Blackwater 100
Blackwater 100 Preview Image
Machine Details
Manufacturer
Bally
Year
1988
Technology Era
Solid-State (SS)
Machine Description
Released by Bally Midway Manufacturing Company in March 1988, Blackwater 100 is a motocross-themed solid-state pinball machine designed by Dennis Nordman with artwork by Tony Ramunni. Bally produced 3,000 units of this four-player game as model number 0H07, featuring the Bally MPU A084-91786-AH06 with 6803 processor and 68000-based Sounds Deluxe sound board.
The playfield features five flippers total, a 5-bank drop target, two kick-out holes, and notably no pop bumpers. The machine incorporates a multi-level playfield with an upper area positioned behind the lower flippers. Each play begins with 3-ball multiball, and gameplay is structured around three Heats. Sound design was handled by Neil Falconer, Greg Freres, and Dennis Nordman, with software by Gary Oglesby.
Blackwater 100 holds historic significance as the first solid-state pinball machine to feature a buy-in option and as the last Bally game produced before the WMS Industries acquisition. Themed around the challenging West Virginia off-road motorcycle race, the machine captured the intensity of one of Americas toughest motocross competitions during the 1980s, offering innovative gameplay that would influence future pinball designs.