Pinball Hall of Fame — Attraction in Paradise

This review is of the PHoF following our 2nd visit. We had a super time at the PHoF again! I will explain here why I think this place is so great, address some of its flaws and acknowledge criticisms others have made, and summarize by justifying why I stand by my previous 5-star rating.

The PHoF is a total BLAST and I respect the people who assembled so many pinball games (and video game cabinets) in one location. Most games cost $.50 to play, but newer titles (e.g., Jaws, Foo Fighters, Spinal Tap) go for $1.00 a play whereas older games such as Jungle Princess and Old Chicago are only $.25. I played pinball for over 6 hours - 2 days in a row - until I could barely stand up, sharing quarters with a 2nd person, and still spent a total of only $50!

My favorite pinball game of all time, Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure is here. They have 2 DIFFERENT Playboy pinball games. It's loud inside. It's free to get in. The PHoF reminds me of the arcades I spent countless hours in as a kid and teenager: a little rough around the edges, highly addictive and a welcome escape from the real world. Surrounded by ringing, beeping and clattering sounds, a player at the PHoF is transported to a land of carefree fun where mundane responsibilities melt away.

However, the PHoF is not perfect and may not be for everyone. I went to a pinball place in CA (Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda) where there were far fewer games, but ALL of them were in working order. During our time at the PHoF, a disappointing number of games were not operating. The power was off and lights were dark on at least 1/2 the games, and there were also many games that were "on" but either ate quarters or did not function properly. During our recent visit the rare 2-player pinball game Challenger (Gottlieb, 1971) was working earlier in the day but by the afternoon, our quarters disappeared without the game starting. Both jump buttons were broken on 720, a skateboarding video game from 1986 which I was looking forward to playing; the game should have been turned off.

Many 1-star reviews of the PHoF are partially based on the large number of inoperable games present there. However, by their own count the PHoF has 358 games. There were still plenty of working games to enjoy during our visit! That being said, there was also lots of space being taken up by piles of boxes and pinball machine parts, broken games and mystery stuff. To be honest, a certain degree of hoarding appears to be occurring on behalf of the owner/operators (the Las Vegas Pinball Collectors Club). Keep this in mind because a gigantic, dusty warehouse with no carpet and an insane number of pinball games in every imaginable state of repair - from perfect working order to near junk heap - may not be your cup of tea. It is mine, though!

Warning: If you DO lose quarters in a game that doesn't work - some of the staff at the PHoF are incredibly rude. I do not advise trying to speak with anyone about getting your money back! I made the mistake of approaching a woman at the front desk and was scolded/lectured for saying a game had stolen my quarters. Yes, she refunded my $.50 but she wasn't very kind about it. Even worse - some staff appear to hate and resent the presence of children, which is a very odd position to take as an arcade establishment. Many 1-star reviews from parents mention that staff yelled at their kids or kicked them out for minor infractions. There are signs posted everywhere with many rules to follow: No Running, No Screaming, No Swinging Arms. I do not advise bringing children under the age of 12 to the PHoF.

In conclusion, the PHoF is a slightly funky yet completely awesome collection of games - some functioning, some not - in a dingy location managed by weirdos. Just like the arcades of my...

Pinball Paradise - A Nostalgic Journey at the Pinball Hall of Fame

Stepping into the Pinball Hall of Fame was like entering a time capsule of joy, an arcade haven that transcends generations. From the moment I walked through the doors, the vibrant lights, the unmistakable hum of flippers, and the eclectic symphony of dings and buzzes welcomed me to a world where nostalgia and excitement collided.

The sheer magnitude of pinball machines that lined the vast hall was awe-inspiring. Classics from every era stood side by side, beckoning players to embark on a journey through the evolution of this iconic game. From vintage machines that whispered tales of arcades long gone to modern masterpieces with cutting-edge technology, the collection at the Pinball Hall of Fame was a testament to the enduring charm of this timeless pastime.

The staff, enthusiasts and experts in their own right, were not just custodians of the machines but passionate storytellers. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added an extra layer to the experience, turning each game into a living, breathing chapter in the history of pinball. They were more than willing to share tips, tricks, and anecdotes, making the visit not just entertaining but also educational.

The variety of machines was staggering. I found myself engrossed in a fast-paced game of a vintage '70s classic, the chimes and clicks transporting me to a bygone era. Yet, just a few steps away, I was captivated by a state-of-the-art pinball wizardry, complete with interactive LED displays and dynamic soundscapes that brought the game to life in ways I never imagined.

What truly set the Pinball Hall of Fame apart was its commitment to the community. The ethos of the hall, a non-profit organization, was evident in every corner. The tokens used to play the machines were not just tickets to fun; they were contributions to charity, making each play a small act of philanthropy.

The atmosphere was infectious, with visitors of all ages immersed in the joy of pinball. Families, friends, and solo players alike reveled in the simple pleasure of sending a steel ball careening through a maze of lights and bumpers. Laughter, cheers, and the occasional groan of defeat filled the air, creating a sense of camaraderie among strangers bonded by the love of this classic game.

In conclusion, the Pinball Hall of Fame is not just a destination for gamers; it's a pilgrimage for those seeking a genuine, unfiltered connection to the past and present of pinball. The eclectic collection, the passionate staff, and the community-driven ethos make it a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to experience the magic of flippers, bumpers, and silver balls. A day at the Pinball Hall of Fame is not just an arcade adventure; it's a celebration of the timeless joy encapsulated in the click-clack symphony of flippers and the flashing lights of an enduring...

We are locals and I have been a retail manager for 25 years. We have been here numerous times and in my line of work I am asked all the time about where to visit here in Las Vegas. My wife and I also have a rental property and get asked all the time about recommendations here in town. We have adopted all of our children and right now we are also hosting a family with four boys from Afghanistan. The only reason I'm saying this is that from the moment we entered we had a employee hovering around us from the start. The older grayed lady is especially mean. We were lectured within 30 seconds of entering the building. I would not recommend this place if you have kids. We had 8 kids from 10-19 and the entire time we were being lectured. I was talked to three times about my kids talking to loud or walking to fast. When she was talking to us when we first entered one of the kids was excited about being there and was talking to loud. She looked at me and said if that voice is talking that loud during play that we would be asked to leave.

My ten year old son won one of the play balls that said "see counter for a prize" and yes he probably was walking or skipping to the counter. She told me that we all had to leave because we were rule breakers. I tried to talk to her but she said that I needed to quit talking and get out of the place because they didn't need customers like us. Not sure what she was referring to, but just read some of the other one star reviews. This place has great potential, but some of the employees seem like customers are a big distraction. I talked to one of the younger associates and he apologized to me about the way we were treated and talked to. He did tell me that she was a manager. I do remember her because she treated my family and another family that was visiting from out of town the same way the last time we were there.

As far as the games go I am in agreement with a lot of other posts. A lot of the games were out of order and the machines do eat quarters. It was cheaper a couple of years ago. Most games require at least 50 cents and some more.

I am not a keyboard warrior and I did try to talk to her as my ten year old girl was crying because of the way this lady talked to her. I don't know who she is, but she has worked there for awhile. If she was one of my managers she would not be employed by me.

Another game my little girl was trying to play took her coin. She didn't realize the game wasn't on. A lady came up and said "if the light were not on it obviously doesn't work." Made a huge deal of getting her quarter back. There wasn't a sign on the machine stating it was out of order.

If your a adult go and have some fun, have...