Published: April 21, 2018, 2:23 a.m.
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This week takes us to Stern Pinball, headquartered on a non-descript industrial zone west of O\'Hare in Elk Grove Village.
Jumping in the car for the episode is Stern Marketing Director Zach Sharpe, who\'s also the #1 pinball player in the world. For real. #1.
Here\'s what we covered this week (in an episode sponsored by the fantastic BOOST MOBILE):
- We got food from Portillo\'s, because... Portillo\'s.
- Zach\'s dad, who essentially saved pinball as we know it. "You think I\'m an interesting Sharpe? You should talk to my dad."
- To explain: "Pinball was illegal from the 40s to the 70s."
- Zach\'s introduction to the pinball tournament circuit
- The appeal of pinball: "Everyone can play it."
- The lure of pinball: "It\'s a physical, interactive experience."
- Stern owner Gary Stern walked past the Mazda 3, but didn\'t stop to chat.
- The history of Stern as a pinball company, including early pinball games like Sea Witch and Stargazer.
- Stern\'s work with rock bands: Iron Maiden (best game ever), AC/DC, Metallica, KISS, etc.
- How do bands respond when they first see "their" pinball games?
- The Batman \'66 pinball table.
- Who is the typical pinball client?
- How do you get good at pinball? What are some pro tips/baseline strategies?
- Don\'t be afraid to TILT.
Car Con Carne got to tour the Stern arcade after recording. Check out the video here:
https://youtu.be/HnSv_-A9NgE
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