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Peter Brock – ‘King Of The Mountain’ Pinball Machines

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Leaving a burnout at last week’s AGE – the Australasian Gaming Expo (August 13 to 15), was Vector Pinball’s Peter Brock “King Of The Mountain” pinball machines – which were the talk of the exhibition. Both models of the Peter Brock themed pinball machines were on display at the Big Top Amusements booth.

The fully licensed Vector Pinball made machines feature Peter Brock’s 1979 Torana and the 1984 VK Commodore winning race cars at Mount Panorama (aka: Bathurst). Both variations of the King Of The Mountain retail for AU$11,900 (GST inclusive)!

For those pinball players outside of Australia, Peter Brock was a championship winning race car driver for Holden (GMH), much to the lament of the blue oval (Ford) lovers. Brocky won the Bathurst 1000 a record-breaking 9 times.

GAME FEATURES

  • Commercial Grade, Uses off the shelf Industry Standard Parts, 1 Year Warranty, 7 Day Phone Support, Onsite warranty options, depending on your location.
  • Different artwork on each side of the cabinet, 2 Backglass art versions available (see photo gallery), Option to have Black or White Playfield rubbers & acorns.
  • 3 Speaker Sound system
  • Cabinet Inner art Blades around the playfield to help create a world under glass.
  • Topper included
  • Shaker Motor Included
  • 3 or 5 ball play, digital volume control, etc all adjustable inside coin door
  • 32 Digit Alpha/Numeric Score/Information display. 2 digit Count Down Timer under playfield for challenge modes
  • Standard Ball Shooter with Auto Shooter built in for use when required
  • 2 & 3 ball Multi Ball modes
  • B R O C K upper lanes & K I N G Lower rollover lanes with lane change feature
  • Minimum play time – with auto Ball return feature
  • Skill Shot, Extra Ball, Jackpot & Super Jackpot, Bonus Hold features
  • 6 Drop Targets
  • Ball gate with Lift Control (top left)
  • 3 Flippers
  • 2 Sling Shots
  • 3 Pop Bumpers
  • 1 Spinner
  • 1 Captive Car shot
  • 6 Static Targets, 1 rebound switches
  • 2 LED strings, Each RGB LED on to and below the playfield is individually addressable for incredible light shows.
  • Software is upgradeable
  • 4 Highest Scores stored along with player entered initials
  • End of Game lucky Number match, Old School Knocker built in to Alert Match & Replays Awarded
  • Standard Pinball Tilt Bob Mech

If you missed playing these machines at last week’s AGE, then you still have a chance to have a flip at the upcoming PINFEST event in Newcastle (Sept 14 – 15) and also at the Melbourne Pinball Expo (Nov 30 – Dec 1).

PETER BROCK – 79 Holden Torana Edition

PETER BROCK – 84 Holden VK Commodore Edition

Playfield

image source: Vector Pinball

 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Gets an 8-Bit Makeover

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CineFix is back with another nostalgia bomb! This time, they’ve turned the 1986 classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, into a retro 8-bit animated video game.

Picture Ferris dodging Principal Rooney in pixelated glory! This hilarious blast from the past was crafted by David Dutton of Dutton Films, with toe-tapping tunes by Henry Dutton. It’s like your childhood got a major upgrade—game on!

The Nintendo Power Glove: A Blast from the Past

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I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad

Ah, the 1980s. A time of big hair, neon colors, and the birth of some of the most iconic video games and gadgets. Among these was the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which captured the hearts of gamers everywhere. But let’s not forget one of the quirkiest and most ambitious peripherals of its time: the Power Glove.

A Revolution in Gaming

In 1989, the Power Glove hit the market, promising to revolutionize the way we played games. It was a bold statement in the gaming world, offering players a taste of the future with its motion-sensing technology. This wasn’t just a controller; it was a way to physically interact with your favorite games.

The design was straight out of a sci-fi movie, with its sleek black and grey exterior, and buttons spread across the forearm. Strapping on the Power Glove felt like gearing up for an epic adventure. The idea was simple: wear the glove, move your hand, and your in-game character would mimic your movements. It was the stuff of dreams for any young gamer.

The Reality Check

However, the reality didn’t quite match the hype. The Power Glove’s motion controls were far from perfect, often leading to frustration rather than seamless gameplay. The calibration process was complicated, and the games that were compatible with the glove didn’t always provide the best experience.

Despite its shortcomings, the Power Glove became a cult classic. Its appearance in the 1989 film “The Wizard” cemented its place in pop culture history. The scene where the character Lucas Barton declares, “I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad,” is iconic and resonates with fans to this day.

Why the Power Glove Matters

The Power Glove might not have been the game-changing device it set out to be, but its impact on the gaming world is undeniable. It paved the way for future innovations in motion-sensing technology, inspiring the development of devices like the Nintendo Wii Remote and VR controllers.

Looking back, the Power Glove represents a time of experimentation and bold ideas in the gaming industry. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how important it is to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

A Collector’s Treasure

Today, the Power Glove is a sought-after collector’s item. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of innovation and the 80s’ fearless approach to new technology. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or just a lover of all things nostalgic, the Power Glove is a fascinating piece of gaming history.

