Expert: Larry Bieza - 12/29/2007

Question
I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF PUTTING TOGETHER A GAME ROOM AND ON OF THE MACHINES THAT I WAS LOOKING TO GET IS THE 1990 DATA EAST SIMPSONS. I HAVE SEEN A LARGE PRICE RANG ON THESE ANY WARE FROM $1100 TO $1700. WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD PRICE AND IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR IN PARTICULAR? I WAS LOOKING AT THE GAME BECAUSE WE ARE BIG FANS OF THE SHOW. WE HAVE ALL EPISODES BACK TO WHEN THEY WHERE ON THE TRACIE ULMOND.

Answer
Hi, Data East was actually a video arcade game company that decided to venture into the pinball market.  Their first game came out in 1997 and eventually they moved into producing a game based on licensed characters, The Simpsons.  The game was a success for the company, with a production run of over 5000 games.  The success didn't last for long, though, as Data East only was in the business for around seven years before selling out.  The Simpsons was likely their best game.  The character dialog for the game was actually recorded using the actors who do the voices on the show.

Actually the price range you gave is correct for the game, in that games in worse condition but working would bring around $1100 and nice working games should bring $1600 or so.  The price could go a bit higher for a perfect condition game.  Things to look for are the condition of the backglass artwork(no paint peeling or scratches), playfield wear, and how beat up the clear ramps are.  Many of the plastic parts for pinballs are being reproduced, so new ramps may be available.  Good Luck!   Larry Bieza www.coinoplibrary.com