Jack Danger Has Just Raised The Bar For Pinball Machine Design | Uncanny X-Men Stern Pinball

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Guy's, some people are getting a little bit sensitive that I suggested Uncanny X-Men was niche. I thought I'd explained well enough in the video but clearly not, so here is what I am saying... People were asking why Jack Dangers Uncanny X-Men design wasn't used on Jaws. I was trying to reply and explain that 'Jaws' was a mainstream title and Jack was probably deemed to be too early in his career to be given a mainstream title. Therefore, the purpose of the video is to try and suggest that Danger is now ready because he has created a wonderful playfield design. What do I consider to be mainstream? Something a toddler, teen, parent and grandparent would be aware of (Simpsons is good example of mainstream). I am fully aware that X-Men is well known but in terms of a global audience, the mainstream fame is Hugh Jackman NOT the comics. I can see that many are very protective and evangelical about Marvel and it was not my intention to offend. But please don't be so thin skinned and sensitive that you get upset by my opinion that Marvel comics are not 'mainstream'. I've had to delete four abusive comments already, peoples love for the MCU shouldn't make them aggressive. For everyone that has just joined in and enjoyed the topics and debate . . . thank you. For those who are angry with what I said and becoming hostile over a pinball topic . . . unsubscribe please.

[@ToddHowardsChessClub]

The community is reinvigorated by this new design. You love to see it. The pinball renaissance continues.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Yes indeed Mark, standards are getting so high.

[@lNllClK]

@@ToddHowardsChessClub just when we thought there's nothing more anyone could possibly do with that little rectangle...

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Yeah, it feels like he's just run 100m under 10 seconds for the first time, I'm not sure anyone at Stern will get away with a fan layout for the next release.

[@ToddHowardsChessClub]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama agreed. If I was Brian Eddy I'd be real nervous about my job right about now 🤣

[@ToddHowardsChessClub]

@@lNllClK yeah man, he's worked miracles here. Can't wait for the gameplay stream.

[@Mr901TommyJax]

Thank you. I've been starving for pinball content and especially on xmen. Keep up the good work pal. Keep em coming

[@Mr901TommyJax]

Agreed on John wick....empty brickyard mess. The other that does me that way is jaws. Can't wrap my head around it. 😅

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

No worries Tommy, hope you're keeping well mate

[@Mr901TommyJax]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama doing great. About to put on the biggest local Wrestling show in my city has seen in a decade. And playing pinball..... entered my 2nd tourney and finished 10th overall. The #1 player in the state was in that group so I'm having a blast!

[@JamesGadbury]

@@Mr901TommyJax I felt that way about Jaws - have you played it a couple of times at least? It has to be played a few times.

[@Mr901TommyJax]

@@JamesGadbury played 23 times so far

[@jumbosinbad360]

I’m genuinely excited to watching the first live stream of this.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Me too actually, I don't normally watch streams but this should be cool

[@sadboi7537]

Elwin is probably already two games deep at this point, with one already close to being finished to be release this time next year or a little later.

[@Kwistenbiebel100-ns5ko]

I love the video. It was a great listen! I tend to literslly use youtube as radio these days and this was perfect as an opinion piece on the upcoming Jack Danger release.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Really kind of you, thank you

[@JamesGadbury]

Some games are an absolute grower. Jaws, for me, recently surprised. I was excited about the theme (who of a certain age isn't?), but then I was disappointed with the look of it 'in the flesh'. Don't lambast me, it just underwelmed me aesthetically for some reason. Hard to explain, other than it looked a bit plain and flat... and then I played it a few times... wow, what a game. Theme integration and atmosphere is awesome. Pinball can take you in to another zone. I agree this new Stern (X-Men) looks exciting (artwork style, innovative shots, interesting layout), and that's before we've had chance to play it. Stern and pinball's renaissance is well deserved. I think the competition is giving all manufacturers good reason to give their all. It is a special time in pinball, but part of me wonders whether we'll look back at this period as a golden era. I hope not, for long may it continue. Pinball's a weird one. Most (all?) people enjoy playing, once (or thrice) they play. It takes only the right theme to draw in Joe Public. Speaking to a staff member at Retroids, Worcester, apparently Ghostbusters is the machine that pulls in the casual. Of all their machines, I wouldn't have put money on that one in particular. If Uncanny X-Men plays as good as it looks, it might help not only pull in the younger generation (essential lifeblood) due to the theme and its recent mainstream popularity with the younger demographic, but keep them hooked. If it is a sucess, I think Jack Danger and Stern will get a great chance at a blockbuster theme - and with respect, hopefully not a Bob Holness in sight.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Brilliant post James. I was exactly the same as you about Jaws.

