Kourtney Kardashian
Pinball machines. That’s right, you read that correctly. As in the early 1900s coin-operated arcade game where you score points by shooting metal balls on an inclined playfield, hitting special targets, and avoiding losing the balls. For Kourt’s family, it all started with the Batman Dark Knight machine, and they recently added Yellow Brick Road. She quickly realized that not only has it been a great investment, it has become fun, competitive, and actually physically beneficial for her family.
In today’s modern world of TV, video games, and social media, it has become almost impossible to find a classic pastime for the whole family to enjoy. These modern-day electronics and video games can consume our kids with not only the risk for addiction but a lack of physical stimulation. The fantasy world in these games is so consuming and compelling that addicts sometimes neglect themselves, their friends, and family. They can get caught up alone in a room or a remote part of the house for hours.
This is where pinball machines differ, however. Pinball machines have been used in children’s hospitals to promote patient activity while also providing amusement. The machines are brightly lit, loud, interactive, and have some of the best cabinet artwork around. When playing pinball, you often play together, creating laughs, building bonds, and being attentive to one another. Playing pinball with your kids can create some lasting memories and friendly competition. It helps kids practice important moral values such as temperance and patience.
Virginia Nazari
Many modern pinball machines include a storyline where the player must complete certain objectives in a certain fashion to complete the story. The game requires precision and patience to not only play but also when watching and cheering on the other players. You also need to have strategy in order to get to hidden modes and maximize your score. These lessons in strategy, patience, and persistence are very important for kids in their school years. More importantly, these life lessons can potentially help in making them strong entrepreneurs and noble members of society.
With popular classic titles like The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and The Munsters plus more modern titles such as Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and Star Wars, there are relatable themes for all ages. Each game pays tribute to its theme through modes, music, and short clips on the displays.
Pinball machines have proven to be a great investment for some as they usually increase in value over time. This, however, depends on their condition, collectability, and model rarity. As if all that was not enough to convince us of how great playing pinball can be, let us top it off with this: you can add cup holders on the machines! So pour your favorite drink, turn up the sound, rally up your family, and get ready to feel your heart pumping with the captivating world of pinball.
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