I think that the pinball market is primed for a new Back to the Future pinball machine and that JJP could pull it off the best. Yes, there was a Data East Back to the Future pinball machine made 26 years ago but its not fondly remembered and uses far older technology than what is available today. Ghostbusters by Stern is a hit and I think that a Back to the Future trilogy pinball machine could easily be as big of a hit, if not bigger, if done correctly.
Here are a few ideas I have for creating what I believe would make a great Back to the Future pinball machine.
1. DMC-12 LE: The original Delorean exterior panels are made out of grade 304 brushed stainless steel. For a DMC-12 LE I would have the legs, side rails, lockdown bar and speaker grill made entirely out of 304 brushed stainless steel, no powder coat, have the armor look exactly like the stainless steel panels on a real Delorean. Next, the side rails would be laser etched with exterior RGB LED lighting (think Star Trek LE armor) that combined with interior RGB LED cabinet lighting (Star Trek LE again) would create the lighting affect that surrounds the Delorean when it's time circuits activate. Honestly, if this could be pulled off I think it would be the coolest light show ever on a pinball machine.
2. Have 3 ladders of modes, say 6 missions for each film based on scenes from each with a mini wizard mode for completing each ladder and a final wizard mode for completing everything. Keith Johnson mission based ruleset please
3. Lockdown bar button used to activate time circuits, travel between mode ladders: During the game you build up value to increase the electricity level of the time circuits to travel between each of the 3 films (the mode ladders in the game). Pressing the button kicks off the lighting affect on the cabinet / playfield. Modes can then be played in any order by traveling between the various time periods.
4. Clocktower toy model with working clock.
5. Mini digital clock toy for miles per hour (in the movies it sits on the Delorean dash). MPH increase as the electricity level of the "time circuits" is increased.
Licensing
I believe the original Data East game encountered an issue with not being able to use Michael J. Fox's likeness. That game was made over 25 years ago so maybe Michael J. Fox would change his mind for a new game. As a gesture of good will the license agreement could include a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for every game sold.
What are your ideas for a Back to the Future pinball machine? Would you buy one?