"Alice Goes to Wonderland" Pinball Development Update - Jan 2025

[@zelmegaYT]

I'm really excited about this. I've been looking up as much info on this as possible and keep coming back! I've been waiting for a pinball machine that I could actually afford.

[@RetroDayOfficial]

Things are coming along nicely great job Peter! I love the card themed ramp and castle! Maybe lose the big hook nose on Mad Hatter! Give him a cooler look he deserves it!! 🃏

[@WonderlandAmusements]

I neglected to mention in the video that the Cheshire Cat and Mad Hatter artwork is temporary. Carlos's art will replace Jerry's in the final version.

[@RetroDayOfficial]

@WonderlandAmusements Oh ok gotcha and sounds good!

[@Johnenoch226]

Saw an update courtesy of Evil Genius early today. Very exciting product you have! I know it’s been a long journey and labor of love. Keep it up!

[@GameplayandTalk]

Looks cool! Glad to see rapid progress being made on this.

[@2hrsweekly922]

Great update! Great to see the progress you guys are making, and if you hit that price point, it's an easy purchase to me. Keep it up!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Appreciate it! Be sure to get on the Kickstarter prelaunch page if you’re not already www.kickstarter.com/projects/wonderlandamusements/wonderland-pinball

[@Flynn1982x]

Wow, this is so cool and I'm glad I found this video! Best of luck with this, I subscribed and plan to follow the progress.

[@larrypeterson2453]

To increase the appeal of the machine I would certainly change Alice. She looks demented and awkward. Great job on the machine and thanks for the updates!!!

[@amstrick6737]

I agree. The art package in general is super rough. I would be embarrassed to have this sitting in my home.

[@Gropolis_Plop]

Great progress, Wonderland! I'm excited for this!

[@dominickolas]

That is coming along really nicely. I liked that card ramp. Scary is good, but ugly is off putting, so keep that in mind if it's going to get the whole family's approval.

[@RetroDayOfficial]

@@dominickolas Good point and true I like that. 👍

[@HobbesGrrr]

Looking good so far!

[@reizosgames]

I've been so freaking stoked for this ever since your initial teases. I'd love to have an entire collection of pinball but sadly they're not only expensive but take up a lot of space. When you announced this along with the theme, I've been more and more impressed with each reveal. From the home friendly size to the price point and now you've knocked it out of the park with the art and theme integration. This is 100% going to be a day one back for me when it launches. I can't wait to see future updates of the layout, art, painted sculpts, etc... I'm hoping that on the kickstarter there will be options for things like a topper, shooter knob (a pocket watch one would look awesome), additional sculpts (like white rabbit for the right side near the shooter lane), etc... Even if there isn't any crazy addons like those, I can't wait for the kickstarter to launch! Keep up the phenomenal work!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Thanks! Really appreciate the kind words! We are still discussing final tiers and add-ons, but the things you're suggesting are definitely in the mix. We'll see where we land!

[@donspinballpodcast]

Mod makers can take care of accessories like that as long as the game is accessible. Interactive topper would be a great official addon though! Also illuminated speaker lights.

[@reizosgames]

@@donspinballpodcast agreed, was just thinking of ideas for addons/tiers since those were mentioned. Mod makers would be great to also fill that role for those who want to get the base version and add things over time :D Official topper would be nice since it would match the art style...finding a topper that matches might be a bit hard otherwise unless it's a more "generic" kind.

[@JackpotMike77]

The coils are not the issue. The ramp has a strange almost z shaped slope which historically wont work on pinball. Either change the slope of the ramp, or put a clear guard across the top of the ramp all the way up so when the ball rises its held in the canal. If possible i would change Alice on the backglass to be more family friendly, she looks like a drug addict. Thats meant to be constructive criticsim, im planning on buying one. Leave the coils strong, or at least an option to tweak their strength or how many ms they fire in the setup. Im curios to see your modes, scoring, and UI for the configuration and startup.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yes, the first update will be to the ramps (both actually have that same peak shape in the slope). We are actively discussing making the coil strength adjustable to accommodate personal tastes.

[@JackpotMike77]

@WonderlandAmusements coil strength is really a mandatory adjustment. Most people want the flippers snappy and strong so shots can be made firmly. A few preservationists want it soft so nothing gets damaged. Pinballs are mean to play, and they need to play good. Strong coils are great and really needed. Everybody will whine if the flippers get slushy. And don't forget to test the game after the coils heat up. In a long game of after about an hr of heavy use, coils heat up and get weaker, softer. Many full size machines suffer from this problem and you can't get up ramps....

