The Cactus Canyon Pinball Machine (1998)

Is a classic pinball machine designed by Bally and is known for its wild west theme. It is one of the last machines produced by Bally before the company was acquired by Williams in the late 1990s. The machine features an engaging storyline, high-quality gameplay, and an immersive wild west atmosphere.

Key Features

• Theme:

  • The Cactus Canyon pinball machine is set in the American Wild West during the late 1800s. The storyline revolves around the infamous Cactus Canyon, with players aiming to thwart outlaws and protect the town. Players are placed in the role of a sheriff or deputy, working to defeat the various outlaws causing trouble in the town.

  • The game includes iconic wild west motifs such as cowboys, gunslingers, and gold miners, all interacting with the player to help complete objectives.

• Design and Artwork:

  • The game was designed by Mark Ritchie, with artwork by Doug Watson. The playfield is rich with western-themed visuals, featuring a small town setting, gunfight scenes, and classic cowboy imagery.

  • The cabinet artwork features bold western fonts and illustrations that reinforce the theme, and the playfield itself has many interesting details and targets inspired by wild west movies and stories.

• Gameplay:

  • The game is a multi-level experience where players engage in various challenges to stop outlaws and become the hero of Cactus Canyon.

  • Ramps and Targets: There are several ramps, loops, and targets for players to hit, as well as a shooter lane that mimics a gunfight.

  • Outlaw Characters: The game features various outlaw characters that the player must defeat. Some of the prominent characters include Mad Dog, Bandits, and The Sheriff.

  • Western-Themed Modes: There are several modes that take inspiration from western movies, such as “Shootout” and “Cactus Canyon Multiball”, where players aim to defeat the outlaws and secure their position as the sheriff of the town.

• Unique Features:

  • Interactive Toy: The machine has a dynamic “Cactus Canyon” toy that features a moving train and other moving components, enhancing the western theme.

  • Gunslinger Mode: A fun and challenging mode where players face off against a gunslinger in a duel. This provides an extra layer of excitement and interaction with the game’s characters.

  • Multiball Modes: There are several multiball modes available, including the Cactus Canyon Multiball, which rewards players with bigger jackpots as they progress through the game.

• Sound & Music:

  • The machine features an excellent soundtrack with western-style music, including spaghetti western-style soundtracks, and voice clips that reinforce the theme. The game also includes sound effects, like gunshots, horse gallops, and whistles, which give it an immersive and authentic western feel.

  • The voiceovers include lines from various characters such as Mad Dog and The Sheriff, as well as random taunts and encouragements that make the game more engaging.

• Gameplay Features:

  • Shifting Playfield: The playfield has a few moving elements to keep the gameplay exciting, such as a gumball machine and hidden traps that the player can trigger.

  • Modes & Objectives: There are multiple modes to complete, including “Shootout” and “Outlaw Roundup”. Players work their way through the game by completing specific objectives related to western outlaw stories.

• Collectability & Value:

  • Limited Production: Cactus Canyon is one of the last machines designed by Bally before the company’s acquisition by Williams, making it a more collectible and sought-after machine.

  • The machine has become quite rare over the years and is highly regarded in the pinball community, especially by fans of western themes and classic pinball machines.

  • Special Editions: Bally produced a “Cactus Canyon Limited Edition” with additional features, such as upgraded sound and exclusive artwork, which makes the LE model especially sought after by collectors. Cactus Canyon Pinball Machine