SDTM Episode 95: The Beatles Pinball Machine Review

SDTM Greg, SDTM Chuck Wurt, and pinball personality Chris Hoeper review Stern and Kapow Pinball’s The Beatles pinball machine.

[@jasonu7471]

The most important thing to remember is Greg likes exposed wood. LOL Another great show guys !

[@Riz2336]

I think it looks fun and damn man it's about time the beatles finally got a legit game

[@gardengangTX]

Don’t own a pinball yet but love these videos! Thank you for the great content and information.

[@hayden_kuhlman_8870]

Another awesome video and congrats on 4K dudes!!!!

[@Siggy_Sour]

I think it looks incredible, hope Buffalo gets one somewhere.

[@samsara3694]

Stern have done a great job with this machine. Beyond Franchi's terrific artwork and the excellent way in which the Beatles' assets (music and clips/photos) have been integrated, this machine plays fast and furious in a straightforward yet engaging, "just one more game" way. It was absolutely the right choice to go with a one-level field. Codes may not be that deep, but the build-up of levels and layered wizards keep bringing surprises. As for the $4k machine comment, I think that was a devil's advocate comment, as I'm sure Greg is aware that component-wise the Beatles pin has as much packed into it as a Premium, just that it doesn't have the cheap ramps and playfield figurines. And we know where the rest went, regards licensing. Ultimately, it's possibly the case that this machine plays to the sentiments of an older clientele, not only in terms of theme but also in the way it reminiscent of an EM machine, yet is far superior to such in every way. I think any rap it gets rests not simply with the price but the altogether different perspectives and requirements some have of their machines, as multi-leveled theme parks rather than fast, jukebox style simple players. Neither is necessarily superior - they simply offer different things. For anyone tempted but hesitating in buying one I'd echo one of Cousin Brucie quips that you might hear when lingering too long over the ball: "DO IT!"

[@CaryHardy]

The singing at the end....the wife walked in and was like "wtf are you listening to?!"

[@Darwinion]

That put on so called "English" accent sounds totally Australian. LOL

[@RETROCENGO]

Zach is not ment to review Stern pin, as he sells them, witch is great, but what’s going on this review?? Greg is trying to tell us his feelings about this pin and Zach attack’s back on all most all statements and keeps on saying its the best stern pin out there, soooo many times again and again. Now you guys have the BEST pinball show ever, the best, I’ve enjoyed all your videos from the start, all back when the audio was bad and all that, love you guys and your show, BUT this video..... Zach please don’t do it like this again. Try to watch this video, it feels like Greg is not allowed to have his C option about this pin. Greg im totally with you on this one😁👍🏻

[@SDTM]

RETROCENGO that’s fair. Im very passionate and my personality makes it tough to not speak up when I disagree. I will try better next time or just let Greg do the new game reviews solo. (Zach)

[@dakotamike]

I actually liked this one because I agree with Zach on this pin, so I loved it every time he interjected his feelings. I was like, "Yeah, darn right, Zach! Beatles is an amazing pin!"

[@jeffmyers7346]

This may be old but take the Beatles challenge. Wonderful Game! Keeper

[@TiltingT]

My face was the same as Gregs at about the the 35:45 mark😳...But Damn that Whirlwind is SWEET Zach!

[@rollergoalie16]

Is the sweep of the F-O-U-R drops from the upper right flipper as fun and satisfying as the four drop sweep on Quicksilver?

[@ryanp8021]

I haven’t had a chance to play this table, but I’m a pretty good Beatles fan and I would totally prefer the later era of Beatles where the music got more experimental, and frankly, better. The Beatlemania theme is really cool but I think it would be great if Stern made another table with songs from Sgt. Peppers, Abbey Road, The White Album, etc. and a psychedelic theme like Greg mentioned.

[@AndyHugRetro]

'If you had to square off against Paul McCartney would you be scared?!' Hahaha

[@TrashCanNinja87]

If greg doesn't want to take the challenge I will

[@alanrobertson6389]

I love this game too Zach (we agree, wtf?) Blast to play. WAY better than Seawitch, if you like early SS pins, this is dope. I don't care about the beatles myself, but it's a blast to play. Spinners feel SO GOOD! Gomez really tweaked the layout to perfection.

[@SDTM]

Alan Robertson ahhhhh thanks man. We agree!!!! (Zach)

[@dakotamike]

@@SDTM I'm with you Zach. I was so surprised by how much I love playing this. Really scratches that early SS itch, in an awesome way. Even more than TNA.

