


Not being one to be content to simply keep the machine as it left the factory, I simply had to do some modifications. I saved up some dough and set on a mission to get one. Finally scored one of these babies on Craigslist for $200 in good shape. Also, after discovering how a few resourceful folks began to modify their machines to their liking, fixing things here and there to make it more playable, I was immediately inspired. Others enjoy them for what they are, a small cheap alternative to a real pinball machine. More research yielded some interesting information on their construction, quality, and flaws. Other models were offered, including a Marvel Comics themed version, a refreshed version for the next Pirates movie that followed ( At World's End), as well as a planned but ultimately scrapped Atari themed version. I also learned their pinball machines didn't sell very well and quickly were sold at reduced prices. After a little research I found they were made by a company (now defunct) called Zizzle, a toy company who also held the license to produce many other Pirates toys. Though due to the cost constraints, as well as space, I kept thinking about that little Pirates machine I saw back then at Best Buy. Owning something like that was but a dream to not likely come true.įor the longest time I longed to have my very own pinball machine. I don't quite remember the actual price tag but I figure it was around $299. I immediately acknowledged its shortcomings, but also noticed how impressively designed it was, especially for what is essentially a toy. I was intrigued, and naturally, started to play. It was themed to the then-new theatrical release of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. It wasn't until some years ago, I spotted a scaled down home pinball machine at a local Best Buy.

So for years I've had to spend quarters to play them, or play electronic simulations of machines on home video game consoles and computers (many of them are superb). I neither have the money, the know-how to maintain, nor the space to own a real commercial-grade pinball machine. I'd say a "fan" but these days, a "fan" can imply that I'm a total walking pinball machine encyclopedia who knows everything there is to know about these mechanical wonders, goes to tournaments regularly, has an extensive pinball machine collection filling all rooms of my house, etc., etc. I've always been a lover of pinball games.
