has anyone seen this pinball machine- it is in the weekly flyer-Any thoughts on the quality?- thanks,gary

I think Target sells them also, definately not a Bally... :)

Saw one, and is pretty cheaply done...I personally wouldn't want one. Maybe for a young child but not for game room.

Kent

I played it and I agree, kinda cheesy and chinzy.



Dennis

Walked through BB today and saw a dad playing it and his 4-5 year old son watching him. My first thought was "why is that guy hogging that little kid's pinball game?" Small size and cheezy looking. Better get that extended warranty thing that BB always offers cuz it didn't look like it would last long.

Scott

I soooo totally misunderstood this thread that I had to look it up to find out it's Pirates of the Caribbean, not the "other" POTC.

The POTC machine at BB is a joke. I have the real POTC pinball made by Stern and it's AWESOME. Looks great in my game room!!

check out the game at sternpinball.com

It's probably the best pinball you can get for under $300. Of course, the full size pins will be better but you're also paying over 10x as much for it.

It's probably the best pinball you can get for under $300.

Talking about damning with faint praise...

Is there any competition in this category?

I soooo totally misunderstood this thread that I had to look it up to find out it's Pirates of the Caribbean, not the "other" POTC.

You must mean Potsey from "Happy Days" I didn't know he had a machine made after him. Fonze, yes I could see that.

It's down to $200 at BB.

It is more of a toy then a 'real' coin-op pinball machine. Probably good for young kids....but better off using that $$ and getting a 'real' pinball machine, in my opinion. It is possible to get an older pinball in the $300-$500 range by the way. I have several, and many were less then $500 and the kids (and adults) love playing them.

Steve

I would second (or third, whatever) the opinion to get a real pinball machine and not a "toy" that will never compare to playing the real thing. I have a Doctor Who machine I picked up about eight years ago and absolutely love it.

However, there are a couple of caveats. First, used machines seem to have gone up tremendously in recent years. I assume they have become more popular. My machine has more than doubled in price since I bought it. Nice to know some things actually appreciate in price, not that I think I would ever sell mine.

Also, what you pay for a used one is probably closely related to its condition. While you might be able to find an old machine with many problems for a few hundred, if you want a recent model machine with modern features, video screens, etc. that has been fully shopped, they still fetch quite a premium. I've said for years that if I ever buy another machine, it'll be a Scared Stiff, and they still are getting over $3500 and they're around 10 years old. Just my luck that it appears to be one of the most popular machines ever made and still gets around double of most used ones.

It helps to be a bit handy if you one a pinball machine. They need maintenance, parts, etc. occasionally. Also, if you can handle shopping the machine, you could pick up one cheaper than one that has had a thorough going over by someone. Also, ebay is an option, but again, buyer beware unless you are comfortable you could fix anything that might be wrong.

Search the web for used pin dealers in York, PA and see what you find. York seems to be the arcade game capital of the country. Almost all arcade games are sold, and shopped out of York and you can find good deals on used equipment there.

Just got it for $99 on clearance at Best Buy. Stands taller than I expected (no need to lean over it) and WELL worth the price paid.

Just got it for $99 on clearance at Best Buy. Stands taller than I expected (no need to lean over it) and WELL worth the price paid.

What is nice about it and what isn't so nice? They have them here for $99 too, but none out of the box to check out.

thanks

We had one and had to take it back. The ball will fly over the plastic railing and gets stuck. The only way to get the ball out, is to turn the machine upside down. Doh! :eek:

We've had it for over a week now and have no regrets whatsoever. It's gotten lots of play from kids and adults. Kids have a much easier time with it as the flippers are powered. No need to bang on it to get a stronger hit (like other toy pinballs).

The Good:
It "feels" like the perfect size pinball to have in a home. Lots of sound effects and modes of play including a "classic" mode which gives you 5 balls per play (vice 3) and classic arcade pinball sounds. Some have said that there are not enough lights. I am very happy with the amount of flashing that goes on, especially when certain achievements are made.

The Bad:
The ball deposits mid-field as opposed to the top. Not a big deal, but I really would have preferred to shoot all the way to the top as most pins do. It's a little difficult at first but you quickly get used to how the field plays and take advantage of it. Wish the volume control was in the back so kids wouldn't mess with it (it can get loud!). Some of the graphics were not applied carefully and as a result, some have wrinkles. Again, not a big deal, but worth mentioning.

Bottom Line:
At $100, it's a no-brainer. Get it at Best Buy, if you don't feel it's worth $100, take it back within 30 days under their satisfaction return policy. I feel it's even worth $250. Higher than that may be a little much for some (may still be worth it for what you get through) but it's an absolute steal for $100. It's on clearance as the manufacturer is getting ready to release the Pirates 3 model for $400.