This electromechanical sport, primarily based on the 1962 James Bond movie of the identical title, represents a major milestone in pinball historical past. Launched in 1980 by Stern Electronics, it options iconic components from the supply materials, reminiscent of Dr. No’s claw and the dragon tank. Gamers navigate the playfield, aiming to set off particular targets and rack up factors, immersing themselves within the spy thriller’s ambiance. This explicit sport showcases the evolving expertise of the period, with options like multi-ball and modern sound results including depth to the gameplay.
As one of many earliest movie-licensed pinball machines, it performed a vital position in establishing a development that continues to this present day. Its mixture of acquainted characters and thrilling gameplay proved extremely engaging, demonstrating the potential of pinball as a medium for interactive storytelling. This machine additionally displays the rising sophistication of pinball design within the late Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties. It stands as a testomony to the enduring enchantment of each the James Bond franchise and the basic pinball format.
Additional exploration of this matter can embody an in depth examination of the sport’s guidelines, design components, its place inside pinball historical past, and its connection to the broader James Bond phenomenon. This will contain evaluation of its gameplay mechanics, its inventive design, its cultural affect, and its worth as a collectible merchandise for fanatics.
1. Stern Electronics
Stern Electronics holds a vital place within the historical past of the Dr. No pinball machine. Because the producer, Stern was accountable for designing, growing, and distributing the sport in 1980. This locations the machine inside the firm’s broader portfolio, which incorporates quite a few different iconic pinball titles. Stern’s particular design selections, from the sport’s art work and format to its mechanical options and sound results, immediately formed the participant’s expertise. The corporate’s choice to license the James Bond theme additionally considerably impacted the machine’s reception and market success. With out Stern Electronics, the Dr. No pinball machine, because it exists, wouldn’t have been created.
Inspecting Stern’s strategy to pinball design within the late Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties reveals the context surrounding the Dr. No machine’s improvement. The companys give attention to incorporating well-liked themes and modern options seemingly influenced the choice to adapt the James Bond franchise right into a pinball format. This alternative mirrored a broader business development of leveraging well-liked tradition to draw gamers. Understanding Stern’s manufacturing capabilities and their target market additionally offers perception into the design selections made for the Dr. No machine, from its gameplay complexity to its inventive type.
In conclusion, Stern Electronics’ position because the producer intrinsically hyperlinks the corporate to the Dr. No pinball machine. This connection offers a framework for understanding the machine’s design, improvement, and historic context inside the pinball business and broader well-liked tradition of the time. Recognizing this relationship contributes to a extra complete appreciation of the machine’s significance as each a sport and a cultural artifact.
2. 1980 Launch
The 1980 launch of the Dr. No pinball machine locations it inside a selected technological and cultural context. 1980 marked a transitional interval in pinball, with electromechanical video games nonetheless prevalent, though solid-state electronics had been quickly gaining floor. This timing influenced the sport’s design, leading to a mix of basic pinball mechanics with rising digital options. The discharge date additionally situates the machine inside the broader well-liked tradition panorama of 1980, impacting its reception and relevance to up to date audiences. For instance, the sport’s launch coincided with a renewed curiosity within the James Bond franchise following the discharge of Moonraker in 1979, doubtlessly contributing to its market success.
The 1980 launch date offers a vital reference level for understanding the machine’s technological options. Its electromechanical design, typical of the period, influenced gameplay mechanics and sound design, distinguishing it from later solid-state machines. This technological context additionally impacts its upkeep and restoration at present, as components and experience particular to electromechanical video games are required. Moreover, the discharge 12 months positions the Dr. No machine inside the historic trajectory of pinball improvement, highlighting its place within the evolution from purely mechanical video games to the extra advanced digital video games that adopted. This evolution could be noticed in up to date video games like Bally’s Fireball (1972) and Williams’ Gorgar (1979), which showcased rising digital integration.
In abstract, the 1980 launch date of the Dr. No pinball machine is greater than a easy chronological marker. It offers important context for understanding the machine’s design, expertise, and cultural relevance. This understanding contributes to a extra complete appreciation of its significance inside the historical past of pinball and the broader cultural panorama of the time. The discharge 12 months serves as a lens via which to investigate the machine’s options, its reception, and its enduring legacy amongst pinball fanatics and collectors.
