For fuck’s sake, I’d bet dollars to donuts that the usual silent majority thinks that first reaction video is one of the best you’ve ever posted. Raw, passionate, genuine. Even if it was based on something that ended up being false (in that Stern removed guns for political reasons), I don’t think you should apologize for being REAL. That’s one of the major reasons why I think your channel is the best pinball YT channel in existence.

Jmo here First off I am happy I watched this right after I watched your first rant about the John wick pinball machine not having a gun thing .. 2nd I respect the hell out of you for admitting you might have jumped the gun and flew off the handle without knowing all the facts basically apologized for your actions and sayingit wont happen again beforeyou talk to stern first . You did good man .. again jmo

Amen! Less on the screen more under the glass. I barely look a the LCD displays or dot matrix display. I am playing pinball and I do not have a ton of time to look. It is more of an attraction when the game is idle more than it is part of the play.

Reason no guns is because of international shipping - Cactus Canyon Remakes shipped to Australia were withheld at customs , pinballs removed for inspection and so on. What Stern should have down is ship guns in separate box as accessory that could be easily attached by customer

I had one lucky break on selling back a game . When I purchased elvira the premiums were still 8,400 recently traded it In towards a rush premium . They gave me 8,700 on elvira because of inflation and the current price is at 10,500 so the used value went up. Plus elvira was on location since 2021 and still gave me back that increased value from the distributor who usually offers less than finding a buyer over time. Just wanted to share lol

What stern fails to realize is that several people, including myself, started in the arcade camp and subscribed to people like retro Ralph, who's great by the way. How did I get into pinball? Google's algorithm brought me here. What does this mean? Arcade subscribers would have to be living under a rock if they weren't aware of pinball machines these days. So they are wasting resources doing this then. They'd also rather build a virtual pinball cabinet for far less. Sterns wasting their time. Better off serving their current customers and figuring out how to lower costs without lowering quality.

Dude keep moving forward, we all do things that in hindsight, we would change. Don’t lose sleep over it. Someone really needs to shake it up from time to time. All companies need a wake up call. So now let’s talk about the OVER PRICE pins and toppers.

My top 3 reasons for not buying a John Wick. 1. Price 2. Does not excite me. 3. Price

Cary I got mad love for you brother just jump up, step back, turn around, press a start button, and go on a journey. That's what pinball itself does for us , gives us that mental escape from this jungle gym world. Keep up the word, your brother in pin, Walt WPG ❤

Human Centipede Pinball Machine by Keith Elwin!!!

No legacy stain or foul in my book. I'm still a subscriber and supporter of the channel. The Cary Hardy GOAT or most memorable moment to me is life in the sight lines. Appreciate your direct take and opinions on things.

If people are insulted, then they are too soft. People can't have an opinion anymore. It seems.

Kudos to you for holding your ground and also for not pulling the videos. I had a similar experience with something unrelated and believe IF you don’t do something..:..you don’t always get to the bottom of things….

I’m not interested in the pro because they took out the drop target. I can’t afford the premium so I’m out! Stern stripped the pro down to the point you can get better games for cheaper. This game will do good on location. Not in the home.

I'm with you Cary about there not being anything that catches my attention in the JW announcement videos or in the live stream. With games like Foo fighters and Godzilla you definitely saw unique layouts and mechs that instantly got my attention and interest. At this point JW just looks to be a solid middle of the road game, but it's not a game that has me considering to sell one of the current games in my line up so that I could free up space and funds for a swap. Who knows, maybe I'll be surprised when I get a chance to play it.

The price of these games will always be the main reason why I will likely never have one in my home. I’d pay $5-6 racks for a GZ Pro, but I live in Kentucky and was a hedonist throughout my 20s and 30s, so money hoarding wasn’t something that interested me and I’m a one of the seemingly rare people who really loves pinball despite the game not being inherited to me like a lot of the great players experienced from their parents. So now the odds of me ever owning a few machines that I’d love to have are extremely slim to none. Like, as in, winning a pinball machine raffle.

Whoever decided to keep guns off the machine where guns are centric to the theme, ...next time just put snowflakes all over it..full embrace! No apology needed Cary, we subscribe...and yes...MORE MECHS

man do I want a human centipede game now

Ian Mcshane's portrait looks like the Dan Fielding character from Night Court🥸

Not even worth the stress of losing 40 subs, you will make that up in two weeks.

