Cave Creek, AZ
I've played this game on several occasions at the Museum of Pinball in Banning.
Really interesting and unique game thats basically a hybrid of a pinball machine in an arcade cabinet.
It features some pretty interesting innovations, like using a mirror in a similar manner to early arcade games like Space Invaders to give the illusion of vertical game play.
Keep in mind that this came out in kind of an experimental era.
This came out in 1982, the same year as games like Baby PacMan and Caveman with integrated arcade monitors and the following year Joust pinball was released.
All of these are somewhat oddities of the era and highly sought after by collectors.
As far as gameplay, I find the game quite enjoyable.
The use of joysticks to control the flippers actually works fairly well once you get used to it.
The sounds are cool, as is the overall look and fell of the machine.
The low production and survival rate adds to the overall mystique and desirability of the game.
Certainly not a game for someone just looking to put a few pins in their home.
A great conversation and collectors piece, not an everyday player.
Pinside rating
This game has received 22 approved Pinsider ratings. 28 more approved ratings are needed to get a rating and for it to be eligible for the Pinside Pinball Top 100 ranking.
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 1 of us has rated this game.
Found 17 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 17 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
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6.917/10
6 years ago
A great bucket-list game to play if you can find it in the wild.
The joysticks are actually fairly responsive and make for an unique interface with the game. Unlike what others have said, you can easily accomplish lane changes without taking your hand off of the joystick - you just need to tap the buttons with your thumbs. Did Demolition Man steal its control configuration from Varkon? Probably not...but, still!
A bright display helps with the enjoyment of this game - when it is dim, the game feels less intense.
Ranking this among other pinball machines isn't fair any more than ranking a video game pinball would be appropriate, and yet here I am. I think it is fun to play. Will I ever own one? Nope! However, if anybody wants to store theirs at my house, I'll keep it safe and show it some love.
The joysticks are actually fairly responsive and make for an unique interface with the game. Unlike what others have said, you can easily accomplish lane changes without taking your hand off of the joystick - you just need to tap the buttons with your thumbs. Did Demolition Man steal its control configuration from Varkon? Probably not...but, still!
A bright display helps with the enjoyment of this game - when it is dim, the game feels less intense.
Ranking this among other pinball machines isn't fair any more than ranking a video game pinball would be appropriate, and yet here I am. I think it is fun to play. Will I ever own one? Nope! However, if anybody wants to store theirs at my house, I'll keep it safe and show it some love.
4.775/10
6 years ago
Newark
Varkon is a seriously cool novelty game. Its concept is flawed, which is why so few got made.
It sits in a cab that is identical to the ones used in video games dating from the early 80s. The pin table is reflected in a mirror, so you look at a vertical playfield. This is kind of eerie.
As you flip using up-down joysticks, you feel a bit disconnected from the game. It has very few solenoids in it, so you do not get the sense of vibration you do from most pinball machines. So it actually feels like you are playing a video game rather than a pinball machine.
It also has a countdown to the ball release, there is no plunger. Lane changes are done on separate left and right circuits using regular arcade cab buttons. So you have to let go of the flipper joysicks to lane change.
It has a second mini playfield too. To get big points you have to get all 4 top standups, then shoot the ramp to the mini playfield. Spend as much time as you can in the mini playfield as you cannot drain from here. Completing the lanes also enhances your score. This game is end of ball bonus heavy.
Weirg game. Weird controls. Weird scoring. Weird art. The world was a better place when folk experimented with stuff like this
It sits in a cab that is identical to the ones used in video games dating from the early 80s. The pin table is reflected in a mirror, so you look at a vertical playfield. This is kind of eerie.
As you flip using up-down joysticks, you feel a bit disconnected from the game. It has very few solenoids in it, so you do not get the sense of vibration you do from most pinball machines. So it actually feels like you are playing a video game rather than a pinball machine.
It also has a countdown to the ball release, there is no plunger. Lane changes are done on separate left and right circuits using regular arcade cab buttons. So you have to let go of the flipper joysicks to lane change.
It has a second mini playfield too. To get big points you have to get all 4 top standups, then shoot the ramp to the mini playfield. Spend as much time as you can in the mini playfield as you cannot drain from here. Completing the lanes also enhances your score. This game is end of ball bonus heavy.
Weirg game. Weird controls. Weird scoring. Weird art. The world was a better place when folk experimented with stuff like this
7.147/10
7 years ago
Got to play one of these rare games, good fun but I can see why they only made 90 - I don't think they would have lasted in arcades long. If you see one, play it! Interesting playfield mounted in an arcade game cabinet that is multi level and you play in a mirror.
7.974/10
8 years ago
Unique pinball machine that at first appears to be a video arcade game due to cabinet design.
Flippers operated by up/down joystick handles on front of cabinet, instead of flipper buttons in std position on side of cabinet.
High marks for artwork and theme.
I like the game design, game play, and fun factor.
Look forward to seeing it be used in a pinball tournament someday. :-)
Flippers operated by up/down joystick handles on front of cabinet, instead of flipper buttons in std position on side of cabinet.
High marks for artwork and theme.
I like the game design, game play, and fun factor.
Look forward to seeing it be used in a pinball tournament someday. :-)
8.395/10
8 years ago
A couple thoughts about my ranking: the play field layout is so strange and unique I ranked it a six since there really isn't any other layout like this kind, I have no reference of comparison. Also, the game doesn't really have a back glass per se, it is a 1/3 size translight like you would see on video games, the artwork is good but it is on such a small surface that it is hard to detail it much for ranking purposes.
Obviously this game is non-traditional in that it is a stand up arcade and you are playing with joysticks off a mirrored reflection designed to make you feel that you are playing a vertical pinball machine. The effects on the game with the lightening and floating scores are just straight up super cool.
The game is hard to find since not many exists and most of the ones that do exist are in rough condition. The game is hard to find parts for. The game is really pretty though, first class artwork and I like the mini play field, it remains me of an early 80's version of the ACDC miniplayfield. The left ramp is a challenging shot. I'm still struggling to figure out the lane change rules.
Obviously this game is non-traditional in that it is a stand up arcade and you are playing with joysticks off a mirrored reflection designed to make you feel that you are playing a vertical pinball machine. The effects on the game with the lightening and floating scores are just straight up super cool.
The game is hard to find since not many exists and most of the ones that do exist are in rough condition. The game is hard to find parts for. The game is really pretty though, first class artwork and I like the mini play field, it remains me of an early 80's version of the ACDC miniplayfield. The left ramp is a challenging shot. I'm still struggling to figure out the lane change rules.
6.239/10
9 years ago
The appeal is in the rarity and novelty. Looks pretty cool, but I think it would get old quick.
8.886/10
10 years ago
Talk about a unique and rare game. It is a shame more of these were not made as they would fit in a lot of places where you simply can't put a regular pin. I think the game is fun and the shots are challenging. The downers with this game is it is obviously very simple and it is not a good multiplayer game or particularly a good game for someone to watch someone else play. I'd like one in my collection anyway though.
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