The Pop-Culture E-Zine
Is there anything DOOM II won’t run and play on?!
We’ve seen this 1994 classic videogame run on lawn mowers, ATMs and now, it can run on a real pinball machine! How darn awesome is this!
We reckon Keith Elwin will be quite impressed, we just hope he can now return the favour by creating a real DOOM II pinball machine**!
** check out the DOOM homebrew pinball machine here.
source: bdash on YouTube
To think we were super impressed with Far East’s Digital Pinball Cabinet and SakuraRetroModding’s PinSwitch, which are both darn cool, however Stellar Pinball’s Moon Shot mini-pinball machines for the Nintendo Switch OLED console are on another level, which have totally blown our minds to smithereens! These are an absolute masterpiece – yep, and we stand by that!
Even though you can only pre-order these amazing creations within the USA (Ed: we were lucky to have friends in the US that shipped this out to us), Stellar Pinball is looking into international shipping, which we hope happens in the near future, as more folks need to experience these miniature beauties!
Of course we were going to opt for the top-of-the-line Stellar Pinball Moon Shot Supernova Edition, as we like our little mini-pinball machines to have all the bells and whistles. Honestly, this is an absolute gem for pinball enthusiasts and Nintendo Switch OLED owners. This 1/5th scale replica combines the charm of classic pinball with modern gaming technology, making it both a collectible and a functional marvel.
From its mind-blowing packaging, which looks identical to a real NIB (New In Box) pinball machine, to its illuminated cabinet and backglass, its high-quality vinyl cabinet graphics protected by a matte laminate, the Moon Shot Supernova is a showcase of craftsmanship. Handmade in the U.S., it boasts meticulous assembly, ensuring precision and durability. Every aspect, from the coin return buttons to the long-lasting LED lighting powered by AA batteries, highlights an exceptional dedication to detail.
What truly sets this machine apart is its interactive functionality. The working flipper buttons, plunger, and nudge bar integrate seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers, delivering a tactile and immersive experience. Designed with the Switch OLED in mind, it accommodates both active gameplay and passive display modes. It’s compatible with top-tier pinball games like Pinball FX, Pinball FX3 and Star Wars Pinball, to name just a few, which maximise its features.
The Moon Shot Supernova’s compact size makes it ideal for enthusiasts who love pinball but might not have the space for a full-sized machine. Its visual appeal is matched by its gameplay mechanics, creating an unforgettable hybrid experience that bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern gaming.
In short, this pinball machine isn’t just a novelty—it’s a testament to what happens when retro design meets cutting-edge tech. Whether you’re chasing high scores or simply admiring its artistry, the Moon Shot Supernova Edition is worth every cent for fans of pinball and Nintendo Switch gaming. Get on the pre-order list ASAP, as these sell-out quite quickly (for good reason)!
The attention to detail, including the packaging and contents is superb!
Just like a real pinball machine, but at 1/5th scale
Every little detail has been carefully thought out on the Moon Shot!
Ritchie and Alex Kinmont (and Associates) should be applauded for this creation
Small Machine, Big Fun indeed!
On it’s legs
Under the hood! The Joy-Cons go into the caddy and you are set!
This Stellar Pinball is a work of art!
The light-up start, extra ball buttons and coin-slots look pretty darn good!
The pinball buzz has finally landed in Melbourne, and it hit with a bang! The inaugural Melbourne Pinball Expo (MPE) lit up the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone this past weekend, delivering a bumper-packed event that left attendees flipping out—literally.
Back in June, we gave you the heads-up about this one-of-a-kind gathering, and oh boy, did it live up to the hype! MPE brought together an eclectic mix of new and classic pinball machines, offering something for everyone, from seasoned flipper wizards to first-timers discovering the magic of the silverball.
Whether you came to chase high scores, bask in the nostalgia of retro classics, or marvel at the cutting-edge innovations of modern pinball, MPE had you covered. The best part? Seeing the pinball community in full force—old friends reconnecting over their shared passion and new faces lighting up with excitement. It was a celebration for all ages, proving that pinball truly is timeless.
