Episode 269 - Friends Are Optional

Episode 269 - Friends Are Optional

Author: Dennis Kriesel & Tony Kurkowski April 12, 2026 Duration: 51:44
Pinball: We correct that Monster League Hockey does permit single-player games, discuss American Pinball "reimagining" Circus Voltaire, and cover a listener email. Video Games: We talk about Warhorse going to A.I. translation, Palworld actually making a dating sim version of the game, Mindseye and its relaunch, the success of the Super Mario Galaxy movie, Nexon embracing A.I. while Take-Two backs away from it, the Mass Effect movie maybe turning into trash for non-gamers, some Sony updates, and new DLC coming for Brotato. Episode Links: Knapp Arcade article that covers the plan for American Pinball doing Circus Voltaire later this year: https://www.knapparcade.org/blog/update-on-american-pinball-yukon-yeti-at-pintastic-new-england-tons-of-stern-games-at-or-approaching-10 Show Links: EGP Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eclectic_gamers Website: http://eclecticgamers.com EGP T-shirts: https://teespring.com/stores/eclectic-gamers-podcast iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/eclectic-gamers-podcast/id1088802706?mt=2 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-465086826 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eclecticgamerspodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC40Frd1Fep4u5bjrw3cvwoQ Discord: https://discord.gg/sgnrsBT Email: eclecticgamerspodcast@gmail.com

Dennis Kriesel and Tony Kurkowski host the Eclectic Gamers Podcast-Pinball & Video Games, a conversation that dives deep into the worlds of arcade cabinets and digital entertainment. While the show’s heart lies in these two core passions, pinball often takes center stage, with detailed discussions on machines, techniques, and the vibrant community surrounding the silver ball. Video games, from retro classics to modern releases, provide a rich counterpoint, ensuring there’s always a mix of topics. True to its name, this podcast isn’t afraid to venture beyond the expected; you’ll occasionally hear them explore tabletop RPGs, card games, and other corners of the gaming universe. The tone is relaxed and informed, feeling more like a chat between knowledgeable friends than a formal review show. Each episode is built around those permanent segments dedicated to pinball and video games, offering consistency within a broad spectrum of interests. For anyone who finds joy in the click of flippers, the glow of a screen, or the roll of a dice, this eclectic mix delivers thoughtful commentary and genuine enthusiasm.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Eclectic Gamers Podcast - Pinball & Video Games
Podcast Episodes
Episode 268 - 2026 Texas Pinball Festival Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:48
Pinball: We 2026 TPF, in terms of the overall show and finally getting caught up with playing a lot of games that came out in 2025 that we had yet to experience. Video Games: We talk about some virtual pinball, video gam…
Episode 267 - Twisted Metal & Downsized Battlefield [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:13
Pinball: We discuss a bunch of listener emails. Video Games: We talk about virtual pinball, Pokopia, New York suing Valve, Microsoft's new gaming hardware, the background of Overwatch, the shutdown of Highguard, a major…
Episode 266 - G.D. Donut! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:05
Pinball: We discuss a bunch of listener emails and also the report that Dungeon Crawler Carl is getting a pinball machine. Video Games: We talk about Highguard, Xbox's leadership change, Genshin Impact and A.I., Discord…
Episode 265 - Gotta Catch 'Em All [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:55
Pinball: We discuss Stern Pinball finally revealing Pokémon Pinball, and the announced end of DPX (Dutch Pinball Exclusive). Video Games: We talk about Sony's patent for some weird A.I. thing, a major Overwatch update, S…
Episode 264 - Ubisoft: The Segment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:19
Pinball: We discuss more about American Pinball, what little we know about Stern's next cornerstone plans, and answer some listener emails. Video Games: We talk a bunch about Ubisoft but also hit on Highguard and Dispatc…
Episode 263 - Maimai... is Texas Pinball Now? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:12
Pinball: We discuss JB Vincent LP, a Texas-based entity, acquiring the assets of American Pinball Inc. We also cover a couple listener emails. Video Games: We talk about some new LEGO sets based off video games, Amazon p…
Episode 262 - Welcome to 2026! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:00
Pinball: We discuss the most affordable way to get into virtual pinball gaming and talk about what we hope to see from the pinball industry in 2026. Video Games: We talk about the loss of Vince Zampella, EA's ownership c…
Episode 261 - 2025 Year-End Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:10
Pinball: We recap the major 2025 pinball releases. Video Games: We talk about the 2025 Game Awards, summarize the end of the Sony v Tencent litigation, and provide the latest on the Rockstar union-busting controversy. Ep…
Episode 260 - Production Rockstar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:13
Pinball: We discuss several listener emails, many of which revolve around Spooky Pinball's release of Beetlejuice. Video Games: We talk about some virtual pinball updates, Netflix acquiring Warner Bros (or trying to at l…
Episode 259 - It's Showtime! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:21
Pinball: We discuss Spooky Pinball's release of Beetlejuice. Video Games: We talk about impacts of the global RAM shortage, follow-up on Rockstar's terminations, news about Krafton going A.I.-first, Ubisoft having great…