Pedretti Gaming has officially announced its highly anticipated remake of the classic Williams/Bally title, Tales of the Arabian Nights. This ambitious project, set to captivate pinball enthusiasts and collectors, breathes new life into a beloved 1996 machine, blending its iconic gameplay with cutting-edge modern technology. The remake is being offered in two distinct editions, catering to different preferences for authenticity and artistic vision.

Two Editions for a Magical Experience

The Tales of the Arabian Nights Remake will be available in two models: the Legacy Edition and the 30th Anniversary Edition.

The Legacy Edition, priced at $10,995 (plus tax), is designed for purists. It faithfully recreates the original artwork of the 1996 game, ensuring that the visual aesthetic remains true to its celebrated past. This edition is intended to evoke the nostalgic charm that made the original a fan favorite.

Stepping up in price to $11,995 (plus tax), the 30th Anniversary Edition offers a more contemporary and visually distinct experience. This model features an entirely new cabinet, playfield, and backbox artwork package, meticulously crafted by the renowned artist Brian Allen of Flyland Designs. This artistic reimagining promises a fresh perspective on the magical world of Arabian Nights.

Both editions boast a refined aesthetic with stylized metal trim. The Legacy Edition features a sophisticated "Night Sky" black speckled finish, while the Anniversary Edition shines with an eye-catching "Purple Glitter" effect. These premium touches underscore the commitment to quality and detail in both versions.

Technological Upgrades and Enhanced Features

Beyond their distinct visual styles, both remake models incorporate numerous technological advancements over the original Williams machine. These upgrades are designed to enhance the player experience, improve reliability, and integrate modern pinball features.

Key upgrades across both editions include:

• Color Display: Replacing the original monochrome dot-matrix display (DMD), a vibrant color display brings new life to animations and game information.
• Illuminated Speakers: Integrated lighting within the speakers adds a dynamic visual element to the game’s audio feedback.
• Interior Cabinet Artwork: The inside of the cabinet is now adorned with custom artwork, adding an immersive layer of detail often unseen during gameplay.
• Illuminated Back Panel: This feature contributes to the overall ambiance and can dynamically interact with gameplay.
• Illuminated Genie and Magic Lamp: These iconic elements of the Tales of the Arabian Nights theme are now enhanced with internal lighting, making them focal points of the playfield.
• Internet Connectivity: Both Wi-Fi and cable connectivity are standard, enabling seamless software updates and access to online features.

Deep Dive into the Editions

The Legacy Edition

The Legacy Edition stands as a testament to the original design’s enduring appeal. Its commitment to preserving the original artwork ensures that players can relive the magic of the 1996 game with a faithful visual representation. The "Night Sky" finish on the metal trim adds a subtle yet elegant touch, complementing the classic graphics without overpowering them. Images released showcase the familiar playfield layout and cabinet art, promising an authentic experience for long-time fans.

The 30th Anniversary Edition

The 30th Anniversary Edition represents a bold artistic statement. Brian Allen’s new artwork, a hallmark of modern pinball design, transforms the machine’s visual identity. The new cabinet, playfield, and backbox graphics are expected to offer a richer, more detailed, and perhaps more dramatic interpretation of the Arabian Nights theme. The "Purple Glitter" metalwork on this edition further distinguishes it, offering a more vibrant and contemporary aesthetic. This version is for those who appreciate the original’s spirit but desire a fresh, artistically driven interpretation.

Software Evolution and Enhanced Gameplay

The remakes are powered by the robust FAST Pinball electronics system, a recognized standard for reliability and advanced features in the modern pinball industry. This system enables full RGB lighting effects throughout the machine, allowing for dynamic and immersive visual experiences that were not possible with the original technology.