Choosing a favourite machine was nearly impossible with so many crowd-pleasers on the floor. Stern Pinball dazzled attendees with their blockbusters like Jaws, John Wick, Foo Fighters, and Venom—machines that had players lining up for another go. Meanwhile, Jersey Jack Pinball wowed with Avatar, The Godfather, Toy Story 4, and Guns N’ Roses, drawing in pinheads eager to experience their stellar craftsmanship.
But the surprises didn’t stop there! American Pinball (AP) and Pinball Brothers (PB) made waves with standout offerings. AP’s lineup of Legends of Valhalla, Barry O’s BBQ Challenge, Galactic Tank Force, and the adrenaline-pumping Hot Wheels were absolute crowd favourites. PB turned heads with their music-inspired pins, ABBA and Queen, with ABBA’s interactive helicopter ball lock being a delightful highlight that never got old.
Of course, we couldn’t forget CGC’s Cactus Canyon Remake and the ultra-cool Pulp Fiction SE—machines so popular, we had to elbow our way in just to get a turn. If you managed to snag some time on these, consider yourself lucky!
Missed the fun? Don’t fret! The MPE team hinted that they’re already gearing up for an even bigger 2025 event. Make sure you follow our channels to stay updated, and in the meantime, feast your eyes on the gallery of moments we captured from this unforgettable weekend.
PAX Aus 2024’s Classic Gaming Area was a nostalgic paradise for retro gamers (as it always has been!), offering a thrilling dive into gaming history. The area featured a stunning lineup of vintage arcade cabinets, classic consoles, and pinball machines that transported attendees straight back to the golden age of gaming. From old-school favourites like Rampage and Popeye to lesser-known gems, the collection was a dream for retro enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
This year, the focus on pinball was a highlight, with rare and new machines on display and freeplay sessions for anyone to enjoy. The Australian Pinball Museum’s exhibit was back, showcasing unique memorabilia. Another major attraction was the collaboration between Weird and Retro, Press Play On Tape, and other contributors, who created a vibrant, interactive space full of classic gaming and amazing displays!
Attendees could also explore the console freeplay section, where systems like the Atari VCS and Atari 400, NES, Sega Mega Drive, iMac, G4 Cube and the original PlayStation – which were the tip of the nostalgic iceberg of system to play, let gamers relive their childhoods or discover these iconic machines for the first time. The event wasn’t just about playing games but celebrating gaming culture, with a strong sense of community and inclusivity in the air.
A personal favourite of mine was checking out the amazing array of old school machines that Octamed (aka: Cameron Bonde) had brought to the area for attendees to enjoy. Oh yeah, the museum display cabinets were also full of droolworthy retro goodness! I honestly had to pick my jaw off the floor. But the absolute highlight for us (as always) was catching up with our many wonderful friends, all whom work extraordinarily hard to bring the Classic Gaming Area to life – they all rock!
All in all, the Classic Gaming Area at PAX Aus 2024 was a delightful tribute to the games and systems that shaped the industry, ensuring that retro gaming remains a beloved part of PAX’s annual offerings.
If you’re looking for a time warp with a side of adrenaline, then grab your mates, lace up your sneakers, and head down to Netherworld in Fortitude Valley. This quirky, neon-lit arcade haven is the perfect blend of retro gaming nostalgia and modern-day fun. With an atmosphere that feels like stepping into an alternate dimension, Netherworld is an absolute must for anyone with a love for pinball, classic arcade games, and good times.
Upon walking into Netherworld, you’re instantly transported into a world where video game cabinets hum with excitement, and the ping of pinball machines echoes through the air. The vibe here is part classic arcade, part dive bar, and 100% pure entertainment. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just here for the ride, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The centerpiece, of course, is the massive arcade collection. From the legendary Pac-Man to the adrenaline-pumping Street Fighter II Hyper, and even more obscure cult favorites like Puzzle Bobble or Gyruss, the nostalgia will hit you hard. And let’s not forget about the pinball section! A kaleidoscope of flashing lights and metallic clinks, the lineup includes everything from Fun House to the ultra-competitive Foo Fighters pinball. Each game has its own unique vibe, with ramps, bumpers, and challenges that will have you flipping for hours.
