Old Games: Encyclopedia Bombastica: Crüe Ball

Jeff's hair looks like it's been through some blast processing.

@Jeff thoughts on Sonic Spinball? That's about as unrealistic-pinball as you get. Only got to the second level, though, so I can't really defend it.

I like that this game features heavy metal trappings. I don't like that it only has one table. I'm perplexed as to why the volume level in the game doesn't go to 11.

Only 9 volume levels? What self respecting 80s metal band doesn't have volume knobs that go up to 11?

The lighting on Jeffs face looks like hes Paragon/Renegade.

There's only 2 pinball video games I've played in my lifetime and they were High Speed for the NES and Balls of Steel for the PC that featured 5 different boards including a Duke Nukem board.

FM synthesis is fucking underappreciated these days. Not exactly as easy to program or compose for as simple analog monophonic oscillators like that of the NES or Game Boy, but with some effort they could sound amazing and unlike anything you had ever heard before.

Another cool video!

Dude that Genesis soundcard is so badass.

Rippin'!

Greatest video feature on the site! Keep 'em coming

I hope Jeff covers KISS: Psycho Circus at some point. Just cause.

Love the Crue and although Im old enough to have played this game, I did miss out on it. Would be awesome to get on Xbox live or on Steam.

Great stuff! Keep them coming!

FM synthesis is fucking underappreciated these days. Not exactly as easy to program or compose for as simple analog monophonic oscillators like that of the NES or Game Boy, but with some effort they could sound amazing and unlike anything you had ever heard before.

Psycho Pinball is a fantastic Mega Drive pinball game.

Definitely an essential entry.

why has no one made a pinball platformer that involves flipping the ball up and through levels

If this game has 11 volume levels and Brian Schmidt's music only goes to 9 based on the sound test, I would assume that "Live Wire" "Dr. Feelgood" are the 10th and 11th levels respectively and that "Home Sweet Home" is maybe the credits music since it doesn't fit the gameplay.

How the fuck do you know all that you know about these old ass games?! Seriously impressed.

Thanks for the new content. I dig this stuff.

I went to a Crue show once last year because of a woman. The show was horrible.

Would love to see an Epic Pinball QL/EB.

@TheHT said:

I hope Jeff covers KISS: Psycho Circus at some point. Just cause.

Agreed, as bad as that game was from what I remember playing it, there was some interesting moments in it with some wild bits that haven't been tried again. I'd definitely be down for seeing Jeff diving into Psycho Circus.

More of these are never a bad thing.

time to dig out my old crue records.

@SomeJerk said:

@fisk0 said:

FM synthesis is fucking underappreciated these days. Not exactly as easy to program or compose for as simple analog monophonic oscillators like that of the NES or Game Boy, but with some effort they could sound amazing and unlike anything you had ever heard before.

(Speaking from proper experience, the 'instruments' in this game could sound a lot better despite being on 4op, but at that time it would probably have required a Japanese composer or two. Don't know how many channels they wanted to keep free for sound effects either. Devil Crush/Dragon's Fury pinball is highly recommended.)

Oh, yes, the SY/TG77, I wish I could find one of those. Only have an TX81Z at the moment.

4ops is still twice that of the Adlib, and composers like Stephane Picq did wonders with that chip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjHon6yg-r8

Love these. Good job Jeff.

why has no one made a pinball platformer that involves flipping the ball up and through levels

Oh man, this video is awesome but it kinda reminds me of everything I hate about 80's metal.

I headbanged so fucking hard during this, even though I don't like Motley Crue. WALKING SKULLS AND SYPHILIS BRO!

Never have I been this entertained by watching someone play pinball on the internet.

I can't believe i'm saying this but... this Motley Crüe game looks fucking awesome

@paulunga said:

Crüe Ball's cool but it's no Devil's Crush/Devil Crash/Dragon's Fury. Especially the PC-Engine version, the music's so goddamn good.

Yup, thass fer damn sure: Dragon's Fury > Crüe Ball

But forget Dragon's Revenge. Ick.

This just makes me want to play Rock N Roll Racing.

I wish there was a Genesis version of Girls, Girls, Girls in here.

I think that bust boss in level 1 is supposed to be Sammy Hagar, being a buzz kill to the Crue. haha

As soon as I heard the music hit, I thought of...

Best part of this was Jeff headbanging to genies versions of Motley Crue songs

Never heard of this but if you told me there was a Motley Crüe themed virtual pinball game I would believe you because video games!

It's always a sign of a good videogame when you can jump into space for no reason.

Hmm so is encylopedia bombastica basically quicklooks for old games? If so, hope this continues. Really enjoyed this video, and I find a lot of older games more interesting than newer ones. Cool if you guys mix things up frequently like this more.

JEFF, ARE YOU ILLEGALLY EMULATING THIS GAME??!?!?!

@MaddProdigy said:

These videos are awesome and hilarious, thanks Jeff!

@TheHBK said:

As soon as I heard the music hit, I thought of...

oh god... still brings a tear to my eye. Really wish 2k would buy this franchise and do it justice.

Yeah, that music is not terribly evocative of Crue, but some of it is very Brian Schmidt.

Black Knight 2000 had the best pinball music there ever was and likely ever will be. A BK2K turned up loud draws crowds whenever it is played. Just because people want to hear the music, even to this day.

The Genesis hardware is hampering Schmidt's music a bit, the BSMT2000 system was much better suited (of course).

I just can't get over how those little skull dudes have fleshy, human feet.

This is the best EB yet. I knew he was going to end it with Home Sweet Home too.

The Genesis versions are better than the original Crue versions by a factor of 100 or so.

Love these 'looks'. Thanks Jeff.