[@randytait1667]

I think The Beatles pinball machine is one of Stern's best. Great art work and it plays well and the theme hit's it out of the park. It's been out now over two years and it's really hard to find on the used market.

[@memyopinionsche6610]

I never been a fan of tons of bells and whistles in pinball machines. It cramps up the Playfield with a lot of ramps. I mean they're nice and they look cool but they take a lot of the area of the Playfield and shortens up the game.. I mean I finally got to play Deadpool Iron Maiden and AC/DC and DEADPOOL will be my favorite. The great open space not cluttered up. And looks like the Beatles has that open space you can control the ball better. I think...haven't played it yet. So hopefully one day.

[@rask4p]

Greg is 100% right, everyone need to look up the word innovation. I'll help: - a new method, idea, product, etc. A literal remake cannot be considered innovative. There's no idea on this play field that wasn't done in the Sea Witch era and the game doesn't bring anything new compared to any modern Stern. Now if we were talking about the spinner alone and not a while pinball machine, sure, very innovative... At this rate Whoa Nelly is an A+ for innovation because it's got a new spinning reel system.

[@SDTM]

rask4p I still disagree. I think rating innovation is about recognizing what new the company is bringing to market, better than before. Bringing a new method by perfecting an older classic is innovative to me, moreso than rehashing the same mechs Or Shots that some games have. (Zach)

[@rask4p]

@@SDTM I think it's great to bring old games back, but I wouldn't call it innovative. I'll make the argument another way, would Bride of Pinbot 2.0 be more or less innovative than The Beatles. Would Batman '66 be more or less innovative? Would you consider building a modern street level game like TNA, but bringing never before seen elements more of less innovative? We have examples of old games getting new software and old games getting play field refinements multiple times and I don't think you can say doing it again is any kind of innovation. I'm not saying it's a bad game, or that I don't love the way it looks, I just don't consider the game as breaking new ground. Everything that it does, it does very well, but none of it is new. It has to score low in innovation.

[@chuckwurt]

They not only brought back a classic game, they made it WAY better. That’s innovative.

[@chrisgrosvenor996]

“TILT” Hilarious

[@Siggy_Sour]

haha hilarious show guys!

[@pegasisilver6249]

Beautiful pin. If it wasn´t spike, i would surely consider it.

[@michaeljkasnter]

Ghostbusters all day everyday!!!!

[@Smashbro2013]

I'm with Greg on this one.

[@Smashbro2013]

Also, hey now, Blink 182 is a big deal for people in the younger generation. You've got to remember that the Beatles weren't always considered to be the best band ever. I'm sure 40+ years ago people would have scoffed at the Beatles too.

[@turbografx7]

The game is ok to me. For what it is I think it is extremely well done. I'm not a Beatles fan so the theme doesn't get me excited. The price is high for what the game is for me. My favorite early stern is Quicksilver, I love it. I feel like they went with the Sea Witch layout because of the loops that people love, also coming off the heels of iron maiden with loop shots. The art is fantastic! Stern has the corner on pinball art far and away!! I agree with Greg, I won't own one, but I will play it whenever I see one.

[@SDTM]

turbografx7 sounds to me like we need you to be an SDTM viewer soon! Nice take

[@ealadubh4800]

If it were AT ALL possible to license Yellow Submarine, with enough assets, music AND do the game justice without requiring the GDP of say, Belgium to pull it off, Ben Heck or I would have tried it already. That would be one of my dream themes.

[@SDTM]

Eala Dubh hahahaha

[@ealadubh4800]

Think about it though; it's a music pin, it's a movie license, it's a piece of historical pop art and culture, AND it's got a story you could easily transition to pinball, all in one package. What's not to go for?

[@chuckwurt]

I’d love to see yellow submarine too.

[@Mechulus]

Greg's beard reminds me of that one time when I walked in on my grandmother with her pants off. That having been said, I agree with his review.

[@jarosawblaminsky2988]

Lots of potential... and the pinbal looks so simple like the old pinballs. They could add so many features. They could use things from SGT Pepper, They culd add yellow submarine.. Well.. maybe I played too many of those Indiana Jones, Pinbot, Lord of The Rings and others with so many nice extra elements added on the table, some extra rails, some interactive object. I have a feeling playing 10 mins and you get bored with Beatles Pinball.

