Scott Rundle and Neil McRae discuss various aspects of the pinball industry, including frustrations with game releases, trends in collecting, market dynamics, and the importance of iconic themes. They reflect on missed opportunities for game updates, the challenges of licensing, and the role of nostalgia in game preferences. The conversation also touches on the secondhand market, game reliability, and community engagement through streaming. As the year comes to a close, they share their thoughts on the best and worst games of the year, highlighting the evolving landscape of pinball.

Send a textScott and Neil talk over the new pinball updates and react live to the Spooky release of Beetlejuice!

Send a textNeil has a last minute interview with Rob Berk ahead of Pinball Expo this week.

Send a textTwo-part special - Regular episode and part 2 - Exclusive Special Guest Interview! SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Scott shares his challenging birth experience and the support he received from his community. The discussion transitions into the importance of paternity leave and how it can significantly impact work-life balance. They reflect on the recent Pinfest event, showcasing the evolution of pinball games and the importance of quality control in manufacturing. The conversation also delves into the complexities of game design, particularly focusing on the mixed reviews of the Harry Potter and Star Wars pinball machines, highlighting the balance between accessibility and complexity in gameplay. In this conversation, Scott and Neil discuss various aspects of the pinball industry, including the challenges of region locking, the economics of importing games, warranty considerations, and the impact of VAT on purchases. They delve into the differences between premium and pro models, the value of limited editions, and the role of homebrew games. The discussion also touches on the implications of online marketplaces and the future of pinball imports, concluding with thoughts on the value of printed manuals and upcoming events in the pinball community.Chapters00:00 The Return of Scott03:03 Scott's Birth Experience05:49 Life Changes and Support08:45 Reflections on Life and Loss11:38 The Impact of Parenthood14:38 Pinfest Insights17:34 Pinball Game Reviews25:59 The Importance of Cliffies and Mylar in Pinball28:47 Insights on Harry Potter Pinball32:24 Comparing Harry Potter and Jaws36:08 The Challenges of Lower Playfields38:54 The Pressure on Pinball Designers43:00 The Complexity of Game Design49:28 Star Wars Pinball: Expectations vs. Reality54:12 The Impact of Region Locking on Gaming55:16 Cost Analysis of Importing Games56:56 Warranty and Support Considerations59:01 The Economics of Game Pricing01:00:39 Navigating Tax Regulations in Game Imports01:09:03 The Role of Distributors in Pricing01:11:37 The Debate on Premium vs. Pro Models01:18:31 Valuable Pinball Machines01:19:35 Pro vs Premium: The Great Debate01:21:20 Understanding Game Features01:23:01 Market Trends in Pinball01:24:54 Upcoming Events and Expectations01:27:17 The Future of Pinball Games01:29:39 Printed Manuals and Their Value

Send a textSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysThe 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."

Send a textJust 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! 

Send a textIn 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.

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

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

Send a textIn 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.

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

Send a textNeil 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.

Send a textIn 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.

Send a textWhy 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!SummaryIn 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.

Send a textIn this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil and Scott discuss various topics related to pinball machines, including their experiences with the new Labyrinth game, the differences in manufacturing and mechanics, the importance of maintenance, and the refurbishing of older machines. They also touch on the arrival of new games like Pulp Fiction and Metallica, the updates in game code, and insights into the pinball industry and future announcements. In this segment of the conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle delve into various aspects of pinball games, focusing on aesthetics, gameplay complexity, and community engagement. They discuss the visual appeal of games, the trend of toppers, and the balance between game difficulty and enjoyment. The conversation also touches on the importance of risk and reward in game design, using X-Men as a case study, and highlights the evolution of technology in pinball. Additionally, they explore the rise of mods and the vibrant community surrounding pinball culture, emphasizing the positive impact of initiatives like Pinside's Secret Santa. In this conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss various aspects of the pinball community, including the challenges faced in online forums, personal achievements in the pinball industry, and the operational difficulties of running a pinball club. They reflect on the importance of game maintenance, the anticipation of new game releases, and the future of American Pinball, emphasizing the need for quality control in manufacturing. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of pinball and the community's passion for the hobby. In this conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss various aspects of the pinball industry, including the long wait for code updates, the fluctuating values of pinball games, challenges in playfield quality, and the impact of material costs. They also touch on the role of influencers in the pinball community, the need for improvements in the UK Championship Series (UKCS), and the importance of supporting local venues and events. The discussion highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the pinball community as it evolves.