So, next time you’re reminiscing about the good old days of gaming, don’t forget to give a nod to the Power Glove. It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and it’s a testament to the imaginative spirit that continues to drive the gaming industry forward.

The Power Glove: it may not have been perfect, but it was undeniably cool. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

“Go ahead, make my day”

LEGO Ideas: ’80s-Themed Sets Winners To Be Announced This September

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LEGO Fans Rejoice: It’s A Second 80s-Themed Fan Vote!

Get ready to turn back the clock with LEGO Ideas’ latest fan vote! From May 20th to May 27th, 2024, LEGO enthusiasts were able to cast their votes for one of five nostalgic ’80s-inspired submissions. The winning design will become an official LEGO Ideas set in collaboration with Target (US).

This exciting lineup includes:

  1. Gizmo by terauma
  2. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial by Jimmi-DK
  3. Golden Girls by Martin_Studio
  4. Beetlejuice: Sandworm House by Jupe71345
  5. Big by Julientheclownofthebrick

Since voting has concluded, the results will be announced by September 1st, 2024!

PS: More info and pics here!

Beetlejuice: Sandworm House

Golden Girls
image source: Lego Ideas

 

‘Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!’ is Iconic

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

I saw that Mike Tyson has a fight scheduled with Jake Paul in July. Netflix (US) is airing it live. When I was a kid, I played a lot of “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!” on Nintendo.

The game, released in 1987, was an instant hit with all my friends. We spent hours playing what we thought was the greatest boxing game ever. Certain boxers were my favourites to fight. I liked Great Tiger for his flamboyancy and his comical footwork that had no business being in a boxing ring. He was a character, and he wasn’t easy to knock out. He made the funniest face when you would get a good hit on him. King Hippo was another favorite. He was marginally slow, but when he struck your chin…there were times when I didn’t think I would get off the canvas.

The game made Mike Tyson even more mythical at the time. I didn’t really care for him, or boxing, but if there was a Tyson fight on HBO, I would usually pay attention to the outcome. But when a friend would ask me to play “Punch-Out!!” with them, I never hesitated at the chance. Especially after a stressful day at school. It was like I was getting my aggression out when I was facing an opponent in the game’s ring. And most importantly, it was entertaining.

Nintendo predicted this fight in the 80s! image source: Retro Russ

The hyper extend punch was one of my favorite things to do in a game at the time; that would usually knock out my opponent and I could move on with ease. Some of the boxer’s punches were so slow that you could glance at your watch, take a bite of pizza, and move in time to avoid contact. I always thought the clip of your boxer running with his trainer, riding a bike ahead of him, a great touch.

After you defeated all the other boxers, and you got to fight Tyson at the very end of the game, it felt like an accomplishment of sorts.

Tyson’s tweets of his training for the upcoming bout are scary and intimidating. When he’s sparring, it looks like he’s still got it. But will it be enough to beat a much younger Paul? I’m sure the ratings for Netflix will be huge, just like the sells for the 1987 video game were. Even if you despise boxing and the two competitors, the match-up is intriguing.

 

 

The Legend Of Super Mario

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If Omega and Swatch can crossover, well so to can Nintendo’s biggest franchises!

Introducing, The Legend Of Super Mario 1.2 – a crossover between the original The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. NES games! Big thanks to hacker extraordinaire, NesDraug.

Enough said, enjoy this amazing abomination!


source: Mangrich1 Gaming via Facebook

‘Temple of Doom’ Arcade Game

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

A few weeks ago, I watched some of the Xbox Business Update and I’m so excited for the new Indiana Jones game, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.” The gameplay looks stunning.

When I was a little kid, I loved the Indiana Jones franchise. There was a roller rink not far from my house, and when I would finish my homework, I would sneak out and go there to play the “Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom” arcade game. I would play “Temple of Doom” for about an hour if I had enough quarters saved up. I would hog the game; I wouldn’t let anyone else play if I was there. It was in the corner of the roller rink, so it was sort of hidden.

In the mines, when I’m running up and down the different levels, I always wanted to make sure that I freed every slave child I could. Although, I never understood how Indy’s bullwhip unlocked the cages that they were trapped in. I thought it was strange that when you freed a slave child, you got points; and some were worth more than others. I believe the more you saved the more the point totals increased. The blades coming up out of the rocky ground didn’t help when you are freeing slaves and attempting to take out Mola Ram’s men. A version of Mola Ram could just pop up in front of you when you were least expecting it.

The conveyor belts were sometimes hard to maneuver, but I enjoyed descending the large slides that took you to another level of the mines. Mola Ram’s henchmen, or, the Thuggee, were slippery adversaries when Indy must climb up and down the ladders in the mines.

I never liked the rail-car chase scene in the film “Temple of Doom,” but it was one of my favorite parts of the home and arcade game. You had to have sharp reflexes to bullwhip Mola Ram’s henchmen and gain points as you darted down the narrow tracks.