I am so sick of the wick game. The political division, the extremely high price for the build quality, the gameplay mechanics, the lack of mechs, the terrible art choices, and the EyeSing on top was the E for everybody. I was going for an LE, no I won’t get one at all, and doubt I would play one if I ever came across it (feels cursed at this point).

Price is the reason I can't buy any new game. I'm holding out for another Medieval Madness run. But I doubt I'll be able to afford that either.

Hunger Games would be a great pin if done right.

The playfield and the game itself IS the game.. not the dispaly. That's why older games rule. Digital screen ruined pinball.

Problem is that Pinball has turned into a richmans hobby. Average Joe barely making mortgage or rent payments or newer car payments cant afford a 7K or more pinball machine. but they could swing a couple hundred for an A 1up to play. That why I buy old and busted Williams pins and turn them into new hotness..

Similar to you, a new game today has to tick all the boxes, especially when competing with an absolute treasure trove of older games that can come up on the used market, and will always be great. Elton John is the closest new pin to ticking those boxes ... it's just that price tag ... Jesus.

There is nothing wrong with having your own honest opinion about a hobby you are passionate about! Screw the haters!

So a $.50 plastic is Stern’s answer to guns on the game. I’m with you, Way too many resources are put into the display driving the cost up.

Stern should of agreed to no guns on the pro but explained to Lyons Gate the premium is mostly distributed to the home buyer. So have guns on the premium cab. Best of both worlds?

The first 3 minutes were enough to make it all good with me. No apologies necessary for something you clearly believe in so strongly, but it takes true character to admit when you were too quick to judge without all the relevant info. The world would be in better shape if it had more people capable of doing that.

I bought a toy ten years ago and I can’t sell it for what I paid for it new? Toys are not investments, that is reality.

I think your previous videos on this machine should stay up, because you are free to speak your mind.

Funny how we can have Aliens Armageddon and T2 with mounted guns on an arcade machine in lots of ticket redemption arcades, but a picture of John holding a gun is a big NO! Every ten year old and up play fortnite or call of duty. Most 10 year olds and under can't even see the playfield of a pinball machine.

You kick ass Cary. No need to apoligize. Keep it real and keep it true. Love it. People will make decisions based on whatever they feel. I respect you and I feel you should never say sorry for our thoughts. Be you bro..be you.

You are entitled to your opinion. People need thicker skins and just need to get over themselves. Carry on with what you do and I would surmise most of will still be here listening to your take on pinball!

Be strong brother, tell them the truth!!

If anything, like it or hate it, it was entertaining. What pinball release doesn't have some sort of drama surrounding it? I'm still new to all of this, but every pinball launch I've witnessed had drama. I think people live for the drama. I think the drama surrounding this release was actually more valid, whomever is at the center of it. That said we are moving on and what are my thoughts on JW? I think it looks good. It looks fun. I hope to play it soon.

We are human and have ALL made mistakes. It takes a better person to admit to those mistakes.

stern needs to go back to pre covid pricing and they woukd get the masses back in their corner. They would move more units like they used to

Like you said, it has to check all the boxes.. The theme is the very first box to check, and, for me, John Wick doesn't interest me much. I would not consider myself a fan. That alone is the reason I won't get it. They'll have 20 of these at NWPAS and I'll check it out, but I'm not really that interested in it. Now retheme it MacGruber and I'm in. But they better not leave out the celery.

There is zero keeping from a wick. Ordered mine already.

I get the immediate emotional reaction from you and others. Stern has rode that fine line of mixing politics into business for years. Gary Stern publicly supported the BLM movement during the riots. Jack Danger was public about his liberal views, including BLM and other divisive political positions, prior to Gary Stern hiring him. Gary Stern picked a Disney exec for his replacement which comes with all the political mouse stuff and fears of DLC and greed. Seth's first release under his tenure was Bond SLE which help solidify some fears on pricing. It was a logical conclusion that Stern was behind Gun Gate. Thank goodness for Gomez and his coming forward with some information that helps people understand.

I'm with you on the "if I'm excited when I watch people play it, I'll probably love playing it". Wick stream didn't have me excited.

SO ya screwed up. It happens. You admitted you screwed up, and that means more to me than screwing up. SO there's that. pew pew pew!

