most of the people I tell, their reaction is a combination of surprise and curiosity. like, they are aware of pinball as a thing people used to play before video games, but never realized people still play it or could have them in their home.

the rudest reaction I had was from my brother. after telling him I bought a pinball machine, his immediate response was "why? pinball is lame."

he has since told me when he told his friends, though, they all immediately got excited and said they wanted to come over sometime and play.

I have my STTNG set up to allow you to lock a ball at launch 3 times instead of the standard two, just so I can tell visitors who don't know anything about pinball to pick that option on all 3 of their balls, and guarantee that they get to play Borg Multiball on their third ball. I keep the room somewhat dim as well, so the flashers and light show have maximum impact.

Just last week, I was showing the machines off to my nephew and his girlfriend for the first time (both about 25 years old), and when she got to Borg Multiball, it was pretty hilarious: when the machine went dark, and the drones appeared on the DMD, she seemed almost scared of what was about to happen. Then later during the mode, the Borg ship shot a ball at her, and the flashers flashed and the Borg weapon sound effect played -- she squealed and ducked down behind the game!

actually, she missed the "light lock" on one of the launches, and then managed to lock a ball up in the Borg ship! (PS - what the heck lights that delta ramp lock anyway??)