Netherworld isn’t just about the games, though. It’s a place where pop culture and craft beers come together in harmony. The bar serves up an impressive selection of local brews and specialty cocktails themed after your favorite games. Ever sipped on a “Hadouken” cocktail after a heated round of Street Fighter? Now’s your chance! Pair your drinks with tasty food offerings, from vegan-friendly snacks to juicy burgers. Trust me, their bowls of loaded fries are the ultimate fuel for a gaming marathon.
There’s also a calendar packed with exciting events. Think arcade tournaments, pinball competitions, pub trivia, and even the occasional live gig. Want to test your skills in a more competitive setting? Join one of the pinball leagues or enter a high-stakes showdown for a chance at fame and glory (or at least bragging rights).
One of the best parts of Netherworld is its welcoming community. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or a complete newbie, everyone’s here to have fun. The staff is friendly and helpful, always willing to give tips if you’re stuck on a tricky game or need advice on the best machine for your skill level.
They also host board game nights for those who want to take the action to the tables. From Dungeons & Dragons to party games like Codenames, the variety is as broad as the arcade lineup.
Visiting Netherworld is like pressing “start” on an adventure you didn’t know you needed. It’s more than just a venue—it’s an experience. A place where grown-ups can be kids again, and where the spirit of classic gaming lives on in all its pixelated glory.
Whether you’re chasing high scores, discovering the magic of pinball for the first time, or simply enjoying the electric energy of this retro haven, Netherworld promises a day (or night) of unforgettable fun. So, gather your crew, grab some tokens, and prepare for an epic gaming session.
Game over? Not a chance—Netherworld will keep you coming back for more!
Go AFK, mute Discord, and pay attention! PAX Aus has confirmed that this year’s event is even bigger with more developers, more publishers, more Indie Games, the biggest Tabletop area ever and a jam-packed schedule. And don’t forget, the Classic Gaming area for your retro gaming and pinball fix!
PAX Aus 2024 will welcome back some of your favourite publisher brands and new friends, including Bethesda Softworks ANZ, Blizzard Entertainment, Devolver, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, PC Game Pass, Playside Studios, SEGA, Steam, The Sims and Ubisoft.
Some of the biggest and best hardware brands will satisfy the appetite of gaming gear connoisseurs, with AFTERSHOCK PC, ASUS – Republic of Gamers, Bluemouth Interactive, Cooler Master, Govee by Clever Gear, Intel, Keychron, LG Electronics Australia, MSI Gaming, Samsung and Secretlab joining the line-up.
Bringing the love to PAX Aus this year, Devolver and Massive Monster will host the first-ever PAX weddings. Two loved-up couples will walk down the aisle on Sunday October 13 at 11am and 3pm in a faithful, life-size replica of the Cult of the Lamb Temple featured in the popular game. For any pilgrims willing to take the plunge, check out the schedule for more sinful activations over the PAX weekend!
While on the topic of love, PAX Aus welcomes Steam for the first time ever. More on that when the show opens, you’re not going to want to miss it!
Red Bull Gameball Royale is the ultimate face-off at PAX Australia 2024. Four teams of Australian creators, led by captains Lachlan, Iamfallfromgrace, Muselk, and Loserfruit will go head-to-head in an interactive dodgeball tournament. This high-impact sport has been digitally levelled up with gamified mechanics delivered through an impressive LED court. Players will need to dip, dive, duck and dodge to advance towards being Australia’s first Red Bull Gameball Royale Champions.
Bethesda Softworks ANZ is excited to unveil an epic fan event at PAX Aus, offering attendees a deep dive into the captivating universes of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Step into the heart of Tamriel at the carefully crafted Elder Scrolls Online Tavern at the PAX Pub, and then escape the hustle at The Fallout 76 Skyline Valley C.A.M.P.site Handheld Lounge.
Ubisoft will be showcasing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on their booth with a playable demo and Assassin’s Creed Shadows Game Director, Charles Benoit, will also be making an appearance to present Bringing Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Life with Ubisoft Quebec (watch this space!). Esports fans will be able to enjoy Ubisoft’s Rainbow 6 Siege showcase at the PAX Arena from 6-10pm on Friday night in the queue hall. The Arena will feature top of the line equipment from Razer, ZOWIE and Centre Com.
