AUSRETROGAMER

The Pop-Culture E-Zine

You are here: Home / Archives for Barrels of Fun

Barrels of Fun

Barrels of Fun Unveils Epic Second Pinball Game: Dune Pinball

By

Barrels of Fun, the boutique pinball manufacturer behind the acclaimed Labyrinth machine, has officially unveiled its second release: a pinball adaptation of the iconic sci-fi franchise Dune. The announcement confirms long-standing rumors and marks a significant expansion for the Houston-based company.

The Dune pinball machine draws inspiration from the expansive universe of Frank Herbert’s novels and their cinematic adaptations. While specific gameplay features have yet to be detailed, the machine is expected to capture the essence of the Dune saga, immersing players in its rich narrative and distinctive aesthetics.

​Pre-orders for the Dune pinball machine are now open through authorised distributors, with pricing at USD$11,600, this is an increase of USD$1K over their maiden pinball game (AUD $21,990). The machine is available in multiple editions, each offering unique features and artwork to cater to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

With the Dune pinball machine, Barrels of Fun continues to solidify its reputation for creating immersive, story-driven pinball experiences. Fans and collectors eagerly await further details and the opportunity to explore the sands of Arrakis through this new interactive medium.

For more information and to place a pre-order, visit the Barrels of Fun official website.

image source: Barrels of Fun

New Pinball Games To Be Revealed at Pinball Expo

By

With Pinball Expo ’23 only a few days away, pinball manufacturers are clamouring to outdo each other in the new release stakes.

We already had Barrels of Fun announce their Labyrinth pinball game over the weekend (which will be playable at the expo), and now it’s Pinball Brothers’ turn with an Ellen Ripley edition of their Alien pinball machine. As Alien(s) fans, this definitely piques our interest!

This Ellen Ripley version of Alien pinball will come with new cabinet art, a loader battle translite, an updated software package (v4.0) and a bunch of extra movie scenes we have never seen in Alien Pinball before! Announcing their collaboration with modder Lior Rajwan from The Art of Pinball, this new machine will include hand-sculpted mini-screen, a hand-painted Xeno-head and a beautifully designed apron. Pinball Brothers are also planning an interactive topper which we hope they bring to the expo!

Alien Pinball – The Ellen Ripley Version

The Ellen Ripley Edition’s In-game Extras

Not to be outdone, Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) will also announce Steve Ritchie’s next pinball machine on October 19 (US time), which is rumoured to be an Elton John music themed pin. We aren’t the biggest Elton John fans, but with Steve designing this one with a higher BoM (bill of materials), you can bet it will be an amazingly flowy (and possibly brutal) game, packed with cool mechs and toys – well, that’s the hope.

The Master of Flow – Steve Ritchie. JJP will showcase his latest game at Pinball Expo

Will it be Elton John? We’ll see on October 19 (US time)!

Oh how we wish we could be at Chicago this week to experience and play these new machines – if someone could fly us out to Chi-town, we’d be forever in their debt 😉



Choose Your Fate in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Pinball!

By

Yep, you read that headline right, Barrels of Fun (BoF), a new pinball manufacturer based in Houston, Texas, is starting with an 80s banger of a pinball theme, Labyrinth!

This cult classic film from the 80s, featuring the iconic David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, is BoF’s inaugural pinball machine that will have you make your own adventure in Labyrinth. Made in collaboration with The Jim Henson Company, Labyrinth pinball aims to bring the world of the classic 1980s movie to life.

Quote from Barrels Of Fun about their first pinball machine:

Venture into the enchanting world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth through the magic of collectible pinball! Limited to just 1,100 games worldwide, this unique experience will transport you to the heart of the Labyrinth, where fantasy and reality intertwine.


source: Barrels of Fun

Watching the trailer, we must admit that this machine has tickled our nostalgic nerve. Hearing David Bowie’s voice and seeing a lot of scenes from the movie being depicted on the playfield (and all the character sculpts!) and the LCD,is just so darn awesome.

Honestly, if we hadn’t ordered Pulp Fiction pinball, this would have been an easy decision to buy, even at the current crappy exchange rate. With 1,100 machines worldwide, we guarantee these will sell out (if not already!) before distributors start listing them on their sites. Choose your fate 😉

For those pinball aficionados scratching their heads about who is involved in building this machine, rest assured that some very clever pinball people have poured their heart and soul into this beauty, like David Van Es (CEO and Designer), Bowen Kerins (Code) and Scott Danesi (Sound/Music) to name just a few!

Some features of this awesome pinball machine to pique your interest:

  • Sculpted Goblin King Castle
  • Sculpted Goblin City and Hidden Ludo Toy
  • Goblin city, magnet Diverter
  • Goblin Gate Fork Trap
  • Humongous Smart Drop Target
  • Sculpted Humongous toy guard
  • Goblin Gate Spinner
  • Brick Keeper lift ramp and hidden home (scoop). Beware the Brick Keeper’s and their tricks
  • Begger Magnet
  • Bog Scoop
  • Helping hands scoop
  • Sir Didymus staff Up post. Befriend Sir Didymus and allow him to save your ball.
  • 3 ramps, goblin city wireform, metal right return ramp and wireform, and middle ramp
  • Two firey appearing toys
  • Sculpted Ello Worm Toy
  • Ello Appearing Post
  • Sculpted doors with knockers scene
  • Physical Ball Path Diverter
  • Sculpted Wise Man and Smart Drop Target. Complete his quests for special awards.
  • Wireform Skill Ramp with multiple Skill Shots
  • Mirror plastics
  • 14.9 LCD backboard for a true expanded world under glass
  • Playfield art by Johnny Bergeron aka Johnny Crap
  • Backglass featuring the goblin king himself, David Bowie by Nate Hallinan, or Mirrored “should you need us” alternative Backglass by Johnny Bergeron.
  • Powder coat pinball trim
  • Matching powder-coat LCD speaker panel with 15.6 LCD with labyrinth laser-cut speaker vents.
  • Light-up speakers
  • Crystal ball flipper buttons
  • Fanless power Supply
  • Fast Pinball controller System

For for our Australian audience, if you are after one of the 1,100 machines, get onto Mr. Pinball Australia right away, as the Australian allocation is bound to sell out quick!

image source: Barrels of Fun