Why Spooky Pinball Is the Most Exciting Thing to Happen to the Hobby Since Jersey Jack
For a long time, Jersey Jack Pinball was the company everyone looked to when it came to raising the bar in modern pinball (Not to slight Stern as they have been releasing some STELLAR games)—immersive themes, incredible artwork, deep code, and machines that felt like events. But over the past few years, another name has been building serious momentum, and it’s hard to ignore anymore: Spooky Pinball.
They may be a smaller company, but what they’re doing right now feels just as exciting and important to the evolution of pinball as Jersey Jack was when they launched Wizard of Oz. Here’s why.
They Pick Themes That Actually Get You Excited
Let’s be honest—when Spooky announces a new title, you pay attention. Their licenses aren’t the usual overused blockbusters. Instead, they lean into themes that feel like deep cuts for fans: Rick and Morty, Halloween, Ultraman, and now Evil Dead. These are bold, sometimes risky choices, but they’re exactly what make their games stand out.
More importantly, they treat the source material with care. The callouts are fun, the assets are well used, and the whole game feels like it gets the vibe of the IP—not just a skin wrapped around a playfield.
Build Quality That Surprises You (In a Good Way)
For a boutique company, the build quality on Spooky games is impressive. My first machine from them was Evil Dead, and I was immediately struck by the thoughtful details—playfield plastic protectors, silicone rubbers, solid assembly—it just feels like they care about how these machines will hold up over time. These might seem like small things, but they go a long way in showing pride in their product.
You Can Tell These Games Were Made by People Who Love Pinball
Spooky’s games are packed with clever details. From inventive shot layouts to unexpected mechanical features (the cabin ball lock, the basement trap door, the animated hand target), everything feels like it was added for a reason. The flow is great, the toys are fun, and the experience is anything but cookie-cutter.
Even something like the flipper placed where you’d expect a slingshot to be shows that they’re thinking outside the box—and making design choices to serve gameplay, not convention.
They Treat Their Customers Like People, Not Just Orders
One thing that really stood out to me with Spooky was the level of customer service. When I had questions, I got real answers from real people. Phone calls, helpful responses—it all felt personal, not just transactional. That kind of support is rare these days, and it really builds trust in the company behind the machine.
Spooky Feels Like the Start of Something Big
Jersey Jack helped usher in a new era for pinball—proving that deep, immersive machines had a place in the market. And now Spooky is taking that same spirit and carving out their own lane. They’re not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, they’re leaning into what they do best—quirky, creative, well-built games that connect with players.
And for me? That’s the most exciting thing to happen to pinball since JJP.
If you haven’t had a chance to play one of their games, seek one out. Spooky is the real deal—and it feels like they’re just getting started.