Jersey Jack Pinball?

[Bowflex]

I am excited because from what I've heard, the last few Lawlor table had to deal with certain demands placed on it. It sounds like they are going to give him open rein on everything and just go crazy with the design and toys. Hopefully it will push the limits. Lawlor was never the innovator that Steve Richie was in terms of gimmicks but he always took modes, stacking and rules to the next level. I just hope the theme is great and I'm sure the table will follow suit!

 

[Shaneus]

I really don't think Twilight Zone is complicated at all. Gum ball, regular multiball, and lots of modes you start from the piano, power field, and slot machine. Lots of stand ups, the Dead End which nobody really goes for, and the piano shot.

I don't even think it's really all that deep either. At least not compared to LoTR, Ripleys, or Simpsons. So I just don't get that sentiment at all.

Simpsons and LotR confuse me a bit. So I don't think TZ is near them in regards to that. Now Ripleys; that can be a little confusing, because each mode has very specific goals, and the wizard mode is very hard to get. TZ is tame in comparison.

His tables are so unlike any other. You know immediately a Lawlor design from any other designer. I am not familiar with his last games besides Family a Guy which I really like.

Have a listen to the Coast 2 Coast podcast episode where Nate talks to Josh Sharpe. Around half-way through, they cover exactly why I'm not a fan of his design ethos. Is put far more succinctly than what I could ever write here

I am excited because from what I've heard, the last few Lawlor table had to deal with certain demands placed on it. It sounds like they are going to give him open rein on everything and just go crazy with the design and toys. Hopefully it will push the limits. Lawlor was never the innovator that Steve Richie was in terms of gimmicks but he always took modes, stacking and rules to the next level. I just hope the theme is great and I'm sure the table will follow suit!

I would *kill* to see Steve Ritchie have open reign on a table. No theme, a use-whatever-the-hell-you-like attitude to the playfield... and I think after designing unarguably two of Stern's best and most popular designs over the last 10 years in Star Trek and AC/DC, he'd have that clout to get that access. I'd almost bet he'd do a spiritual sequel to High Speed/HS2.


Actually, I've uploaded the segment from the episode here. Goes for 5 minutes, explains in detail exactly why I'm not a fan of overly complex Lawlor-style games (as well as newer Stern (post-2000) titles) for attracting new fans, especially at a time when we need more people playing them. IMO I'd much rather see more machines like The Getaway, Fish Tales and Bride of Pinbot make the rounds than Star Trek, Simpsons, Family Guy and WoZ.

 

[Kolchak357]

Lakewood, New Jersey - January 24, 2014 - Jersey Jack Pinball, Inc., the industry leading designer and manufacturer of premium, no compromise pinball machines is very proud to announce the collaboration of their next machine with the legendary pinball designer Pat Lawlor. Pat is returning to Pinball to build an EPIC machine with JJP.

Pat Lawlor Joins the Jersey Jack Pinball Team!

Pat is well-regarded by millions of pinball enthusiasts around the world for what he has been able to create over the years like the best selling pinball machine "The Adams Family". Pat will have the help and support of the JJP team along with his long time teammate Ted Estes. It is our intention that Pat will be able to create a game that truly lets him explore the space of new technology available today in the JJP platform.

"The game will be an original idea enabling Pat and his Team to imagine and to create. If you are a true pinball enthusiast you are going to love this pinball machine" said JJP Founder Jack Guarnieri.

 

[Pinballwiz45b]

Lakewood, New Jersey - January 24, 2014 - Jersey Jack Pinball, Inc., the industry leading designer and manufacturer of premium, no compromise pinball machines is very proud to announce the collaboration of their next machine with the legendary pinball designer Pat Lawlor. Pat is returning to Pinball to build an EPIC machine with JJP.

Pat Lawlor Joins the Jersey Jack Pinball Team!

