Colin Alsheimer

Author Profile

Colin Alsheimer

Colin is the chief pixel pusher at Kineticist. He's a lifetime gamer who became enamored with pinball after taking in a family copy of the 1979 classic Joker Poker (the EM version). Since then he's bought, sold and repaired many machines, competed in all kinds of tournaments, and contributes to This Week in Pinball, the New England Pinball League, and Pin-Masters of New England. Previously, Colin spent over a decade working in marketing for agencies and tech startups, with clients like American Airlines, the MBTA, Analog Devices, Eli Lilly and more. He also started and ran a music blog, happy hour website, and wrote a regular craft beer review column for Central Track in Dallas. Once aspired to be an artsy film director.

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Product Announcement

Introducing the Official Roger Sharpe Collectible Action Figure

Discover the limited edition Roger Sharpe action figure - a handcrafted collectible honoring the Man Who Saved Pinball, featuring authentic details and signatures from both Roger Sharpe and artist Dano Brown.

12 Pinball Expo Seminar Sessions We're Excited To See in 2024

12 picks for seminar sessions we're most looking forward to seeing at the 40th edition of Pinball Expo.

DPX Launches Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Today, DPX officially launched Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the first game from the sub-brand of Dutch Pinball.

Jersey Jack Pinball

A Day at Jersey Jack Pinball for the Avatar Launch

Recapping a day spent at Jersey Jack Pinball following the launch of their newest game, Avatar: The Battle for Pandora.

Jersey Jack Pinball

First Look at JJP’s Avatar: Battle for Pandora

First look at Avatar: The Battle for Pandora, Jersey Jack Pinball's latest game release. Rules, key features, release storylines, and more.

Jersey Jack Pinball

Avatar Eats the Ball

The latest picture from Jersey Jack's newest game, Avatar.

The Ultimate Roundup of Pinball Manufacturer News [Updated 11.20.24]

Keeping track of pinball manufacturer news and updates so you don't have to.

A Detailed Timeline of the Haggis Pinball Collapse [UPDATED 8.2]

Last week, Haggis Pinball, an Australian startup manufacturer of pinball machines, collapsed. While not a surprise to many who have been following the story closely over the years, the manner of closure leaves more questions than answers. Here's our detailed timeline of what happened and when.

Haggis Pinball Goes Dark; Business Records Indicate Closure

Haggis Pinball sure seems done as a company.

Grey Godzilla: Stern Announces Black & White 70th Anniversary Godzilla Pinball Machine

Stern Pinball made official today what has long been rumored in the pinball enthusiast community: a new black, white (and red) edition of their best-selling Godzilla pinball machine.

Around the Playfield with “Pinball” Geoff Harvey

Let's go Around the Playfield with Pinball Geoff Harvey. In this conversation, I wanted to learn more about Geoff’s history with pinball, what’s kept him engaged with the hobby for so long, and see if we could get some insight into the state of modern pinball relative to its past.

Pinball History

Watch: Silverball Heroes Battle Video Invaders

Does anybody win in an arcade game Civil War? Watch to find out!

Stern's John Wick Pinball Released; Everything We Know So Far

Last week, Stern Pinball confirmed the upcoming release of a John Wick pinball machine. We've been waiting to receive more substance before writing a deep dive post on the release, and today, we finally got some!

Pinflation Keeps Chilling; Used Pinball Prices Flat in 1Q 2024

Taking a look at the used pinball market through the first quarter of 2024, thanks to data from PinballPrices.com.

Catching up with Scorbit on New Features, Growth & More!

We got a chance to catch up with Ron Richards, one of the Co-Founders of Scorbit on what the team has been up to over the last year, coming on the heels of a cool new feature release.

Is Little Shop of Horrors TiltBob’s First Licensed Game?

Searching the USPTO is fun and educational!

Pinball Brothers

ABBA Pinball Deep Dive

Collecting everything we know so far about Pinball Brothers' latest release, ABBA Pinball.

Pinball Brothers

First Pictures of ABBA Pinball

Check out the first photos from Pinball Brother's latest release, ABBA, set to be revealed this Saturday.

Next Level Levels Up

Next Level Pinball Museum adds expansion to become the 4th Largest Public Pinball Collection in North America.

Pinball Brothers

Is ABBA the Next Pinball Brothers Game?

You can dance, you can jive.

American Pinball

Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge is the Next American Pinball Machine

Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge is the Next American Pinball Machine

Pinball Locations

Tycoon Arcade (aka Glimmerhold) Takes New Hampshire By Storm

Tycoon Arcade, the newest arcade in Manchester, New Hampshire, takes the local scene by storm.

Digital Pinball

Yes There's a J6 Themed Pinball Machine

Making the rounds at CPAC 2024.