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yup, agreed on all points. (There's a joke here about not getting up the ramp after an hour... I'll let you know when it lands, haha)

[@JackpotMike77]

@WonderlandAmusements let me know when you are pre selling id like to get one and review it. I think what yoir trying to accomplish is badly needed and could shake up the industry but close to impossible so I'm curious as to how far things come. There's alot of people excited, except big pinball. We're you able to incorporate a multi ball? That's everyone's favorite feauture... even a 2 ball is something....

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

@@JackpotMike77At 5:03 you can see a ball get locked towards the top of the playfield.

[@clintwarren1187]

Might consider changing Alice’s face and hands. They look really strange to me.

[@jordanfamily9134]

Please

[@getinyepigs]

Came here expecting a Zizzle and am stoked to see a “real” pinball table. Imagine having five tables for the price of a single current manufacturers tables. This is bridge needed between virtual and full sized. (Coming from the owner of a wide body Judge Dredd - one of the biggest out there LOL!).

[@thecloofer1255]

This is awesome. Even excited for the kickstarter to go live. lol.

[@neekzz]

Looks great!! This will definitely be in my gameroom. Looking forward to it!!

[@donspinballpodcast]

Except for the off color hook nose on hatter and whatever is going on with Alice's face and fingers it looks really promising guys! I think one more quick pass of the art should tighten that up. Otherwise for the scope your looking at the layout looks great! Think about future proofing the ability for hobbyists to upgrade their games down the road. Like making the 2-D characters accessible to swap out for 3D versions and leaving the door open for tapping in extra lights and such. Can I swing by and play it?

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Hey Don - thanks for the comments, all good points. Sadly, only one table at this time. First opportunity to play will be in Anaheim at Wondercon March 28-30.

[@donspinballpodcast]

@ I meant the one in Hong Kong!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

@@donspinballpodcast Not actually in HK anymore, it's in transit to Jerry so he can finish the deco and shoot the KS video.

[@MichaelBtheGameGenie]

I have to say this answered a lot of my questions and I am so happy this is coming together so well for you guys!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Hey MichaelB glad to hear it! We're really pleased so far. Lots to fine tune, but feel we're headed strongly in the right direction. The other good news is we're still on target to hit sub $1,000 price.

[@davo-ju6er]

Right what the market needs ! 👍👍 this will shut em up .looks great !

[@burnoutjunkie42]

Game changer, about time we got a new challenger that’s not a vpin company for home use. Definitely going to watch the journey with great interest

[@kevinclauson7613]

Great video

[@novamaster0]

Really happy to see the progress the team is making! The build and layout look well thought out, and I think this project will be great for the hobby. That said, I’m probably going to pass on this one. It’s partly a space concern, but the theme just doesn’t quite click for me. I can see why Alice in Wonderland was a good pick with licensing concerns, and I genuinely hope the project succeeds so we can see a second, third, and even more SKUs from this group. For the future, maybe something Steampunk or Mythology-based could be a really fun and engaging theme. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@vsteelers99]

I think at $1000 or under, this is a must buy. Pinball needs an entry level, real machine. The theme, art, layout, mechanics all seem to be coming together well. I think we are all pleasantly surprised by how great this looks. Anyone who tries to compare this to a Zizzle has clearly never played one of those! And, those Stern home pins at $4,000 - $5,000 are nowhere near entry level machines.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Thanks for the comment and kudos - much appreciated!

[@KamenProwler]

Looks like this will be a must-own for my Batcave simply from the theme alone.

[@Lithonion1]

This already looks so much better than the first Stern home pins of Transformers and Avengers. It looks better with each one of your updates. I can see this in my pinball room for sure. I hope parts will be available as well as I have never seen a pin not break. :)

[@reginafelangie6056]

Also is there a way to possibly shorten the apron? No biggie if not, but as is you have a lockdown bar (well hand placement area), then large black apron space, then the playfield. If possible can the lockdown bar area (hand placement area) be closer to the playfield with little to no black empty apron below? Viewing angles for playfield would feel/look more realistic if hands closer to flippers. Unless some of that black space in apron area will be saved for rule sets, etc. But even so would be nice to have playfield come much closer to the edge/end of the table, with rules sets on the side corners. So hyped on the progress that has been made so far!! Keep it up.

[@PinballNewsVideos]

Congratulations on the progress guys. Gameplay looks like it could be great with a just few small tweaks to the geometry. Nice to see such power in the flippers. Backglass is mostly good, but is that the Cheshire Cat at the back? Surely the number one characteristic of the Cheshire Cat is its grin. That's not a grin, it's a snarl. Also, maybe have another go at Alice's face. The other faces are excellent. Hers not so much. Looking forward to future updates.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@bretlasvegas]

Seconded -- I get the 'darker' take on this, but Cheshire on backglass is a little too dark -- more like demon cat imo. All of it combined loses the whimsey of Alice.

