Ultimate Pinball Expo: Did the Hype Live Up to Expectations?

[@RetroRalph]

5:56 If you’re the dad of this kid, please email me ASAP at [e-mail] I feel so bad that I didn’t shake his hand. It was completely not intentional, I would love to send him something cool.

[@CaryHardy]

Well worded. I'm gonna need you to start writing my scripts from now on....

[@RetroRalph]

I got you man! Thanks so much for watching brother! I need Cary cameo's in all my videos... LOL.

[@IndieArcadeWave]

Wish I could have gone, I watched Bobs live stream and Electric Bats stream as much as I could. What was your favorite new pinball to play? Also Ice Cold Beer, big props to Bryan for landing that IP, I'm sure he will have some more big titles in the future. Bryan is an amazing guy to work with, he helped us so much on Galactic Battleground.

[@Mo_Ketchups]

0:29 - Buddy’s spectacular lettuce is upstaging Elton’s machine. 😮‍💨

[@WickedGamerCollector]

Totally awesome thing to visit ... maybe some day I can join you 😄 Regarding meeting people and have a fun day I can totally related to this !

[@RetroRalph]

Hopefully one day wicked, the universe will align one day! I'm not sure a conference room could contain the power of a Wicked / Ralphie being united in the same place. LOL

[@WickedGamerCollector]

@@RetroRalph It needs to be possibe I need some RALPHY TIME !

[@cspeer504]

Great recap! It was a fun surprise to see me at 1:53 playing Labyrinth, which was my favorite pin of the show (I purchased one!). I was also able to play Pulp Fiction for the first time, which I actually remember having a small chat with you about at the machines. Thanks for sharing your experience and I look forward to more!

[@gwildor8543]

I got my order in for Labyrinth with the topper and the alternate back glass. But what really surprised me was Elton John. I absolutely loved it. Now I’m just figuring out how to add one to my collection. I absolutely LOVED Labyrinth, but EJ stole my heart. Sessions were great this year too. Can’t wait for them next year.

[@EQOAnostalgia]

Everyone hated Masters of the Universe but you and i... or so it would seem lol. Well met Gwildor!

[@RetroRalph]

Congrats, man, that topper and backglass is so damn cool!

[@74Vidgamer]

Wow, I just moved to Schaumburg a year ago, had no idea this event was there, now I know!! Cool to see clips of my hood in the video, that’s my Giordano’s I got to all the time too! 😂

[@RetroRalph]

Dude, that's awesome, you have to go next year, you'll have a great time! Thanks so much for watching!

[@geneg136]

Pinball Expo was amazing - First time and certainly not the last! Wanted to say hi but you were filming so next time!

[@ScottParisi]

Awesome recap. You gave stringer the short sell. Aside from having to keep him in line, he was the definitive beer guy at the fireplace and had a fantastic collection of t-shirts. Arcade Hollywood is fantastic dude and I'm glad to have spent as much time with him as I did. He definitely kept the group together and focused. Our friend Todd has a Pulp Fiction LE deposit from me and I hope to see the machine in my lineup early in Q1-2024. Overall great show and can't wait for next year. PS: I just made it to the front of the Labyrinth line. Only three more people ahead of me.

[@seann6061]

We ordered two of those Pulp Fiction Pins. Looking forward to getting them!

[@RetroRalph]

Oh man, congrats, that's awesome! I totally fell in love with it at the show!

[@thecoinjaminfo3193]

We've never playes it. We ordered it blind once we heard it had original callouts. Hopefully you can confirm its a solid player.

[@RetroRalph]

@@thecoinjaminfo3193 It's so much fun, and it plays great, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'm trying to figure out how to sell a few of my Arcade games to fund the purchase of one myself... haha.

[@ehyouman]

Venom is dope, lucky to have played it a couple weeks ago. Agreed I really love the player profile & level insider connected aspects of the game as well. Great montage/synopsis video!

[@3rdFloorArcade]

Great video dude! The expo looked like a blast!

[@RetroRalph]

Thanks brother, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I hope things are going well, you gotta be running out of space over at 3rd floor by now, right? Anyway, thanks again man and I hope you have a good one!