[@16BitBear]

Pending me playing it first and making sure I like it live, this will officially be my first machine!

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Very wise to play it first. . . First ever pinball machine is always a special thing

[@janklaasen1014]

I do think that X-men is not to be compared with Venom in terms of fame and popularity. I never read the comics. But I did see the cartoon when i was a kid. And even if I did not see the Saturday cartoon. I still would have seen at least one of the 6 x-men movies. With some of the biggest actors in Hollywood. That were all blockbusters. IT is a franchise just as big as Spiderman. You would not call that a niche would you? People do know all of these characters. I never read the comics. The Saturday cartoon is a different art style. But I would love to have this pinball machine. And I think this goes for many others that have not read the comics. Because unlike Venom. Everybody knows the X-men. It's like Godzilla. I Know a lot of people that never seen a Godzilla movie. And yet everybody knows what Godzila is. I do understand what you are saying. But I think you under-estimate how big X-men is. I honestly believe that X-men franchise is close to be as big as Back to the Future. They did make 6 movies out of it. IT's not different then this would be a Avengers comic or a turtles comic or a deadpool comic pinball If you go into a bar. And you ask anybody heard of X-men. Then everybody in that bar will probably raise their hand. And I am Dutch btw. So I have not grown up with Marvel comics just like you.

[@richmerrick574]

Awesome video! Keep posting!

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Thanks Rich mate

[@JohnDumble-t4k]

Enjoyable video. Yes it is a disease. I'm 1 year in with a Bond L.E, Godzilla, and Jaws LE and recently John Wick LE. Love them, especially Jaws , the theme and lighting coordination is so good, rewatch the movie first. Love the tilt warnings. Love the John Wick theme but the game is over quick for me

[@EnzoLPOz]

Great video 👌🏻

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Cheers mate

[@SLAMT1LT]

A pinball machine is the sum of all it's parts. To be the best - music, fx, callouts, layout, art, display and code must ALL be at the very highest level. I don't see anything like that at Stern or JJP. Only Bally/Williams were able to hit that high level.

[@Mo_Ketchups]

I had FF Premium for two months before trading it. Then when this dropped, I read a comment that rang my bell, and I called off my pre-order … The guy pointed out the difference between innovative chaos for its own sake (crazy paths/wireforms, etc.) where your agency drops significantly vs. a good-flowing table w well-measured/-designed shots (read: JD vs. Elwin). 🤔 When a game touts “targets you’re not even meant to hit,” that’s a sign UX will CRUSH in the wild, but maybe not as much for a seasoned player at home. Either way, this is great for the hobby (& they bombed Avatar w this launch timing). Maybe JJP oughta rethink that $12+ pretax MSRP after this. 🤷‍♂️✌️

[@gwildor8543]

I just thought about my collection, and it’s got a ton of Marvel machines. Deadpool, GOTG, Venom and I’m thinking X-Men will be joining the lineup. I just wish MOTU would happen

[@hectorgodinez]

Unpopular opinion: This is going to be a drain monster like TMNT, Walking Dead, Ghostbusters, and Star Wars.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Interesting 🤔 If it's like Walking Dead difficulty then that will be a problem

[@mrfuriouser]

There is no way that Stranger Things is bigger than X-Men here in the USA. Just not possible. The Uncanny X-Men transcends three generations over here: Boomer, X, and Millennial. ST is firmly a Millennial hit.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Really? More kids in school walk around with X-Men bags than Stranger Things? Even my mum has heard of Stranger Things, It's one of the biggest TV shows in the last 10 years. I can't honestly say I've ever seen an X-men cartoon on TV.

[@JamesGadbury]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama If X-men has the cross-generational appeal, that might translate more in to machine sales and plays. Stranger Things is a recent hit. I haven't seen it. But then, a kid may be more likely to have their first pinball game on a Stranger Things table. It's hard to predict.

[@mrfuriouser]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama The X- Men cartoon from the 90s (which Zombie Yeti is homaging in the art packages and, itself, was an homage to the comics) was HUGE over here. It was made for adults as well. I just wanted you to know it was a big deal on this side of the pond. ST began tapering off after season 3, for whatever reason. The buzz is gone.

[@lNllClK]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama that's the thing, kids can't afford a pinball machine, old heads from the 80s maube can, stranger things is like a flash in the pan compared to X-Men, no one will talk about stranger things 10 years from now, x men and marvel in general live on, wolverine is a household name, demigorgan is not

[@dominickolas]

The X-Men movies alone have made more than 7 billion in their worldwide box office. That's not to mention the TV series that lasted for 5 years. Not to mention millions of comic books that have been sold over the years. I wonder how many people have subscribed or kept Netflix because if Stranger Things? I asked because even if you like it, it is just an ancillary part of Netflix for most people.

