Kings of the Coin Today’s Coin-Op Suppliers Present Their Latest and Greatest On-Premise Offerings
By Jenny Adams
For on-premise operators wanting to diversify their profit portfolios,
consider the coin-op industry the New York Stock Exchange of options
and offerings. From innovative redemption games to state-of-the-art
video consoles to tried-and-true billiards, foosball and air hockey
units, check out a sampling of the plethora of players in the market
today. Make the best decision in adding extra entertainment for your
bar or club, and guests in turn will be making their investments in
your environment.
Valley-Dynamo
The Arena Air Hockey combines the commercial quality of Dynamo air
hockey tables with new electronic sound effects, oversized overhead and
life-like graphics.
The Arena is equipped with LED scoring displays on all sides of the
overhead unit, and it has adjustable volume sound effects for puck
deflections and scores, along with announcer and commentator comments.
The Arena displays exciting new colors and realistic graphics that
enhance the playing experience. These new additions enhance the Arena’s
attractiveness, while it maintains the same quality and durability that
Dynamo air hockey is known for. Quality such as the patented Dyna-Blast
blower system, regulation-size playing surface and tournament-tested
rails all ensure accuracy and reliability.
Operators are requesting the Arena for their guests. Locations are
reporting the lighting and sound effects have attracted more traffic
into their game rooms and increased their earnings during, on- and
off-peak hours.
For more information, contact a Valley-Dynamo representative today at (800) 248-2837.
Stern Pinball
Merging the speed of the race track with the speed of the silver
ball, Stern Pinball Inc. has introduced a new NASCAR licensed product
–– NASCAR Pinball. Designed by Pat Lawlor and his team at Pat Lawlor
Design, NASCAR Pinball features the high energy of NASCAR racing along
with the fascination of high-tech gaming. The new NASCAR Pinball game
features cars from three race teams –– the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge
driven by Rusty Wallace of Penske Racing South; the No. 29 GM
Goodwrench Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick of Richard Childress
Racing; and the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford driven by Ricky Rudd of Wood
Brothers Racing.
Energized by magnets, the loop sends pinballs racing around like cars
racing around a track. NASCAR Pinball also features a truck hauler that
the player can launch a ball through along with a test toy car that the
player can bang with the pinball. Other features of the game include a
voice-over from Allen Bestwick, NASCAR television analyst for NBC, and
recording artist Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55,” a popular tune among
NASCAR fans. Well-known pinball artist John Youssi did the art package
for the game, while expert sound engineer Chris Granner produced the
sound work.
To learn more about Stern Pinball, visit sternpinball.com.
Skee-Ball Spin-N-Win
Skee-Ball’s newest addition to its expanding line of redemption
games is Spin-N-Win. Spin-N-Win is quite an attention-grabber among
both players and operators alike, combining bright lights and exciting
motion. Players pull the slot lever; watch the spinning lights and hit
the stop button, hoping to get the highest number of tickets. There are
five payout table options, which are operator-adjustable. The game
comes in standard four-foot and jumbo six-foot versions.
”Because it is built by Skee-Ball, you can expect quality, service and
dependability with the purchase of Spin-N-Win or any of their other
fine redemption games.
AMF Thunder Bowl
AMF Thunder Bowl is a sensational scaled down version of the classic
American pastime from AMF, the world leader in bowling. Thunder Bowl
delivers all the fun and fast-paced action of traditional bowling in a
package that will fit comfortably within a smaller facility. Some of
the features and options include availability in one or more lanes,
operation via coin, bill or card reader system and adjustable lane
length from 38 feet to 42 feet and four inches. The state-of-the-art
scoring system can handle up to eight players on each lane with
spectacular animations. There are two games to choose from, the classic
Ten-Pin bowling or AMF Strikeshot.
New this year for the AMF Thunder Bowl game is the Xtreme package. This
package combines colorful effects lighting, a powerful high-quality
sound system and a fog delivery system into a self contained unit
located over the top of the lane surfaces. The Xtreme package elevates
the Thunder Bowl experience to the next level in entertainment and
excitement.
For more information, call (800) 342-5263 or e-mail Neil Pennington at
Sega
In November 2001, Sega introduced a game the industry pundits said was
too big, cost too much, took too long to play, and is too complicated.
The game went on to earn more than any video game ever, Sega
representatives say — Derby Owners Club: World Edition.
Sega saw a need for a lower cost, smaller unit offering greater
location penetration. They developed Derby Owners Club: Horse Shoe
Edition, and they were “off to the races!”
Sega remains committed to this enormously popular game. In the coming
months, Sega is introducing updated software offering a new race call,
new Sires and Dams for breeding, and in-house tournament support making
it easier for locations to host and manage tournaments.
For more information, contact Peter Gustafson at (888) 877-2669.