Send a textsummaryIn this episode of the Great British Pinball Podcast, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle discuss the latest happenings in the pinball world, including the anticipated arrival of the Pulp Fiction LE, personal game collections, and the challenges of game deliveries. They delve into the intricacies of building and repairing pinball machines, share insights on new game releases, and reflect on the financial health of their pinball club. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of the pinball industry, including the introduction of redemption games by Jersey Jack Pinball and the importance of consumer engagement in driving the market forward. In this engaging conversation, Neil McRae and Scott Rundle delve into the intricacies of pinball gaming, discussing the importance of game audits, the nostalgia tied to game ownership, and the impact of game design on player experience. They explore industry insights, the significance of pop culture themes in pinball, and the reliability of games from various manufacturers. The duo also shares their thoughts on community opinions regarding new releases and the future of the pinball industry, emphasizing the need for quality themes and gameplay.takeawaysPulp Fiction LE is on its way, creating excitement.Game deliveries can be unpredictable, especially around holidays.Building and repairing pinball machines can be a complex task.New game releases often come with updates and improvements.Clubs need to maintain financial health to survive and thrive.Challenges in the pinball industry include game reliability and parts availability.Redemption games are a controversial topic in the pinball community.Consumer engagement is crucial for the future of pinball.The market for pinball machines is evolving with new trends.Personal collections can become crowded, making it hard to decide what to keep. Game audits help in making informed decisions about game ownership.Nostalgia can heavily influence the decision to keep or sell a game.If a game isn't played often, it may not be missed if sold.A good game needs a decent theme and enjoyable gameplay.Reliability issues can deter players from purchasing certain games.Community feedback is crucial for game developers to improve their products.Themes play a significant role in the purchasing decision for pinball machines.The pinball industry has space for both large and small manufacturers.Engaging with the pinball community enhances the overall experience.Sound Bites"My wife bought Metallica LE.""I just shake my head.""Theme is 90% of the purchase."Chapters00:00Introduction to the Great British Pinball Podcast05:53Scott's Home Brew Project and Challenges13:09Stern's Code Updates and Game Improvements18:21Pinball Game Mechanics and Design Challenges25:22Club Operations and Financial Insights33:24Challenges in Game Maintenance40:15The Evolution of Arcades46:06Jersey Jack Pinball's New Direction52:04Navigating the Pinball Market58:07The Evolution of Pinball Design01:06:18Concerns Over Reliability in New Games01:12:27Artistry in Pinball: A Discussion on Styles01:19:16American Pinball's Challenges and Opportunities01:27:14Industry Insights and Future Trends01:33:26Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement

Send a textNeil and Scott talk all things UK OPEN, Labyrinth and Pinball Expo 2024 covering all the new games and updates for the show - Neil shares his disappointment with ABBA and his amazement of Metallica.

Send a textScott and Neil talk about Neil's trip to Chicago including a trip to Stern HQ and PAPA21!

Send a textScott and Neil talk Pinfest, cameragate, APgate and the glorious news of Pinball Republic reopening! 

Send a textQuick episode with our take on pinfest, haggis and pinball clubs!

Send a textNeil and Scott talk about the new Pinball Republic, Godzilla B&W, the used market, injuries and Haggis!

Send a textWe have a special guest, Scott has a new nickname and does a monologue - some news about Pinball Republic and the usual wittering on about stuff! :D

Send a textWith guns!

Send a textScott and Neil talk to Paul and Colin about TPF, BBQ, Dangerous Dave and all things Texas and pinball.

Send a textScott and Neil talk TPF, Pulp Fiction, Barn finds, second hard market and buying game and the pitfalls, this is part 1 - 10.2 will follow shortly with a full debrief from the Brits invasion of TPF.

Send a textFollowing on from Part 1 the guys start off talking about buying games unseen - Thanks to Paul and Colin for joining us! 

Send a textEpisode 9.1 a TPF special, we cover Jaws mods, Princess Bridge, and a ton of other stuff. Paul and Colin join us for a fantastic talk about our beloved pinball.

Send a textNeil and Scott talk about Cactus Canyon, pin reliability, Jaws and things that swallow balls!

Send a textThe Christmas Special, with Xmas Jumpers, Bruce Willis, Star Trek, Looney Tunes and TCM and a infamous McRae rant about the TWIPY awards this episode has got everything and wait right until the end for our game of the year 2023.

Send a textScott and Neil cover Venom, TZ, TOM, pinball after life, Stern Insider updates, British Mod makers and how they are knocking it out of the park! 

Send a textScott and Neil talk all things Chicago Expo 2023!

Send a textScott and Neil reflect on a massive month of new pinball news and cover the latest goings on! Can we fit any more pinball in this year?! (oh and Sorry, we took so long to record another episode!)

Send a textWe talk about the aftermath of UK Pinfest and for some crazy reason Scott visits Wales. Ok maybe not so crazy :D

Send a textDon't worry - be happy and enjoy pinball and enjoy UKPinfest!

Send a textScott and Neil kick the first Great Pinball Podcast off and talk about how they got to this point meandering through many topics, also covering a little on Venom and some rumours and Scott's love of pinball restoration!