Before I ever owned a BSD pinball machine, I thought it was a decent game. I was really getting my but kicked when I played it at an arcade convention. I never thought I would ever own one. It wasn't until I visted someone who owned one, where I really felt that it was calling out to me...
I made a deal that many would think is a stupid deal. I traded my Twilight Zone for a Bram Stokers Dracula + cash. The BSD needed a little work. It had a burned DMD and the playfield was dirty. You could barely see the Coffin Lock light under the right transparent ramp. Why I did this deal at the time? I really don't know. I honestly think it was destiny... I was frustrated with the Twilight Zone at the time. The abundance of toys and gimmicks. Don't get me wrong - it is a very fun game. But I wanted something different... Something more representative of straight-forward pinball, but with an edge. I'm no professional player. I've been playing since I was a kid, but my skills are so-so. I think in my mind at the time, I wanted own something that would really test me. BSD is that game.
I'm a big fan of martial arts movies, so I like to compare it to the martial arts master that really beats the crap out of you before you find yourself actually doing well. For me, BSD is that master. He is all business. He will only teach you if you are willing to stick with it. He will punish you as you learn. But once you understand, he will reward your skills.
Outside of the Mist ball, there really isn't a whole lot of happy-happy, joy-joy in this game. I would often read about how families and beginners really don't like this game, due to the theme and/or the play. Just like a master, it really scares the people off who never give it a chance to begin with, and they have no clue what lies ahead - pure pinball bliss. That is what I love about this game. There are people out there who want to play easy games with super hero and pop culture themes filled with glitzy mods and songs to sing along to and so on. I can understand that, but that's just not for me. Maybe it's my personality. I've never really been into what's popular with everyone else. I find charm in themes that some people find "unappealing". I connect with BSD because of those reasons, and because I really have to push myself to have a good game. It requires a lot of focus and the payoff is very rewarding. It's dark, eerie, and such a blast to play. The theme is fantastic and there is nothing that I want to change about it as far as mods are concerned (There are none!) The only exception is that I added a custom card to the apron that I drew myself. I wanted to give this game a personal touch.
Looking back, I am glad I did that deal. To me, pinball is all about having fun and not so much "what's it worth?" or rankings. With the great service by Kris at Firebird Pinball, this game has never looked better. I love the killer look it has. The red and purple. The playfield glow. The awesome DMD animations really shine. The call-outs are loud and awesome.
I like the movie. I LOVE the pin.