The Sims is coming to PAX Aus to give Simmers a Plumbob photo zone and free tarot readings with the one and only Grim. With their newest expansion Life and Death coming soon, Grim will be ready for 3 full days of posing, reaping lost souls, and giveaways.
Blizzard Entertainment will be celebrating the launch of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred at PAX Aus, offering an activation space featuring incredible bespoke artwork from @JazzaStudios and a life-sized glaive weapon for Diablo fans to get up close and personal with! Every day of PAX Aus, two lucky winners will take home a customised Vessel of Hatred kit that introduces them to the new Spiritborn class and its Spirit Guardians.
PlaySide Studios will be featuring multiple playable titles on their booth, including KILL KNIGHT, Thrive: Heavy Lies The Crown, Age of Darkness: Final Stand and a currently unannounced Dumb Ways to Die title, in addition to an interactive experience for the upcoming MOUSE: PI for Hire by Fumi Games. You can also catch the MOUSE: P.I. For Hire – First Look: Developer Playthrough panel, which will feature a global exclusive live playthrough of the game with Game Director, Mateusz Michalak, and Producer, Maciej Krzemien.
SEGA‘s stand at PAX Australia will feature three of its highly anticipated titles to play; Sonic X Shadow Generations, Metaphor: ReFantazio and Two Point Museum. There’ll be a dedicated streaming area where attendees may catch some of their favourite content creators streaming the latest SEGA games live, and the chance to meet movie Sonic in person, as he’ll make multiple appearances throughout the weekend.
FINAL FANTASY™ XIV Online are inviting seasoned adventurers to battle against the fearsome Valigarmanda, newcomers to challenge an early primal battle and encouraging everyone to snap a picture in their special photo spot and get their hands on some goodies! Additionally, don’t miss the panel with Senior Story Designer Natsuko Ishikawa and Quest Designer Saki Takayanagi.
Speaking of getting hands-on with some special stuff, the Bandai Namco team will be bringing Dragon Ball Z: Sparking! ZERO for visitors to play. Square Enix will also be bringing a Life is Strange: Double Exposure photo activation, with the opportunity to win some amazing prizes throughout the duration of the event.
Other exhibitors include BlackMilk Clothing, Crunchyroll, Aussie Broadband, and the New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence, who will be bringing 18 of New Zealand’s newest indie games.
Also on the showfloor, PAX Aus’ biggest Tabletop area ever featuring Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game; hosting ‘learn to play’ sessions inviting you on your first adventure as an Illumineer, a photo op in the Great Illuminary, questing in the Starter Deck challenge zone, and Disney Lorcana artist Matt Chapman, available for signings.
And the recently announced schedule features the very best of local and international gaming talent with panels, firesides and entertainment, kicking off with Storytime with Massive Monster’s, Julian Wilton; the first ever PAX Aus Australian Keynote.
With only a month to go till PAX AUS 2024 (Ed: wow, not long to go now!), we thought we’d share some of the panels that will be on at this year’s event.
To check the full schedule of panels so you can map out your weekend at PAX Aus, go here now!
