I love pinball. I love the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). I discovered that pinball designer Mark Seiden created their own Metroid pinball machine and he happened to live near me. I just had to check it out and was able to schedule a meet-up. I got to play Mark Seiden’s homebrew pinball machine for a few hours and it was a delight, a truly fascinating gaming experience.
I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have been playing pinball for a very long time and watched the machines evolve quite a bit. I had two bars: 1) it had to feel like pinball and 2) it had to be fun. Metroid hit both bars and reset my expectations on where homebrew pinball could go. I spent a few hours playing Metroid Pinball, talking to Mark about pinball design, and going deep on the rules for his original game.
“I wanted to design a pinball game that I would never get tired of playing.”
Mark Seiden, Pinball Designer
I asked Mark about the metal ramps and rails. I asked, “Oh, did you have someone from the makerspace craft those for you?” Mark laughed and said, “No, I bent them and welded them myself.” This is the moment realized how crazy this was to see and play a homebrew pinball machine. It is a multidisciplinary endeavor. You have to know pinball, pinball game design, game flow, as well as, machining, 3D printing, troubleshooting, electronics, mechanics, sound design, video design, software engineering, and lighting control. Mark started Metroid Pinball years ago all the while sharing his experience live on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and on a Pinside topic thread.
Okay, the gameplay. This homebrew pinball machine is based on Nintendo’s Metroid. Metroid is my third favorite game franchise. Mario, Zelda, and Metroid are my favorite NES games, and Metroid is like a combo Mario and Zelda game. Mark’s pinball game captures the speed of Metroid, the feel of Metroid, and the map exploration of Metroid. The rules are deep. You can start the game in different modes, there are multiple skill shots, and there are many boss levels. There are some surprising features like a side flipper shot, under-the-playfield ball movement, and satisfying ramp shots.
This is a special time to be into pinball. I can’t believe what I am witnessing with the new games and innovations coming to the market and the rise of new pinball designers. It was truly an inspiring meet-up with Mark, and I appreciated seeing what he created in his basement.
Follow Mark Seiden’s epic journey on Pinside.
Update October 5, 2021: Mark Seiden Joins Jersey Jack Pinball
OMG. I just learned that Mark Seiden joined Jersey Jack Pinball as a full-time pinball game designer! The announcement was made on Jersey Jack Pinball’s Facebook page on October 5, 2021.
Congrats, Mark!
Update October 19, 2023: Mark Seiden Credited as Designer Apprentice on Elton John Pinball Machine by Steve Ritchie
Hall of Fame game designer Steve Ritchie, along with designer apprentice Mark Seiden, created a pinball experience that will delight casual players, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. The machine showcases Elton John’s legendary career through the inventiveness and quality synonymous with Jersey Jack Pinball. The machine features hand-drawn artwork packages from artists Christopher Franchi, John Youssi, and Jean-Paul De Win. Rules and software design were led by industry veteran Bill Grupp.
Update September 5, 2024: Mark Seiden Designs Avatar: The Battle for Pandora
I have been following Mark Seiden’s design journey since the early days of his live streams on Twitch to recent panels at Pintastic pinball conventions. Mark went from homebrew pinball game design to professional pinball game design at Jersey Jack Pinball. JPP is known for its over-the-top aesthetics, light shows, and theme integration. They have produced the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean pinball game, selling for over $20k US on the secondary market.
After a series of leaks and teases, we now know that Jersey Jack Pinball’s next release is Avatar: The Battle for Pandora, designed by Mark Seiden and featuring artwork by Lea Faske.
Jersey Jack Pinball has launched its latest creation, Avatar: The Battle for Pandora, and a new exclusive video offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this groundbreaking pinball machine. The video features in-depth interviews with the creative team, including lead designer Mark Seiden, and delves into the inspirations and innovative technologies that shape this unique gaming experience. The video highlights the game’s innovative features and explores why it’s a must-play for pinball enthusiasts and Avatar fans. It also presents the two available editions: the Limited Edition and the Collector’s Edition, each boasting exclusive artwork, bioluminescent effects, custom Na’vi armor, and striking LED toppers. This behind-the-scenes glimpse invites viewers to see how the magic of Avatar has been translated into the pinball world, offering an experience that promises to thrill players and captivate fans of the films. JJP lets Mark geek out on this video.