Last Update: 2/16/2023
I’ve been the proud owner of the AtGames Legends Pinball (ALP) for a full year now, and I must say, it has been an incredibly satisfying experience. In this article, I want to share my thoughts on the ALP and all the exciting expansion options that have become available over the past year. Whether you’re a pinball enthusiast looking for a more affordable and space-friendly alternative to a full-size pinball machine, or you’re simply curious about the ALP and its capabilities, this article is for you. Join me as I discuss my journey with the ALP, the expansion options I’ve explored, and why I believe it’s the best value for pinball lovers of all kinds.
What is the Legends Pinball?
The AtGames Legends Pinball (ALP) is a virtual pinball machine that offers the thrill of real pinball without the space, cost, and maintenance issues associated with full-size machines. The ALP features a 32″ high-definition LCD playfield, a 15.6″ LCD backglass, and tactile feedback that mimics the vibrations of a real pinball machine. It also includes a variety of features such as USB ports, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet connectivity, which allow you to enhance your gaming experience by adding more games, connecting other devices, and accessing online leaderboards.
Why Choose the ALP?
There are several reasons why I chose the AtGames Legends Pinball over other options or building my own machine. First and foremost, I was attracted to the ALP because of its expandability. Unlike other machines that come preloaded with a limited number of games, the ALP allows you to add more games to the machine. With its network connectivity options, you have the opportunity to expand your game library and enjoy a wide variety of titles. Additionally, the ALP offers an HDMI input and USB ports, which make it possible to connect other devices like a PC and access tables that aren’t native to the machine. This expandability was crucial for me because I wanted the option to play a variety of pinball tables and have the freedom to add more games in the future.
Another factor that influenced my decision was the ALP’s back glass display. In my research, I found that other options on the market had static artwork on the back glass, whereas the ALP features a 15.6″ LCD backglass that changes from game to game. This dynamic backglass, combined with the high-quality display on the playfield, adds to the immersive experience of playing a virtual pinball game. It truly feels like you’re playing on a real machine.
Additionally, the ALP is designed for players of all ages, skill levels, and play preferences. It features the largest, most full-featured home virtual pinball machine in its class, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball player or new to the game, the ALP provides a satisfying and entertaining experience.
Expansion Options
One of the standout features of the AtGames Legends Pinball is its expandability. While the base machine comes with 22 licensed arcade pinball games, there are several expansion options that allow you to add more games and enhance your gaming experience. Here are some of the expansion options I’ve explored with the ALP:
Zaccaria and TAITO Tables
One of the first expansion options I explored was adding Zaccaria and TAITO pinball tables to my ALP. These tables are sold separately in volumes, and I found them to be a great addition to the base machine. The Zaccaria tables, in particular, impressed me with their polished gameplay and realistic ball physics. The lighting effects and overall presentation of these tables were top-notch, and they provided a more immersive and enjoyable pinball experience compared to the pre-installed Gottlieb tables. If you’re looking to expand your game library and enhance your ALP experience, I highly recommend checking out the Zaccaria and TAITO tables.
ArcadeNet
ArcadeNet is a service provided by AtGames that allows you to stream arcade games from a virtual server in the cloud directly to your ALP. With ArcadeNet, you can play games by attaching a USB controller or using the Arcade Control Panel. It offers a wide variety of arcade games and allows you to enjoy classic titles on your ALP. For the best performance, it’s recommended to connect your ALP to the internet via an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
Cloud Pinball
Cloud Pinball is another exciting expansion option for the ALP. It allows you to play virtual pinball games like Visual Pinball X (VPX) and Future Pinball by streaming them over the internet. With Cloud Pinball, you can use the ALP’s flipper and nudge buttons to play these games, providing an authentic pinball experience. It’s a great option for accessing a vast library of pinball tables and enjoying an almost unlimited variety of gameplay.
PC-Based Pinball
One of the most significant expansion options for the ALP is connecting a PC to your machine. This opens up a whole world of possibilities, as you can play not only the pre-installed games but also countless community-created pinball tables. By connecting a PC to your ALP, you can run pinball engines like Pinball FX3, Visual Pinball X (VPX), and Future Pinball. These engines offer a vast selection of pinball tables, allowing you to customize your gaming experience and play your favorite tables. Setting up a PC with your ALP may require some technical know-how, but there are plenty of guides available that can help you get started.
These are just a few of the expansion options available for the AtGames Legends Pinball. With its expandability and flexibility, the ALP offers endless possibilities for customization and enjoyment.
Conclusion
After a year of owning the AtGames Legends Pinball, I can confidently say that it has been an excellent investment. The ALP offers a unique and immersive pinball