Attack From Mars Pinball (1995)

Attack From Mars Pinball Machine Designed by Brian Eddy and produced by Midway (Bally), is one of the most iconic and beloved pinball machines in the history of the game. Known for its alien invasion theme, humorous tone, and fast-paced gameplay, this machine is a fan favorite and continues to be highly regarded by both pinball players and collectors.

Key Features

1. Theme and Artwork:

   • Alien Invasion: The game is set in a humorous alien invasion scenario where Martians are attacking Earth. The main goal is to defeat the aliens and save the planet from destruction.

   • Artwork: The playfield and cabinet are filled with colorful, vibrant, and campy artwork, including flying saucers, lasers, and explosions. The design evokes a retro 1950s B-movie aesthetic, with flying saucers and classic sci-fi imagery.

   • Humorous Tone: The game incorporates a lighthearted and comedic approach to the alien invasion theme, with funny sound bites, character animations, and over-the-top moments that make it both fun and entertaining.

2. Gameplay:

   • Alien Destruction: Players must work their way through the game by shooting down UFOs and completing various missions that involve alien battles. As the player progresses, they aim to destroy the Martians and their flying saucers, and ultimately, defeat the alien mothership.

   • Progressive Story: The game has a clear progression system where players face a series of increasingly difficult missions that revolve around different aspects of the alien invasion, including taking out key targets and activating multiball modes.

   • Saucers and Targets: The game includes several ramp shots, targets, and interactive features like “capture targets” that players need to hit to complete objectives. There are also saucer targets that players can shoot to destroy the alien ships.

3. Innovative Features:

   • Flying Saucer Toy: One of the standout features of the game is the flying saucer toy on the playfield, which is a key part of the gameplay. Players can shoot the ball into the flying saucer to trigger certain modes, jackpots, and other interactive elements.

   • Martian Destruction: Throughout the game, players work to defeat the Martians, with each Martian requiring a specific sequence of shots to be completed. There’s also an interactive Martian saucer that shoots back and forth on the playfield, adding challenge to the game.

4. Multiball and Jackpot Features:

   • Martian Multiball: The game features multiball modes, including the famous Martian Multiball, where players must lock balls into specific areas to unlock the multiball feature. This adds a level of chaos and excitement as multiple balls are shot onto the playfield.

   • Attack from Mars Multiball: A significant multiball mode that triggers when you hit certain targets. During this mode, you’ll have to destroy the alien invaders while juggling multiple balls, scoring big points in the process.

   • Jackpots: By completing various missions and destroying alien ships, players can unlock jackpots that award substantial points during the game.

5. Sound and Music:

   • Comedic Sound Effects: The game uses alien-themed sound effects, such as laser sounds, spaceship noises, and explosions to create an immersive atmosphere.

   • Music and Voiceovers: The soundtrack is upbeat and fast-paced, with funny voiceovers from the alien invaders and human defenders. The game includes iconic quotes, such as “Attack from Mars!” and “You are under attack!” that play throughout the game.

6. Playfield Design:

   • The playfield features ramps, loops, and drop targets for players to aim at. Some of these targets are part of the mission objectives, while others unlock specific features, such as the flying saucer, Martian destruction, and multiball features.

   • The alien mothership is a prominent visual element on the playfield, which players must defeat by completing specific objectives and progressing through the game.

7. Collectability and Value:

   • Highly Collectible: Due to its iconic status, Attack From Mars is highly collectible. Its reputation as one of the best pinball machines of all time has led to a strong secondary market for both the original machine and newer re-release versions.

   • Value: As a classic Bally machine from the 1990s, Attack From Mars has maintained a strong resale value, with well-maintained machines often fetching higher prices. Limited editions, such as the Special Edition and Remake editions, are also sought after. Attack From Mars Pinball Machine