Multimorphic Announces Princess Bride Pinball

Exploring the latest creation from Multimorphic Pinball, Princess Bride.

How Pinball Flipped My Life: Interview with TEDx Speaker Michael Sandler

When it comes to pinball origin stories, Michael Sandler’s isn’t too dissimilar from others you may have heard before. While he had been exposed to pinball growing up, it wasn’t as big a part of his life until he stumbled upon the Pintastic pinball show in New England several years ago.

The Princess Bride is the Next Multimorphic P3 Pinball Game

Advanced image analysis confirms it.

This Week in Pinball

"Jersey" Jack Guarnieri Gets It

This is something that would normally be shared in a weekly TWIP update, but since I'm still working on moving some of those pieces around and getting TWIP set up on a new platform, it's going to go here for now!

Goonies Never Say Die! But They Do Make Rad Pinball Machines

Check out the latest custom pinball machine from Brian Soares and Gameroom Pinball, The Goonies!

Jaws is the Next Stern Pinball Release [Updated 1.5.24]

The first teaser for Jaws Pinball is out. [Updated 1.5.24]

Pinball Terms Glossary

This glossary covers a list of pinball terms and phrases commonly used in the hobby.

First Look: Happy Gilmore Pinball

Scope the Latest Custom Pinball Creation from Brian Soares and Reby Hardy.

Pinball Degenerates Announce New 2024 DeGENie Awards Categories

Now in its 3rd year, the annual Pinball Degenerates Awards aka "The DeGENieS" last night announced the category list for their upcoming awards show, to be held on February 18th, 2024.

Pinball Content Creators Share their Favorite Games And What They Love About Pinball

30+ pinball content creators share their five favorite games and what they love about pinball!

TWIP Joins Kineticist!

Hi. Colin here for a special edition of This Week in Pinball.

An Exceptional Expo!

Pinball Expo 2023 was an exceptional experience, exceeding my expectations in every conceivable way.

Pinball Community Spotlight: Ed Giardina, IFPA Mobile App Developer

Welcome to the 3rd installment our pinball community spotlight series, where we interview the operators, builders, tournament organizers, and business owners that make the pinball world go ‘round.

Tournament Pinball

Play in the First Accessible and Inclusive Pinball Tournament at Pinball Expo

Pinball is for everyone, and this year there's no better way to demonstrate that ethos than by playing in the first accessible and inclusive pinball tournament at the Project Pinball booth at the 2023 Pinball Expo.

Pinball Community Spotlight: Andreas Haugstrup Pedersen of Match Play

A special conversation with Andreas Haugstrup Pedersen of Match Play.

Pinball Community Spotlight: Brian O'Neill of Scorbit

Welcome to the first of (hopefully many) pinball community spotlights, where we interview the operators, tournament organizers, and business owners that make the pinball world go ‘round. (Originally published on IFPApinball.com in Feb. of 2023)

Labyrinth is the First Pinball Machine from Barrels of Fun [UPDATED 10.17]

After months of speculation, the first game from Barrels of Fun Pinball (Mystery Pinball Company) is based on the 1986 cult-classic film Labyrinth.

Collecting all the Mystery Pinball Company Clues [Updated 10.4]

Collecting an a-maze-ing number of clues for the upcoming pinball machine from Mystery Pinball Company.

5 Sessions We're Excited for at Pinball Expo 2023

Highlighting a few presentations that caught our eye.

The Best Pinball Podcasts (2023 Edition)

Taking a look at some of the best pinball podcasts as we approach the end of 2023.

Mystery Pinball Company Pushes Towards The End-Game

Well what would you know, an update from Mr. Spelvin and co.

Drew Robishaw Broke the Pinball Playing Record at 48 Hours; Then Kept Playing

Drew Robishaw can play pinball far longer than you can. And he now has the official Guinness World Record to prove it.

Elton John is the Next Jersey Jack Pinball Machine (Photos, Rules & More!)

The rumors proved true, and Elton John has been confirmed as the next Jersey Jack pinball machine, their second release of 2023.

Elvis Once Owned This Pinball Machine - Now You Can Too!

A piece of music and pinball history, if it can be verified of course!

18 Pinball Themes Stern Won't Be Making Anytime Soon*

Reading some tea leaves on social media posts.

Catching up with Bowen Kerins; Talking Multimorphic’s Final Resistance, Pinball Rules Design, Dream Themes, and more!

Today we’re super excited to bring you a conversation with Bowen Kerins, an accomplished competitive pinball player, rules designer, and advocate for the game.

Vermont’s Pinball Co-Op Completes Expansion (Plus a Chat with Owner Mike Havens)

Vermont's Pinball Co-Op completes an expansion and we chat with owner Mike Havens.

