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ZXSpectrum16k

Craig Cole's Video Gaming & Pinball Blog

Tag: Bally

  • Medusa Joins the Lineup

    Medusa Joins the Lineup

    I’ve been on the lookout for a classic ’80s machine to add some variety to my collection—and after bouncing between a few titles, Medusa came up for sale at a good price, I didn’t hesitate. Pulled the trigger!

    I’ve always thought Medusa was something special. The striking fantasy artwork, those eerie sound effects—and that voice! Just brilliant. The machine does play, but the playfield definitely needs some TLC. I’m seriously considering getting a replacement playfield to bring it back to its full glory. The mid-playfield score display isn’t functioning correctly either, so that’s on the fix-it list too.

    One of the coolest features is the upper playfield’s “Time-Locked Zipper Flippers”, which close inward, letting you nail those metamorphic drop targets with precision. And down below, the transparent lower flippers add a unique visual touch. Right between them sits the infamous center flipper, sometimes called the “savior” or “sacrificial” flipper. It gives you one last desperate chance to save a draining ball—or, if mistimed, sends it straight to its doom. Totally innovative for 1981.

    Medusa was designed by Wally Welch, with software by Rehman Merchant and that stunning artwork by Kevin O’Connor. Released by Bally in September 1981, it’s a true solid-state classic—and I’m buzzing to bring it back to life.

  • The Twilight Zone Pinball: A Timeless Classic

    The Twilight Zone Pinball: A Timeless Classic

    Choosing between Twilight Zone and The Addams Family wasn’t easy. In the end, I went with Twilight Zone—I figured it had better long-term appeal, even though Addams Family has some of the best callouts in pinball. So when a Twilight Zone popped up on the forum, I didn’t hesitate—it had to be mine.

    And now, Twilight Zone has officially entered the building! Massive grin on my face. Big thanks to Martin for the delivery. There was a minor hiccup during setup, but reseating a few connectors in the backbox sorted it.

    Luke’s away at uni at the moment—he’s buzzing that we’ve got it, but he’ll have to wait until he’s back home to dive in.

    Condition-wise, it’s in great shape and plays beautifully. It’s already rocking a color DMD (bonus!), and there are a few mods—some I like, some not so much. I’ve already ordered a fresh set of white rubbers to bring back that classic look. Next up: stripping out the mods I’m not a fan of, adding a few choice upgrades, installing Col’s plastic protectors, and swapping in some new LEDs to make it pop.

    Absolutely buzzing to have this one. A true classic in the lineup.

    Twilight Zone is a wide-body Pinball Machine manufactured by Bally released in April, 1993. They produced 15,235

    Design team
    Game Design: Pat Lawlor Software: Larry DeMar Ted Estes Artwork: John Youssi Animation: Eugene Geer Scott Slomiany Sound: Chris Granner Rich Karstens Music: Chris Granner Callouts: Tim Kitzrow

    It is themed after the television series that was created by Rod Serling and which aired on American television from 1959-1964 originally. The game is often noted to be the game with the most patents (however Pinball Magic by Capcom has more), the most toys and the most over-cost budget in the history of pinball.

    Main features include four flippers, a life-size gumball machine that locks balls inside, a mechanical clock with rotating arms, a mini playfield with invisible (magnet) flippers and a ceramic ball that is not affected by the game’s two stock magnets.

    Twilight Zone is one of the most popular machines amongst home owners and many modifications (mods) are sold for it, including a robot toy, a real mini television screen, a flashing camera and more!

  • Upgraded World Cup Soccer with Pin2DMD for Stunning Visuals and Crisp Colours

    Upgraded World Cup Soccer with Pin2DMD for Stunning Visuals and Crisp Colours

    I just installed a Pin2DMD on my World Cup Soccer, and the difference is impressive. The colours are vibrant, and the animations are so much better in colour. The pictures don’t do it justice; it looks fantastic.
    The DMD is so clear; the colours are vibrant and really pops.

    Big thanks to Andrew @Terranigma from Pinballinfo (I bought it from him) for a great product, great price, fast delivery, and support with the installation.

  • Pinball Machine Renovation: Fixing up World Cup Soccer 94 pinball, From Weak Flippers to Smooth Shots

    Pinball Machine Renovation: Fixing up World Cup Soccer 94 pinball, From Weak Flippers to Smooth Shots

    I have made several fixes to my World Cup Soccer pinball machine. When I first acquired it, the left General Illumination, along with several other lights, were not working. There were also numerous errors in the log startup, the flippers were weak at times, and the playing field was dirty.

    To fix all the errors in the log startup, and lights. I researched a lot, asked questions on forums, soldered, switched connections and traced wiring for hrs and hrs and hrs. I also replaced all the lights with LEDs, I replaced the rubbers with titan ones, swapped out some of the plastics, put in some new pinballs, and installed playfield metal protectors. I even rebuilt the flippers.

    Luke helped me with the choose of colors we went for with the playfield and backbox lights. We did tons of cleaning, the playfield, the plastic ramps, all the stuff metal and the cabinet itself.

    It now plays great, the shots feel smooth, and overall I think it looks a lot nicer. I did try installing some additional mini floodlights, but I thought that made it look too bright, and I wasn’t a fan of seeing loose wires on the playfield

    However, there is still a lot more work to be done. I plan to install a Colour DMD, replace the plastic ramps, and install more metal playfield protectors. I had a great time working on the pinball machine and learning in the process. I am excited to do more!

    I must have caught the bug because while working on the pinball machine, I also insulated my outside garage so that I could store more pinballs. Cant wait to get more

  • Pinball No 2: My Perfect Project Pin | Ideal for Playing and Modifying : World Cup Soccer

    Pinball No 2: My Perfect Project Pin | Ideal for Playing and Modifying : World Cup Soccer

    I was told it wouldn’t take long before I got Pinball No 2. This was delivered today :-)

    It plays great and the theme is perfect for my sons and friends. I’ve been searching for one ever since I saw it on a stream by @Gonzo, and someone else showcasing their pin collection. I can already tell that it has some fantastic shots, and Luke and I have already had some great games on it.

    I was able to pick it up from Gumtree for an excellent price, and it was conveniently located near me, so the seller was able to deliver it. The playing field is in good condition, and the rest of the machine is decent. It’s ideal for me since I wanted a project pin that I could fix up and modify extensively, as well as learn from.

    On my to-do list, I have listed new field decals, LED light conversion, and possibly a ColorDMD display. I also plan to check out game mods. Additionally, I would like to beat Luke on it and win the World Cup! :-)

    First night playing did have to fix the DMD, which thankfully i got it working a treat as it stopped.