Rated E for Everyone my butt. Most of the time, you need to be 21yo to play pinball because they're only found in bars.

If the licensor doesn't want guns on the game because the game will be on location where everyone of all ages can play it, then don't they realise Stern can do adult versions of their games? And it can be changed by the owner or operator of those games just in case?

We Cool Bro! Your Integrity was clear and I appreciate your video

I don't understand why Stern cannot make a pinball machine rating system. They are the industry leader; so lead! I took Gomez's comments as a cop out. If Stern wanted the guns in the art they could have pushed back and developed a rating system. Or, they can continue doing what they're doing and dumb it down art wise

We now live in a time where we are not at the mercy of artistry or factory only. For a small price (I just had entire cabinet art printed for my latest homebrew for $250) you can have whatever you want on your cabinet, anything! You do not have to have what everyone has. There are companies such as pinball life that will do plastic sets for your game, yes you can have whatever you want. For purists, keep it, that's fine, but I'm not a purist, and I own it. I will change a machine to suit my desires in a quick minute. Gameplay is all that matters, astetics can always be changed. Why do so many worry about what has to be factory, or "it's what they made it to be". You're going to die, someone who doesn't appreciate it will get it, have fun, do something different, leave a mark!

The Ian McShane portrait, yes, YES. I zeroed in on this at first glance. I don't get this, but it is what it is. The backbox is the same way.

May be rated E for everyone, but I doubt anyone under 18 could afford one. Hell, I still can’t afford them. I get it, Lionsgate made the choice. It’s just a dumb choice.

Its “You” Tube for a reason, Its how “You” are feeling at that particular day!!! That’s why we watch!! Humans are emotional!! Big deal!!! Watch a movie if you want something edited

So even with Sterns alibi, this game has 3 things that are a no go for me. 1. If Lionsgate made the decision to remove the guns after exploiting them in the movie, I don’t want to support this Franchise in any way. #2 I’ve never watched John Wick and with the stance of Lionsgate, I never will. #3. The game just sucks, esp for the price. 3 strikes yer out! ⚾️ 👎🏽

What's actually crazy about this video is that you are stressing display over actual game play...13 minutes in and you finally said something that actually matters

Agreed on the screen standpoint! Nice extra but pinball = mechs

I don’t miss the lcd one bit on Pulp Fiction. I love that game. I could care less about the lcd. Most important thing is, is it fun to play. If I don’t like the action on the playfield, the rest of the machine doesn’t matter.

just subbed lol

1. Price 2. Theme/Lack of Nastalgia

Played the new John Wick pinball yesterday and not impressed. Aside from lack of theme correct props and artwork, game play was nothing unique or interesting. Agree on the focus to LCD screens versus playfield mechanics. Inflation and skyrocketing prices also do not help. I actually prefer older Stern games like Lord of the Rings, Batman 66 and Terminator 2 that had better props and gameplay mechanics. Stern really has lost its way and keeps repeating same boring playfield design and shot mechanics. If I wanted to stare at an LCD screen, I would play video games instead of pinball! Rant off.

You’re pro 2a and into pinball big time that’s enough for me, subbed , possible patreon

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Licensors are ruining our games and holding them back from being perfect. This game could've looked perfect, and I'm certain Stern wasn't intentionally trying to ruin the game, they were forced by Lionsgate with their restrictions and Stern had to follow their demands to make the game. This outrage has really been blown out of proportions and we all need to calm down and realise that the main problem we should be focusing and blaming is the licensors. If they can't allow manufacturers like Stern, Spooky, JJP, or anyone else to make definitive games that the fans want, then they'll only make games worse. They should be held accountantable for what happened recently and they should allow creative control and freedom to the manufacturers.

Agree ....More mechs!

new sub.

Cary, Subs come and Subs Go, just keep doing you.

So then can someone explain to me the Deadpool pinball machine? Interesting Disney is cool with guns but Lionsgate is not...OK gotcha.

Maybe not the best IP to base a pinball machine on given the restriction.

This will probably be a minority opinion, but as a collector of both pinball and arcade1ups, I can’t tell you how glad I am that they both don’t cost $7000 a pop (I wouldn’t be able to have both). Also I didn’t get into gaming due to content creators, but I did find my way to my favorites through guys like Bee from Kongs-R-Us here on KZfaq; so while I understand feeling slighted it isn’t unprecedented that someone would care about both or be able to bridge that gap. Totally see your points, just saying.

