Pinball

A rebuilt Terminator 2 pinball machine by Wayne Patrick Finn Melbourne Australia. 38

Niger, Filingué (44), local pinball game

Early Pinball

Patent model for the Montague Redgrave's bagatelle

Flipper1948

Visible Pinball III - Pacific Pinball Museum cropped

Pinball is a type of arcade game that is played on a pinball machine, a device that is usually coin-operated. The primary objective of the game is to score as many points as possible by hitting targets and avoiding losing the ball. The game is initiated by launching a ball into the playfield using a plunger, after which players control flippers to keep the ball in play.

History

The origins of pinball can be traced back to the 18th century with games like bagatelle. However, the modern version of pinball evolved in the early 20th century, with significant advancements in technology and design occurring in the 1930s. During this time, manufacturers began to incorporate electronic components, such as lights and solenoids, which added complexity and appeal to the games. The 1970s and 1980s are often considered the golden age of pinball, with the introduction of solid-state electronics and digital displays.

Gameplay

In pinball, players use mechanical flippers to hit a ball up an inclined playfield. The playfield is populated with a variety of targets, including bumpers, ramps, and drop targets, each offering different scoring opportunities. The game ends when all the balls have been lost or when a game-ending condition is met. Modern pinball machines often feature elaborate themes, narratives, and objectives, such as completing specific tasks to achieve a high score or unlock special modes.

Design and Features

Pinball machines are known for their intricate designs and features. These include:

- Plunger: A device used to launch the ball onto the playfield. - Flippers: Paddles controlled by the player to keep the ball in play. - Bumpers: Round knobs that bounce the ball around the playfield. - Ramps: Elevated paths that guide the ball to different parts of the playfield. - Multi-ball: A mode that allows several balls to be in play at the same time.

Cultural Impact

Pinball has had a significant cultural impact, featuring in various forms of media and entertainment. In the mid-20th century, pinball faced legal challenges in the United States, with some cities banning the machines, claiming they were a form of gambling. However, the perception of pinball changed in the 1970s after a landmark case in New York City, where it was successfully argued that pinball was a game of skill, leading to the lifting of the ban.

Modern Pinball

The popularity of pinball has waxed and waned over the years, facing competition from video games and other forms of entertainment. However, there has been a resurgence of interest in pinball in the 21st century, with new manufacturers entering the market and older machines being restored by enthusiasts. Pinball tournaments and leagues have also become more popular, with the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) being a prominent organization in competitive pinball.

See Also

• Arcade game
• Bagatelle
• Coin-operated machines

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