LABYRINTH REVEALED

New pinball company Barrels of Fun has revealed their launch game, based on the Jim Henson movie, Labyrinth.

Barrels of Fun is based in Houston, Texas, USA and was established by David van Es, who worked for Spooky Pinball for seven years designing games and is the new company’s CEO and game designer, and Brian Savage who was in charge of manufacturing Hasbo action figures G.I. Joe and Transformers.

Also on the team are Art Director, Johnny Fraser-Allen, Blake Dumesnil who looks after the marketing graphics, Phil Grimaldi who crafts the game rules alongside Bowen Kerins who has designed rulesets for Spooky Pinball and Multimorphic, and motion graphics artist, Trent Armstrong.

They are joined by Engineering Designer, Travis Moseman, Software Engineer, Eric Priepke who wrote the ‘Continued’ code for Cactus Canyon as well as coding Rich and Morty at Spooky, Chief Technology Officer, David Fawcett, and head of manufacturing, Paul Sulisz who was Director of Manufacturing at American Pinball.

Until now they have called themselves ‘Mystery Pinball Company’ and sent out various teasers about their upcoming game with the intention of revealing all at Pinball Expo next week.

Now they have confirmed their real company name, announced Labyrinth as their launch title, and given full details of the game along with its price.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth will have a maximum run of 1,100 units, priced at US$10,600. The company is playing hard on the collectability and limited production run of the game – even down to their website URL of kollectfun.com – although just how popular the 1986 movie remains some 37 years after it was first released remains to be seen.

Labyrinth was an attempt by Jim Henson to utilise the popularity of his Muppets franchise to create an fantasy movie which would appeal across all ages. It stars the late David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, with Bowie writing five of the movie’s music tracks while performing four of them. Fortunately, all five of these Bowie tracks appear in the Labyrinth pinball game.

These days, although Labyrinth is fondly remembered by fans, it predated the fully-immersive special effects seen a few years later, never recouped its production costs and long dropped out of popular culture.

However, it does provide plenty of material on which to base a pinball game.

There is only a single model of Labyrinth – the version you see above – although there are some mods, such as a shooter rod or topper, which can be purchased to enhance the game’s appearance.

As a new company, we should take a look at the basics of the platform first.

Labyrinth uses a standard regular-width pinball machine design, with a backbox fronted by a mirrored backglass, while below is a 15.6″ LCD panel, flanked by illuminated speakers. The cabinet and backglass artwork is by Nate Hallinan, however there is an alternative ‘Should You Need Us’ backglass from Johnny Bergeron (a.k.a. Johnny Crap) who also created the playfield artwork. Johnny Crap has previously created artwork for Stern Pinball’s title Jurassic Park, including their recently announced 30th Anniversary Edition. Johnny also designed the inner cabinet art blades.

Behind that backglass is the FAST Pinball boardset which interfaces with the playfield devices, lights and switches, while driving the two 5¼” Kenwood backbox speakers and the JBL 8″ subwoofer in the cabinet base, the backbox LCD panel and, unusually, a 14.9″ second LCD which forms the playfield’s back panel.

Also unusual is the choice of polyester for the cabinet armour. This is powder-coated with metallic flakes to give a premium appearance.

Taking a look at that playfield, we find a multitude of sculpted models, some animated, which is no great surprise given the history of one of the company’s founding members in the action model business.

The game features three flippers, three ramps – one metal and two plastic, one of which includes a lift mechanism to reveal a hidden scoop, a magnet diverter, an additional magnet, a ball lock, a controllable drop target, a spinner, two more scoops, a ball diverter, and an up-post.

At the back of the playfield are two door sculpts representing the scene in the movie where the main protagonist is forced to choose which door to enter.

There are four more sculpts which pop-up at appropriate points during the gameplay.

The playfield plastics all have a gold mirrored effect while all the playfield and insert lighting uses RGB LEDs.

Earlier we mentioned the add-on options available for Labyrinth. Along with the alternative mirrored backglass, there is also a ‘Nipper’ shooter rod and an animated Goblin topper which includes LED lighting and lit eyes.