Venom is the Next Stern Pinball Machine [Updated 7.17.23]

The open secret has finally been confirmed by Stern. Venom will be their next cornerstone game release.

Centaur is the Next Haggis Pinball Machine

Kaneda calls it.

Old School Cool: Meet Betsy, a Pops Pinball Regular

Betsy plays pinball and is way cooler than you.

Connecting Balls to Bells: Is the "Mystery Pinball Company" Stern's Amazing Spider-Man (AKA Venom)?

Purely speculation. But if the spider-web sticks...

Tracking the Evolution of SternPinball.com from 2000-Today

Hop inside our 1998 Volkswagen Beetle, and let’s ride through time. ‍

Pinball Hype Index Updates: April 2023

The Pinball Hype Index has gone through its monthly update cycle! We have now reviewed 42,778 (+962) pieces of content. There are a total of 1,651 (+13) unique pinball IPs tracked in our system (we only include the top 200 or so in our public index).

Old School Tech in Silicon Valley? The Best Places for Pinball in San Jose, CA

San Jose, California, is home to the world’s leading tech companies and rich with entertainment businesses that cater to geek culture. Whether you’re coming to town for an interview or to attend SiliCon, you’ll find plenty to get excited about in the capital of Silicon Valley. ‍

Breaking: Jersey Jack Severs Partnership with Scorbit

Connected pinball startup Scorbit launches new partnership with Chicago Gaming Company.

8 Reasons to be Super Stoked for All the New Pinball Game Releases

It's truly a special time to be in the pinball world right now. Let's take a moment to reflect and celebrate the state of the hobby!

Pulp Fiction is the Next Chicago Gaming Company Pinball Machine

Pulp Fiction is the next Chicago Gaming Company pinball machine.

Pinball Hype Index Updates: March 2023

Recapping the Pinball Hype Index updates for March 2023.

The Godfather is the Next Jersey Jack Pinball Machine

Jersey Jack officially confirms a very poorly held secret. Coming March 2023.

First Confirmation of Jersey Jack's The Godfather?

Did Pintastic New England accidentally spill the beans on Jersey Jack's next game (The Godfather)? Check out their post on Facebook, and draw your own conclusions!

Galactic Tank Force is the Next American Pinball Machine

It wasn't much of a secret before, but it's definitely not a secret now! Galactic Tank Force is American Pinball's next pin.

Foo Fighters Pinball is the Next Stern Cornerstone Release

Surprising very few in the pinball hobby (particularly if you've been paying attention to our Hype Index rankings), Stern Pinball has officially confirmed that The Foo Fighters will be their next cornerstone release.

The Rare Pinball Files: a Deep Dive on Hankin's Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Taking a look at the ultra-rare Empire Strikes Back pinball machine from 1980, plus a chat with a Star Wars super-fan and pinball collector in Australia.

Hype Index Updates: February 2023

Recapping the Hype Index updates for February, 2023.

Recapping the Winners of The 2023 PiNbALL DeGENeRaTE Awards (AKA the DeGENies)

The 2nd annual Pinball Degenerate Awards (aka The Degenies) were pulled off without so much as a hitch.

10 Retro Arcades From the 1970s-1990s: Mostly Gone But Not Forgotten!

The 1970s to 1990s was truly the golden era for public arcades. Take a stroll through arcade history with our roundup of 10 arcade chains that people still reminisce about today.

Everything You Need to Know About Pinball Machine Rental

Are you looking to get into pinball but don't want to commit to buying a machine? Then rent a pinball machine! Find out everything you need to know about pinball machine rental - from the benefits of renting versus buying, to how you can find local distributors and operators that offer rentals.

The 10 Best Steve Ritchie Pinball Games, Ranked

Steve Ritchie has made some epic games. He's often in the running for best pinball designer of all time, alongside other industry greats like Pat Lawlor, Keith Elwin, Barry Oursler, and others. But which ones stand out as the best of the best? Let's find out.

44 Best Affordable Used Pinball Machines to Buy in 2024 ($5k or Less)

If you dig deep enough, it's still possible to find the right pinball machine for your collection at a fair price point. We'll help you get started with our roundup of affordable pins.

Exploring Chicago's Incredible Pinball Hotspots

Chicago Illinois is a city that offers something for everyone, and for pinball and arcade fans, it's a veritable paradise. The Windy City is home to some of the best pinball and arcade spots in the country.

The Ultimate Guide to Pinball Shows & Tournaments in 2024

It's time for our annual roundup of the best pinball shows, conventions, expos, and tournaments that should be on your travel schedule for the year.

