JJP3-Dialed In-Pat Lawlor Game

[Chris Bardon]

The JJP3 reveal was at the expo seminar last night. Game is called Dialed In:

They did a Periscope stream from the event (quality is pretty bad, but it's something) and it looks like the archive is up here: https://www.periscope.tv/jackjjp/1ypKdAVngdYGW

Looks like 2 editions: LE-9000, numbered 1-6999 (so basically, the standard edition). And a CE (Collector's Edition) at 12500. No idea what makes it worth that much, but there were a bunch of digs at Stern and the Super LE model. No mention of a Standard edition, which means that it appears 9k is the new ground floor? No mention on preorder discounts, but they did emphasize that deposits are refundable.

The game itself-never really got a good look at the PF, but more pics etc should be coming soon. Theme seems a little odd-it's based around a phone, but also disasters? Hopefully it makes sense once you play it.

There were also some announcements about changes to the game system in the seminar. They're moving the boards back into the backbox (instead of the PC case in the bottom), so persumably this means the ability to build deeper mechs? I kind of liked the idea of having the PC in the cabinet. The cooler change that this entailed though was that the monitor in the backbox is now on an articulating arm that can swing out to either side, which is awesome for being able to see the screen while you have the playfield up. It's always a pain when adjusting or repairing something that you can't see the diagnostics screen while you have the PF raised, so that really helps.

 

[luch]

$9000 for a 7,000 game limited edition ? these prices just push up the 2nd hand market . crazy

 

[mwong168]

 

[mwong168]

 

[mwong168]

 

[Chris Bardon]

Those pics are much better-thanks. I like the nod to the Wizard Blocks inserts on the PF. Game looks neat, but I think that phone sound is going to get really annoying.

 

[mwong168]

http://www.podcastgarden.com/episode/episode-33_89810

 

[BOO]

Those pics are much better-thanks. I like the nod to the Wizard Blocks inserts on the PF. Game looks neat, but I think that phone sound is going to get really annoying.

Agreed on the phone sound…

 

[BOO]

So what's the theme and where is the 3-D interactive projected image?

 

[Chris Bardon]

I think that "Einstein Theater" thing in the middle has a pepper's ghost style thing in it.

 

[BOO]

I think that "Einstein Theater" thing in the middle has a pepper's ghost style thing in it.

Cool cool.

 

[Chris Bardon]

So apparently there will be a Standard Edition of the game, but other than stainless armor, no idea what the changes are. Still, 9K US translates to over 13K CDN landed, so ANY of these new games are going to have to be fantastic to be worth that much. 12.5K "Collector's edition"... $18500... I really miss par dollars...

 

[Menace]

Just back from Expo and I attended the release seminar, and actully got to play the game.

Cabinet changes: Yes, the computer is moved to the head behind the large display. This was done mainly to allow for more advanced PF mechanisms, as the computer was getting in the way. They moved the sub in the lower cab towards the front and increased the size as well. They also changed the backbox speaker setup to a "reflex" design which now allows them to install larger midrange speakers without sacrificing cabinet real-estate. Overall the audio package has been improved immensely. The screen mount has also been addressed as discussed above, which is great for many reasons. Headphone jack has also been moved from the coin door to the cabinet, and home users will now be able to adjust the volume of the game without having to open the coin-door. (it can still be adjusted from inside as usual) Basically lots of little improvements to help operators and collectors alike.

I will say I think I was with the majority in that when the theme was revealed it was a bit of a let-down. They also didn't really do much in the way of explaining the game play, and focused on the features / new toys which I think is why the game got such a negative reaction at first. I'm still not a huge fan of the theme, but I think once everyone gets a chance to play the game that will all become secondary.

I have to say I actually really enjoyed it! Now, everyone that knows me knows that I am a Lawlor fan in that I enjoy his style of design, the "stop & go" so to speak. Dialed-In shoots GREAT! The fact it's a standard body design I think helps with that, but it's also very typical Pat Lawlor. Tons of shots, tons of toys, and sure the phone isn't the greatest gimmick to wrap a game around for a lot of people, integration of the phone into the game is REALLY well done. I especially like the fact that it's right in the players field of view and the information it displays is exactly what I as a player wants to see... The mode, time remaining, mode shots, and shots remaining. Even when you're not playing out a mode, it's great.

