I still don't get Pachinko!

[jweaver]

I hope I don't offend anyone by writing this, but I just can't understand the attraction of Pachinko.

I bought 3xPachislo and a Pachinko (Star Wars) and have had them for about a week.. Whilst I 'get' the Pachislos, I just don't understand why everyone loves Pachinko.

There is no doublt it looks cool and is 'interesting' to have, but I just don't get it.

First of all, there is the act of 'filling' it.. Where as Pachislo is self maintaining because the act of you actually playing it, keeps the hopper full (obviously it CAN run out, but generally it balances).. But with Pachinko, you have to keep taking balls from the bottom and piling them into the top.

Before you reply, I know I could convert it to "Cyclic", but thats just the tip of the iceberg.

My main concern is the gameplay.. As I see it, its a bit like playing a Pachislo, but standing back a few feet, throwing coins at it, trying to get them in the slot before you even start to play. The whole thing about the balls makes no sence to me, as it seems that all you are trying to do is hope that they land in a pocket, so that you get into the 'Reel' play which is surely effectively just like Pachislo.. With this in mind.. Why bother with the balls, and not just go straight for a Pachislo and play the reels as often as you like, without the hassle of trying to get the balls in the pockets.

If I am honest, the whole aspect of.... ball in pocket.... Star wars music.... Reels rotating.. Inevitable loose... Back to balls dropping down the field is starting to bore, if not annoy me.... The "Duh.Duh.Duh.Duuuhh.Dahhhh...." soundtrack is getting on my nerves.. Whilst I love StarWars, especially the sound track, hearing the music repeatedly just started to grate after a while.

To date, I have NEVER got 3 'reels' correct, so havn't even scratched the surface of the games and I certainly havnt' even experienced a fever yet.. But I just don't get it!

Don't get me wrong.. I am not at all unhappy with the machine.. I love it for its 'cool' factor.. But I just don't get the urge to play it... Actually, thats not true.. I DO get the urge to play it, but only to see whats going to happen next so that I can finally work out what the attraction is.. But I am sure that this shouldn't be the reason for playing.

Am I missing something? Am I doing something wrong?? Why does everyone love Pachinko but me?

I hope that my contraversial view doesn't offend people and I genuinly look forwards to your comments...

I am ducking now, to avoid the fall out from this, so be gentle on me

All the best

Jon

[MameMaster!]

I actually just wrote an upcoming article for GameRoom magazine on this exact topic. I agree with you 100%.

BUT.....I am an arcade freak.

If you want to unload that annoying SWs Pachinko let me know. I'll give you $150. for it!

[arbycoffee]

You speak as a man about marriage that is not married.
You have not felt one tenth of the action yet and you are disappointed.

I would sell it and move on to something else that makes you happy, life is to short.

[arbycoffee]

Do I hear a $155 ?

[jweaver]

Don't get me wrong.. I am not unhappy with it.. Its in my 'games room' and takes pride of place, as its really cool. To some extent I am actually intreagued by it and its a talking point.. But I don't like it enough to want to buy another one!

Jon

[luckydog]

Just wait till your hit a fever round and another and another, all in a row.

It's like your honeymoon nite

Don't just give up yet!!!!

I didn't like pachislos until I hit a bonus round on one at the flea market

[Bilko44]

Many games are initially inscrutable and seem silly at first look. Give the game more play and then decide. Just in case, I bid $160.

[azlew]

......I would sell it and move on to something else that makes you happy, life is to short.

I couldn't agree any more.

[hanabi]

Jon

you really need to play it more

when you hit a fever round it's a whole new experience!

Don't you find all that Lights, Sound, Action exciting?

You really need to embrace your Dark Side!!!

Star Wars is our first Pachinko - and I am so smitten with it - I want more, more , more!

Try not to compare it to Pachislo - as Pachi's are like Music - depends on your mood!

May the Force be with you real Soon!

[RKnarr01]

I'll put a bid in at a whopping $200!

[arbycoffee]

Sparkie couldn't go $165, had to jump up there in the big bucks

[jweaver]

Thanks Ang.. I am 100% sure you are right...

I have the urge to help the Rebel cause, but unfortunately, its out of action as I have just started to paint the cabinet. In a few days (once I have piled on about 10 coats) it will be back up and running and can will try again.

I think that one of the problem I have is that it came in pretty poor condition and I am still waiting a replacement.. So, I have never really 'bonded' with. This might not make sense to some, but since its not really mine, I havn't really accepted it as such. Blimey.. Reading that back, makes me sound like a nutter

I know what I mean.. I don't expect anyone else too.

Hopefully by the end of the week, the paint will be dry and perhaps Steve may have sent me my replacement (where I hope he picks me out a REALLY nice one).. Then I can try and anielate the Rebel Scum once and for all!

[Tulsa]

Pachinko may simply not be for you. For some it's instant recognition as a wonderful experience and others it takes experience to appreciate. Still some will never like it. You may be in this latter category.

I don't like onions or bell peppers myself, but the world is filled with people that do.

One game, food, clothing, vehicle or any other item on this planet you care to mention is never going to appeal to everyone. If it's not for you, sell it and move on to something you like. As Arby stated, life is too short not to be fun.

[Lddrizzt]

Loosen up the nails a little so you get a little more action. By your description they might be tight and barely letting the balls in the pockets. Bend them out a little and see if it changes your outlook.
I know the DekaIncas and the other three that I got recently were so tight that at least 2 of the pockets couldn't even get balls in them.

[dattia]

I don't like onions or bell peppers myself, but the world is filled with people that do.

.

....you don't like onions.....

[luckydog]

onions and bell peppers are good for your heart. we all need a little spice in our life

[Tulsa]

I don't have a heart so it's not a big deal!

[Sid]

I don't have a heart so it's not a big deal!

your the tin woodsman!!!

I knew it..

[rupan777]

I'll be the first one to admit that pachinko is probably a pretty damn boring game for a lot of people, I think it really depends on your temperament. Getting money from gambling notwithstanding, I really enjoyed watching the balls bump around the playfield - it's sort of the same joy that one gets from watching lined up dominos falling one by one or 'playing' the sand game, it's pure cause and effect.

As far as ROM gameplay, I think there's a certain level of fun that can be had from just trying to beat the computer when the odds are against you, especially when you don't have much direct bearing over what happens (pachislo is like this as well but I digress... ).

It's not for everyone but I think that it's exciting enough for us few who like these kinds of things.

[JVCJr26]

I agree Rupan. I sometimes like to shoot one ball at a time just to watch it fall. It calms me down after a stressful day.