[@FormulaFox]

Now with my somewhat somber warning out of the way, I'm glad you had fun. I don't really have a ton of out-of-area friends to an extent that we'd want to meet up, but Past Times is rapidly becoming a favorite friends and family hang out and have fun place for a very similar reason, so I absolutely get the sentiment. And hey, we both have Rob Berk to thank for it! Dude's done more for more people between Pinball Expo and Past Time than he'll likely ever realize.

[@jackparanoia]

Thanks for letting me hop on Ninja Eclipse with you guys. I tried to keep my cool, but was super nerding out on the inside.

[@RetroRalph]

Dude, that was awesome man, It was great meeting you! I needed to spend a lot more time on that game, the tilt bob was set wayyyyyyyyyy too sensitive. I was tilting all over the place after being use to man handling all the other games at Expo... haha. Anyway, awesome meeting you again and thanks so much for watching!

[@Evercade_Effect]

I really enjoyed watching your live coverage, and this video was very heartwarming. I didn't know Mason had a channel, totally subbed to him. Keep up the great work!

[@RetroRalph]

Glad you enjoyed it brother! Thanks as always for supporting the channel and always taking the time to comment. I hope all is well man, we need to catch up soon!!

[@Evercade_Effect]

@@RetroRalph Yes we do.

[@mikehamilton2979]

Great video! Amanda and I feel the exact same way about Expo. All about the friendships we’ve made through this hobby and the new ones we get to make.

[@Arcadehollywood]

Great video Ralph!!!

[@RetroRalph]

You rock Arcade Hollywood, thanks for watching bud! We should start getting prepared for next year, only 360 days till expo 2024... haha.

[@gettin_lit6594]

Pinball , Friends = Good times 👍👍.. ill take one of those cards autographed.

[@RetroRalph]

Heck yeah man, I will find a way to get you one! Thanks so much for watching brother!

[@residentevilumbrella2001]

I can't believe I missed the Expo this year, considering I live 5 miles away in nearby Arlington Heights. I checked the schedule and I didn't know it was last week.

[@purdue98]

Definitely going next year hopefully the rumors are true about back to the future.

[@RetroRalph]

We "kinda" got confirmation at the show. We kept bugging the dutch pinball guys about it. We got a smirk out of one of them, I'm like THAT'S IT , THAT'S CONFIRMATION!! LOL

[@andymcdandycdn6808]

Great video Ralph.

[@csrival3152]

Great stuff, Ralph! Nice chatting with you at the show.

[@RetroRalph]

Likewise, man, I really enjoyed meeting you and your wife, you guys are the best!

[@ProjectGenesisMusic]

It's so funny that my out of town KZbin friends alert me to awesome things right by me I had no idea about. Thanks again Ralph for bringing this to my attention I am definitely coming with a group next year!

[@RetroRalph]

You got to brother! It was so awesome finally meeting you in person! Could your return be another streets of rage track 🤔

[@TiltingT]

Hate that I missed ya at Expo. Looked around when I wasn't in the tournament area but didn't see ya anywhere.. maybe next year buddy!

[@dragongamer2670]

But Great Video Ralph.. Feels like I am at the show!

[@RetroRalph]

That's awesome bud, I'm really glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for watching, I hope all is well man.

[@Jesselovespinball]

Cake pizza😂 I’m east coast as well , give me a slice of NY style folded any day over that !

[@RetroRalph]

You damn straight brother! No hate on Deep Dish, but floppy grease filled NY style Pizza is where it's at!

[@EQOAnostalgia]

You guys got Tomato pie? Good stuff!

[@nickmadsen2572]

Such an epic weekend and epic people! You captured what Pinball Expo is all about, bro!

[@RetroRalph]

Thanks brother, it for sure went by too quickly, We need to start planning out next adventure SOON! Miss you already brother!

[@nickmadsen2572]

@@RetroRalph 🚨

[@slinger2112]

I'm happy to see that Matt took the StringerCam(tm) GoPro off while at the restaurant. I was worried he wore it into the bathroom. I agree that the people are more important than the games. I need to make it out next year for the 40th... @Mason: I only want to see Ralph on your channel in hotdog form... :) Congrats!

[@RetroRalph]

Dude, you have to make it next year!! That would be awesome! Stringer wore that thing everywhere... LOL!

[@neekzz]

Great vid as always! I have always wanted to go but never have. I do go to Pinfest in Allentown, it’s more local for me and they have a ton of tables there. Good times :)

[@RetroRalph]

Sounds awesome man, so many great pinball shows across the country! Thanks so much for watching!

