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Things Are Afoot At The Ausretrogamer Fun Factory in 2021

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With having a lot of time at home in 2020, we had been thinking about changing things up in the Ausretrogamer Fun Factory!

Things are afoot with designing the new space, which will see new additions, things being moved around and unfortunately, stuff that will go to a new home. We are quite excited with the next chapter of our games room, so we’ll be sure to share our journey throughout 2021 of the new and improved Ausretrogamer Fun Factory.

For now, you can have a read how the Ausretrogamer Fun Factory has evolved over the years.

Taking one last look at the current Ausretrogamer Fun Factory (click to enlarge)

 

Stern Pinball Rock and Rolls in 2020 with Led Zeppelin Pinball!

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If there is one certainty in the world of pinball, it’s that Stern Pinball keeps producing pinball machines like clockwork, year in, year out. Even with the kind of year we have had, Stern Pinball forges ahead with their releases so that the pinball playing public can enjoy the latest and greatest silverball titles!

The latest pinball machine from Stern is Led Zeppelin, which now joins the illustrious stable of music themed pins from Stern, like Aerosmith, Kiss, The Beatles and Metallica to name just a few. As it is quite apparent, rock & roll and pinball go together hand in hand – it is a perfect fit!

Stern says that in this high energy rock and roll pinball concert experience, players will be transported back to Led Zeppelin’s early days and tour the world from 1968-1980. Pinball and music fuse together, changing features with the start of each verse in ten iconic Led Zeppelin songs including:

· Good Times Bad Times
· Whole Lotta Love
· The Song Remains the Same
· Rock and Roll
· Trampled Underfoot
· Ramble On
· Kashmir
· Immigrant Song
· Black Dog
· Communication Breakdown

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature a custom-molded Hindenburg Zeppelin toy based on the iconic imagery from the Led Zeppelin I album artwork. When lit, the Hindenburg Zeppelin toy scores speed locks on the player’s musical journey to Zeppelin multiball. A custom Swan Song Records trademark Icarus sculpted leaper toy magically takes flight when smashed by a chaotic pinball in addition to 3 custom steel ramps, a 3-bank of drop targets, and 3 full size flippers that keep the pinball action rolling.

The three Led Zeppelin models – Pro, Premium and Limited Edition (LE)

The Premium and Limited Edition (LE) models feature an innovative interactive toy called the Electric Magic device. The Electric Magic device is a unique motorized toy that syncs with the pinball action, rising from below the playfield to create different magical pinball experiences. An optical spinner charges the Electric Magic Magnet, capturing and making balls disappear. The Electric Magic device can also convert into a physical pinball bash toy capable of locking a ball or launching a ball up and down the playfield. In true pinball rock concert fashion, an expression lighting system with 96 intelligent RGB LEDs enables the full colour spectrum control. Positioned to provide colour themed full playfield illumination, this integrated playfield lighting system synchronizes custom light shows specifically designed for every song. As an encore, these models have an additional custom metal Hot Shot reversing combo ramp, allowing players to keep the hits coming with constant adrenalized pinball action.

The LE model is limited to 500 units globally. The limited version includes an exclusive Icarus themed full colour mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, custom high gloss Paradise Shimmer Blue powder-coated armour, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.

Pricing (inc. GST) and Availability:

  • Pro Model: $AU 9,450
  • Premium Model: $AU 12,250
  • Limited Edition Model: $AU 14,500

Led Zeppelin pinball machines are available through authorised Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. For Australian LZ fans wanting this pinball machine, get in touch with Amusement Machine Distributors (NSW) or Zax Amusements (Vic) right now!

Led Zeppelin – PRO

Led Zeppelin – PREMIUM

Led Zeppelin – LIMITED EDITION

image source: Stern Pinball Inc.

 

Last Minute Retro Gaming Inspired Xmas Gifts

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Last week we published our Christmas Gift Guide, which we hope that it helped finding that special pressie for that special someone, including yourself.

Well, since then, we have found even more cool retro gaming inspired gifts that are currently on special (30% OFF!), which means it’s a win, win for everyone! So if you need some last minute gifts for your geeky friends or family (or for yourself), then check out these:

Micro Arcade games $17.49 (30% OFF)

Tiny Arcade games up to 30% OFF

Pac-Man Icon Lamp $13.99 (30% OFF)

TMNT Virtual Pinball $17.49 (30% OFF)

 

New Bucket List Entry: Super Nintendo World

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We have clearly been under a rock and missed the news that Nintendo had developed their theme park, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Japan.

