ZXSpectrum16k

Craig Cole's Video Gaming & Pinball Blog

Author: zxspectrum16k

  • Brooklyn Bound: Pinball, Pints & Good Vibes at Scrappleland

    Brooklyn Bound: Pinball, Pints & Good Vibes at Scrappleland

    Once again, PinMap came through! We spotted a pinball spot over in Brooklyn that looked packed with machines, so we hopped on the subway and made our way over. Only one train change—it was super easy to get to. The place? Scrappleland Pinball Bar. And from the moment we walked in, we were seriously impressed.

    The lineup was huge—tons of machines, many of them brand new and in top condition. Loads of Premium versions too, which means all the bells, whistles, lights, toys—everything you want. I clocked Congo straight away and made a beeline for it.

    They also had the brand-new title from Spooky Pinball, so of course, we had to give that a go. It’s a solid game with fantastic artwork and some really fun callouts. I had quite a few quick drains, though, and didn’t get deep into the modes. Maybe it was just the timing (we were both feeling a bit knackered), but I wasn’t totally blown away—yet. Definitely feels like a game I need to spend more time with. And the topper? So cool in person—definitely one of the highlights.

    After that, we kicked off a little mini challenge between me and Paul. We took turns picking machines and going head-to-head to see who could score higher. Great fun—and credit where it’s due, Paul had the edge that day (though I had a few decent runs!).

    We met some really friendly folks there too. One funny moment—while chatting with one of the local league players, the very first thing he asked when he found out we were from the UK was, “Do you know Neil McRae?” 😂 We had a laugh and ended up messaging Scott to let him know. Love how small and connected the pinball world can be.

    The bar was buzzing—great atmosphere, and we were told it gets even busier on league nights. They were prepping for an event that weekend and invited us along, which was awesome. Sadly, we had to let them know we’d be in Detroit by then—but still, it was a really nice gesture.

    Also got the chance to try out the Premium version of Dungeons & Dragons—still absolutely loving it, and I’m more convinced than ever that Premium is the way to go. The extra features really add to the experience.

    Meanwhile, Paul discovered a cider he really liked—super fresh and properly refreshing. Safe to say he was just as happy as I was!

    All in all, Scrappleland is an absolute gem. Great machines, great beer, great people. Next time I’m in New York, I’m 100% heading back. One of the highlights of the trip for sure.

  • Barcade Adventures in Manhattan

    Barcade Adventures in Manhattan

    Thanks to the trusty PinMap app, we tracked down a Barcade in Manhattan—and what a find! Tucked away at 148 W 24th Street, it had a solid lineup of pins, including a couple I’d never played before: Apollo 13 and Future Spa.

    Future Spa surprised me—solid game, slick layout, and that gloriously weird retro-futuristic art. Apollo 13 was fun and we both managed to unlock the insane 13-ball multiball mode. Chaos, lights, noise—absolute madness. We were grinning like kids in a sweet shop. Honestly, I was buzzing.

    It was just a 5-minute walk from Paul’s hotel. Total fluke. Love when that kind of thing happens.

    They also had a cracking mix of machines: Black Knight 2000, Pulp Fiction, Stranger Things—and plenty of real ale on tap to keep the flipper fingers loose.

    While we were playing, we got chatting with a few locals. Turns out one of them is working on Portal, the upcoming title from American Pinball—well, her boyfriend let that little secret slip while she just smiled and stayed quiet. 😄 No juicy details, but still cool to meet someone involved in the industry.

    All in all, the place had a great vibe—good beer, great pins, and plenty of pinball nerd energy. Another top night in NYC!

  • Pinball Adventure Begins: Night One in NYC with Grub, Games & Guinness

    Pinball Adventure Begins: Night One in NYC with Grub, Games & Guinness

    Just landed in New York—Manhattan, baby! Checked into the hotel a bit late (Paul’s not arriving until tomorrow). I wasn’t ready to call it a night just yet. First stop: Jack Doyle’s Irish pub. Grabbed a pint of Guinness and some proper comfort food—cottage pie hit the spot.

    Still had a bit of energy (even if I was running on fumes), so I fired up the PinMap and spotted Pioneers Bar nearby—beer and pinball? Yes, please.

    Had a few chilled games, didn’t break any records but it was exactly what I needed to unwind. After a couple of beers, I strolled back to the hotel—but not before grabbing a classic New York hotdog from a street vendor. Can’t resist those things.

    All in all, a solid first night in the city. Let the adventure begin!

  • NOOOO, Luke Just Crushed My Godzilla Score!

    NOOOO, Luke Just Crushed My Godzilla Score!

    Disaster strikes… Luke has officially dethroned me.

    He’s only gone and beaten my personal best on Godzilla, proudly locking in the new high score. He’s over the moon—grinning like he just slayed the actual kaiju—and letting me know, loudly and repeatedly, that I “won’t be beating that anytime soon.”

    I walked in the door, heard the sweet chaos of Godzilla multiball, and thought, “hmm…” Enter the room and there he is, already sitting at 1.3 billion, massive grin on his face, knowing full well he’s crushed my score—and still had a ball left to rub it in.

    The smugness is off the charts. The rematch is coming.

  • Exploring Stern’s Dungeons & Dragons Pinball Machine

    Exploring Stern’s Dungeons & Dragons Pinball Machine

    While I was in London, I dropped into Funland—and boom, jackpot! They had Stern’s Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro model) up and running. I couldn’t resist giving it a go—and wow, it totally delivered. The shots felt super satisfying, the story sucked me right in, the callouts were brilliant, and the artwork? Absolutely stunning. Multiball was a blast too—having to save the balls adds such a clever twist. Just an all-round amazing package. Honestly… I think I need one 😄

    I’ve been intrigued since the very first reveal. The idea of blending real RPG elements into pinball? Genius. I’ve binged all the videos, but nothing beats playing it in person. And that dungeon feature? Absolutely loved it. You drop into secret passageways, tackle different challenges, and uncover surprises—it’s dynamic, so every trip into the dungeon feels fresh. Huge win for replay value.

    Still buzzing. Properly impressed! 🎯🔥

    Stern Dungeon and Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye, January 2025
    Game Design: Brian Eddy
    Engineering/mechanics: John Rotharmel Thomas Malcolm
    Software: Dwight Sullivan Elizabeth Gieske

  • Godzilla Shooter Knob

    Godzilla Shooter Knob

    Just installed the official Stern Godzilla shooter knob, and it looks great! Really finishes off the front of the machine and ties in nicely with the overall theme. Part of me was hoping it might come with some integrated lighting—like the awesome illuminated Jurassic Park shooter—but sadly, no lights on this one. Still, it’s a quality piece, feels solid, and adds that extra bit of flair every time you plunge a ball into battle with the big guy.

  • Game Time with Mia and Luke

    Game Time with Mia and Luke

    Mia and Luke kicking back with a few games of pinball—Luke’s all about Godzilla, while Mia’s heart belongs to Jurassic Park. Who came out on top? We’ll never know… they’re keeping that one a secret 😉

  • Astro the Pinball Guide Dog

    Astro the Pinball Guide Dog

    Meet Astro—loyal guardian of the game room, keeping a close eye on Godzilla and Jurassic Park. The best pinball guide in the world, paws down!