My Top 5 Pinball Machines

[@jb007gd]

"What I love most about pinball ... It stops my brain from talking and I can just focus on what I'm doing" You couldn't have said it any better. That's one of the things I love the most about playing pinball! Getting in that zone is cathartic. Everyone should be so lucky to experience it. Really enjoying your videos, thank you for making them!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Getting in the zone is the best! And thank you! I really appreciate your kind words

[@mootsym]

Now you gotta do a list for machines pre-2000s 😁

[@erikaspinballjourney]

I’m def looking into filming one 🤓

[@corywestfahl1691]

My all timers are 1. Twilight Zone 2. Theatre of Magic 3. Iron Maiden 4. Black Knight SOR 5. Attack From Mars

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Very nice 😎 AFM was my gateway pin! Played for the first time as an adult and since then I had started my pinball journey 😄

[@TampaTec]

This is a good list... And great video editing, this made your video charming. My list Pirates of Caribbean JJ Medieval madness Avengers infinity prem Star Trek *Stern Godzilla *Stern Honorable mention White water 🌊

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thank you! 😊 And Pirates may or may not have been my original number 5 game 👀. Star Trek and Avengers are cool too! Star Trek is so fast! And the extra modes on Avengers are cool 😎

[@ileanacontreras2146]

What I love about pinball, aside from all the reasons you’ve mentioned, is that I can play a game, really appreciate the differences and nuances of the game as it is individually , and let it challenge me! I don’t know enough of pinball to know why, but it shows that a lot of effort and dedication goes into each game, to bring something unique to the experience you’re about to have when playing the theme of the game. That being said! My top five at this moment in time is: 5. Mandalorian 4. Venom 3. Foo Fighters 2. Godzilla 1. Black Knight: Sword of Rage

[@erikaspinballjourney]

I love that! Well said :) also, that's a great top 5!

[@dingusaurous6419]

Twilight Zone is still my all time favorite. It was the first machine I ever played, and the first machine I ever reached the wizard mode on.

[@erikaspinballjourney]

TZ is a great machine! Great choice 😊

[@TiltTrek]

Great video. Your research section had us laughing out loud.

[@ileanacontreras2146]

I couldn’t help but laugh too 😂

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thank you! And yeah I didn't do a script for this video, so I didn't have all my facts xD. I almost didn't include it in the edit, so I'm glad it made the cut! ^_^

[@nashvillan4lif]

I went to a local bowling alley where I saw a LOTR pinball with a free credit on there somebody left. I played it and quickly hit the replay score. Then I played it again and again got the replay score and scored a match. I proceeded to play both credits at once and both hit the replay value and one of them made the leaderboard. I then played all three credits at once and once again all three hit the replay value, one made the leaderboard, and one hit the Grand Champion score. There's now six free games on the machine. My hands were getting tired and I decided to walk away. Bear in mind, this was my very first time playing this machine and to this day, I have not played it again. I saw no need.

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Fair, well since LOTR is not in your top 5 (and that’s ok) what is? I’m curious to know what pins you do enjoy 😊

[@dustinlang6787]

Agree on getting out of your head. New Bond, Adam's Family, AC/DC, Deadpool, & Beattles. No order.

[@erikaspinballjourney]

@@dustinlang6787 seems like a common pinball thing. Glad it’s not just me 😊 and those are great games!

[@ianmcdaniel7797]

This is really hard for me. I’m not going to put them in any order, but Godzilla, Tron, Whitewater, Bram Stokers Dracula (First machine I ever owned), and Indiana Jones the Pinball Adventure. This list changes constantly.

[@jb007gd]

Yeah, that's the thing. Definitely not a static list. I'll bet Erika could make this video again 6 months from now and there would be at least one or two different machines on there.

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Great games! White Water and Indiana Jones are spectacular! It's really hard to pick just 5 I want them all haha

[@pdl.80]

What about Big Buck Hunter? That should be your #1 all-time favorite with the hillbilly commentary lol

[@ianmcdaniel7797]

@@pdl.80 hahaha I mean if it shot well, it would be in my top 50

[@RETROCENGO]

Hi Erika, new subscriber here, I’m enjoying your pinball journey 😊

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thanks for subbing! I’ve been following your content for a little while now. Great stuff 😄

[@RETROCENGO]

@@erikaspinballjourney most welcome and thank you 😊🙏🏻

[@Danzig96]

Great list Ericka, and excellent video. 😃🐶

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thank you 😊 🙏

[@Gravy_Jones22]

Scared Stiff, Big Hurt, Iron Maiden, Tron Legacy, and Attack From Mars

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Attack from Mars was the first game that got me back into pinball as an adult! Great game 😄🤘

[@FloydMaxwell]

Guardians is a great pick. LotR as well/probably in my Top 10. Thanks for sharing!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

So many great games to choose from! And no problem 😊 the pleasure was all mine!