3. James Bond Theme
The James Bond theme’s integration into the Dr. No pinball machine represents a pivotal connection between well-liked tradition and pinball design. Licensing the enduring spy franchise supplied Stern Electronics with a pre-established narrative framework, recognizable characters, and a built-in viewers. This strategic choice leveraged the enduring enchantment of James Bond to draw gamers and improve the machine’s marketability. The thematic components drawn from the movie, reminiscent of Dr. No’s claw and the dragon tank, immediately influenced the sport’s design, making a cohesive and immersive expertise for gamers acquainted with the supply materials. This fusion of well-liked tradition and gameplay mechanics established a precedent for future licensed pinball machines, demonstrating the potential of thematic integration to reinforce participant engagement and business success. Different examples of this development embody Bally’s Star Trek (1979) and Williams’ Flash Gordon (1980), each of which capitalized on well-liked science fiction franchises.
The selection of Dr. No as the particular Bond movie adaptation additionally holds significance. Because the inaugural movie within the franchise, it carries a selected cultural weight and launched iconic components that resonate with audiences. Incorporating these components into the pinball machine additional strengthened the connection to the supply materials, solidifying its enchantment to Bond followers. The sport’s design successfully translated key scenes and imagery from the movie into interactive gameplay options. This immersive expertise allowed gamers to have interaction with the Bond narrative in a novel and dynamic means, blurring the traces between spectator and participant. This strategy could be contrasted with later Bond-themed pinball machines like Information East’s James Bond 007 (1995), which included components from a number of movies within the sequence.
In conclusion, the James Bond theme serves as a foundational aspect of the Dr. No pinball machine’s identification and enchantment. The combination of this theme demonstrates a major interaction between well-liked tradition and sport design, highlighting the ability of established narratives to reinforce participant engagement. The selection of Dr. No, particularly, additional amplified the machine’s connection to the Bond franchise, capitalizing on its iconic standing and enduring recognition. Understanding this connection offers useful perception into the machine’s historic context, design selections, and lasting legacy inside the world of pinball. The Dr. No pinball machine stands as a testomony to the profitable fusion of leisure franchises and interactive gameplay, laying the groundwork for future licensed pinball machines.
4. Electromechanical Design
The Dr. No pinball machine, launched in 1980, exemplifies electromechanical design, a expertise prevalent in pinball throughout that period. This design distinguishes it from later solid-state machines, impacting gameplay, upkeep, and its historic place inside pinball evolution. Exploring the aspects of this electromechanical design offers essential perception into the machine’s performance and its place inside pinball historical past.
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Relays and Solenoids
Relays and solenoids type the core of the electromechanical system. Relays act as switches, controlling the stream of electrical energy to numerous parts, whereas solenoids convert electrical power into mechanical movement, activating options like flippers, bumpers, and targets. In Dr. No, relays management the scoring mechanisms, activating lights and shows primarily based on participant actions. Solenoids energy the flippers, propelling the ball, and drive the particular options just like the dragon tank or Dr. No’s claw. This reliance on bodily parts distinguishes electromechanical machines from later digital variations.
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Scoring Mechanisms
Scoring in electromechanical machines depends on mechanical counters and rotating rating reels. These parts bodily increment scores primarily based on triggered targets and achieved goals. The Dr. No machine makes use of these mechanisms, displaying scores through rotating numbered wheels. The physicality of those techniques provides a tactile and visible dimension to scoring, not like digital shows in later video games. These mechanical parts additionally current particular upkeep challenges as a result of put on and tear.
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Sound Design
Sound results in electromechanical machines are sometimes generated by chimes, bells, and buzzers, triggered by the identical relay system controlling different sport capabilities. These less complicated sounds contribute to the distinctive auditory expertise of enjoying an electromechanical machine. In Dr. No, the attribute chime-like sounds accompany scoring and particular sport occasions, enhancing the gameplay expertise with auditory suggestions. This contrasts sharply with the synthesized sounds and music of later solid-state video games.