As massive fans of theme parks, and yeah, Nintendo, this news was obviously right up our alley! With what has transpired this year, the opening of this cool ‘World’ has now been pushed out to Spring (our Autumn) in 2021! Oh yeah, not to be outdone, there will be a Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios in Hollywood too!

With a lot of travel restrictions around (rightfully so!), for now we’ll just sit here and admire Super Nintendo World from afar (and drool over our keyboard).

Who else is putting Super Nintendo World on their bucket list? Hit us up on Twitter or Facebook to let us know.


source: Mainichi newspaper

 

The 2020 Christmas Gift Guide Extravaganza!

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With Christmas just around the corner, you know it’s time to start hunting for gifts for your family, friends and of course, yourself. With the kind of year we’ve all had, you’d be forgiven for splashing your cash on those dearest to you (or on yourself).

This year’s Christmas Gift Guide has something for every kind of geek, no matter your budget. We have action figures, books, movies, toys, retro gaming stuff (of course!), video games, watches headphones, t-shirts, Star Wars stuff, flip clocks, pinball related gifts and magnets to whet your Xmas Gift ideas appetite.

Get your pen and paper ready and let’s go! 🎅

LEGO Star Wars TIE Fighter Pilot Helmet via Amazon: $75.00

STAR WARS Rebel Classic Graphic T-Shirt (medium size): $29.99

Game & Watch Super Mario Bros. via Ozgameshop: $114.15

PC-Engine Mini via Play-Asia: $253.00

Portable LCD Monitor for PC-Engine: $203.25

NBA Jam Book via Amazon: $30.76 (paperback) or $7.23 (Kindle)

Best Hit Chronical 2/5 Scale SEGA SATURN (HST-3200) Plastic Model Kit via Catch: $47.99

Star Trek: Stardate Collection (10 movie collection) via Amazon: $59.41 (Blu-ray) or  $29.96 (DVD)

World of Nintendo Action Figures via Amazon: prices start from $20.00

Timex Pac-Man watches via Amazon: prices start at $88.50

Space Invaders Tiny Arcade Table Top Edition Electronic Game via Catch: $29.99

Magnets of classic arcade games and pinball machines from the 70s, 80s and 90s by Magnetism via Etsy: prices start at $4.00

Just Pinball – The Zine: A Photojournalist’s Journey through Modern Pinball via Etsy: $42.25

Atari Pong Mini Arcade with 12 games: $61.14

Flip Clock – Vintage TV Auto Flip Down Clock in Retro Red by MIDCLOCK: $57.73

Seiko 5 Sports Street Fighter Limited Edition Watches: Blanka $620.00 / Guile $720.00 / Ryu $720.00

Retro Gaming / Video Game Controller Poster via Etsy: $47.51 

Super Nintendo (SNES) Controller keyring via Etsy: $10.00

Arcade1up 4-in-1 Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Counter-Cade Console: $299.00

Commodore 64 Xmas Bundle (of games!) via itch.io: $5.00 or above

8BitDo NES30 Gamepad via Play-Asia: $35.52

Atari Micro Arcade Electronic Game – includes Missile Command, Centipede & Pong: $24.99

Mini Arcade Asteroids via Catch: $37.60

PinSwitch – the ultimate pinball peripheral for the Nintendo Switch via Etsy: $325.00

Last but not least, we can’t recommend the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600 ESports headset ($319.00) enough for your aural gaming pleasure. We always thought all headsets are the same, but we were very very wrong. If you want to treat your ears with some awesome sound, be it gaming, podcasts or music, then you should treat yourself this Christmas with a pair, it’s been a tough year!

Hope you all have a safe and awesome Festive Season and may you all receive awesome gifts from Santa!

NOTE: Prices are in AU$ and correct and all items in stock as at the time of publishing.

 

POOM Is Out Now on Pico-8!

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The highly anticipated Doom clone, Poom, is finally released on Pico-8!

This amazing conversion by Frederic Souchu and Paranoid Cactus is available for play right now, so go get blastin’! This is an absolute blast (Ed: pun fully intended) to play. Thank you to the developers for their meticulous work on this game, as they have transported us back to the 90s playing one of the greatest FPS games of all time, we love it!

