Played the game a lot this weekend. Have gone from "no chance I'll get one" to "what would we sell to make room for it?".

My initial impressions (the same as many others had) were way off. DI is a lot of fun.

Do I sell Pat's best selling game ever (TAF) for his newest? It really sucks having no more room for games without selling one first ...

High Score #4 today, number 7 overall. 641k. If I break 1M this weekend, I think I'll have to put down a deposit.

IMG_2192 (resized).JPG

A lot more than I expected to. I'm not a good player as far as pinball players go so the score thing is just because the good players haven't played it yet. It has a retro feel, the shots are smooth (and fun).

If I had room I would have put down a deposit already. At this point, the decision is not "Do I like it enough to buy?" rather "Do I like it enough to sell something I already have?". Given that all of my games are/were keepers and I have no slots left, that's my dilemma.

It's fun. It's not intimidating to a novice nor too hard for an average player. The shots are smooth and varied. The graphics show great promise. It has that "just one more game appeal". If you like Lawlor games you will like DI. The much maligned cell phone actually works well as a way to advance the game. I think it's the best use of a mini LCD that we've seen on any game to date.

Yes, the name is a head scratcher and the guy holding the cell phone as the central art is a major disappointment. Whoever said the game should have been called "Quantum City Chaos" was dead on. The title "Dialed In!" will seem dated and obsolete in a few years (if it isn't already). I used to think the title and art fiascos were enough to derail the game - I was one of those that was totally deflated at the initial announce. However although I feel that the title and art will cost JJP sales, I think game play will save it. It won't outsell WOZ, but will do far better than Hobbit.

You did good. . Sorry Pat and Jack and company didn't agree ...

One effect I thought was particularly well done was the use of the shaker when the train was coming at you at the start of multiball. Every time I felt like an actual was headed at me. If the game didn't come with a shaker motor, I would add one to get that effect even if it was the only use of the motor. Very cool.

The problem with the "Dialed In" title is that everyone immediately associates as being "the pinball with the cell phone" and it becomes a reference to a toy on the playfield, not the game. It's like calling "Earthshaker!" "Falling Institute", "Twilight Zone" "Gumballs" or "Funhouse" ""Shut Up, Rudy!"

The "it's the cell phone game" moniker is going to be the biggest albatross for the game to overcome. I will probably find room for a DI because I really enjoy the game play. But I will also commission someone to draw me a Quantum City Chaos backglass. (If JJP wants to sell accessories for DI, I hope they do that one first ...)

So the theme in this case won't prevent me from getting the game. But because of the name/art and a misfire on the total package, I'll probably consider it a good, not great game. For $8/9k, the entire package should be be a home run. I suspect JJP won't do another unlicensed theme unless DI far exceeds sales expectations. (But DI will also sell better than a POTC license without Johnny Depp no matter how good the game plays, so there's that).

But I can live with "game play is great / title and art disappoints" vs. the reverse.

In the "licensed era" I would add:
Safe Cracker
Funhouse
Medieval Madness
Attack From Mars

Pinbot, High Speed and Eight Bsll Deluxe come to mind, but I don't consider them part of the "must be a license" era.

I'm thinking about games on location where first impression gets the quarters. DI isn't going to get those casual players. It will be dismissed as "the game with a cell phone".

I had heard this earlier this year and heard it again from another (trusted) industry insider very recently. The story goes that JJP does not have the license to use Johnny Depp speech or likeness, cannot refer to "The Black Pearl" along with some other IP. But it's just rumor and not based on any official word from JJP. Eric (JJP 4 designer) mentioned at the Denver show that the current plan was to reveal #4 at Expo, but gave no clues on theme.

I have heard that JJP has licenses for Toy Story and POTC and that POTC may be first as opposed to TS. I'm somewhat skeptical of either, though I would love a Toy Story pin, especially if JJP does it.

As for POTC, I'm sure a game could be based on the POTC attraction, but most would probably be disappointed if it wasn't based on the movie series (which you would presume would make up the bulk of the video assets).

I don't care POTC in either form. Give me Dialed In and Toy Story. If I can fit those two in my game room, I'll be happy.

Double rats!

I would love a Muppets pin. But I'll settle for Toy Story.

I did. He was very careful in not revealing a clue.

Waking up?
Getting dressed?
Eating?

Opening up a very large very heavy box?
Making the rest of us jealous?

You can almost hear Budd and Buzz:

Yes! He likes us!
He doesn't like you.

Hey, I know you!
Good Riddance.

You again?
You suck at golf anyway.

I'm having deja vu - again.
We are through with you - again.

We're Back!
We're moving so often my head is spinning.