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Upkeep and Restore
Sustaining an electromechanical machine includes adjusting and cleansing mechanical parts, diagnosing points associated to relay performance, and changing worn-out components. The Dr. No machine, like different electromechanical video games, requires specialised data and instruments for upkeep. The reliance on bodily parts makes these machines inclined to mechanical put on and tear, requiring common changes to take care of optimum play. This differs considerably from the digital troubleshooting related to later solid-state machines. The shortage of authentic components may also pose challenges for collectors and restorers.
Understanding the electromechanical nature of the Dr. No pinball machine offers a framework for appreciating its distinctive gameplay, sound, and upkeep necessities. These components distinguish it from subsequent generations of digital pinball machines, highlighting its historic significance and providing a glimpse into the technological evolution of this well-liked type of leisure. Its reliance on relays, solenoids, and mechanical scoring mechanisms offers a tactile and auditory expertise distinct from later digital variations. This design informs not solely how the sport is performed, but additionally how it’s preserved and appreciated by collectors at present, making it a compelling topic for each gamers and people within the historical past of expertise.
5. Dr. No’s Claw Function
Dr. No’s mechanical claw, a outstanding function within the 1962 movie, interprets right into a key gameplay aspect inside the Dr. No pinball machine. This mechanical illustration of the villain’s prosthetic hand serves not solely as a visible reminder of the movie’s antagonist but additionally as an interactive goal, immediately influencing participant development and scoring. Understanding the claw’s operate inside the sport offers perception into the machine’s design and its connection to the supply materials.
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Mechanical Implementation
The claw is carried out as a bodily mechanism on the playfield, typically positioned strategically to create threat and reward eventualities for the participant. Its mechanical operation would possibly contain opening and shutting, capturing the ball momentarily, or diverting its path. This bodily presence reinforces the connection to the movie prop and provides a tangible aspect to the gameplay expertise, contrasting with purely visible or digital targets.
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Gameplay Significance
The claw’s operate inside the sport sometimes includes scoring factors, activating different options, or creating challenges for the participant. Hitting the claw would possibly award a major level bonus, provoke multi-ball mode, or briefly disable different targets, including strategic depth to gameplay. This lively position distinguishes it from purely ornamental components, making it an integral a part of the sport’s mechanics and participant technique.
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Thematic Resonance
The claw’s presence immediately hyperlinks the sport to the enduring imagery of the movie, reinforcing the Bond theme and immersing the participant inside that universe. This visible connection provides a layer of narrative context to the gameplay, remodeling the act of hitting a goal into an interplay with the movie’s narrative. This integration of thematic components enhances the general participant expertise and reinforces the sport’s identification as a Bond-themed machine.
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Collectibility and Rarity
The claw’s presence, notably if well-preserved or that includes distinctive design components, can contribute to the machine’s total collectibility and worth amongst fanatics. Its situation and performance typically issue into assessments of the machine’s total high quality, influencing its enchantment to potential consumers and collectors. Variations in design or operation can additional distinguish particular person machines, impacting their rarity and desirability inside the collector market.
The combination of Dr. No’s claw into the pinball machine demonstrates a deliberate connection between the sport’s mechanics and the movie’s narrative components. This connection enhances gameplay, reinforces the Bond theme, and contributes to the machine’s collectibility. The claw’s presence transcends mere ornament; it capabilities as a dynamic gameplay aspect, a visible reminder of the movie’s antagonist, and a key issue within the machine’s total enchantment. The claw, subsequently, represents a vital intersection of gameplay, thematic integration, and historic context inside the Dr. No pinball machine.
6. Dragon tank integration
The dragon tank, a memorable aspect from the 1962 James Bond movie Dr. No, finds its counterpart inside the pinball adaptation as a novel gameplay function. This integration connects the bodily playfield to the movie’s narrative, remodeling a cinematic set piece into an interactive aspect. Inspecting this integration reveals how the sport designers translated a visible aspect from the movie right into a tangible, interactive element of the pinball expertise.
