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On October 12, we visited the "World Pinball Championship" at Pittsburgh. It was interesting mix of old and new pinballs down the ages. We spent a long long time playing and analyzing the games and the machines.
Here are my observation as to how pinball machines have changed since the
last fifty years :
1. Eye catching graphics
Graphics have changed tremendously from the ages.
The colors are much brighter and more variety are used rather than 3-4 basic colors
that were used. The reason is that the more brighter and attractive your machine,
the more probability that people will be drawn towards playing your game.
The science of cognition too has developed and hence people have been
using those principles to make the machines more eye catching.
2. Stronger theming
Theming has become much more stronger, with not only the graphics but even
the props, the flipper and even the start button and pointing system all are
themed. Consistent theming connects all the part of a gaming experience , enriching it.
3. More use of Movie theme
Majority of the new pinball’s had theme revolving around movies.
This is because a known movie provides instant recollection of characters,
their behaviors and the storyline . Hence its easy to set up the premises of the
game. Movie theming also makes people draw more easily towards their favorite
movie’s game verses an totally unknown new game.
4. More innovative controls
New games have more innovative controls i.e. instead of left/right buttons ,
they have buttons mounted on propeller-like controls.
Instead of the normal spring based ball ejector, they have
buttons or themed based launching controls.
5. More use of sounds
New machines have more sounds.
More number of sounds as well as different varieties of sounds in a single
game. This is because audio is one of the factors in attracting people’s attention.
Audio is also used extensively to give multiple instructions in the game since
games have become more complex and its tough to write all instructions in the
limited space on the board.
6. More use of lights
More lights are been used in the new pinball machines.
They are in the form of lit props,
LEDs all over the board extensive lights in the back box.
Blinking lights and colorful lights attract people attention and
can be used for indicating changes in gameplay like start/end, win/defeat.
7. Using addition display system to reflect score and instructions
New machines have the added bonus of electronic display screens which aids
in indicating the scores, giving instructions ,coaxing people to play an extra game
and even checking out their website.
8. Using more machine estate
The new pinball machines have made use of maximum available estate.
The back box of the pinball (using animated/moving props)
The side (more extensive graphics)
The play field (more props/graphics per inch)
The reason is to use maximum features to attract and retain the player.
9. More complex gameplay
The new games have more complex gameplay in comparison to older machines.
This includes more number of levels rather than a single flat dimension,
complex instructions, numerous props to combat.
The reason is that the new generation has grown up on video games which
involve numerous strategies and numerous levels of combat.
Simple mechanical operation do not impress the new generation that easily.
10. Striving for survival and market share
Pinball in this era has not been able to maintain its popularity.
Video games and new interactive experiences have been
replacing pinballs in Malls and Theme parks.
The reason is the since pinball is still a majorily mechanical
device it does not give as much as scope of innovation and variation
in experience compared to new technology devices like Video games .
But the new wave of people moving from less screen based game play to
games with more physical movement like Wii , might open up possibilites of
unique innovation in this type of mechanical based gaming.