Shelti Valley Cougar Eye2 Dart Game
Shelti, Inc. is a collection of table and game experts with more than
100 years of industry experience in design, engineering, manufacturing,
sales and service. The company manufactures coin-operated pool tables,
electronic darts, and foosball, together with commercial-grade retail
air-powered hockey, dome hockey, foosball and pool tables. Built upon a
heritage that set the industry standard for playability and reliability
of electronic darts, much of what operators have come to rely on from
Valley Cougar Darts is in this new game. The cabinet’s hinged design
makes the game easy to fold and transport and the target assembly
remains unchanged and is still service-accessible from the front of the
game. It’s also easy to see that the Cougar Eye2 still has a
player-preferred overhead display that allow all players to view
current scores from a distance. The new Valley Cougar Eye2 by Shelti
also represents the future of electronic darts, as much as the past,
for players and operators.
For more information, visit shelti.com.
Qubica Highway 66
The Highway 66 mini bowling attraction is real bowling scaled down to
fit into your recreation area. This sensational attraction has
populated many bars throughout the world. An investment in the Hwy 66
mini bowling attraction will enhance your ability to become the primary
provider of leisure and corporate entertainment in your area. Expect
everyone to desire a bowling birthday party or host a company event at
your venue, and be prepared to have customers enter your establishment
and exclaim, “Wow, this place has bowling!”
Highway 66 is manufactured and provide by Qubica Worldwide, with offices in USA, Canada, Italy, Australia, Japan and Russia.
For information in the United States, call (888) 495-2300.
Merit Boardwalk
The New Merit Boardwalk Multigame is an upright trackball game, and
the single cabinet offers amusement and tournament modes for four
different games: Strike City bowling, Boardwalk Hoops basketball, Mini
Golf and an exclusively licensed video Skee-Ball game.
In addition to the Merit Boardwalk and its unique software, Merit also
introduces an exciting variety of new and licensed games for its 2006
Software. This release includes Texas Holdem’ 2 –– a no limit hold ‘em
competition. Around the World Mini Golf allows players to putt their
way around the world and visit Paris’ beautiful Eiffel Tower, England’s
Big Ben and Egypt’s Pyramids. Sport Merithon allows for enjoyment of
three sports games in one, including the classic Megatouch games QB
Zone, Air Shot and Hoop Jones.
For more information, visit meritind.com.
Bumper Tube
Bumper Tube has been a tavern owner’s source for coin-operated pool
tables, pool table parts and supplies for 27 years. The company’s
reputation for making it easy to purchase and maintain a coin-operated
pool table is well known in the industry.
The company’s Wrangler coin-operated pool table comes in three sizes
and has all the popular features one should expect on a coin-op table:
slate playfield, adjustable push chute (up to $1.25), magnetic cue ball
separator, triple-plated, die-cast corners, plywood construction and
more. Each table comes with four cue sticks, a set of balls, cue chalk,
a brush and a triangle. This table is built to withstand the rigors of
the tavern environment for years to come.
Visit Bumpertube.com to place an order, or call (800) 222-1225 to
place a phone order or request a free catalog. Orders are shipped the
same day and are delivered to your door.
Betson/Raw Thrills Big Buck Hunter Pro
Big Buck Hunter Pro is the all new high-definition arcade game hunting
simulator. Designed by Play Mechanix, the creators of Big Buck Hunter,
Big Buck Hunter Pro is the latest game in the acclaimed Big Buck Hunter
series. Bar and nightclub players are raving about Big Buck Hunter
Pro’s high-definition photo realistic animals and wild animal habitats.
Now players can hunt whitetail deer, elk, antelope, big horn sheep and
moose in awe-inspiring panoramas of the North American wilderness.
New for Big Buck Hunter Pro is the two gun Big Buck Shootout, which
increases competition and doubles earnings by letting two hunters go
head-to-head in a simultaneous match. In addition, Pro features classic
BBH round-robin play. Big Buck Hunter Pro’s Tournament System drives
players to your location with the on-premise contests, national
tournaments and league play.
For more information, contact your local game distributor, contact
Betson Industries at (800) 524 2343 or e-mail
Incredible Technologies
From the makers of the world’s most successful coin-op video games,
Incredible Technologies presents its newest 10-pin sensation, Silver
Strike Bowling. Silver Strike Bowling offers innovative trackball
control with stunning 3D graphics and realistic ball physics and pin
action.
Up to eight players can enjoy three different modes of play, including
Vegas Bowling, for an added level of competition. Interactive game
controls include bowler gender, ball weights, camera angles, slow
motion and TV-quality instant replays. Pro bowler and TV announcer
Randy Pedersen entertains players with color commentary and witty
play-by-play. Silver Strike Bowling is the perfect on-premise game for
both men and women and a strong earner for all types of locations, and
it also is a viable addition to Incredible Technologies’ other
offerings, Golden Tee and Big Buck Hunter.
Contact your local amusement operator today for more information.
