Elton John Pinball Machine – The Pinball Rumour Mill
Elton John Pinball Machine to be revealed by Jersey Jack at the Chicago Pinball Expo?
Rumours of Jersey Jack creating a new Elton John pinball machine have been circulating for a number of years, but now the rumours are starting to gain some traction.
Pinball Wizard
Following the success of the film Tommy in 1975 in which Elton John was cast as the Pinball Wizard, Bally launched the Captain Fantastic Pinball Machine in 1976.
Justly renowned for the terrific quality of its illustrations, Bally’s Captain Fantastic went on to be a great success in the late ‘70s, and restored versions of the table are now much sought after.
So, with Elton having recently completed his five-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, could the timing be right for an Elton John farewell pinball machine?
If there is a new Elton John pinball on the way from Jersey Jack it is certain to be the brainchild of renowned pinball machine designer Steve Ritchie, who joined Jersey Jack in 2021. But what will it look like, and when might we see it?
Steve Ritchie developed a passion for pinball at a young age and began his career in the early 1970s, working for Atari as a game tester before transitioning to designing pinball machines.
Ritchie’s breakthrough came in 1979 when he created “Flash,” a highly successful pinball machine that showcased his innovative design and gameplay mechanics. This achievement led to his collaboration with Williams Electronics, where he designed some of the most iconic pinball machines of all time. One of Ritchie’s most notable creations was “Black Knight,” released in 1980. It revolutionized the industry with its innovative features, including a multi-level playfield and a magnificently designed back glass. The game’s success led to a sequel, “Black Knight 2000,” which further solidified Ritchie’s reputation as a visionary designer.
Throughout his career, Ritchie has continued to produce groundbreaking pinball machines, including “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “AC/DC.” His designs are known for their fast-paced gameplay, engaging themes, and intricate rule sets, captivating players worldwide.
The best-selling pinball designer in history
The best-selling pinball designer in history, Ritchie has been called “The Master of Flow” due to the emphasis in his designs on ball speed, loops, and long smooth shots. And with Elton John’s elaborate stage sets and costumes, not to mention his famous oversize boots, plus his incredible catalogue of worldwide hits to use as inspiration, Ritchie would certainly have enough material to create something very different. But when would we be likely to see it?
Elton John Pinball Chicago Expo reveal?
There has been much discussion as to whether Jersey Jack’s next release would be themed around Elton John or The Matrix.
However, according to Kaneda Pinball, Jersey Jack could reveal its new Elton John pinball machine as early as next week at the Chicago Pinball Expo 2023, which runs from 18th – 21st October.
So, watch this space for a Jersey Jack Chicago Pinball Expo update very soon. Whatever the release, its going to be epic.
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