Spooky does a button instead of shooter rod so they can spend money on sculpts, real backglass, full powdercoat, shaker, magnetic graphics, topper. You get quite a bit more for a game under $10K compared to $12-15K from Stern and JJP.
For me gameplay > cosmetics. I feel like the plunger is satisfying in most games. The manual pull/timing and the reward that is granted. If you look at a parts supplier like pinball life, for a one-off purchase the plunger and giant launch buttons are the same price. (0.85 spring + 0.15 rubber tip + 6.00 main rod + 0.30 bounce back spring + plunger housing) vs Launch Ball button $7.00. Only a difference of around $10. I don't think it should be on the chopping block for around $5-$10 cost difference. At volume I estimate its maybe $5.00 more just because of the black shooter rod housing cost. I feel it's an essential part of gameplay that I miss while playing a spooky game.
Texas chainsaw massacre (spooky) has a skill shot from the plunge button. It’s not just a simple button press. Depending how long you hold it down, there is a power readout on the plunge strength. I think this makes a fun new element to the game. When done like this, it feels like a good trade off.
@@smellymelly011273 the other big reason that designers opt out of a shooter rod, is that it then gives back space and control for how and where the ball will launch from. This either gives back space under or beside the apron and other elements.
@@asdftwef I always thought about doing that. Is it not on Looney Tunes? I didn't readily see anything on the game that led me to believe this was an option.
IMO- there are certain elements that are the essence of a pinball machine, and a plunger rod is one of that iconic parts that makes you feel that you are playing a pinball machine. Scoops, holes, orbit, pop bumpers, toys. The rest might be fancy adds on like ramps, upper or basement fields, 11:48 magnets, etc.
Usually Lounge $10 Fridays. Sometimes I go the whole month sometimes it's 2 fridays a month. District Eat and Play does 7pm free tournaments every friday too if you didnt' know. Usually 20+ players, and it's free to play and win stuff.
@@NightWindsMusic It's head to head. A mix of adults and kids. Usually only a few players that are near the top. Everyone else is casual and sometimes casuals win. Free either way.