If you like the game, and we assure you, you will, please support the creators so that they can continue making awesome games for us to enjoy!

 

Tristam Island – The Text Adventure Game You Can Play On 36 Platforms!

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“Tristam Island” is out now! Play Hugo Labrande’s retro text adventure on one of 36 platforms (Ed: yep, 36 platforms!), from the Commodore PET, VIC-20 and C64 to the Dreamcast! Hours of gameplay, smooth parser, digital feelies, modern game design, intrigue on a deserted island! Best bit, it is cheaper than our daily coffee intake, go and get it now!

image source: Tristam Island by Hugo Labrande via itch.io

 

Shoot’em Up Destruction Set 3 – C64

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The C64 games compilation SHOOT’EM UP DESTRUCTION SET 3 (previously released on tape + disk from Psytronik Software) is now finally available for digital download – only US$2.99 for six games – which is an absolute bargain!

You can read more about (or buy) the compilation right here, however, we thought we’d let you know about the key features about this value packed destruction set:

  • SIX complete Commodore 64 games designed by Alf Yngve:
    • Zap Fight
    • Blue Beret
    • Barakon – Cyborg Avenger of America
    • Spy Rider
    • Operation Firestorm
    • Super Tau Zeta 2
  • Specially coded front-ends & soundtracks by Richard Bayliss!
  • Exciting in-game enhancements, special effects and power-ups!
  • Musical tributes to Martin Galway & Matt Gray!
  • Superb bitmap loading screens by Carl ‘Mase’ Mason!
  • Fantastic inlay artwork by the legendary, Oliver Frey!

Oh yeah, this compilation is compatible with the original C64, THEC64 Mini, The C64 (Maxi) and your C64 emulator software!

 

Stern Pinball Announces New Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ Affordable Pinball Machine for the Home

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News provided by: Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball announced today the availability of the Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™, a new stylish, affordable, and fun pinball machine designed and engineered for the home.

Based upon the highly successful Star Wars™ Original Consumer Pin™, Stern’s new Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ celebrates the iconic comic artwork from the Star Wars galaxy.  Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ immerses players in the dynamic Star Wars™ universe.  The Pin™ is packed with features that provide players with an irresistible game experience including select speech and footage from the original Star Wars™ trilogy, color-changing playfield inserts, a custom sculpted Death Star, and a custom sculpted and interactive TIE fighter. 

Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ pinball machines feature the artwork of famed comic artist, Randy Martinez. Randy has been illustrating for over 30 years receiving countless accolades for his work.  Randy has been creating cartoons, caricatures, illustrations, paintings, and 3D art for Lucasfilm since 1999.

The easy-to-setup Star Wars™Comic Art Pin™ is reliable, built to last, and engineered with genuine Stern commercial-quality parts.  The playfield is housed in a stylish cabinet with dynamic, high definition artwork.  The all-LED playfield lighting provides optimal colour and brilliant light shows. 

“The Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ is designed to provide quality family entertainment and bring pinball fun to homes everywhere,” said Gary Stern, Chairman, and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. “We are pleased to bring these pinball machines celebrating the Star Wars™ galaxy and adventures to our fans with beautiful new comic artwork.” 

Complementing the immersive theme and exciting gameplay experience, Stern Pinball’s powerful SPIKE™ electronics hardware system enables high-definition graphics and innovative animations.  SPIKE™ reduces system complexity and energy usage, resulting in enhanced reliability and simplified servicing. 

Pricing and Availability: 

  • Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*: $US 4,499 / $AU 6,950^^

*MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.
^^Available in February 2021 in Australia. Contact the Australian distributor for more details. 

Visit the official Star Wars™ Comic Art Pin™ game page for more details!

 

The World’s Largest Playable Game & Watch Octopus Is For Sale!

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This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the Guinness World Records’ largest playable Game & Watch device!

Back in 2018 we told you all about Dr. Tom Tilley’s massive Game & Watch Octopus creation which absolutely blew our minds! Well guess what, now is your chance to own this unique creation and be the talk (and envy) of the town.

If you are interested in this MEGA Game & Watch, head on over to Tom’s for sale page to get more details about the sale and to register your interest.


source: WithProfessorTom