Texas Pinball Festival 2025 Walkthrough Tour - Rare Pinballs and Arcade Games

 

If you’ve never been to the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most electric, nostalgia-packed events in the state. Held this year from March 21–23, the festival once again transformed the Embassy Suites Convention Center into a buzzing, blinking wonderland of classic and modern pinball machines and arcade cabinets—and yes, I was there, camera in hand.

If you want a full look at what this amazing event has to offer, I’ve got two walkthrough videos I highly recommend checking out. One focuses entirely on the arcade games, featuring everything from rare oddities to fan-favorite coin-ops. The other is a deep dive into the pinball lineup, showing off just how many machines you can actually play at the show—no quarters needed.

This year’s festival was packed wall to wall with pinball greatness. Among the many standouts were Star Trek, Star Wars, KISS, Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, and Super Mario Bros.—I love video game-themed pins. The lights, sounds, and gameplay brought these iconic licenses to life in ways that only pinball can. And that was just the classics! They also had some fantastic modern tables like X-Men, Elton John, and Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye, which drew massive crowds and proved that the art of pinball is still very much alive.

But it wasn’t just about flippers and multiballs. The coin-op arcade selection this year was extremely interesting, including several machines I had never seen in person before. One of the highlights for me was stumbling upon a machine that holds a special place in my heart—the very first arcade video game I ever played. Sure, it got crowded at times, especially Saturday afternoon, but this just shows how popular pinball has gotten in recent years.

Whether you’re a die-hard pinball wizard, a retro arcade fan, or just someone looking for a blast of nostalgia, the Texas Pinball Festival delivers. And for those who couldn’t make it this year, my walkthrough videos will give you the next best thing. It’s an experience I look forward to every year—and if you love classic gaming, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye – A Pinball Quest Worth Taking

I had the chance to play Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye for the first time the other day at Arcade 92 in Flower Mound, Texas, and within minutes, I knew this was something special. Pinball and Dungeons & Dragons feel like a match that should have happened long ago, but Stern has finally made it a reality. This machine doesn’t just borrow the branding—it embraces the core of what makes D&D great, offering a persistent adventure that evolves the more you play.

Players take on the role of a Dragonshield Guild member, battling to stop Tiamat from returning while dealing with enemies like Rath the Relentless, an incredible animatronic red dragon that reacts dynamically to each game. Stern is known for pushing the limits with mechanical features, but this dragon takes it up a notch. It moves fluidly, breathes fire (by launching extra balls from its mouth), and forces you to react strategically. Hitting the three-bank target to steal its treasure is satisfying, but you’d better be ready for the chaos that follows.

What truly sets The Tyrant’s Eye apart is how it saves your progress. Thanks to Stern’s PinSave System, everything from your experience points to your acquired items carries over between games if you log in through Insider Connected. That’s unheard of in pinball and makes this feel more like an RPG-infused quest than a standard high-score chase. The sense of progression kept me playing again and again, eager to see what treasures and abilities I’d unlock next. If you prefer traditional pinball, you can play without saving progress, but I love having the option.

The playfield is packed with D&D-themed surprises, from an electromagnet-powered Gelatinous Cube that freezes the ball to dungeon doors that open to new areas. There’s even a shop where you can buy power-ups, reinforcing the RPG feel. Randomized dice rolls influence parts of the game, and you can choose your pathways in various dungeons, ensuring no two playthroughs feel the same.

I’ve played a lot of pinball over the years, dating all the way back to the early 1970s, but The Tyrant’s Eye instantly became one of my all-time favorites, right up there with Williams’ Monster Bash, which features Universal Monsters like Frankenstein and his Bride, and Jersey’s Jack’s recent Elton John, which is sensational. The Tyrant’s Eye is dynamic, challenging, and dripping with Dungeons & Dragons lore in a way that feels natural rather than forced. If you’re a fan of either D&D or pinball, this is one machine you need to track down.

Superman: More Relevant Than Ever Before - Movies, Comics, TV & Beyond

Superman has been a cultural icon for nearly a century, embodying hope, strength, and the idea that doing good is always the right choice, especially for the downtrodden. Since his first appearance in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the character has been reinterpreted in countless ways, across comic books, television, and film (the less said about the video games, the better). I discovered Superman when I was very young via The Adventures of Superman with George Reeves and The Super Friends cartoon series, right around the time I began reading the comic books.