[@mootsym]

Easy sub. I’m so glad I found your channel. Great presentation and awesome vibe. 🤙🏻

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Glad you found it too! Thank you 🙏

[@Fighterfan69]

LoTR is definitely my favorite table of all time. Relly enjoying some of the new tables coming out not sure what year they came out but I haven't had many places with new tables to play. There is a place in Tempe AZ. Arizona Mills has a good selection of some of the newer machines. At any rate. Godzilla, Jurassic Park. Avengers Infinity Quest, and Deadpool are tops for the most recent I've seen. Back when I played pinball consistently tables like Medieval Madness, Moster Bash, No Good Gofers, Attack from Mars, Black Knight, were tables that were tops then

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Nice! Yeah it’s just fantastic! Those classics are rad as well! Looking back I think Deadpool should be on my list! It’s so hard to choose 🤪

[@PinheadPinball]

A lot of people in these top 5 lists tend to pick very similar machines that are "objectively" the best (Attack from Mars, Medieval Madness, Monster Bash) so i'm happy that you picked machines that speak to you! I really like that you picked Elton John too, that machine is one of the best looking, JJP knows how to make a pin! Have a great day!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thank you 😊 and yeah I honestly keep putting it back and forth in my number one spot now ahead of LOTR 😅🤪 but I guess with time I’ll find out 🤓 Hope you have a great day too!

[@PinheadPinball]

@@erikaspinballjourney I have yet to play LOTR in person, but based on playing it on VPX it definitely strikes me as worthy of the number one spot! I have yet to play Elton John but from everything I've seen, I think I would get addicted, and I'm not even that big of a fan of Elton John! Thanks for the reply!

[@IsmaelCastilloJr]

My Top 5: 1. Twister 2. Haunted House 3. Medieval Madness 4. Lord of the Rings 5. Stranger Things

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Oooooh a Twister #1! That's awesome :D but great list all games I've been lucky enough to play!

[@veganm8918]

Haunted House is awesome. I only have room for 5 machines. If I could fit 10 that would be one of them!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

@@veganm8918lower playfields are so fun! Would love a Haunted house in my collection too!

[@veganm8918]

@@erikaspinballjourney So many things including the lower playfield on that game are challenging and fun. What got you started on this? I bought Medieval remake in 2017. A friend (the infamous Lloyd on pinside) warned me that if i got one they get very lonely and want companions. He was right lol!

[@pdl.80]

This is awesome, grade-A list! I love pinball so much I need a top 50 for this lol Keep the production value 1000! Pinball forever!!!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thank you! Haha yes Pinball Forever!

[@roddoggity]

Lovin' all the James Cameron clips!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thanks 😁

[@DaleZawada]

Nice list! Never played lotr but I hear great things!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thanks! And you can use Pinball Map to find one near you 🤓 if not one nearby hope you get a chance to play it one day!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

love my Iron Maiden Pinball machine

[@bijibadness]

I always, always heard that the best pinball was virtually all from the 1990s / made by Williams. maybe that's changed? things change all the time. but Williams from the '90s always dominated my thinking of pinball. stuff like _The Addam's Family, White Water, Attack from Mars, Star Trek Next Generation_ ... and of course _Medieval Madness._ but I now see that one was included anyway. laff. that was interesting. keep going!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

The 90’s has so many solid games! It’s honestly hard for me to choose. I feel like I get somewhere with my list then I have to revisit it haha 🤪

[@TonyPeters-m8k]

The ultimate top three classic pinball machines are BMX , Evel Knievel , and KISS by Bally.

[@ScottParisi]

Interesting list. When I played EJ at Expo, it was definitely an incredible machine but not sure it's top five. My top five, using your aging requirements: Simpsons Pinball Party Foo Fighters Jurassic Park Family Guy Deadpool

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thanks :) and yeah I'm sure if I get the chance to play it more, maybe my mind will change. However, atm Elton JJP lives rent-free in my head all day lol. Love your list! All great games as well!

[@MANNYSARCADE]

Awesome list I love the Lord of the Rings pin & was almost my #5 pin

[@erikaspinballjourney]

My LOTR is my baby, it's a game I plan to keep for a long long time ^_^

[@RedwoodRyanPinball]

Elton John has big pinball moments energy. JJP light shows are top tier and the playlist is amazing. It is JJPs best game.

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Totally! I’m so glad more people are getting to play this game 😄

[@sebastienpouget4233]

i don't know if i have a top 5 but i'm sure i'm gonna be addicted to elton john pinball...

[@erikaspinballjourney]

It is my new addiction haha. A great game! Highly recommend playing it if you get the chance.

[@neilhodge6478]

great edit - : )

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thank you! 😊

[@boxes741]

Bravo! Well done!

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Thank you

[@jonathanmelleney9601]

Amazing that most of the list is new pinballs , there is a plethora of old games out there that in my book would make the top five but i guess each to his own

[@erikaspinballjourney]

I had a tough time picking games! Kinda picked what was speaking to me. My list will change from time to time. Hoping to get another list out without making my rule that they had to be from the year 2000 or newer sometime this year.