There is a very repetitive horn sound effect that would drive me crazy if I bought that pinball. This would be the main reason why I would not buy John Wick

Hard to purchase a Stern after getting my EJ CE. If your going to pay then get something that needs “Nothing”

So i guess when an adult is playing all the kids leave the area and wont view the videos.... Light gun games are in every GOOD arcade so this machine is going to be within feet of gun games

Nothing about the gameplay excited you… But if the game had tiny drawings of guns on the playfield you’d be SO EXCITED to play it!!!! Did you catch Tim talking about the fact that the in game action drives the content you are seeing on the screen?? Player takes out a Bad guy, you see Wick do the same. Player takes out 2 baddies, you see Wick double kill on the Screen. Sounds pretty badass to me! Shoot me your address, Cary. I’ll send you a bunch of Gun Stickers that you can put on ALL of your games!!! 😂 Wick is a great license, and clearly Sexton is a huge fan. It must be tough pouring your heart and soul in to something for a community that you love (And are a part of!) and that community just craps on everything you do with ZERO understanding of the process. I might know a thing or two about that.

None of us want you to apologize or make a flip flop video man. THAT will lose you much more subscribers AND loyal fans. We don’t care who’s fault it is they don’t have guns. The reasons aren’t true. It’s all fake - case in point -pulp fiction exists as a pinball. So “pins can’t have guns in the art because of E for everyone” is a load of bull. If that’s the “true” reason then stern should have walked away from the deal saying “we won’t make Jurassic Park without dinosaurs” - that would have got them MASSIVE love and respect from their fans. This game is boring, the art is TERRIBLE. It’s like the worst days of data East art. Truly hurts my heart to see you make this kind of video. Always thought of you as the one that can’t be bought.

I love the theme and the game looks fun - I can’t wait to play it! What’s stopping me from buying John Wick? The same thing that has stopped me from buying any recent Pinball that I’ve been excited about from Rush to Bond to Venom… The price. I have 8 pinball machines ranging from the 80s to more recent, but I haven’t paid the new in box prices. I can have two great 90s games for the price of one new machine where the LCD adds nothing to the game for me and I prefer the creativity used on DMD’s.. In defence of Bee Kong, I have actually been following him for a few years now which is longer than any dedicated pinball content creators. Just because some pinball content creators didn’t know who he was doesn’t mean he’s not legitimate so don’t think of Kong as strictly an arcade1up guy, I’m pretty sure he has a few “real” Pinball machines and arcade machines plus I’ve seen him at gaming conventions enjoying pinball. He’s a gaming enthusiast like myself and yes I own quite a few 1ups and full size arcade machines as well. I still play my Atari 2600 because I love gaming! Bee Kong is a good choice to reach gamers in general but I do agree they should have also used a pinball community person in addition to him and the other guy but at the end of the day, everyone in Pinball was going to know about John Wick anyway because we follow it so close. Expanding the hobby is what the reach of Kongs R Us does and I’m glad they chose him.

It looks fun regardless after watching a few gameplay streams. Nothing id actually want to own though. I keep hearing rumors of Pokemon with Stern so im honestly hoarding cash just incase that is true lol

There’s some shills on pinside: Crazy Levi Sataneatscheese Asac Schrader Blueberry Johnson Feel free to add to list of Stern Shill team 6

I legit thought the first rant was satire because of how ridiculous it sounded. I couldn't believe you weren't making fun of the the people that were unhappy about the art.

Imagine TWD without guns 😂

Stern u r just destroying your LE Market

Super disappointing that you’re apologizing YET AGAIN for how you felt. You said what you said. Own it. Who cares? You should have known you’d be alienating a portion your base right off the bat. Had a ton to respect for making that move…you’ll have support from the people who, at the end of the day, MATTER.

Stern should of came out of the gate saying why there's no guns in John Wick, not later to do damage control. They should know by now how we are. If Stern wants to focus on the screen, make Pinball 3000

I agree they probably shouldn’t have moved forward with the license. Look at Starwars, there’s shooting galore

A1Up influencer is called a shill. That's why they did that.

