A new pinball manufacturer has entered the market with Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, a licensed machine based on the 1986 movie.
Barrels Of Fun is positioning the machine towards collectors, reflected in the company’s slogan, “Collectible pinball at its finest!” Residential buyers now account for a substantial share of pinball sales across the industry, although operators will also be able to purchase the game.
Production is limited to 1,100 units, while the listed price is $10,600. That combination means it is unlikely to become as widespread on location as a current Stern release. Barrels Of Fun is based in Houston, Texas; its company background is available here.
Labyrinth pinball features
The announcement trailer presents a polished first entry for the company, with production values comparable to established manufacturers such as Stern and Jersey Jack. The design also appears to offer plenty of playfield activity for fans of the film.
Key features include three flippers, three ramps, two LCD screens, two scoop targets, a magnet and several articulated sculpted figures. An LCD positioned near the top of the playfield is a particularly distinctive feature, although its protection during play will be worth watching. The machine also includes numerous lines from the movie.
The official game page includes the full feature list and additional photos. A more detailed trailer and further promotional information are also covered by Knapp Arcade’s pinball coverage.
A collector-focused debut
With a limited run, a premium price and a recognisable film licence, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth is clearly aimed at dedicated collectors. Operators may still bring selected examples to public venues, but availability is expected to be much narrower than for higher-volume pinball releases.
For readers comparing home entertainment options, our virtual pinball machines guide provides a useful alternative, while our arcade machine buying guide covers the broader considerations involved in choosing a machine. More retro gaming news is available on the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
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