[@nickmadsen2572]

❤

[@kantidinda6218]

Great review of the show Ralph. So happy I finally made it. I think my butt is still sore for the drive. 😉 Congrats to Mason on the new channel!

[@RetroRalph]

Thanks bud, I'm so glad you made the trek this year! You think you'll come back for the 40th?

[@kantidinda6218]

​@@RetroRalphI would love to go next year, that's definitely the plan. From the video I assume you will be there again! 👍

[@Penncrest69]

I was really hoping to see Retro-Cades new stuff. Another channel featured their four player 4K machine with 60k games. It looked awesome.

[@RetroRalph]

I saw that booth but didn't go over, I guess it got overshadowed by all the pinball machines. I will be on the lookout for them next year. Thanks so much for watching!

[@SuperNicktendo]

Most Chicago peeps don't care for deep dish. Tavern style is where it's at! Wish I was able to go to this.

[@RetroRalph]

Wait just a second, no one told me about "Tavern Style" what's that ?!?! Thanks for watching bud, now please tell me what I'm missing with "Tavern Style"... I'm really curious....

[@SuperNicktendo]

@@RetroRalph oh man. Yeah it's a Chicago hidden secret. We give the deep dish to tourists. It's a thin crust cut into squares. There's also hand tossed which is considered Chicago pizza as well but tavern is my favorite. Crunchy crust and the toppings are the star of the show

[@RetroRalph]

I feel like you just gave me a treasure map.

[@SuperNicktendo]

@@RetroRalph next time you're in Chicago let me know and we can get some pizza

[@RetroRalph]

@@SuperNicktendo I would love that man 🍕

[@snart]

I was trying to find you on Saturday. Made a pinball flipper keychain for you but no go. :(

[@RetroRalph]

Oh no, that's such a bummer man... I would have loved to meet you brother.

[@KING_KONK]

Hahaha I never realized Mason has such nice teeth 🦷 😃 ❤❤❤

[@sails9311]

You're telling me Rainbow Islands, the sequel to Bubble Bobble, isn't recognizable IP?! 😮

[@RetroRalph]

The Taito stuff is all done by Magic Pixel I believe, and they're probably some of the most underwhelming virtual pinball tables I've EVER played. I will give you that it's a recognizable IP but to say it's done well, I can't say that. Just play some of the fan made VPX tables and then do a comparison, they need to get someone other than Magic Pixel to do the software end. Maybe Zen will be the savior of the device as far as "out of the box" content. The hardware and OTG mode are impressive, but in my opinion, there is still a lot of work needed for gamers who want great pinball games right out of the box. Hopefully Zen does an amazing job and those wanting a great out of the box experience will be satisfied. I don't think that's a lot to ask and with Zen backing it, that should be fairly easy to do.

[@tyarnold4088]

Im 41. How did i never see Labyrinth? Game looks great though.

[@HrabiaKaczula]

Awesome video but I feel really sorry for that kid at 5:56 . He really wanted to shake your hand Ralph!

[@RetroRalph]

I know I messed up so bad, in the moment I didn't even notice that and felt terrible after watching the footage back. Hey Kid, if you watch this, I OWE YOU BIG TIME! Look me up and I will send you something cool!! Seriously, I feel terrible :-( Thanks so much for watching man!

[@HrabiaKaczula]

@@RetroRalph the worst thing about this is the fact that you are one of the nicest and most humble persons on YT and everybody who knows you is aware that you would've done it deliberately! One more time congrats on the award and amazing content! Keep up the great work man!

[@RetroRalph]

@@HrabiaKaczula How cool is this, I tagged a comment to the video and the kid's dad saw it! He reached out to me, so I sent him something nice in the mail. So the story has a happy ending. I was really bummed about it, so hopefully my small gesture made up for it. :-) Just figured you might want to have an update. Thanks again for all your support brother!

[@HrabiaKaczula]

@@RetroRalph I love stories like this. You are a legend Ralph.

[@purdue98]

Who’s wearing the Purdue hat? That’s my Alma Mater.

[@RetroRalph]

That's Arcade Erik, he's a buddy of mine who lives local to the Expo. I'm sure if he sees this he will comment. Thanks so much for watching the video!

[@timo4826]

Being a huge Alien fan, I've been intrigued with that table. Have you played it? Thoughts?