Recently, a handful of Superman-related events have reminded fans why the character remains so compelling, from the emotional finale of a television series, the excitement surrounding an upcoming movie, a deeply moving documentary, and even the staggering sale of his first appearance for a record-breaking price.

One of the most recent and heartfelt interpretations of the character came through Superman & Lois, a TV show that not only honored the legacy of Superman but also presented him in a way that hadn’t been explored in live-action before. Rather than focusing on the origin story or endless battles against alien threats (though there were some), the show centered on Clark Kent and Lois Lane as parents, raising their two sons in Smallville while navigating the struggles of family life alongside Clark’s duties as Superman.

The final season delivered an emotional conclusion, bringing closure to four seasons of interesting, well-written stories. The finale featured a climactic battle against Doomsday, a fight that pushed Superman to his limits, while also reaffirming his core values—protecting his family, his friends, and the world at large. But what made Superman & Lois truly special was its ability to balance the larger-than-life heroics with small, deeply personal moments. Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal of Superman captured both the power and kindness that define the character, making his journey resonate in a way few other adaptations have managed. I wasn’t crazy about his take on the character in the Supergirl TV show, but I thought he was great in Superman & Lois.

While Superman & Lois brought an end to its story, another take on the Man of Steel is just beginning. James Gunn’s Superman, set to release in 2025, has already generated massive excitement, especially after the trailer drop in December. The teaser introduced audiences to not only a new Superman, played by David Corenswet, but also several DC characters making their live action cinematic debut. Krypto, Superman’s superpowered canine companion, stole the spotlight in the trailer, and the mere confirmation that he’ll be in the movie thrilled longtime fans. Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, complete with his signature bowl haircut, promises to bring some humor and arrogance to the mix, while Hawkgirl and Mr. Terrific expand the film’s scope beyond just Superman’s personal story. There’s a clear sense that Gunn is embracing the broader DC Universe, making this film feel like a fresh and exciting new chapter for Superman on the big screen.

Superman’s legacy has always been larger than just one actor, but there’s no denying that for many, including me, Christopher Reeve remains the definitive portrayal of the character. The 2024 documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story is a powerful, deeply moving look at his life, career, and the unimaginable tragedy that changed everything. Watching it, I couldn’t help but tear up, thinking about the contrast between the towering, handsome, and robust man who defined Superman for a generation and the reality of his later years, where he faced incredible adversity after his riding accident left him paralyzed. It’s hard to comprehend going from being the embodiment of power and grace to suddenly losing nearly all mobility. And yet, rather than retreat into bitterness, Reeve became an advocate, using his platform to push for advancements in spinal cord research and to inspire millions.

Superman: The Movie starring Christopher Reeve was one of the few films my parents took me and my brother to see in theaters when we were kids. That experience is forever etched in my memory—the moment when Superman first took flight, the way Reeve seamlessly transitioned between Clark Kent’s awkward charm and Superman’s commanding presence. Watching the documentary reminded me of those early memories, of how that film defined what a hero was supposed to be. It wasn’t just the superpowers or the fights against Lex Luthor; it was the warmth, the unwavering sense of right and wrong, and the belief that one person—superpowered or not—could make a difference. In short, Chris and Supes were and are downright inspirational.

Even decades after his first appearance, Superman continues to hold immense value, both emotionally and financially. Recently, an original copy of Action Comics #1, featuring Superman’s first appearance, sold for a staggering six million dollars, setting a new record. It’s incredible to think that a single comic book, one that originally sold for just 10 cents in 1938, could be worth that much today. But that price tag is more than just a reflection of rarity—it’s evidence of Superman’s lasting impact. He isn’t just a character; he’s a symbol, a piece of cultural history that has resonated across generations.

Thinking about everything Superman represents—from the hopeful father in Superman & Lois to the fresh start in James Gunn’s film, the bittersweet legacy of Christopher Reeve, and the historic sale of Action Comics #1—it’s clear that he is more than just a superhero. He’s a reflection of our ideals, our struggles, and our hopes. No matter how many times his story is retold, whether in comics, TV shows, or films, his message remains the same: that doing good, standing up for what’s right, and believing in the best of people will always matter. In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, especially in today’s political climate, Superman endures, reminding us all that we can still strive to be better.