Here’s how Barrels of Fun announced their first game:

Step into the extraordinary world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth with this truly unique collectible. Limited to just 1,100 units worldwide, this collectible pinball game promises an enchanting and unparalleled experience. Immerse yourself in the magic of Jim Henson’s visionary world as it merges with the tactile and immersive thrill of pinball gameplay as it transports you deep into the heart of the Labyrinth. Relive iconic scenes and music from the movie, facing key challenges and moments. Explore interactive features, the ever-shifting paths of the labyrinth, and finely-crafted toys that transport you into the world of Labyrinth, showcasing meticulous attention to detail. For the fortunate few who acquire one of these 1,100 units, your journey through the “Labyrinth” pinball world will be an exclusive adventure, filled with the same wonder and excitement that the movie has brought to fans for decades. Venture into the fantasy world by visionary Jim Henson’s, Labyrinth. This cult classic from the 80s, featuring the iconic David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King, who has captured the imaginations of many. Embark on this pinball adventure, as you encounter a cast of characters, including Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and Ludo, who can become your loyal companions “Should you need them” and prove invaluable allies as you navigate the labyrinth filled with outrageous creatures and unknown dangers. Your ultimate goal is to reach the castle beyond the Goblin City, where Jareth awaits. You’ll face numerous challenges and obstacles. These challenges will involve solving riddles, and the ever-shifting paths of the labyrinth, and outsmarting cunning adversaries. Each successful conquest will earn you an Orb, which is essential for progressing deeper into the labyrinth. The journey through the Labyrinth is not only a test of wit and courage but is your own adventure. A world where fantasy and reality intertwine, where your determination and resourcefulness are your greatest assets. With your newfound friends and the Orb’s power, you can inch closer to your goal and confront the enigmatic Goblin King. Entering the fantastical collectible pinball world of “Labyrinth”, limited to just 1,100 games worldwide, promises to be an enchanting and unique experience. Where the magic of Jim Henson’s visionary world meets the tactile and immersive thrill of pinball gameplay. Each flip of the flippers, bump of the ball, will transport you into the heart of the Labyrinth. Immerse yourself in the iconic scenes and Music from the movie, reliving key moments and challenges from the film. Complete with interactive features and toys that will transport you to the world of Labyrinth while appreciating the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating this limited collectible. So, for those lucky enough to acquire one of these 1,100 units, may your adventure through the “Labyrinth” pinball world be a one-of-a-kind experience, filled with the same wonder and excitement that the movie brought to fans for decades. Features • Sculpted Goblin King Castle • Sculpted Goblin City and Hidden Ludo Toy • Goblin city, magnet Diverter • Goblin Gate Fork Trap • Humongous Smart Drop Target • Sculpted Humongous toy guard • Goblin Gate Spinner • Brick Keeper lift ramp and hidden home (scoop). Beware the Brick Keeper’s and their tricks • Begger Magnet • Bog Scoop • Helping hands scoop • Sir Didymus staff Up post. Befriend Sir Didymus and allow him to save your ball. • 3 ramps, goblin city wireform, metal right return ramp and wireform, and middle ramp • Two firey appearing toys • Sculpted Ello Worm Toy • Ello Appearing Post • Sculpted doors with knockers scene • Physical Ball Path Diverter • Sculpted Wise Man and Smart Drop Target. Complete his quests for special awards. • Wireform Skill Ramp with multiple Skill Shots • Mirror plastics • 14.9 LCD backboard for a true expanded world under glass • Playfield art by Johnny Bergeron aka Johnny Crap • Backglass featuring the goblin king himself, David Bowie by Nate Hallinan, or Mirrored “should you need us” alternative Backglass by Johnny Bergeron. • Powder coat pinball trim • Matching powder-coat LCD speaker panel with 15.6 LCD with labyrinth laser-cut speaker vents. • Light-up speakers • Crystal ball flipper buttons • Fanless power Supply • FAST Pinball controller System

Barrels of Fun already has six distributors – King Pin Games in Wisconsin, CoinTaker in Pennsylvania, Flip N Out Pinball in Indiana, FUN! in north Texas, Joystix in south Texas and Mr Pinball in Australia.

Full payment for the game of $10,600 can be made through the Barrels of Fun website, or a pre-order payment of $1,000 can be made instead to secure one of the 1,100 units.

A flyer is also available for Labyrinth. Here it is:

In addition, there are four videos published on YouTube. The first explores the game’s features, while the others show the backglass, shooter rod and topper mods. Here they are:

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth will receive its first public outing at Pinball Expo where Barrels of Fun have an unveiling pizza party scheduled for 9:30pm on Friday. Catch the Pinball News coverage of Pinball Expo for full details of that event as well as all the other excitement.