[@kylehawes4287]

Whats the Budget allowance for Game 🎯 great questions before we Judge

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

I think it will have to be a big game Kyle. The old Bally 81's won't generate enough money.

[@ExpressoMechanicTV]

As I have said elsewhere, I'm not a fan of the theme, but the playfield is so unique I really want to see a game play video. Here's hoping Pinball Heaven lend you an premium version for a few weeks.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Thanks mate, not sure what they'll send but I'm looking forward to it.

[@SegFaultMatt]

My dude, I’m not sure how niche Xmen is. The movies were humongous, and even the property was humongous. Love the channel. Keep up the great work.

[@carlbenfield2971]

It's niche just not as niche as Venom. The acid test is always asking your old nan or mom and they reply with "the star wars, the jurassic park or the Nintendo game thingy?" They won't know a lot about it but know it exists.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Thanks for watching guys. Certainly in the UK, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is huge and very recognisable. The cartoon is not mainstream though.

[@JamesGadbury]

As a mid-forties dude, I've never been interested in superheroes and it's unlikely to begin with the conveyor of manufactured Hollywood films. I think the popularity is with those that are younger, and the hardcore comic geeks of old. I love pinball, but I don't know Deadpool from Venom. The issue for me is that there are too many groups of superheroes, or the groups are too large. The market has been saturated and it's overwhelming unless you're in to it. Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Hulk, yes, but Venom and Deadpool are not at the same level of recognition. They're B-list or cameos. Talking of themes... the big one for me would be Doom, from 1993. Perhaps not HUGE, but bigger than the B-list superheroes? You could always flip the acid test and ask the young if they've heard of Jaws. Probably not? It seems inconceivable to those that were around in the 80s. Having said that, certain films are so good, they endure the test of time. Like good music or any passionate work of art, the parents subject their kids to the good stuff and the good stuff is passed on!

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

@JamesGadbury Deadpool was most definitely B-List, it's really just Ryan Reynolds that elevated him. I'm not sure that Tom Hardy elevated Venom in the same way so I think he stayed B-List. Sort of the same for Wolverine who to most people is Hugh Jackman. However if my daughter sees Jackman on the TV she says 'The Greatest Showman'. Horses for courses I guess. One thing I am finding fascinating though. There appear to be a number of people asking why Jack Danger didn't get to do this design on Jaws. But an equal number of people arguing that X-Men is a huge theme. Therefore, if X-Men is mainstream and as big as it gets, why is there a clamour for Danger to have been given Jaws? Bit of a contradiction. I'm with you though James, I am a bit overwhelmed with the superhero movies although I enjoyed the original Hellboy with Ron Pearlman and quite enjoyed the first Ironman. Wesley Snipes as Blade was incredible and I doubt it can be beaten for me. Aside from that I never managed to watch any of the Marvel films until the end despite my son having them on the TV.

[@JamesGadbury]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama I think Jaws is a massive theme with us oldies, the youngbloods preferring superheroes. Anyway, who knows how game designers are allocated to projects. Perhaps Elwin being a more proven / senior designer gets to choose what he works on, and he chose Jaws. I would, given that or X-Men. I think Danger said he was a massive comic book fan, so it makes sense to put the designer most passionate for a theme on the project. Perhaps they both agreed on choices and were happy. Perhaps they collaborated on each others projects more than we know. I also wonder how much a layout is designed around or to integrate with the art, theme and gameplay ideas for a given game. I'm not sure the two would be easily interchangeable. I.e. stick a Jaws theme on the X-Men layout. Spooky may beg to differ, though!

[@mikem8608]

Not my cup of tea, but I will most definitely drop some quarters in on location.

[@patp9819]

"We are the world" in the 90s was the US version

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

That's it, I remember now, thanks Pat

[@Pitbull0669]

I think the problem with venom was it literally was an RPG pinball game with not a lot going on the bottom half of the playfield That's why it didn't sell That's why they're selling cheap online same thing went for rush this looks to be probably the best pinball since Godzilla, Wick was ok Jaws is ok I mean not the sales they wished for.