[@michaeljkasnter]

It is a Stunning Pinball in person!!! Iam just not 70 years old!! Give me Ghostbusters/Deadpool!! Would be cool for my parents!! The price is ridiculous for what your getting!! No ramps!!! No Ecto Googles, Looks like the pizza from TMNT painted black

[@breger2323]

Totally agree with Greg's $4k assessment, priced where it is because of licensing and Beatles "mania" I'm assuming. Would love to play one though, not own it

[@lemongrass3945]

I do agree with Greg. I think the only way I would have this game is if someone gave it to me for free. It just looks to boring there is almost nothing in there.

[@Siggy_Sour]

I feel like people gotta realize high score is the goal. Everybodys obsessed with wizard modes. I just wanna get a higher score than my buddy lol or my previous.

[@skippychurch2965]

I find this show tough to enjoy, now. I like Greg so much but Zach just rubs me the wrong way. :(

[@SDTM]

Skippy Church my apologies. Anything specific I could address? I’m up for constructive criticism. (Zach)

[@skippychurch2965]

@@SDTM no man. You just keep doing you. Dont worry about one dummy's opinion. Your show works well, I guess it is just not for me. :)

[@SDTM]

Skippy Church ok

[@greggotheeggo]

I’m more of a Zach guy myself and my names Greg lol

[@hayden_kuhlman_8870]

I honestly couldn't agree more with Greg this entire episode

[@dakotamike]

Do the challenge Greg!

[@Tomodachi90]

👍🏻

[@jacooosthuizen3593]

im with Greg, i would not own one. Unless i was rich and have a few pinball tables already as its a nice take on a old way of playing.

[@weloveentertainment9255]

We need a "IT with pennywise pinball

[@zombie3833]

80s themed tshirts. Metallic and neon pinks. Picture TNA

[@paulclarke7571]

It needed an evil Yoko Ono pop up that messes with you!

[@michaeljkasnter]

wire form ramps would have ruined it

[@johnford3543]

Hilarious

[@xpump876]

I was interested to see game play here ...but will need to look elsewhere

[@SDTM]

xPump there’s some gameplay in the video mid way or so. You can also check out our Beatles stream months back

[@lemongrass3945]

I wish new Stern Pros were $4000 today. Not this $6899

[@weloveentertainment9255]

They should come out thy art of murder pinball and start the game with holy war

[@Srt8Adam]

Hey Greg, when you come to the west coast to meet gorge hit me up and we will go for a real ride in the lambo

[@danwricleynutproductscompa792]

Greg’s take on Beatles is rough. The machine is about artwork, graphics, nostalgia, and collectibility .... it’s fairly basic to have a retro feel. Not having all the new bells and whistles is on purpose, not a design flaw for serious pinballers.

[@charlesallan843]

I’m with Greg a lot of money c at best

[@bryantwhitis1268]

I think what Greg is trying to say it be ever sober up is that the pinball machine is too basic not enough mods

[@zenmasterjay1]

That Beatles pin is better than having no Bealtes pin... But just barely. It sux. Realllly bad.

[@Beampit]

I'm with Greg, Iron Maiden over the Beatles.

[@chrisbouziotas6859]

Sea W

[@danherbert7173]

I get that Zach isn't supposed to review these pins as a conflict of interest issue for his business, but if you're going to be so overly critical of what everyone is saying anyway then just partake in the Damn review. I would rather see you review the pin than review what everyone else said about the pin. It was a little irritating just hearing Zach talk over Greg the whole time. I still love ya, Zach, but if you're going to give your opinion anyway, just do it the way you normally do.

[@SDTM]

Noob Wizzard changing my personality will be kinda tough. Maybe I should just sit them out and let Greg do the new game reviews? (Zach)

[@johnnygirling55]

Love the show, but either both of you review it or just have Greg on there on his own. The show is losing something though with you both not being able to review it.

[@supersnappahead]

Zach's out of his mind. Better than IM and DP.... Love you though, boss.

[@matthewpilla4323]

I LOVE music Pins, But NOT a fan of the Beatles. Can you enjoy a Pin from a group or singer you DON'T like? Give me a Stern QUEEN PINBALL MACHINE PLEASE! Thanks for review. Zach you need to review again! BEST SHOW on KZbin

[@SDTM]

Matthew Pilla man I’d love a queen machine (zach)

[@rawdog268]

why are your vids so long? need to stop jabbering and more review,makes your vids unwatchable

[@FlipNOutPinball]

Rawdog268 just to frustrate you :)