Plunge, Flip, Bump and Score

In a world of digital gaming, does a place still exist for the humble pinball?

Plunge, Flip, Bump and Score examines the realm of vintage pinball and the vast technological changes that have taken place since its invention. Pinball might conjure up nostalgic images of colourfuldusty seaside arcades, but talk to a pinball expert and you will soon be reminded that pinball is a serious game. Random and never the same twice, it pits a player's skill and patience against the machine.

The title refers to the common features of a traditional pinball machine, the mechanics used in order to win. Pinball machines are a symbol of nostalgic Americana yet there is still a dedicated community of pinball players who compete in tournaments around the world.

In this radio feature,Esther Johnson visits the UK Vintage Pinball Parlour to explore the world of analogue machines in an age of digital gaming. Johnson's audio piece weaves the sounds of a highly-polished carbon steel ball rolling around the playfield of the 1958 Satellite game, with the cries and electronic sounds of Jungle Lord from 1981, and the supernatural intrigue of Theatre of Magic from 1995.

Plunge, Flip, Bump and Score was originally made for Dreamlands commissioned by Radio Arts to celebrate the reopening of the Dreamlands theme park in Margate.

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/radiotonic/plunge-flip-bump-and-score/5844286

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