The Einstein Theatre is the pepper's ghost feature, which again is very appropriately used and integrated. There is a camera built into the head that plays a HUGE part in the game during various modes and multi-balls, and honestly I think it's an awesome feature. One mode is the selfie mode, which has the game taking the players pic with every switch hit and displaying on the large screen. I think this feature is PERFECT for the younger generation, and can see it attracting a younger demographic into playing pinball. (it's a stretch but I think that was the thought process behind it) I can also see the mode evolving to where the game will be able to determine different facial expressions or changes, and depending on how much the face changes between each picture could award extra points. The reason I say this is during my multi-ball Pat came over and pointed out a large scratch lotto ticket on the screen and he says "You're going to have to scratch that ticket to reveal the jackpot award"... and I'm like SAYWHATNOW?!? I literally had to take one hand off the flipper button while trying to control 3 balls and "scratch" the ticket! Turns out the camera does more than take selfies, and it can sense the motion of your hand scratching the ticket to reveal the shot value for that multi-ball. If you don't scratch it, your MB points suffer big time. Afterwards I asked Pat about this feature and he explained that whenever he watched a tourney it always drove him crazy how the players would trap/cradle 2 of the 3 balls and attack the multi-ball with just the one ball. By implementing this feature it attempts to stop players from being able to do that... Blew my mind!

Anyway, all I can say is don't judge this book by it's cover. It shoots great, there are LOTS of toys and things to shoot for in this game, and I think we haven't even scratched the surface of what this game has to offer. Yeah it's hella expensive, but that's nothing new the way pricing has been trending as of late.

D

 

[libtech]

Cool review, Id actually love to play one, really like pats games as well, but with the theme/art/price I wouldnt buy one (maybe used down the road). I do really hope we get one on location around me because Id put alot of loonies in one

 

[hassanchop]

The game is beautiful
I will probably have to wait 10 years to play it since nobody here will buy it for sure. And 9k$ for a pin it's just nuts..

 

[Chris Bardon]

Thanks for the hands on. Did you go to the "deep dive" session as well? I did read that they were projecting Q2 next year for a release, but it also didn't sound like they'd done a great job of justifying why the CE was 3500 more than the LE (which isn't really limited, but that's fine). Wondering if there was more information later in the show.

Either way, I'm not ruling this one out completely, but I need to play it first. Once SB gets one in the showroom I'll go check it out and decide. I'm definitely more interested in this game than Batman 66 though.

 

[Menace]

I didn't make it to the "Deep dive" seminar as I was at the Stern Anniversary party, but I figured they would cover a lot more of the games rules at that time.

As for pricing, if you buy a CE model now JJP gaurentees delivery by 12/31/2016 at midnight, which may be why it's $3500 more? Not sure what the time cut-off is, this may have been an Expo only promo...

D

 

[Chris Bardon]

As for pricing, if you buy a CE model now JJP gaurentees delivery by 12/31/2016 at midnight, which may be why it's $3500 more? Not sure what the time cut-off is, this may have been an Expo only promo...

Interesting-I thought that was just the order cutoff time. Given the post-release revisions on the last games, I might actually want to wait a few months into production to get a game. I'm glad I have the new wireform and ramp flaps on my hobbit.

 

[Menace]

Nope, I'm 99% sure he said that if anyone ordered the CE game this weekend he gaurenteed delivery before the end of the year.

Where this is their 3rd game, and it's been in development for so long, and the fact they had 5 flipping and very polished games at the show I wouldn't be too worried about post-release revisions on the hardware side of things. The other interesting thing to note was the fact JJP is only asking for a $250 refundable deposit for the game, and no other money is required until the game is ready to ship out! Any rumors of JJP having cashflow issues are clearly unfounded or they wouldn't be able to afford to do this.

D

 

[mwong168]