Retro City Games in Houston, Texas - A Great Video Game Store for Nintendo, PlayStation, Imports, and More.

 

If you’re a fan of retro gaming and happen to be in Houston, you’re in for a treat. Retro City Games, located at 11300 West Rd, Suite P, Houston, TX 77065, is the newest video game store in the area, having opened its doors around three months ago. Despite being a fresh face in the scene, it has already made a significant impact on the local gaming community with its incredible selection, welcoming atmosphere, and deep commitment to preserving gaming history.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Retro City Games, and let me tell you—it’s a must-see for both collectors and casual gamers. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with an impressive mix of old-school classics, rare imports, and modern hits. Their stock includes hard-to-find titles for the Famicom, Super Famicom, and Famicom Disk System, along with more contemporary offerings for systems such as the PlayStation 4. They have a nice selection of collectibles as well. If you’re a Sony or Nintendo fan, you’ve got to check them out. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic throwback, wanting to explore a game you’ve never heard of but looks interesting, or hunting for a game you passed on previously, there’s something for everyone.

To give you a closer look at what they have to offer, I actually did a video on Retro City Games, which you can check out HERE. The video highlights their fantastic selection, including a Super Famicom item I had never seen before. At the end of the video, I even had the chance to speak with the store’s owner, Richard, about his vision for the shop and the challenges of launching a retail business in today’s gaming market. I had met Richard previously at Retropalooza and other gaming conventions, and I can confidently say that he’s one of the good guys in the industry—genuinely passionate about games, collecting, and the gaming community as a whole.

If you’re in the Houston area, I highly recommend stopping by Retro City Games. You can reach them at (832) 409-7944 or retrocitygamesllc@gmail.com. You can also check out their Facebook page for updates on new arrivals and events. Supporting local businesses that are run by passionate gamers makes a difference, and with the dedication and effort Richard is putting into this store, I have no doubt that Retro City Games will become a go-to destination for Houston’s gaming community for years to come.

My Amazing Royal Caribbean Cruise from Galveston to Costa Maya and Cozumel

 

There’s something magical about setting sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and my recent trip from Galveston to Costa Maya and Cozumel was an unforgettable experience. From the moment my wife and I stepped aboard, we were blown away by the sheer size and beauty of the ship—it was like a floating city packed with entertainment, incredible food, and stunning ocean views. I even made a YouTube video covering the entire trip, so if you want to see the highlights firsthand, be sure to check it out!

One of the first things I did was head to the sports deck, which quickly became one of my favorite spots. I jumped into some intense basketball games, dodged and dove during dodgeball matches, and even challenged myself on the rock climbing wall, which was both fun and a serious workout. No matter what kind of activity you enjoy, there’s something for everyone on board.

Of course, one of the best parts of any cruise is the food, and Royal Caribbean did not disappoint. The buffet was absolutely amazing, offering everything from fresh seafood to Indian cuisine and decadent desserts. Whether we were grabbing a quick breakfast before heading to shore or indulging in a late-night snack, there was always something delicious waiting. Even the pizza was surprisingly good!

Another unexpected highlight was the full-size arcade. I was excited to find a couple of retro titles among the modern machines. In the evenings, we made sure to catch some of the spectacular shows onboard. From Broadway-style performances to comedy acts and live music, Royal Caribbean knows how to entertain. We enjoyed the ice skating show so much we went to an encore performance!

When we arrived at Costa Maya and Cozumel, we got to explore beautiful beaches, shop for souvenirs, and soak in the vibrant culture of Mexico. Whether it was relaxing by the crystal-clear water or enjoying tacos and margaritas, each stop added something special to the trip.

From start to finish, my Royal Caribbean cruise was an adventure packed with fun, food, and unforgettable memories. If you're thinking about taking a cruise from Galveston, I highly recommend it. And don’t forget to watch my YouTube video for a closer look at the trip!