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Bodily Illustration
The dragon tank’s bodily illustration on the playfield would possibly contain a sculpted miniature, a chosen goal space, or a mixture of bodily and visible components. This illustration can vary from a easy painted depiction to a extra elaborate, three-dimensional construction. Its placement and design contribute to the general visible enchantment of the playfield and supply a tangible hyperlink to the movie’s iconic imagery.
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Gameplay Mechanics
The tank’s integration typically interprets into particular gameplay mechanics. Capturing the ball into the designated tank space would possibly set off numerous results, reminiscent of awarding factors, activating multi-ball, or initiating a mini-game. This interactive aspect provides depth to the gameplay expertise, shifting past easy goal capturing to include components of technique and ability.
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Narrative Connection
The dragon tank function reinforces the sport’s connection to the movie’s narrative. By incorporating this aspect, the sport designers create a tangible hyperlink between the bodily playfield and the cinematic world of James Bond. This connection enhances the participant’s immersion, remodeling the act of enjoying pinball into an interactive engagement with the movie’s narrative.
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Symbolic Significance
The dragon tank, symbolizing hazard and a key impediment within the movie, interprets right into a difficult goal inside the sport. Efficiently navigating this problem inside the sport mirrors Bond’s triumph within the movie. This symbolic resonance provides a layer of which means to the gameplay, remodeling a easy act of aiming and capturing right into a symbolic reenactment of a pivotal scene from the movie.
The dragon tank’s integration inside the Dr. No pinball machine showcases the profitable translation of a cinematic aspect into an interactive gameplay function. This integration reinforces the sport’s Bond theme, provides depth to the gameplay expertise, and offers a tangible connection to the supply materials. The tank’s presence on the playfield serves not merely as ornament however as a dynamic aspect that enhances the machine’s total enchantment and gives a compelling instance of how movie narratives could be successfully built-in into interactive leisure.
7. Film-licensed innovation
The Dr. No pinball machine stands as a major instance of movie-licensed innovation inside the pinball business. Its launch in 1980 marked a turning level, demonstrating the potential of leveraging established mental property to reinforce a sport’s enchantment and market attain. Previous to this era, pinball themes had been typically generic or broadly impressed by well-liked traits. The deliberate connection to a selected movie, with recognizable characters and eventualities, represented a shift in direction of a extra focused and immersive gaming expertise. This innovation established a precedent for quite a few subsequent movie-themed pinball machines, solidifying the observe of licensing as a viable and profitable technique inside the business. Video games like Superman (Atari, 1979) and Alien (Gottlieb, 1979), launched across the similar time, additional exemplify this rising development, although Dr. No’s direct adaptation of the supply materials arguably set a brand new customary for thematic integration.
The affect of this movie-licensed innovation extends past mere thematic components. The incorporation of particular characters and eventualities from the movie immediately influenced the sport’s design, from the format of the playfield to the combination of distinctive options like Dr. No’s claw and the dragon tank. These options remodeled passive targets into interactive components that resonated with the movie’s narrative, providing gamers a extra participating and immersive expertise. This strategy established a template for future licensed pinball machines, demonstrating how gameplay mechanics could possibly be tailor-made to replicate the supply materials and improve thematic coherence. This strategy could be contrasted with earlier machines that may function generic themes or art work loosely associated to well-liked traits however lacked the deep integration seen in movie-licensed video games.
The legacy of the Dr. No pinball machine as a movie-licensed innovation lies in its affect on subsequent sport improvement and the broader pinball panorama. The success of this strategy demonstrated the business viability of licensing and paved the best way for an inflow of movie-themed pinball machines within the following a long time. This observe remodeled pinball from a primarily mechanically pushed sport right into a medium able to delivering wealthy, narrative-driven experiences. Moreover, the machine’s affect on collector tradition reinforces its significance. Its standing as an early instance of movie-licensed pinball makes it a sought-after merchandise amongst fanatics, highlighting the lasting affect of this modern strategy. The challenges inherent in securing licenses, integrating thematic components seamlessly into gameplay, and sustaining constancy to the supply materials proceed to form the event and reception of licensed pinball machines at present.