Storytime with Julian Wilton, Creative Director of Massive Monster | Main Theatre, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Fireside with Abubakar Salim | Main Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Fireside with Sonia Coronado Cuesta, Senior Music Designer at PlayStation | Quokka Theatre, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Content Creating with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses: Finding Acceptance within Gaming | Fruitbat Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Career Storytellers | Dropbear Theatre, 10:30 – 11:30am
Creating Armour and Props with EVA Foam | Cosplay Theatre, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Civilization VII Developer Panel: Bringing Your Civ World to Life | Quokka Theatre, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Xbox presents: In Conversation with Ryan Warden, Production Director of Avowed: Lifting the lid on Production | Quokka Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Fireside: Bringing Lord of the Rings lore to the Art of Tales of the Shire, presented by Wētā Workshop | Main Theatre, 5:00 – 6:00pm
Penny Arcade Make-A-Strip | Main Theatre, 11:00am – 12:00pm
The Custodians of Lord of the Rings bringing Hobbit lore to Tales of the Shire, presented by Wētā Workshop | Quokka Theatre, 11:00 – 12:00pm
Crafting Characters: The Style and Substance of FINAL FANTASY XIV | Main Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Making Music in the Games Industry | Dropbear Theatre, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
MOUSE: P.I. For Hire – First Look: Developer Playthrough | Quokka Theatre | 3:00 – 4:00pm
Fireside Chat With Josh Weier – Project Lead On Portal 2 | Quokka Theatre, 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Forging a new league of legends: gaming, mental health and masculinity | Dropbear Theatre, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Sea Shanties you say? Yahaarghh! | GenerOZity Wombat Theatre, 9:00 – 11:00 pm
Airbrushing 101: Airbrushing for cosplay, props and minis (Live painting demo) | Cosplay Theatre, 10:30am – 11:30am
So you want to be a Voice Actor? | Main Theatre, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
World Of Vtubers | Dropbear Theatre, 10:30am – 11:30am
Fireside with Mark Meer | Main Theatre, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Zelda Universe Presents: More Than A Damsel | Quokka Theatre, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Cosplay Central Crown Championship Finals | Main Theatre, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Overshare: Handling Mental Health Topics in Stream Chat | Kookaburra Theatre, 2:30 – 3:30pm
Fireside with Teddy Dief and Karrie Shao | Quokka Theatre, 3:00 – 4:00pm
One-Shot Wonders | Writing D&D5e One-Shot adventures | Dropbear, 4:30 – 5:30pm
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
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).
image source: Vector Pinball
Get ready to roar with excitement! Stern Pinball has just launched the eagerly-awaited black-and-white 70th Anniversary Edition of their hit Godzilla game, and it’s a sight to behold.
This special edition stays true to Stern Pinball’s commitment to not reissue Limited Edition models after their initial run. So, while it’s not a Limited Edition, it’s still got plenty of exclusive flair.
source: Stern Pinball
Monochromatic Marvel: The cabinet and backbox artwork are strikingly monochromatic, with the 70th Anniversary logo adding a pop of color. The sleek design is complemented by matching red backbox trim and red flipper buttons, giving it a distinctive look.
Artistic Touches: Though it’s not a Limited Edition, this version features a monochrome adaptation of the original Limited Edition’s left-side and front cabinet art. Interestingly, the left and right sides of both the cabinet and backbox are mirror images of each other, apart from the 70th Anniversary logo. The brushed metallic finish adds a classy touch to the design. Plus, the translite image has been creatively reimagined from the original Limited Edition design.
Playfield Perfection: The playfield takes inspiration from the Premium/Limited Edition, boasting a full monochromatic 70th Anniversary makeover. The artwork, decals, and plastics all sport the stylish black-and-white theme, with the flipper bats now in white instead of the original yellow. However, the playfield inserts and billboard LEDs keep their original vibrant colors, ensuring a visually stunning gameplay experience.
Don’t miss out on this incredible 70th Anniversary Edition of Godzilla – a perfect blend of nostalgic design and modern gameplay. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or a Godzilla fan, this machine is sure to bring epic fun to your game room! 🎮👾🦖
image source: Stern Pinball, Inc.
The pandemic may have stifled many an event and expos, including the awesome FlipOut, but you can’t keep a good pinball event down!
From the FlipOut ashes the Melbourne Pinball Expo (MPE) has risen, just like the legendary phoenix. The Melbourne Pinball Expo has been scheduled for later this year, from November 30th to December 1st and will be held at the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone – a stone’s throw from the Chadstone Shopping Centre – the fashion capital 😉 We honestly can’t wait for this 2 days of absolute pinball bliss.
Melbourne Pinball Expo will feature pinball machines from every major manufacturer for you to flip on (woohoo!), and will also host special guests from the USA, like Jersey Jack himself, who will reveal JJP’s latest title! As time nears, we’ll have updates on the machines that will be on the floor to play and the rest of the special guests list.
We love our pinball events in Melbourne, so a big thank you goes to the organisers – Pinball Transport, GDA Australia, Pinball Sales Australia and fellow distributors, resellers and contributors for putting this event on for us pinball fans!
For ticketing information and purchases, please go here.