A significant aspect of the remake is the introduction of a new V1.5 software version. While the core gameplay rules remain true to the original, this enhanced code introduces several key improvements:

• Colorized DMD Animations: The new color display is utilized to present updated and more engaging animations.
• Immersive RGB Lighting Effects: The software is synchronized with the machine’s RGB lighting to create dynamic light shows that react to gameplay events.
• Bug Fixes and Refinements: The V1.5 update includes necessary fixes to ensure smoother gameplay.

Crucially, players will also have the option to play with the original V1.0 code, offering a completely authentic experience for those who wish to experience the game exactly as it was released three decades ago.

Pedretti Gaming has collaborated with Sam Zehr’s Athyrio Games company for the software development of this remake. This partnership brings specialized expertise in modern pinball software design, focusing on enhancing the player experience through visual and interactive elements.

Furthermore, the remake integrates the Scorbit scoring and achievements system as a standard feature. This allows players to track their scores, compete with others globally, and unlock achievements, adding a modern social and competitive dimension to the classic game.

Production, Pricing, and Availability

The production of these remakes is being undertaken in Italy at the Euro Pinball Corporation manufacturing facility, a joint venture with Pinball Brothers. This collaboration ensures high-quality manufacturing standards for these premium machines.

The 30th Anniversary Edition is strictly limited to 399 units worldwide. This limited production run will likely make it a highly sought-after collector’s item.

The Legacy Edition is not strictly limited in number but is initially allocated manufacturing time for 500 units. Pedretti Gaming has indicated that if demand is sufficiently high, further production runs could be considered at a later date.

Pricing details indicate the Legacy Edition at $10,995 USD, with European distributors listing it at approximately £9,495 (inc. VAT) and €11,600 (inc. VAT). The 30th Anniversary Edition is priced at $11,995 USD, with European equivalents around £10,295 (inc. VAT) and €11,999 (inc. VAT). Distributors are currently accepting deposits, with the exact start date for production yet to be confirmed.

Background and Context

The original Tales of the Arabian Nights, released in 1996, was a groundbreaking machine designed by Mark Ritchie and featuring artwork by Kevin O’Connor. It was lauded for its innovative gameplay mechanics, including the spinning Magic Carpet, the interactive Magic Lamp, and its deep, engaging rule set that immersed players in the fantastical stories of the Arabian Nights. Its unique theme, rich narrative, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay quickly cemented its status as a modern classic.

Pedretti Gaming has established a strong reputation for producing high-quality remakes of beloved Bally and Williams pinball machines. Their work often involves meticulous attention to detail, aiming to preserve the spirit of the originals while incorporating modern technological advancements. This latest project continues that tradition, offering a chance for a new generation of players to experience Tales of the Arabian Nights and for existing fans to enjoy it with enhanced features and modern connectivity.

Planetary Pinball Supply Inc. (PPS), the exclusive license holder for Williams/Bally games, parts, and merchandise, is involved in this project. PPS’s role in manufacturing, distributing genuine parts, and collaborating on remake projects underscores the legitimacy and quality of this endeavor. Their involvement ensures that the remakes are produced with the official blessing and support of the original intellectual property holders.

Official Announcement and Further Information

Pedretti Gaming’s official announcement highlights their partnership with Planetary Pinball Supply Inc. and emphasizes the blend of classic gameplay with updated technology. The announcement details the new V1.5 code, the integration of RGB lighting, and the collaboration with Athyrio Games for software development. It also reiterates the FAST Pinball electronics platform and the inclusion of the Scorbit system for scoring and achievements.

The company also provided flyers for both editions, offering a visual overview of the machines and their key features. These promotional materials further detail the pricing, limited nature of the Anniversary Edition, and the production details.

More news and in-depth coverage, including potential reviews and insights from industry professionals, is expected to be provided by Pinball News and its associated Pinball Industry News PINcast. This ongoing coverage will keep enthusiasts informed about the production progress and eventual release of these highly anticipated pinball machines. The arrival of the Tales of the Arabian Nights Remake marks a significant event in the pinball community, celebrating a beloved classic while embracing the future of the hobby.