Major Life Change - From Freelance Writer to Video Game Cataloger at Heritage Auctions

 

For more than two decades, I was a full-time freelancer. In addition to authoring books about video games and popular culture, I wrote for numerous journals, magazines, newspapers, and websites about pretty much anything and everything. It was fun while it lasted. You could call it my dream job, and many people did. During my peak time, I would have more than 80 articles published in print each year, plus a ton of online content.

Most weekdays, I’d start early with a strong cup of Earl Grey (a la Captain Picard) and make the short commute to my home office, just a few steps from my bedroom. Like many in the field, I took on a few side gigs to help supplement my income—selling on eBay and running a booth in an antique mall among them. It was great: I was my own boss, made my own hours, avoided rush hour traffic, and spent my days doing things I enjoyed. I could even take a walk or a nap pretty much whenever I wanted, especially once the kids started school.

During this time, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the sharp rise in health insurance costs after the Affordable Health Care Act initiative, which was signed into law in 2010 and took full effect in 2014. I’d been paying around $100 a month for a basic plan that met my needs, but with the ACA’s rollout, I lost that plan, my access to CareNow Urgent Care (the nearby substitute was like something out of a third-world country), and my doctor, who I absolutely loved—despite assurances from President Obama that wouldn’t happen. My new policy cost over $600 a month and offered fewer benefits. While I recognize that the ACA helped many, including my son, it was a serious blow for freelancers, business owners, and self-employed people like me, making affordable healthcare ironically harder to obtain. Cheap plans that were not through an employer simply did not exist anymore.

As the years went on, many of the publications I wrote for shut down, victims of the digital age. For those that remained, such as AntiqueWeek and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the pay dropped drastically, and I found myself leaning more and more on my side-hustles. I started walking dogs through Wag, which was fun (I love pups and the outdoors!) and provided grocery and gas money, but eventually I had to confront the reality that I needed a job with steady pay and full-time benefits. I ended up taking a graveyard shift loading trucks at FedEx, which came with excellent benefits—good health insurance for only $9 a month—but the hours and the job itself were grueling. I could never adjust my sleep schedule, and exhaustion quickly took its toll. I was weary all the time and knew I needed to find something else.

About three-and-a-half years ago, during the “dark period” (what I call my time at FedEx, which lasted an interminable two years and nine months), my wife and I went to see a Pink Floyd cover band at a local bar. I knew the frontman, Greg Holman, an old friend from my time working at Lone Star Comics, a chain in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Before the show started, we caught up, and he talked to me about his job as a comic book cataloger at Heritage Auctions, which had recently moved from Dallas to Irving near DFW Airport—much closer to where I live in Fort Worth. For years, I’d thought working at Heritage would be a fantastic job (I’m a huge comic book fan), but the old commute would have been too far, and I’d been happy freelancing. Now, with their new location, a budding video game department (which started in 2019), and my own financial needs, it felt like the perfect fit.

I applied to Heritage Auctions the following week, was hired soon after, and have been cataloging video games ever since. My work is similar to what I’d already been doing with my books—writing brief descriptions of video games. The listings appear on the Heritage website and, for their Signature sales, in printed catalogs as well. However, rather than writing reviews or gameplay synopses like in my books, I focus on rarity, condition, and the collectible nature of each item, requiring me to adjust my style. The notion of going to an office Monday through Friday took some getting used to, but after a couple of months on the job, I adapted. More importantly, I really like my co-workers and the advantages that come with working for a great company.

A few months after starting with Heritage, I got a nice promotion to Lead Video Game Cataloger. Around that time, Cierra Caballero, one of my best friends and someone whom I’ve collaborated with on many projects, started working at Heritage as a video game cataloger after my recommendation. She’s a great fit for the department and super fun to work with, bringing her positivity and unique perspective. I’ve also been traveling with Heritage to video game conventions, working at their booth. These developments only made my job better.

Some of the most exciting items we’ve sold at Heritage show just how far the video game collectibles market has come. A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. brought in an incredible $660,000, while a pristine Super Mario 64 shattered records at $1.56 million, becoming the most expensive video game ever sold. The Legend of Zelda also turned heads, fetching $870,000 for a sealed early-production copy.

