I think some of it is a case of kids just not knowing what to do - even the simple stuff.
I had my nieces and nephews over just before Christmas and it was there first time experience with pinballs. you explain it is a 3 ball game but if you get a ball save it just throws them as it potentially turns into a 6 ball game max until you show them. This also happened at a local Timezone that has just gone in, I was watching a dad and a kid playing a Tron and both just kept swapping after each ball drain - either not reading or understanding the dmd graphics or the flashing ball save insert between the flippers. A quick lesson and they were enjoying it just that little bit more.
I haven't played it but to me doesn't look like a boring game but they are getting deeper in rules, maybe too deep ???? especially in arcades - as I couldn't imagine too many people trying to beat all the levels in a arcade at $2 a hit. In the US arcade prices are only just charging $0.50
And that is exactly the dilema which the pinball industry faces today.
How do you make a pinball machine which can satisfy both the pinball wizard and the casual player who has little knowledge, let alone the ball skills.
The manufacturers could start by using the available technology to help the novice 'feel at home'. What is stopping them from installing a quick tour button and using the lights and ball to highlight the game features and main objectives?
Why can operators set different play and skill settings in the machine diagnostics? Why not have a 'skill level' button where the player can select a level they are comfortable with?
I doubt a kid today will keep coming back for more to a machine which drains dollar coins at the rate of $30 per hour. You need to perceive some sort of satisfaction and value for money at that rate.
The amusement industry needs to think hard, more than ever, on how to make money in keeping people happy and asking for more.
