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FunHouse Pinball

Full Tilt Boogie: 3 Innovative Pinball Machines

June 4, 2015

Pinball has come a long way since it was first developed in, believe it or not, the 18th century.

FunHouse (1990)

FunHouse PinballReleased by Williams Electronics, this machine features Rudy, the talking head of a ventriloquist’s dummy. The wisecracking doll comments on the game in real time and taunts the player with various insults. Voiced by programmer Ed Boon, if a ball hits him in the head, he says things like “Hey, I thought we’s was pals!” The game also contains a virtual clock in the center of the playfield. When it hits midnight, Rudy falls asleep and his mouth falls open. If a player can shoot a ball into it, the machine’s “multi-ball” function is activated.

The Addams Family (1992)

Addams Family PinballBased on the 1991 film (that was based on the ‘60s TV show, which was based on a New Yorker comic), this table produced by Bally is the bestselling pinball machine of all time. A few of the reasons why: it features a display screen and audio recorded by actors Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston (Gomez and Morticia in the movie). The table itself was designed to resemble the kooky clan’s morbid manor. Players can send their ball flying into a miniature throne or up a bookcase that activates the “multi-ball” function. There’s also a spinning floor and, if a ball reaches the upper right hand corner, it will get attacked by Thing, a creepy creature that’s little more than a disembodied human hand. It reaches out from a box and uses a magnet to snatch the ball.

The Wizard of Oz (2013)

Wizard of Oz PinballThis machine, designed by Jersey Jack Pinball Inc., hopes to “inspire a new generation of pinball excellence” according to its ads. Among its innovative gadgets: A 26-inch HD screen that shows clips from the classic 1939 film in full color. Meanwhile, the table itself contains LED lights that can change color, an industry first, and Ruby Slipper flippers. It’s also decorated with Munchkin huts, a Wicked Witch of the West, Dorothy’s flying house (which spins), and plenty of flying monkeys.