Fireball

Bally's 'Fireball' (1972) stands as one of the most innovative and influential electro-mechanical pinball machines of the early 1970s. The machine introduced the revolutionary 'zipper flipper' mechanism - a center flipper that could split apart and rejoin, creating entirely new gameplay possibilities and shot combinations that had never been seen before in pinball. This mechanical innovation helped establish Bally's reputation for technical creativity during the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball.

The machine's design featured striking artwork with dramatic fire imagery and a red/orange color scheme that perfectly matched its namesake. The playfield layout was carefully crafted to take full advantage of the zipper flipper mechanism, with strategic shot placement that required players to master this new feature. Beyond the innovative center flipper, Fireball included other notable features like spinning targets and multiple bonus multipliers that were advanced for its era.

Fireball proved to be both a commercial and critical success, with approximately 4,000 units produced during its run. Its influence on pinball design can be seen in numerous subsequent games, and the zipper flipper concept was revisited in later machines including Bally's 'Fireball II' (1981). The original Fireball remains highly sought after by collectors, both for its historical significance and for its unique gameplay mechanics that continue to challenge and entertain players decades after its release.