The Best Pinball Websites to Feed Your Pinball Obsession

We've put together a list of the best pinball websites on the internet, broken down into easy-to-digest categories. Whether you're looking to dive headfirst into the scene or just want to buy a shiny new machine, we've got you covered.

The Best Places Play Pinball & Arcade Games in Boise, Idaho

Looking to get your arcade and pinball fix in Boise? We gotchu. Check out our guide to the 5 places you need to visit to play pinball in Boise, Idaho.

Uncut Gems: 21 Best Gottlieb Pinball Machines of the Modern Era

We apply our Pingorithm® rankings to Gottlieb's modern pinball machines.

The Best Places to Play Pinball in Denver, Colorado

Looking for the best places to play pinball in Denver? Look no further! We've rounded up a list of the best locations in and around the city where you can test your skills and have a great time.

Milwaukee Pinball Hotspots: Where to Find the Best Machines in the City

Looking for the best places to play pinball in Milwaukee? Look no further! Our guide to Milwaukee's top pinball hotspots will help you find the best machines in the city. From classic Bally and Williams tables to the latest Stern pinball machines, there's something for everyone.

The Best Places to Play Pinball in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex is a vibrant and exciting metropolitan area that has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a friendly competition or just some old-school gaming fun, the area's arcades, barcades and pinball bars can provide hours of entertainment.

A Comprehensive Guide to Pinball for New Players

If you're looking to join the pinball scene, here's your guide! Learn everything from how to get started playing and checking out nearby venues, all the way up through joining passionate online communities for extra help.

The Best Places to Play Pinball in Tucson, Arizona

Check out our guide to the best places to play pinball and arcade games in Tucson, Arizona.

11 Must-Have Pinball Apps For Your Home Screen (Plus 5 Games to Avoid)

If you're a pinball player or collector, these are the must-have pinball apps for your phone or tablet (plus a few apps you can skip for now).

The Best Places to Play Pinball in Kansas City

Scoping out some of the best places to play pinball at in and around Kansas City.

Are You a Pinball Wizard? Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About a Pinhead's Least Favorite Phrase

Get ready to become a pinball wizard and uncover the secrets of the pinhead's least favorite phrase.

Skill & Luck Games

Belgian Feather Bowling: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

This is truly the only guide you'll probably ever need to Belgian Feather Bowling.

13 Totally Radical 1970s Era Williams Pinball Machines

Taking a look at 13 totally radical pinball machines produced by Williams Electronics Company from 1970-1979.

Home Game Rooms

105 Awesome Ideas for Game Room Names

Check out our comprehensively creative list of the 105 coolest game room and arcade names.

Best Places to Play Pinball in Phoenix and The Valley, Arizona

Our guide to the best places to play pinball in Phoenix and The Valley, Arizona.

Home Game Rooms

What Everyone Should Know About the Mini Jumbotron

Learn everything you need to know about the ultimate home game room and man cave accessory - the Mini Jumbotron.

8 Incredible Places to Play Pinball in New York City (and Brooklyn)

Check out these 8 incredible places to play pinball and arcade games in New York City and Brooklyn.

Best Places to Play Pinball in and Around St. Louis, MO

Where to play classic and modern pinball, arcade games, and more while visiting St. Louis, Missouri.

Top Places to Play Pinball in and Around Boston, MA

So here's the deal. If you don't know much about Boston, it's a pretty small city. By population and land area. And that scarcity of land means that the business model for location pinball is hard. But, the Boston area is still home to some of the best pinball in the country. Check out our guide.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Bubble Hockey Table for Your Game Room

Most people are familiar with bubble hockey as the table arcade game with a plastic or glass bubble over the top of it. However, if you have never played bubble hockey, you're in for a treat!

The Best Online Pinball Communities (other than Pinside)

One of the best parts of getting into the pinball scene is discovering the great community behind it. Check out our roundup of the best places to find the pinball community online (besides Pinside.com).

Best Places to Play Pinball in Portland, Oregon

If you're looking for a place to play some pinball or arcade games, Portland certainly has you covered. There are several top-notch arcades and barcades in the city that offer a variety of pinball machines, arcade games, and other amusement options. Check out our guide.

Best Places to Play Pinball in Austin, Texas

Welcome to Austin, Texas! A city that's constantly buzzing with energy and excitement. If you're looking for the best places to play pinball in the city, we've got you covered! Here are the 5 best palces to play pinball in the city.

Best Places to Play Pinball in and around Minneapolis, Minnesota

Check out our roundup of the best places to play pinball and arcade games in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Twin Cities area.

Guide to The Top Places to Play Pinball in San Francisco, CA

Check out our handy guide to the 7 best places to find and play pinball machines in San Francisco California.

Best Places to Play Pinball in San Diego, California

Check out the top places to find and play pinball on location in San Diego, CA.