[@Phantom-cg9te]

Agree with both of these, fix Alice's face and change Chesire's mouth to a grin and it's great. Gameplay looks really promising, excited for the kickstarter to launch!

[@tcorey583]

Second on changing Alice’s face. But otherwise super excited!

[@damienmckay4127]

I may be wrong, but it looked like two “Three of Hearts” cards on the ramp right next to one another. Might be a specific choice, but if that is an oversight, may want to fix. Also, the Queen’s Card Guards have other suits than Hearts on their armor - again, that may be an artistic choice, but it seems like the Queen’s guards would all be Hearts, or at least all uniform - some have Diamonds ear guards and some have Spades and some have Hearts. If you want to have all of the suits represented, it might look more uniform if all of their armor was the same, even if other suits were incorporated into the armor

[@nickthetoycollector3360]

The music and sound effects will play an equally important role in the overall enjoyment of the game. Hopefully, that aspect will not be underwhelming. This will be very tempting to back should all the pieces fall into place.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

We agree 100%

[@nerdloftgaming]

Loving what I see, can't wait for this in my space!

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

Gameplay looks super solid! Hoping I can find one of these at a show at some point, or maybe even buy one in the future. :)

[@DanLShane]

I'm delighted with the progress and transparency. I'm also pleased to read so many comments recommending not going TOO dark with the art. Carroll's Alice always included menace and grotesque characters, but it is STILL a children's story. Looking down the road, if this venture proves successful, I would like to see other public domain literary properties represented in pinball tables -- Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan, Jules Verne, HG Wells, etc. It's hard to fathom how little these have been utilized n in virtual pinball.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yup, appreciate the feedback and suggestions. Many of those public domain IPs you mention are interesting options (Steampunk Jules Verne anyone? No, that is not foreshadowing, just sounds cool) Thanks for sharing!

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

@@WonderlandAmusementsSteamboat willie could be cool :)

[@GlensRetroShow]

it looks very cool indeed... might have to make some room here

[@bretlasvegas]

Will be excited to hear the audio. Speakers on headboard look like a last-minute addition, hopefully will be a more integrated look in final build. Overall, looking to be a very nice game and a hot seller for sure.

[@soggykid5580]

Heck yeah!!

[@kevinr9148]

Nice work Peter! Looking forward to seeing this in person.... in my basement

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Haha, you and me both! Appreciate the comments!

[@snart]

Looks great!

[@tamig.7969]

I would have loved to see the Cheshire cat on top of a bumper or on top the castle and the Caterpillar smoking his hooka on the board is a nice touch.

[@vampcaff]

The shelve of newwave toys is such a flex

[@reginafelangie6056]

Looks really good! As you mentioned in the video, ramps definitely need widened openings; as is, the ramp posts are hindering & limiting fun/playability factor. Also are the side targets hittable atm? Looks really good I love 3/4 scale, as our basement doesn't have the height/space for a even a standard body pin, so 3/4 will be amazing! This looks like it will be a great buy. Agree with many of the other comments concerning Alice's appearance. She's a bit too creepy/zombie like and mad hatter could use a slight nose job. Absolutely love the Queen in the art. Also absolutely love the cards ramp art. Keep up the great work guys, it's coming together very nicely.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Appreciate the feedback! We are gameplay testing and iterating as we make our own notes and receive feedback from the community here. Stay tuned!

[@explosiveegg3920]

This is looking great! I'm definitely interested. I also love all the New Wave Toys in the background! If you have the same eye for detail as they do, this will be a big hit. You should consider adding a shot or something to bash near the center of the playfield. New players don't understand how to control the ball and when you hit the ball on the fly it has a tendency to go straight center. Which is why a lot of the best games put their most interesting feature front and center.

[@Ve8un]

He was one of the co-founders of New Wave Toys, actually. I think it's obviously too late to make such fundamental changes to the playfield design at this stage, but maybe a more center-focused layout would be cool for their next game.

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

I think the playfield is good as is, at least the general layout. Definitely room for some minor geometric changes to help it shoot better but still, it’s a solid layout.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yup, my Don Bluth autographed Dragon's Lair is a prized possession! Also true I am a co-founder of NWT. Small industry, haha.

[@afattori316]

Wow! I have Stern, Spooky, Williams, and data east pins and I am definitely interested in this.