Global Billard: Matrix
Tired of giving out change? Update your existing pool tables and
increase income with the revolutionary new Matrix bill
acceptor/validator kit from Global Billiard Mfg. Designed as a
self-contained, battery-operated unit, the Matrix fits seamlessly into
most existing pool tables and accepts quarters and $1, $5, $10 and $20
bills. With its state-of-the-art circuit board and embedded real-time
clock and calendar, the system offers an unlimited variety of
programming options. Other features include easy installation, an
onboard battery charger and battery strength indicator and electronic
game counter.
To learn more about the Matrix and Global’s full line of pool tables, call (800) 987-6040 or visit pool-tables.com.
Global VR
Global VR recently announced the commercial availability of the highly
anticipated Need for Speed Underground game for the coin-op market and
now has added hit title to the growing list of Global VR Cash Prize
Tournament games. The addition of the game to the Global VR Tournament
System gives players the opportunity to enjoy exciting driving action
as well the chance to participate in large cash prize tournaments. To
provide even more competitive events for race fans, operators may
choose to set their own local tournaments. An online username and
password makes this very simple to set up and lucrative to run. To help
with the promotion of tournament events, operators can order posters,
counter cards, table tents, floor graphics, flyers, etc.
For more information, contact Global VR at (408) 501-0000 or visit Global VR’s Web site at globalvr.com.
Namco
Namco America Inc. has released the Pac-Man 25th Anniversary game. The
size of the standard coin-operated upright is 68-inches tall by
25-inches wide by 34-inches deep, taking up little space for the amount
of revenue impact generated on-premise. Players can play on a custom
board, choosing one of three games in various versions, with a total of
five games possible. Games include, Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Speed Ms.
Pac-Man, Galaga or Rapid Fire Galaga. The Limited Edition Pac-Man 25th
Anniversary game is available in a standard upright model and a
non-coin-operated cabaret model.
For more information, visit namcoarcade.com, contact a distributor or call Namco’s sales office at (630) 238-2248.
DSM Sales and Marketing
Redemption games are becoming a hot part of the coin-op industry right
now, and the Psyclone is the best redemption product that DSM Sales
& Manufacturing has produced. The success of a redemption game is
primarily based on its merchandise. The design of the Psyclone allows
for prizes from keychains to Gameboys. This versatility gives any
location the opportunity to cater to audiences of any age. Psyclone
also is fast-paced and addictive to play. It’s simple enough for
children to understand and learn, yet challenging enough for adults to
continue playing time and time again. Retailing at $3,795, it also is
affordable for new or established operators.
Contact DSM Sales & Manufacturing at (800) 738-8618 or visit dsmpsyclone.com.
Great American Recreation
The Boom-A-Rang is another great game by Great American. The new
design, incorporating the space-saving footprint, is built to fit
against a wall, corner or back-to-back with another table. It is fully
programmable for maximum time, play and max score. The eye-catching
design includes overhead electronic scoring and allows for side-by-side
play for a completely new twist on air hockey. The all-around oversized
rails help prevent the puck from leaving the table and the easy to
clean Formica playing field and long term wear guard finish will ensure
that the table looks newer longer. It also has an internal puck drop
system with hinged panels for easy service access at each goal. All of
the cabinets are 3/4-inch plywood, and custom colors are available. The
sleek finish and inviting new design entice players to repeat play,
generating great revenue for the on-premise accounts. The reliable
electronic coin drop mechanism has a DBA option and the new industrial
rated blower provides superior speed and performance.
For more information, visit Great American Recreation at
GreatAmericanRec.com, e-mail
or call (800)
831-2011.
Coney Island Arcade
The Boxer is one of the hottest and most popular games to reach
American arcades in recent years. The Boxer is a punching bag style
game with modern electronics that is built to last and to produce
profit in a variety of locations, including bars. It is being imported
and marketed by two Coney Island operating veterens, Stan Fox, an
arcade veteran, and Manny Cohen, owner of Coney Island Arcade. The game
has great earning capability and reliability, two very important
qualities on the mind of operators. The Boxer offers three play modes:
strength test, speed test, and tournament mode. The first two modes
measure power and reflexes, displaying the score on a digital display.
In tournament mode, three to nine players can compete for three rounds,
plus a practice round. Operators are offering one credit for 50 cents,
but sometimes $1 per punch.
The machine is constructed of water-resistant fiberglass and steel and
engineered for safety, with a padded bag and arm mechanism. It is
available in various languages including English, Spanish, French and
Italian, with many different voice messages. The machine comes with a
one-year warranty on all parts and replacement parts can be purchased
from Coney Island Arcade and can be operated both indoors and outdoors.
For more information, contact Manny Cohen by visiting coneyislandarcade.com.
For on-premise operators wanting to diversify their profit portfolios,
consider the coin-op industry the New York Stock Exchange of options
and offerings. From innovative redemption games to state-of-the-art
video consoles to tried-and-true billiards, foosball and air hockey
units, check out a sampling of the plethora of players in the market
today. Make the best decision in adding extra entertainment for your
bar or club, and guests in turn will be making their investments in
your environment. 