8. Collectible Standing
The Dr. No pinball machine holds a notable collectible standing inside the pinball group, influenced by a number of elements. Its connection to the James Bond franchise, a globally acknowledged and enduringly well-liked sequence, considerably contributes to its desirability. The machine’s relative rarity, as a result of a restricted manufacturing run and the attrition of machines over time, additional enhances its worth. Furthermore, its place as an early instance of a movie-licensed pinball machine provides a layer of historic significance for collectors. These elements mix to create a requirement that usually exceeds provide, driving up costs within the collector market. As an illustration, well-maintained examples of the Dr. No machine can command costs considerably larger than different machines from the identical period, reflecting the mixed affect of rarity, franchise affiliation, and historic context. A comparable instance is likely to be Bally’s Flash Gordon (1980), one other well-liked movie-themed machine of the identical period, which additionally instructions a premium within the collector’s market as a result of comparable elements.
The collectible standing of the Dr. No machine will not be solely decided by its rarity and thematic connection. The machine’s situation performs a vital position in assessing its worth. Elements such because the performance of its electromechanical parts, the preservation of its art work, and the presence of authentic components considerably affect its desirability. A totally useful machine with minimal put on and tear will command the next value than a machine requiring intensive restoration. Moreover, the presence of distinctive or uncommon variations, reminiscent of alternate backglass art work or manufacturing facility modifications, can additional improve a machine’s worth inside the collector group. This give attention to situation and originality parallels the broader traits inside the collectible market, the place provenance and preservation typically dictate worth.
Understanding the collectible standing of the Dr. No pinball machine offers useful context for each collectors and people within the historical past of pinball. Recognizing the interaction of things reminiscent of rarity, situation, and cultural significance contributes to a extra complete appreciation of the machine’s worth. This understanding additionally informs the practices of preservation and restoration inside the collector group, making certain that these machines are maintained and appreciated for his or her historic and cultural significance. The challenges of sustaining these electromechanical machines, sourcing authentic components, and preserving their art work contribute to the continued narrative surrounding their collectibility and underscore the dedication of fanatics in preserving a chunk of pinball historical past.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the Dr. No pinball machine, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: What makes the Dr. No pinball machine distinctive in comparison with different machines of its period?
The Dr. No machine stands out as a result of its film licensing, a comparatively novel idea in 1980. This connection to the James Bond franchise infused the sport with recognizable characters, imagery, and eventualities, enhancing its thematic enchantment. The combination of options just like the mechanical claw and the dragon tank, immediately impressed by the movie, additional distinguished it from different machines with extra generic themes.
Query 2: How does the electromechanical design of the Dr. No machine affect gameplay?
The electromechanical design depends on relays and solenoids to regulate sport capabilities and scoring. This ends in a definite tactile and auditory expertise characterised by the click of relays and the whirring of rating reels. This differs considerably from later solid-state machines with digital sound results and digital shows.
Query 3: What are the important thing elements that contribute to the Dr. No machine’s collectible standing?
Its connection to the James Bond franchise, relative rarity, and historic significance as an early instance of a movie-licensed pinball machine contribute to its collectibility. The machine’s situation, together with the performance of its parts and the preservation of its art work, additionally considerably impacts its worth.
Query 4: What challenges are related to sustaining and restoring a Dr. No pinball machine?
Sustaining an electromechanical machine requires specialised data and instruments. Discovering alternative components for these older machines could be difficult as a result of their restricted availability. The intricate mechanical techniques additionally require cautious adjustment and cleansing to make sure correct operate.
Query 5: How does the Dr. No machine evaluate to different James Bond-themed pinball machines launched later?
The Dr. No machine stands out as the primary pinball adaptation of a James Bond movie. Later machines typically included components from a number of movies within the sequence. The Dr. No machine’s give attention to a single movie offers a extra concentrated and thematic expertise centered on the inaugural Bond journey.
Query 6: The place can one discover extra details about the Dr. No pinball machine and its historical past?
On-line assets, together with devoted pinball boards, collector web sites, and web pinball databases, provide intensive data. Public sale websites and specialised sellers typically present particulars about out there machines and their valuations. Printed assets, reminiscent of books on pinball historical past, may include related data.
