pinball Archives

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 reasons I want Microsoft Plus back, even though I never had it growing up

Microsoft's evolution of Windows has included various enhancements and features over the years, originally exemplified by the Microsoft Plus! add-on package. Key features that could be included in a modern add-on pack are: - Ad-Free Experience: An option to eliminate advertisements from the Windows experience, addressing user frustration with prompts for subscriptions like Microsoft 365 or Game Pass. - Engaging Games: The potential to reintroduce classic games or develop new titles that provide a more engaging gaming experience without microtransactions and ads. - Dynamic Desktop Themes: The ability to create dynamic themes with animated wallpapers and custom frames, allowing for more personalized desktop experiences. - DVD Playback and Codec Support: Inclusion of DVD playback functionality and enhanced codec support for modern formats like H.265 and AV1, along with a transcoding tool for media conversion. - Enhanced Video Editing: Development of a robust, native video editing application similar to Windows Live Movie Maker, with advanced features and support for 4K exports.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Minecraft Franchise Pixelates on an International Scale

A Minecraft Movie made its theatrical debut last month, achieving a record-breaking release. The franchise has over 200 licensing partners worldwide, expanding its reach through various collaborations that enhance both the film and the gaming experience. Notable U.S. partnerships include Fossil, which launched a collection of luxury accessories; Woobles, offering crochet kits; Crocs, with Minecraft-licensed footwear and Jibbitz; and Home Chef, creating themed meal kits. Internationally, new tabletop games and pinball machines are set to launch in August 2025, along with pet and camping gear in Europe, bedding in Mexico, crafting supplies in Japan, and party essentials in Brazil. Bandai will debut its health and beauty line in Japan in September, with additional rollouts planned. Food and beverage initiatives include offerings from San Carlo in Italy, Marumiya in Japan, Finsbury Foods in the UK and France, and Norco in Australia and New Zealand, as well as new snacks and dairy products across Europe and Brazil. Dairy Farmers of America released Minecraft-inspired vanilla-flavored green milk in March.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Streets of Rage 4, Roundguard, Front Armies, more

The afternoon features various Android game and app deals, including a significant discount on the 1TB unlocked Pixel 9 Pro XL. The device is now available at a notable price reduction. Additionally, Spigen’s Lite Fit fabric Galaxy Watch Ultra Band is offered at an attractive price. Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab S10 FE/+ is also highlighted for its performance and functionality. Notable app deals include "Streets of Rage 4," "Roundguard," and "Front Armies."

AppWizard

May 4, 2025

May the 4th brings free and discounted Star Wars games from Prime Gaming, Steam, GOG, and more

On May 4th, Amazon Prime members can access classic Star Wars games for free, including Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds Saga, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Pinball, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Star Wars Outlaws is available at a reduced price, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has an 80% discount. Several Star Wars titles are priced under , including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Battlefront II, Star Wars Squadrons, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Star Wars Republic Commando, and Knights of the Old Republic. The Epic Games Store offers discounts on Star Wars Outlaws, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Deluxe Edition. GOG's sale includes classic games like Knights of the Old Republic, Dark Forces, and X-Wing vs TIE Fighter for a few dollars each. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is recommended for newcomers, and Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga provides a fun experience.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Star Wars Pinball 7, HOOK 2, Groundskeeper2, more

A new wave of Android game and app deals has been announced, featuring Star Wars Pinball 7 alongside discounts on KOTOR 1 and KOTOR 2 as part of Star Wars Day promotions. Significant device discounts include the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE/+, the OnePlus Pad 2 with a discount of 0, and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 16-inch 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop available at a discount of 0.

AppWizard

April 27, 2025

I miss old PopCap like you miss old BioWare

From 2000 to 2010, PopCap Games dominated the casual gaming market, influencing the design of many subsequent mobile games. The studio's notable titles included Peggle Extreme, featured in Valve's The Orange Box, and Gyromancer, a collaboration with Square Enix. PopCap's games often drew inspiration from earlier concepts, such as Zuma from Puzz Loop and Bejeweled from the Russian game Shariki. After being acquired by Electronic Arts, PopCap shifted towards mobile and free-to-play models, leading to the decline of its original PC titles. Despite this change, the spirit of PopCap's creativity persists in the indie gaming scene, with games like Donut County and Peglin reflecting its innovative approach. Bookworm Adventures remains accessible through the Internet Archive, contributing to PopCap's lasting legacy.

Winsage

April 6, 2025

Celebrating 30 Years Of Windows 95 At VCF

The 30th anniversary of Windows 95 will be celebrated with an exhibit at VCF East 2025 on April 5, 2025, in Wall, NJ, featuring nine period-correct computers configured to run various versions of the operating system. The exhibit is curated by Commodore Z and Ms-Dos5, who faced challenges in networking the machines, including a notable incident with a Thinkpad 760e. It will showcase classic software programs such as Kidpix, MS Paint, Lego Island, LucasArts Full Throttle, Duke Nukem 3D, Word 97, and Space Cadet Pinball, along with original software boxes from the 90s. The exhibit includes all major versions of Windows 95, from the Chicago beta 73g to Windows 95 C / OSR2.5.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Windows wallpapers worth celebrating

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary by inviting fans to reminisce and has released a collection of exclusive products, including limited-edition Windows wallpapers designed by Microsoft designers and Windows enthusiasts. These wallpapers reimagine iconic moments in Windows history, featuring the four-square logo and inspired by nostalgic elements such as the Windows 95 startup screen and classic games like Mahjong and Solitaire. Designer You Zhang created wallpapers that merge retro and modern styles, while art director Yulia Makhmudova designed a wallpaper featuring Solitaire cards arranged in the shape of "50" and revisited the iconic Tulips motif from Windows XP, adding 50 yellow buds. More ways to celebrate the anniversary can be found on Microsoft Unlocked.

Winsage

March 30, 2025

5 nostalgic Windows programs I wish were still around

Windows Live Movie Maker was a free video editor that allowed users to create and edit videos without ads or upsells, contrasting with today's monetized tools. Rockmelt was a Chromium-based web browser from the early 2010s that integrated Facebook into the browsing experience with real-time notifications and built-in Messenger functionality. Windows Media Center was a media management interface in Windows Vista and 7 that had potential for growth with the rise of Home Theater PCs and streaming services. Iconic games from Windows XP, such as 3D Pinball: Space Cadet and Minesweeper, created lasting memories for users. Windows Live Messenger was a messaging service known for its user-friendly interface and features like tabbed conversations and customizable emoticons, which many users miss compared to newer platforms like Skype and Teams.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

There’s a new Portal game and it costs $12,500

The Portal pinball machine is available on the P3 Pinball Platform, featuring the voice of GlaDOS, voiced by Ellen McLain. The P3 platform includes a 1080p video display, advanced ball tracking technology, and a modular upper playfield. The machine is fully licensed by Valve, with developers working with Multimorphic to ensure a faithful representation of the Portal universe. The base price for the Portal pinball machine starts at ,620, with a ,000 deposit required, and an additional flipper kit available for a total of ,500. For existing P3 table owners, the Portal game kit can be purchased separately for ,000. The gameplay experience is described as exhilarating yet potentially overwhelming, with features like Turret Multiball adding complexity. The investment equates to approximately 50,000 quarters, allowing for around 4,167 hours of playtime.