Okay, so hear me out...
This is obviously just a dream from me, but the more I think about it the more plausible it seems to be. I know the strong rumors are Fast and Furious, KISS, and Game of Thrones, but I will lay out why I believe this could happen and come as a surprise similar to the way Wrestlemania did and some arguments against the other titles.
Game of Thrones although massively popular is an HBO show which reaches a limited market. It is also very adult themed and not just with violence, which with TWD Stern has shown they are willing to do, but also with sex....I don't see how this game could sell as well due to that, and how fans of the TV series would be disappointed by its tameness. In addition it would be poorly timed if it is to be their fall release as the new season I believe premiers today.
Fast and Furious, although I think would make a fun game seems to be a tad bit late. Most people will associate it with a car theme, and with the lack of success on Mustang (in sales at least, I think its an awesome game) would be another car game too soon. In reality the film series has become much more about daring heist and family with some over the top action as well, but not sure how well that would translate into a game without the focus being on the cars as it was in parts 1 & 2. I'm not saying it won't happen eventually, but I think if this was the next title it would have tied in with the Fast 7 release this month.
KISS....well this is me just not being a fan of music pins, and thinking that it would still be too soon after them acquiring the license for the game to be made, but who knows with the way that Stern can crank out games. I still find it hard to believe that this title would be that popular, but with the success of ACDC and Metallica I can't deny music pins seem to have a lot of success....oh wait there is also The Rolling Stones so maybe not. Anyway I'm not old enough to really know the music or history of the band well, but I do know they were the masters of merchandise, and still have a humungous fan base.
NOW THE PRO JAMES BOND PINBALL ARGUMENTS!!!
all james bonds.jpg
1. It's James freaking Bond! A series that has existed for decades, is the longest running movie series I am aware of and is the third highest earning behind Harry Potter and The Marvel Universe (which I don't think should count), and as you look at that list you will see most of the other movie series already have machines as well http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchises/sort/World . It is popular globally which Stern says is still a large part of its sales.
2. A new film is coming out this fall, should coincide well with the Stern release cycle.
3. The new film looks awesome from the short preview and its the return of SPECTRE
4. The # and range of possible toys that could be designed for the game is near limitless.
5. Could draw on the new film only as a bit of publicity, or could draw on the history of the series different Bonds, villains, cars. Lots of artwork possibilities. Similar to the doctors of Doctor Who, but do that with the Bonds. Or similar to the Transformers ruleset with 50/50 playfield, one side is different bonds, the other is different villains. Lots of possibilities.
6. Stern seems to be doing a better job of keeping titles a bit more of a mystery, at least with Wrestlemania, not a lot of Bond rumors (until now), so the next title must be Bond.
7. Who doesn't want a game with a gun handle ball launcher?
8. Two previous James Bond pinball machines exist, everyone loves a trilogy. Including Goldeneye which was through SEGA which became STERN so I'm assuming they have worked with the licensors before.
9. Rumors of a game with a long development cycle could lend itself to the movie's timeline of script, pre-production, production, and post-production as well allowing time for artwork changes, callouts, and dmd animations to be worked on.
10. Pinball is a male centric hobby (not saying thats good, but its reality)....James Bond would cater incredibly well to that demographic, in addition it spans decades and appeals to many different age groups. It also could incorporate beautiful women as is a bit of pinball tradition, and what many pinsiders mention they want on games.
11. Yes I said 10, but have another...A Bond release would follow approximately the same amount of time between the first two Bond pinball machine releases, may as well stick with tradition.
If you think that a new James Bond pin is due feel free to contribute to this thread and discuss anything that you would like to see in a machine. I honestly don't care who would make it, but it just seems that STERN would be the leading candidate to bring a table to the public. Hope this long post doesn't bore too many of you.
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