The 1984 film frightened my friends, but I admired how edgy and violent some of the scenes were. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas pushed gore and violence to an imaginative place. “Temple of Doom” was one of the first films to receive a PG-13 rating. I still don’t see how the ritual, human sacrifice scene didn’t get the movie an instant R-rating. I remember my friends finding that scene disturbing. The arcade game shares the dark tone of the film.

I bought the game for my Atari, but it was never the same as playing the fun arcade game.

 

The 1982 Norman Ross Winter Wipe-Out Sale!

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Time travelling back to 1982!

As a kid, I loved looking through sales catalogues. I’d scour the toy, and of course the video games pages.

I came across this old Norman Ross (retailer from back in the day) from August 1982, and I must say, the prices (in AUD$) for some of these goods are astronomical! Anyway, instead of getting bogged down in factoring in inflation and figuring out the prices in today’s money, let’s just enjoy the nostalgia 😉

image source: supplied



Retro Puzzler Chip’s Challenge Lands on Nintendo Switch Later This Month!

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Classic Puzzle Game ‘Chip’s Challenge’ Returns on Nintendo Switch this January!

The 1989 classic made available for Nintendo Switch for the first time! Features display filters, suspend points and live gameplay rewind. Releasing January 25th, 2024.

Developed by Imagine Software and published by Pixel Games UK, this 1989 classic returns with over 140 levels to put your mind (and your fingers) to the test — available for the first time on Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop.

In ‘Chip’s Challenge’, players take on the role of Chip — a puzzle obsessive who desperately wants to join Melinda the Mental Marvel’s computer club. His initiation takes the form of a series of increasingly difficult puzzles. To succeed Chip slide blocks, dodge hazards and collect the computer chips to pass each level. Are you up to the Challenge?

‘Chip’s Challenge’ for Nintendo Switch allows players to play this classic puzzle game with many modern features, including:

● Display filters, including an 80s-style CRT filter; and

● Suspend points – save and restore up to 4 suspend points per game

image source: Pixel Games UK



Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story is Coming in 2024

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Gridrunner. Revenge of the Mutant Camels. Tempest 2000. Llamatron. In the British gaming universe of the ’80s and ’90s, nobody made games like Jeff Minter.

Revealed in the Day of the Devs showcase, Digital Eclipse’s Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story is an interactive documentary coming to PC and consoles in 2024. Play the history of one of the weirdest, wildest game developers to ever exist — a man who loves shooters and sheep, lasers and llamas!

PS: We are looking forward to playing the (never released) Konix Multi-System – Attack of the Mutant Camels ’89!!

Journey back in time to an era of cassette tapes, photocopied zines, and README.TXT. An era in which a kid with a Commodore VIC-20 and dreams of radioactive sheep could become one of Britain’s best-known game makers. A virtual museum of design documents, playable games, and all-new videos tell the fascinating story of a true independent game designer.

FEATURES

  • Four “interactive timelines” tell the story of Jeff Minter and Llamasoft through archival photos, design documents, playable games, and more historical artifacts.
  • Over an hour of all-new video featurettes from Paul Docherty, director of the upcoming documentary film Heart of Neon.
  • Game library features 42 classic games from 8 different platforms, including the unreleased Konix Multi-System hardware.
  • The all-new Gridrunner Remastered updates the classic game’s graphics and sound, while still running on the original Commodore 64 code for 100% accurate gameplay
  • Two of Jeff Minter’s innovative “light synthesizers,” Psychedelia and Colourspace, are fully playable with all-new console controls.
  • Save, load, and rewind your gameplay at any point, plus other quality-of-life features.
  • Supports English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Japanese.

INCLUDED GAMES

  • Sinclair ZX81
    • 3D3D
    • Centipede
  • Commodore VIC-20
    • Abductor
    • Andes Attack
    • Deflex V
    • Gridrunner
    • Hellgate
    • Laser Zone
    • Matrix: Gridrunner 2
    • Metagalactic Llamas Battle at the Edge of Time
    • Ratman
  • Commodore 64
    • Ancipital
    • Attack of the Mutant Camels
    • Batalyx
    • Gridrunner
    • Hellgate
    • Hover Bovver
    • Iridis Alpha
    • Laser Zone
    • Mama Llama
    • Matrix: Gridrunner 2
    • Metagalactic Llamas Battle at the Edge of Time
    • Psychedelia
    • Revenge of the Mutant Camels
    • Revenge of the Mutant Camels II
    • Rox 64
    • Sheep In Space
    • Voidrunner
  • Sinclair Spectrum
    • City Bomb
    • Headbangers Heaven
    • Rox III
    • Superdeflex
  • Atari 8-bit
    • Attack of the Mutant Camels
    • Colourspace
    • Gridrunner
    • Hover Bovver
    • Turboflex
  • Konix Multi-System
    • Attack of the Mutant Camels ’89
  • Atari ST
    • Llamatron: 2112
    • Revenge of the Mutant Camels
    • Super Gridrunner
  • Atari Jaguar
    • Tempest 2000
  • Reimagined
    • Gridrunner Remastered

image source: Digital Eclipse