[@RetroRalph]

I played it last year, but I didn't get a chance to check out the one they brought with the new code. I didn't spend enough time on it to really get a good gauge on if I liked it or not.

[@piratestation69]

Todd was awesome and seeing the new pins was cool as well. Not to thrilled about the new Elton John. But good coverage and extremely entertaining as usual.

[@RetroRalph]

Thanks bud, always appreciate you watching!

[@stringerfilms.]

Sweet! Now I don't need to edit anything 😂

[@RetroRalph]

LOL... Oh, Yes you do! LMAO

[@stringerfilms.]

@@RetroRalph 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ThePerfectStormGaming]

Hold on were you chatting up Chris Pratt at 5:38 or is that just a look a like?? That’s flipping awesome.

[@RetroRalph]

LOL.... no but that guy was equally awesome, he did some work on the Pupl Fiction machine and he was helping me play it... really cool dude. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ThePerfectStormGaming]

@@RetroRalph JFC. I swear to god KZbin loves to censor me. Thats awesome he looked just like him. Love your channel. You’re the reason I bought gun4ir from Ray and started adding to my stuff with them I had to have my buddy help me reconfigure my drive to get them to work it was worth it they’re phenomenal . I got the Guncon 2’s from watching your videos. And had them configured to my cabinets drive. My cabinet is custom Star Wars themed. Also I had no idea you moderated that FB group I’ve been in for months.

[@theJohnnyPinball]

Did you get a BOF shirt?

[@RetroRalph]

I didn't :-/ They seemed to be very particular on who got one.... haha.

[@EQOAnostalgia]

Looks great, 10,600 dollars great? ehhhhh. . . if i were rich? Totally. The undertones of Labyrinth are cringe af... but the universe around it and my childhood nostalgia = REAL.

[@mikesabin8568]

Gee-or-danos… Im from the area

[@RetroRalph]

Where were you last night when I was recording that voice over... haha. Thanks so much for watching!

[@mikesabin8568]

@@RetroRalph Saturday. Didn’t see ya. Saw todd

[@RetroRalph]

Well that really sucks :-/ I guess I will hopefully see you in 360 days when we reassemble for Expo 2024!! ;-)

[@mlk4life]

hope AtGames gets it together bc i agree why send a product when its not ur best.

[@EndLess1UP]

it is cake pizza lol

[@RetroRalph]

I knew you would understand ✊🏻. I hope all is well brother.

[@EightPieceBox]

I seriously thought Mason's announcement at the end was that you were going to be parting ways because he was shirking his camera duties during the live stream. 😅 Instead he's starting his own channel so you have to worry about him big timing you!

[@Mo_Ketchups]

Standing in a _line_ (or even more than _one_ person) just to get your three balls in sounds like a type of horror show to me. 😖🤦‍♂️ I just can’t feature that, especially after paying a ransom just to fly there & back. Maybe it’s just me. 🤷‍♂️ I’m a fossil _already_ -I don’t wanna grow a long white beard just ta flip an EJ pin. 😮‍💨

[@FormulaFox]

Okay, Ralph, just a warning... You're probably at some point, given what's going on, going to get some flak for associating with Walter Day. And as someone who is on the side of his critics, I just want to say... Ignore the people who try to crap on your for it. For everything that's been coming out, its not a big enough deal that people should be giving you crap over it as long as he's just honoring you for what you've actually done. He's still a big name, and he's not the real problem in the equation that's bringing out the criticisms, so people who would give you crap because of Day's alleged past actions are not worth your time. Don't let the overzealous ruin things. You're just a dude he chose to honor, you're not involved in the shenanigans, its unfair for the overzealous to target you. So when it happens, don't let it bother you.

[@RetroRalph]

Thanks brother, nothing yet outside a few random comments but I appreciaite you saying that and giving me a heads-up. I'm usually one who can just ignore the negativity, but I still appreciate you giving me a heads up. Thanks again brother! :-)

[@dragongamer2670]

Would totally go if I made more money.. just how it is.. can't have friends without money I guess... :(

[@RetroRalph]

I'm your friend dude, you just live kinda far from me. I will make it a point to get down your way soon. Hang in there brother!

[@dragongamer2670]

@@RetroRalph Will do and yes I know we are friends. Just wish I could be more involved with the community is all. Wish my work wasn't so crazy. :)