Understanding these key elements of the Dr. No pinball machine permits for a deeper appreciation of its place inside pinball historical past and well-liked tradition.
Additional exploration may delve into particular design components, gameplay methods, and the machine’s affect on subsequent pinball improvement. This consists of detailed evaluation of the principles, scoring methods, and variations inside completely different manufacturing runs of the machine.
Gameplay Ideas
The following tips present strategic insights for maximizing scores and enhancing gameplay on this electromechanical sport.
Tip 1: Goal Management: Prioritize controlling the ball’s trajectory moderately than counting on brute pressure. Exact flipper manipulation permits strategic concentrating on of particular areas on the playfield, maximizing level accumulation and activating key options. Skillful nudging of the machine, inside acceptable limits, may also affect ball motion, stopping drains and lengthening gameplay.
Tip 2: Claw Mastery: Mastering the timing and method for hitting Dr. No’s claw is essential for maximizing rating potential. Exact photographs to the claw can activate bonus multipliers or provoke multi-ball, considerably rising scoring alternatives. Understanding the claw’s activation timing is crucial for reaching these bonuses constantly.
Tip 3: Dragon Tank Technique: Strategic photographs to the dragon tank goal current alternatives for prime level values and have activation. Timing photographs to coincide with particular sport modes or multipliers can additional amplify scores. Prioritize dragon tank photographs when the potential for bonus factors is maximized.
Tip 4: Outlane Administration: Decrease outlane drains by growing managed flipper methods. Cautious purpose and exact timing forestall ball loss and lengthen gameplay period, maximizing scoring alternatives and total efficiency.
Tip 5: Bonus Maximization: Prioritize reaching in-game bonuses, reminiscent of multi-ball and further ball awards, to considerably increase scores. Finishing particular sequences or hitting designated targets triggers these bonuses, providing substantial level positive aspects.
Tip 6: Tilt Avoidance: Keep away from extreme machine tilting, as this can lead to penalties and interrupted gameplay. Managed nudging, utilized judiciously, helps affect ball motion with out triggering tilt sensors, preserving scoring streaks and maximizing potential factors.
Tip 7: Ability Shot Proficiency: Mastering the ability shot, the preliminary shot after launching a brand new ball, permits for quick level accumulation and units a constructive trajectory for the rest of the ball’s play. Constant ability shot success contributes considerably to total rating enchancment.
These methods provide pathways to improved efficiency and heightened enjoyment. Constant observe and strategic gameplay contribute to mastery of this iconic machine.
By integrating these gameplay ideas, gamers can transition from novice to knowledgeable, enhancing their appreciation for the nuances of this electromechanical sport. This understanding of gameplay mechanics varieties a bridge to the ultimate issues and concluding remarks.
Conclusion
The Dr. No pinball machine represents a major milestone in pinball historical past. Its launch in 1980 marked an early profitable integration of licensed mental property, particularly the James Bond franchise, into pinball design. This fusion of well-liked tradition and gameplay considerably impacted subsequent machine improvement, paving the best way for a surge in movie-themed pinball. The machine’s electromechanical design, that includes relays, solenoids, and mechanical scoring mechanisms, gives a definite tactile and auditory expertise attribute of the period. Key gameplay options like Dr. No’s claw and the dragon tank, immediately impressed by the movie, additional improve its thematic connection and supply participating challenges for gamers. The machine’s relative rarity and enduring connection to the Bond franchise contribute to its coveted standing amongst collectors, reflecting its historic significance and cultural affect.
The Dr. No pinball machine stands as a testomony to the modern spirit of sport design and the enduring energy of well-liked tradition. Its legacy extends past its gameplay, influencing subsequent generations of pinball machines and solidifying the hyperlink between leisure franchises and interactive gaming. Continued exploration of this machine’s design, gameplay mechanics, and cultural affect offers useful perception into the evolution of pinball and its intersection with broader leisure traits. Preserving and appreciating these machines ensures that this chapter in pinball historical past stays accessible for future generations of fanatics and students.