Pat is well-regarded by millions of pinball enthusiasts around the world for what he has been able to create over the years like the best selling pinball machine "The Adams Family". Pat will have the help and support of the JJP team along with his long time teammate Ted Estes. It is our intention that Pat will be able to create a game that truly lets him explore the space of new technology available today in the JJP platform.

"The game will be an original idea enabling Pat and his Team to imagine and to create. If you are a true pinball enthusiast you are going to love this pinball machine" said JJP Founder Jack Guarnieri.

Stay Tuned.....!

Awww, but that was Ade's (Pro Pinball's) idea!

 

[Slam23]

It would be interesting to know if Pat would use his Pro Pinball idea, or if he is still contractually bound somehow. Then again, I don't know how realistic his design would have been, considering that it would be used for a virtual machine. He may have developed like he was doing that for a real life machine, but he could also have veered towards things that are only possible in virtual pinball tables.

 

[Shaneus]

Okay... original idea? Holy ****ing ****. I might not be the biggest Lawlor fan, but by far the biggest travesty with Stern and the classic designers over the last decade or so is a complete inability to do anything with an original theme. Hopefully with this, it'll push Stern out of the "duhhh, everything needs a license" mindset (which frustrates the hell out of me, in case you hadn't noticed).

 

[Bowflex]

Okay... original idea? Holy ****ing ****. I might not be the biggest Lawlor fan, but by far the biggest travesty with Stern and the classic designers over the last decade or so is a complete inability to do anything with an original theme. Hopefully with this, it'll push Stern out of the "duhhh, everything needs a license" mindset (which frustrates the hell out of me, in case you hadn't noticed).

It's been 13 years since the last non-licensed table, I think? I also hope by "original idea" they don't go and retread some overdone theme. There were rumors about a Haunted House remake and as appealing as that is to a certain extent, I want to see something fresh. I can't wait for more details. Plus Ted Estes is on it, has already done work on other projects and seems comfortable with the programming. Lots of potential.

 

[Shaneus]

Hah, I didn't realise how much I swore in that post. I'm over the whole "haunted" thing that's doing the rounds right now... neither of the Spooky machines appeal to me in the slightest. I was thinking that given Pat's quotes about machines being like theme parks, he might reignite the rollercoaster-themed tables. The LCD would give a good opportunity to have some on-board footage of a rollercoaster. Add in a shaker motor that vibrates while that's playing, and you have yourself a pinball

I just hope it's not as cluttered as WoZ. I suspect it won't be (that's not his style) but there might be an obligation to put as much stuff in/on the machine as possible (which I'm dead against).

 

[karl]

Good news!

Thrilled to see what he comes up with. Original pinball themes is sorely overdue. Thumbs up to Jack for taking a chance on something that has a much bigger risk factor on it. Let's hope it is a success so that original themes will not be a one time thing.

What was the last mass produced original pinball theme? Feels like it has been a century since the last one. Was it High roller casino by Stern?

 

[Bowflex]

I would say yes. After that it was all game, tv, movie and now music licenses.

 

[utblick]

"The game will be an original idea enabling Pat and his Team to imagine and to create."
This opens up for a TPA version of the table...
Could even be a simultaneous release from Jersey Jack and Farsight...

 

[Captain B. Zarre]

This has to be the best news this year! Pat Lawlor's two wide bodies, Twilight Zone and Road Show, rank up there as some of my favorite machines. If he can create another game in the vein of TZ or TAF, then I'm sure people will get back into the hobby.

 

[Roo]

"The game will be an original idea enabling Pat and his Team to imagine and to create."
This opens up for a TPA version of the table...
Could even be a simultaneous release from Jersey Jack and Farsight...

Ha...not with the LCD backglass systems JJP uses. It would pretty much only work on pincabs and multi-monitor PC setups. Not to mention there's probably like 2 GB of videos running on I believe some sort of custom Linux box (for Wizard of Oz, anyway).

I'd love it on my pincab, but I don't think all the mobile TPA players would like it so much...