[@foxbodystang8587]

Gonzo....I think you need to revise or do a second part to this video. Now that the game play is out, I'm not sure the game fits the hype.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

We're uploading in bit mate but I'm not unpublishing this video or chopping the end off. We'll just discuss last nights stream

[@TheGamingHoser]

Wait to see how much you enjoy Jaws and Pulp Fiction. If those 2 are keepers, maybe Deadpool is the one that goes. I know you love it but it's a 2nd "Marvel" pin for a guy who doesn't like comics.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

It's not that I don't like comics, we just never had them where I grew up so they are not part of my childhood. Basically it has zero nostalgic value . . . if they brought out a He-Man pin it would probably reflect me as a kid more. Honestly though, I can't see Jaws and Pulp going anywhere soon and Deadpool is my sons favourite game. It might be Lebowski but then again, it might be none. Really nice problem to have

[@TheGamingHoser]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama No doubt a good problem to have. Sorry I couldn't help. He-Man would be pretty tempting for me too.

[@johneldridge2082]

Lets not get ahead of ourselves and jump the "goat" here. Who has actually flipped it and played the game? what are the rules? whats the animations and sound like? bit premature but agree it looks very interesting at this point. Sometimes less is more. Game looks cluttered but Im hoping it still flows great.

[@michaeljude8142]

8 BALL

[@johnmcclane2139]

I feel like this game will be good but I do think people are jumping the gun a bit.

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

I'm going to wait until I play it. The excitement is free so I'm happy to be caught up in the hype. Unfortunately the game is expensive so I'll wait until I've had one before committing to a purchase

[@Mo_Ketchups]

Is “Hold my beer just an _English_ term”?? 👀😅 I didn’t know it’d even made it’s way OVER there from the U.S. till just now. 🤷‍♂️ 🫴🍻

[@Yetterben]

Your quoting from tilt the battle to save pinball

[@Mercdds]

Wolverine is a top 10 maybe top 5 most popular characters and he is one of the X-Men. Much better theme than Venom. Venom is a bad game and bad theme. X-Men is a B tier theme but design looks excellent. I’m in on an LE.

[@markmueller860]

Then we saw the code. Pump the brakes on this game. Venom 2.0

[@007bondson1]

Dolly or Eightball would be my vote. The others are too epic to sell. One man’s opinion but I know you like Dolly so maybe not that one.

[@lNllClK]

8 ball deluxe should go, you know Gonzo's dolly is bolted to the floor

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

The trouble is folks . . . they are the lowest value pins too so selling one wouldn't fund a Stern. It might be . . . Lebowski 😬😬😬

[@mrfuriouser]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama Well, that's just like, your opinion, man 😉 But having it lent out shows you how much you actually miss it... or not. Tough call!

[@lNllClK]

@@GonzosPinballFlipperama no!!!! How about white water + 8 ball... That should cover it. You can't lose lebowski... Just think of the toilet!

[@007bondson1]

I hear you on that gonzo. You also recently have top notch games coming in or just landed so it’s tough to commit on another right away. I currently have 4 pins and a long wish list. X-men just made my life more difficult but I’m not complaining, it’s likely a must have, looks simply amazing to play thus far. The nice thing is they will sell pro and premiums on this one for a long time with high sales (LE sold out immediately) so there isn’t any FOMO in the short term other than just getting your hands on it

[@Ruuku1]

ive been holding out on buying a machine because i want a pokemon one and it keeps getting rumoured and never comes

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

I wish I could help dude but I don't have a clue. I've heard the rumour too

[@PengsPicks]

Appreciate your video but thinking X-men isn’t mainstream is wild. Thats like saying Spiderman, Deadpool, or Batman isn’t mainstream. 11 movies, multiple tv shows, multiple comic creations with crossovers with the above mentioned IPs. Maybe UK wise this isn’t as popular amongst the children but saying that Jaws is bigger is pretty silly to me. Jaws is “known” but X-Men is very much known also. This seems to be more of a circle of people in your life that aren’t fans but I wouldn’t compare that to the world. This is one of the few IPs I would argue that spans to both genders versus what has been released lately. I do agree though that Venom is a bit nicher.

[@stefaanalen7382]

when you need the youtube dollars you get movies like this talk talk talk about nothing nobody cares about your life and what you think talk about the product

[@GonzosPinballFlipperama]

Well, at least you're enjoying pinball. 😶

[@JamesGadbury]

I'm interested, so I watch. You're not, so you should leave? Each to their own.

[@SuperStubbys]

Bloody hell, pinball is a toxic old world Gonzo? 😂

[@gwildor8543]

@@SuperStubbys Pinball has the most toxic group of people I’ve encountered in any of my hobbies. I don’t even interact with most anymore and just enjoy what I like without thinking of these fools.

[@SuperStubbys]

@@gwildor8543 Yeh fair enough, I just support Gonzo really, don’t mind pinball, the video appeared as im a West Ham fan (hammers chat), thought I would have a look and then view the comments 😀