So, I'm not much of a virtual pinball player. However, Skyrim blew me away with its RPG elements, stats, leveling sytem, equipment, crafting, amongst other things. I know Epic Quest had RPG elements but Skyrim takes it to a whole new level. So my obvious question is how would this translate to real pinball? Would the implementation of persistent characters work? Would a pinball machine with RPG elements be better as a rougelike? Obviously, there are a lot of pieces of Skyrim that would not be possible in a real machine (like the ability to pause at anytime to access the inventory) but I'm interested in anyones thoughts that has tried it.

In a perfect world, I envision a JJP style lcd game with persistence, leveling, and of course loot. With JJPs recent bluetooth/smart phone compatibility, it would be a perfect way to save a character and transfer it to a friends game. I would also imagine a tournament mode where players could be assigned a default character to make it a level playing field. For multiplayer, a turn-based PvP system (ball to ball) would be really interesting to see as well.

Hey thanks for the response. Yeah I'm in total agreement with you, I've been waiting for someone to do this for a long time. You are right, the Skyrim PinballFX is far too complicated for a real machine. There is certainly a fine line between adding RPG elements to a game like this and making it a turn off for the average pinball player. Personally, I think this is what is missing from pinball that could bring more of our generation into pinball (I assume you are younger than the average age of the community). I think if JJP hired someone who has experience working on RPGs, they could put together something revolutionary.

Getting into the details, the scoop for accessing the menu system is a perfect solution. The "select" button could be the button on the lockdown bar and the flippers could be used to move the curser. Pushing both flippers at the same time could cancel or exit the menu. The tournament setting would allow people that have no interest in the RPG aspects to still enjoy the game. As far as the health bar and fights go, what would be the most realistic punishment for your character losing all of their health? I think a ball drain would be too harsh. I assume you would just lose the mode and not gain any XP?

I'm guessing if the above would be true, for any fights you would have to start some sort of mode. Outside of the modes I don't think the health bar could be used, which I don't think is an issue. Random enemies would be fairly easy to code and could scale with your character. Man, there are so many cool things you could do with a game like this. I don't think it would require and new hardware that isn't already being used.

Dude, talk about a dream job. I find it impossible that we are the only two that are excited about this lol.

Yes, exactly! They do the same thing with the loot system in games like Diablo and Borderlands. It's not infinite, but it feels like it. I think it would be essential to have randomized variables for quests and loot to make the game feel endless.

You are right, there is a lot of room to grow in the new LCD format. The RPG elements of pinball certainly would shine on an LCD. Now that the hardware has caught up its time to bring the software up to date. I know it's easy for me to say that this would work in a pinball format, but I really do think this is the big crossover opportunity that pinball needs. Yes, video games are popular because they are readily accessible, more accessible than physical pinball will ever be. However, those gamers get older, they get jobs, and they want something challenging that they can relate to. At some point the hardware will outgrow the software again and we will have augmented reality pinball gimmick similar to pinball 2k. But, until then, I'm looking forward to RPG elements in my future physical pinball machines.

Don't keep those ideas all to yourself man!

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Funny you should mention the Fallout Pinball game. As positive as I am about Skyrim, Fallout has been a little lack luster for me. However, I think that has to do more with the layout than anything. I also have not played it nearly as much. There is something about that center shot and the positioning of the upper flipper that just doesn't feel right at all. However, the software is a very interesting implementation of RPG elements as well. I believe there is no persistence, its more rougelike. I want to get further into the game to see how that plays out.

So from my experience, the main quest line is linear so you do have to complete the same objectives to progress. However, what I did was start side quests and level my character to make the main quest line easier much like you would do in a regular RPG when you are under-leveled. Try to avoid the main quest line and focus on leveling and loot for now. There is a lot to do outside the main quest line.

Can you not have more than one character?

That is fantastic! I didn't know it would allow you to drop that much stuff on the floor and allow it to remain.