| Big Bang Bar / IPD No. 5244 / June, 2007 / 4 Players | [ Submit Changes ] |
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In 2004, Gene Cunningham of Illinois Pinball Inc. (IPB) declared plans to produce a "remake" of that 1996 game, initially announced to be a production of 101 machines but eventually increased to 183 units. Despite reported substantial setbacks and cost overruns, in June 2006 approximately one dozen machines were delivered to European customers ahead of the RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) laws due to go into force in Europe in July 2006. The remaining machines were completed and shipped in June 2007.
The games were produced with the original "Capcom" name in numerous locations on the game and in documentation, and the game uses common Capcom circuit boards, but the still existing Capcom Co., Ltd. was not involved in its production. Rather, IPB reportedly licensed the Capcom name along with the design. A new company named "Pinball Manufacturing Inc." was reportedly formed by IPB to manufacture and sell the machines. So the manufacturer could be thought of as "Pinball Manufacturing Inc., a division of Illinois Pinball Inc., doing business as Capcom".
Reportedly, the following differences exist in this remake as compared to the 1996 game:
• The electroluminescent lights on the plastic ramp use 12v on this remake while on the original Capcom game they work on 24v.
• The tube dancer is 13% smaller than the 1996 game - Gene Cunningham didn't have access to the original mold.
• All remakes came with numbered plaques for the cardholder (whether or not they may be mounted there).
• Reportedly, there is no manufacturer sticker on the back of the cabinet as there was on the original Capcom cabinet.
A game owner searched his game inside and outside and found no sticker or other reference to a model number. The manual he was provided by manufacturer was a "copy" and he found no model number in it.
At the 2010 Northwest Pinball and Gameroom Show, Gene Cunningham reported to us that additional units of this game were made using extra parts and playfields. These new machines carried serial numbers with the letters "EXP" for Extra Parts. He guessed the additional quantity was approximately 10 or 11 games although he was firm in stating the new total quantity is 191 units. Our previous quantity reported in this listing was ~183 units.
An interesting 2017 article traces the development of this game.
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