[@drewwilt2409]

Meant to ask if a real tilt bob will be used? Love the trust post, too!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

We will likely end up using use a digital tilt sensor (aka accelerometer). Yes, the trust post is fun! You really need to play it cool to use it correctly. There is a save move using the back of the flipper to rebound back into the playfield. Feels more like an accident, but can be done on purpose - again if playing it real cool.

[@evilgeniusentertainment]

Pleasantly surprised by the action on the playfield - the pop bumpers were absolutely killing it!

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

Are you planning on reviewing this in the future?

[@evilgeniusentertainment]

Absolutely! Right now it's my number one must review arcade product of 2025....

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

@@evilgeniusentertainment Sick! Love your reviews.

[@evilgeniusentertainment]

@@S.J.C._Entertainment Hey thanks! I really appreciate that! Should have a new video up on "Alice" in a day or two!

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

@ sweet!

[@MrMoncealyo]

That’s a decent price for a mechanical pinball machine! Will the group also provide a way to obtain replacement parts as needed. I think good customer service with replacement parts will be needed for a mechanical machine. Looking forward to the updates!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

All of the components are custom made scaled down for the smaller format. We will be stocking replacement parts from Day 1 - coils, PCBAs, etc. We are designing the components to be able to be replaced with as little effort as possible - remove a few mounting screws, unplug a single connector, replace the broken item, re-connect and replace the screws and go.

[@AaronMears]

How does this compare to a commercial pinball machine in size? Similar to A1up vpin? Great idea and definitely seems like a niche that needs filled!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Our WA machine stands about the same height as a full-sized pin but is shorter and narrower than a full-sized pin, yet it is larger than the A1Up Vpin. Sorry, that's kind of hard to imagine but we'll be releasing a graphic that demonstrates this shortly.

[@StevenP-zu1bl]

Looking good what about adding where the ball goes into the hole and kicks out

[@Ve8un]

The features and playfield layout of this machine are pretty much locked-in at this point, so adding any major new elements is pretty much out of the question. And remember, this is being built to a price point of $1000, so I imagine the budget is pretty maxed out in the features and mechanisms it already has. Perhaps a kickout hole could be a feature on their next game.

[@StevenP-zu1bl]

@@Ve8un understood but doesn’t really look any different then the zizzle pinball machine from a couple of years ago still 1000.00 is not cheap need to have more things in the playfield so it stays enjoyable to play .

[@pauz2175]

Good first look. Does seem either the geometry is off or another issue but seemed the ramps weren’t getting hit at all. Mostly hitting straight in to the pops. But it’s a good first look. For the right price point these could sell well as an entry in to the pinball market.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Partly my poor shooting, partly the tightness on the ramp entrances. We'll try to share some more video later that shows off the ramps & rails.

[@pauz2175]

@ looking forward to seeing more

[@Its_Playable]

So visually, should we expect this to be about the same size and playfield as the A1U Digi-Pinball tables? (As far as dimensions & scope). Definitely have my attention. I’m hoping this is successful enough that you can potentially make retro versions too. Seems like a space that hasn’t been filled yet. If you can nail this, you might really be onto something here. 👍🏻

[@WonderlandAmusements]

We will be releasing some info about exact dimensions, but quick answer is - bigger than A1Up Vpins, smaller than full-sized. We've been saying 80% of full-size, but that is quick math based on the scale of the ball - 22mm vs 27mm (about 81%). In truth, the depth and width are smaller, but the height is about the same as a standard pin so that it's not uncomfortable to play.

[@Its_Playable]

@@WonderlandAmusements ​​⁠How would repairs & parts work in this regard? Are you using proprietary sizes, or standard industry parts? (We all know mechanical pinball requires a lot of maintenance). Or is this also a question you will be answering in the future?

[@reizosgames]

@@Its_Playable Hope this helps, but it was a reply they made to an earlier comment :D "All of the components are custom made scaled down for the smaller format. We will be stocking replacement parts from Day 1 - coils, PCBAs, etc. We are designing the components to be able to be replaced with as little effort as possible - remove a few mounting screws, unplug a single connector, replace the broken item, re-connect and replace the screws and go."

[@GurgleBarf]

1. I like the transparency from the company. 2. I like how fast the design seems to be coming together. 2. I like the price point. 3. I'm concerned about how this will hold up or play once in the wild. Time will tell. 4. There is a market for sub $3,000 pins, let alone

[@WonderlandAmusements]

You've got it spot on - we have no intention of taking on the Sterns of the world (though we love their machines and wish we could fill our basements with them!) We are just trying to capture the experience of real physical pinball in an affordable form factor with good quality to stand up to home use. Commercial machines will always be heftier (in every way) and that's as it should be. Thanks for the comments!