Big fan. All good. Still a fan 😀

I'll be interested in your review when/if you get a chance to play it. I'm hoping the local arcade here in Fredericksburg, VA gets it to try. Good on you for posting this! Love someone that takes responsibility and addresses their actions good, bad, ugly, etc. valid points made. Keep it up Cary.

You said what you said. Own it

Hey man, I understand what you are saying and your perspective moving forward. But don't apologize for your reactions. You said what a lot of people were thinking, and the knee-jerk reaction got people talking and got the truth to come out. Good on you for keeping the videos up. It will be an important or at least interesting moment in pinball history, and you are smack dab in the middle of that. You are one of the biggest "personalities" in pinball, so be true to yourself, your personality is a big part of what we come here for. Take it from somebody who barely has a personality haha

It’s a shame that we live in a world where fascism is back but this time for expressing conservative values. No need to apologize. Don’t sacrifice your values for the loud and obnoxious left.

“Gungate” come on man. “Important missing asset” come on, Not that deep. There are a lot of action sequences in those movies without guns. Cars, swords, fists. Who cares if the playfield and cabinet art doesn’t have gunnnnnnnz. I get it some love their guns. Some are trying to make this political because apparently no gunnnnnz on the cabinet art and playfield. GTFO! Another manufactured culture war.

It's still bs from George. Look at Stern's, The Walking Dead, pinball machine, it has guns on the side of the machine as well as on the playfield.

Isn’t there guns all over the James Bond side art? Does that mean it’s not E?

There was a FF premium local with 138 plays for $7500

That's not really true tho... If I'm walking by a machine while someone is playing and those scenes come up, I didn't ask for that. I didn't pay for that. Hell, the screen is more visible to passerby (kids) than the playfield is. They can try all they want to make it make sense, but it won't.

No respect lost here Cary. Just a healthy debate. I'm not going anywhere.

The main circle on the playfield where all the swords and knives are pointed towards John are so cheesy. It cheapens the art knowing the famous image of him being surrounded by guns pointed at his head. Also part of me thinks stern was all too happy to follow along with the ultimatum.

Forget the gun thing…the prices are absurd for what they offer, average art, 2 flippers, lots of plastics, out dated lighting, nothing innovative or exciting. Ian’s voice good, video assets good, music ok. 16k in Europe for an LE - ridiculous! Look at EJ from JJP, if they lowered the platinum to 10k I would be on it.

Actually Mr. Hardy your initial reaction/response regarding no guns on the playfield was excellent and I applauded as I listened. I'll give the benefit of doubt to manufacturer in this case Stern that they understand and value assets as do potential buyers. Lionsgate's official explanation that Mr. Gomez legally has to parrot explanation for powderless playfield is bs (bogus statement/pro; bullshit/premium; ?/CE) that the game is to be rated "E" although the screen is still "R". The licensor got a great deal: the film clips serve as great not-so-subliminal ads for the movie franchise--and we'd be paying for it. So then why no toy guns really? One hope for me to even consider buying this game (as a JW fan and one who used to reload ammo) is if entrepreneurial, aftermarket companies can make and sell working mechanical toys.( as w/ Jaws ) as well as nice 3D prints of guns and ammo...maybe I would rig a suspension of some sort to place my M&P between the glass and the playfield (if it won't block views to essential artwork and shots) as I don't trust the usual obvious hideouts. This of course would necessitate keeping a 3lb hammer in the coinbox. In case of emergency I won't risk failing to break the tempered glass with a movie elbow smash. HD glass and other damage to a game? Who f...king cares....we're talking about our families' safety and well-being! I apologize, I digressed. Stern's JW is a bomb upon very first impression.

Your intro was awesome btw. I’d like to play the game on location but won’t be buying it. You said it, looks good and all but not worth 7-10k good

I’m glad you owned your end of it. That’s how it needs to be. Communication key. Stern is the shit don’t bring the hate or create a gate :)

Gomez isn’t lying in my opinion. I watched all his interviews, nothing there spells deception. We are lucky someone at stern is willing to be that accessible to answer lots of questions that the pin community bring. Could communication with the no guns be more preemptive? Sure. But it doesn’t look like deception to me nor did they anticipate ppl getting that upset over it. I understand why, guns ARE wick practically

You’re the man. No respect lost. I would have made the same video.