[@jonathanmelleney9601]

@@erikaspinballjourney No actual Williams machines then ;-) only the remakes

[@Gypsycat19]

I have a banzai run and 8 other system 11 and 2 wpc BSD BOP thats my era but i don't mind deadpool has old williams sound effects

[@MidwestBoom]

medieval madness Cactus Canyon Godzilla (Premium or better) Monster Bash LOTR

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Cactus Canyon and Monster Bash are stellar games as well! Wish I could have more than 5! But also feel like this list will change over time

[@justinfiorini3142]

My top 5, in no order pre 2000 NBA Fastbreak MM/AfM are pretty much the same game TOTAN Theater of Magic The Shadow Post 2000 Foo fighters Godzilla Star Trek AIQ Venom

[@philsurtees]

Gorgar came out in1979, and while there have been some great machines since then, none of them have ever topped it.

[@erikaspinballjourney]

The first game to speak! Very cool, I have only played it once. But I’ll have to find it near me on Pinball Map and play it some more 😊 what do you love about playing it?

[@joanstehlik235]

This would suck for me cause my top five are all older than 2000. 😂

[@erikaspinballjourney]

@@joanstehlik235 haha well I’d still love to know your top 5. Below the year 2000 what you do you love? :)

[@jurassicrark2552]

LOTR is a sick table, but isnt the layout basically just a less good medieval madness?

[@erikaspinballjourney]

I mean… kinda? It’s same same but different lol. I love medieval stuff so happy to have both on my list. LOTR I absolutely love the films. So def I prob have some bias haha

[@matthewmorton7386]

Big Lebowski Simpsons Pinball party Ghostbusters Godzilla Deadpool

[@erikaspinballjourney]

I love the Big Lebowski lower playfield! This is a great list as well, all games I have had the opportunity to play :)

[@matthewmorton7386]

⁠@@erikaspinballjourney lord of the rings is a lot of fun I’m not gonna lie. The callouts are spectacular. Triple jackpot one, triple jackpot two.

[@travisjohnson6358]

Hmmm deadpool walking dead iron maiden tna and rob zombie

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Great games! Walking Dead and Iron Maiden I'm terrible at haha, but I see why they appeal to people. I love my Deadpool tho, I wanted it on this list! Was really hard to choose from.

[@PrismaxMan]

2000 for the oldest? yikes that means no Adams Family or Twilight Zone?

[@matthewmorton7386]

Or anything by data east I think…

[@erikaspinballjourney]

I had to make it easier for myself to decide 😅 I’ve only been playing pinball for less than 2 years now. Sadly I have only played Adams family like 3 times, and I have yet to play one in nice condition. So I’ll need to find a spot where I can play it and it’s got everything working.

[@foxbodystang8587]

Nice vid 👍🏼 For me it’s these below and in no particular order Indiana Jones by Williams Medieval madness Bram stokers Dracula Stranger things Addams family

[@peterbumper2769]

By only having games that are from 2000 on, you are ignoring 75% of pinballs history

[@erikaspinballjourney]

Hi @peterbumper2769 I had a hard time choosing just 5 games. I had a list of over 30 😅 so to make things easier for myself I gave myself that restriction. With responses to this video I definitely will look to make videos about my top games from the past decades. But will probably need to do one decade at a time since there are so many great games! 😄

[@peterbumper2769]

@@erikaspinballjourney Pinball does not break down into decades 70's pinball included 2 inch flipper EMs, 2.5 inch flipper EM's, the birth of Solid State and second generation solid state (Gorgar). unfair to compare Gottliebs 2001 with Williams Flash

[@erikaspinballjourney]

@@peterbumper2769 you're right, how best would you break it down? Also, I'm curious to know your top 5 if you'd like to share 🙂

[@peterbumper2769]

@@erikaspinballjourney Depends on how far back you want to go. I would understand if you do not want to go as far back as pure mechanical from the 1930's and an EM enthusiast would break the eras down more than me Pure mechanical. games that you shoot a ball up, and it is caught in 'cups' made of pins Before flippers Flippers, but not where they are supposed to be (at the bottom of the playfield) Flippered games, but the score is kept by lights in the backglass Flippered games, but score reels are now used. A ball lifter puts a ball into the shooter lane Games now recycle the same ball Flippers now grow to 2.5 inches Early solid state, An EM run off a computer. Bally Star Trek, Gottlieb Joker Poker Second generation. Games now talk Alpha numeric. Displays can now show words (Williams sys11) DMD era. while you cannot compare early DMDs to latter games (Black Rose to Lord of the Rings, to Spiderman) I do not know the right words to describe the difference LCD era

[@peterbumper2769]

@@erikaspinballjourney As for my top games, unfortunately I have not had a chance to play all the games A few I like; Godzilla Strange world, Gottlieb EM Ironman Black Knight (1980) White Water Attack From Mars