Sonic the Hedgehog had his moment in the spotlight when a copy of the original Genesis game fetched an impressive $360,000. Meanwhile, John Madden Football for the Genesis outpaced it, achieving a staggering $480,000. Although these prices reflect a market bubble from two to three years ago, and we may never see these lofty numbers again, video games as collectible commodities continue to thrive as a robust industry. Heritage and other auction houses frequently sell games for amounts comparable to the price of a brand-new 2024 Porsche, unthinkable just a few years ago.

Some of Heritage’s more recent highlights include: a Wata 9.8 A++ first production copy of Super Mario Bros. 2 for $137,500; a CGC 9.6 A+ first production copy of Metroid for $125,000; a Wata 9.4 A first production copy of Super Mario World for $125,000; a VGA 85 NM+ NES Deluxe Set console for $120,000; a Wata 9.6 A++ first production copy of Duck Hunt for $120,000; a Wata 9.8 A++ mid-production copy of Pokémon Red Version for $118,750; and a Wata 6.5 grey Nintendo World Championships cartridge for $62,500.

It’s been interesting watching the video game market evolve over the years, expanding to the point where these pieces of electronic plastic housed in cardboard are considered collectibles comparable with coins, baseball cards, and comic books. While not everyone is happy with this development—some prefer a time when retro game collecting was a niche hobby, and I totally understand that—it was inevitable considering the ubiquity of the medium and the explosion of collecting and popular culture in general. Games that people were literally throwing away during the 1990s are now antiques worth preserving.

If you’ve got sealed vintage video games or some truly rare and/or valuable items—like original artwork, prototypes, or other gaming collectibles—you might want to consider consigning them with Heritage Auctions. It’s a great way to find new homes for your treasures among serious collectors who will appreciate them. If you’re curious about how it works or just want to chat about your collection, feel free to reach out to Valarie Spiegel at valaries@ha.com or Evan Masingill at evanm@ha.com. They’re always happy to hear from fellow gamers and potential clients. If you just want to check out some of the cool stuff Heritage sells, head over to HA.com.

As for me, working at Heritage has been a rewarding way to combine my passion for video games with my experience as a writer. Cataloging games gives me the chance to interact with incredible pieces of gaming history, from sealed classics for the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Intellivision, Genesis, NES, and Super NES to unique artwork that reveals the creative process behind beloved titles. It’s a role I never expected to find during my early freelance days, but it feels like things have come full circle, and I’m enjoying it. Watching the gaming world evolve—from casual swap meets to games selling for thousands of dollars through prestigious auction houses—has been truly fascinating.

If you’d like to read my essay on the history of why video games have gotten expensive, you can read it HERE. Or, you can watch my video on the topic HERE.

As always, thanks for reading!

~ Brett

Rolling Stone Magazine's List of 50 Greatest Video Games of All Time

 

Rolling Stone recently released their list of "The 50 Greatest Video Games of All Time," sparking lively debates among gamers on social media. This ambitious ranking celebrates the best the medium has to offer and showcases a diverse array of titles spanning decades, genres, and platforms, though there is plenty of recency bias. This refers to the tendency to overvalue newer experiences while overlooking the historical impact and excellence of older works.

Some of the choices have stirred controversy, particularly regarding the absence of NES titles and iconic classics like Donkey Kong and Galaga. Others might argue that groundbreaking titles such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night or The Legend of Zelda: ALink to the Past deserve higher placement, given their excellence and profound influence on the industry.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of games like Fortnite and Minecraft raises important questions about how we define "greatness" in gaming. Is it measured by cultural impact, innovation, user base, or simply the fun factor? Rolling Stone provides insight into their selection philosophy in the introduction, which adds some helpful context to the rankings.

The challenge of creating such a list lies in comparing vastly different experiences. How do you weigh the simple, yet intense gameplay of Robotron: 2084 against the sprawling, cinematic ambition of Red Dead Redemption 2? These contrasts highlight the evolution of gaming and the personal nature of what makes a game resonate with players.

To add my perspective, I’ve created a YouTube video analyzing Rolling Stone’s selections and offering my take on each game featured. I discuss why certain titles might deserve their spot while others seem questionable.

Check out my full breakdown of the list by clicking HERE. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—what games do you think were ranked too high, too low, or left out entirely? Let’s keep this conversation going!