[@veronatragedy7016]

Is there gonna be call outs & audio?

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yes, we have character animation and voiceovers planned to guide through the gameplay quests. We will share when they are completed.

[@StevenP-zu1bl]

Is there going to be artwork on the entire cabinet

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yes for sure - it is still in development. We’ll show it when it’s ready.

[@whatnow2131]

Is the LCD going to be part of the game play, or is it just to keep score?

[@WonderlandAmusements]

The game code will function similar to full-sized pinball machines. The player will have opportunities to complete gameplay scenarios to earn score multipliers. Each scenario will be introduced by a character (White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, etc) via a brief animation with voiceover. A scenario might be "Shoot the left hand ramp three times within 30 seconds to earn 5x multiplier", and so forth. That's just an example. The circle of lighted icons around Alice on the playfield tracks the completion of the scenarios. Complete all the scenarios x number of times (TBD how many times) to beat the game. First pass of this code has been developed and is being implemented, debugged, and ultimately gameplay tested, but this should give you an idea where we are headed.

[@whatnow2131]

@WonderlandAmusements That's extremely exciting!!!

[@RetroDayOfficial]

@@WonderlandAmusements That sounds great!

[@veronatragedy7016]

make the art look closer to the original illustrations, they were the most charming

[@veronatragedy7016]

nevermind, its cool after watchuing full video i heard you say you want darker alice, so makes sense charming wont work

[@NoLimitsCommemorativ]

Left flipper looks a bit janky- overal it looks better than expected.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yes, the tension needs adjusting. Thanks!

[@JURAYSARCADE]

How can you preorder 1 ?

[@WonderlandAmusements]

We will be running a Kickstarter campaign - you can sign up here: www.kickstarter.com/projects/wonderlandamusements/wonderland-pinball

[@ScarnivalChris]

I will happily pay a few Euro more for 3d figurines instead of the cardboard ones… Otherwise: awesome. I hope you guys will deliver to Germany. If so, you got yourselfes a buyer!

[@WonderlandAmusements]

We're actively exploring adding 3D sculpts as options for the flat art figures. Side note: the flat art will be printed on clear acrylic, not cardboard, so they will catch some illumination.

[@ScarnivalChris]

@@WonderlandAmusements What about worldwide delivery? Will you ship the cabs directly from china - where they probably will be built? That would be great to know before buying one. Because ordering big, heavy things from the US is a pain in the a** unfortunately.

[@PinballMom]

Just change Alice's left arm. Looks huge on translite.

[@luke-xz1gb]

music is way too loud. hard to hear you

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Merlin-wo1kj]

Please save me a Demented Alice backglass if you decide to change it to something that is more tame...

[@neekzz]

Future proof it with swapable playfields and I’ll buy em all ;)

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Goal is to make them affordable enough so you don't need to bother swapping. Collect 'em all!

[@chadalexander1924]

@@WonderlandAmusements Good call. Multiple companies have tried the "swappable playfields", but it never works out.

[@S.J.C._Entertainment]

@@chadalexander1924P3 works well. Although those machines are really wacky.

[@veronatragedy7016]

TAKE MY MONEY! I want!

[@adownbeatexegete1549]

If you make a bunch of different ones, I'll buy all of them and have a whole room full of pins instead of just buying one Stern, Jersey Jack, Spooky, etc.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

You're speaking our language! Assuming we are successful with this one, our plan is to release additional pins. First things first - get Alice out!

[@gameshowman1234]

That left flipper looks very weak. It's bouncing around every launch and reset.

[@alexorear7807]

Likely the end of stroke switch just needs an adjustment.

[@WonderlandAmusements]

Yup, we noted that as well - on the list for improvements.

[@FrogFlicks]

Hope it’s priced accordingly 😅

[@WonderlandAmusements]

The good news is we are still in track to hit our sub $1,000 price point. Stay tuned!

[@FrogFlicks]

@ I think that’s fair! Appreciate the info! 🙏🏾

[@thweetiebird]

Looks really cool but the whole concept seems sketchy. Under 1k???? Like God I hope so sign me up. But dude what?

[@zackdreamcast]

Few things . The playfield moves too fast, hitting the left side card ramp the ball zoomed off it like a rocket ship. Need to find a way to slow it down or keep the ball on the ramp somehow. The angle to hit the far right ramp is clearly incorrect and would seem impossible to hit. You need to do something about Alice, she just doesn’t look appealing. People will buy or not buy based on the artwork. Just use an AI generator for Alice to match the rest of it . Super simple .