Flash Gordon

Flash Gordon pinball, released by Bally in 1981, perfectly captured the zeitgeist following the release of the 1980 Flash Gordon film starring Sam J. Jones. The machine represented a significant moment in pinball history, combining the cultural cache of a major film license with the innovative solid-state technology that was revolutionizing the industry at the time.

The machine's design incorporated dramatic artwork featuring Flash Gordon characters and settings from the film, with a particularly striking backglass showing Flash in his iconic pose. The playfield featured multiple drop targets, pop bumpers, and various shots themed around the movie's space fantasy elements. The game's sound package included electronic versions of Queen's memorable film score, making it one of the early pinball machines to feature licensed music.

As a solid-state machine, Flash Gordon showcased many of the technological advances that were possible with computerized circuitry, including complex scoring rules and multiple game modes. The machine proved popular in arcades, benefiting from both the film's success and the general public's growing appreciation for more sophisticated pinball gameplay. It sold approximately 10,000 units during its production run, a respectable number for the era.

Today, Flash Gordon pinball machines are sought-after collectors' items, particularly valued for their representation of both early solid-state technology and classic sci-fi pop culture. The machine's enduring appeal speaks to both the timeless popularity of the Flash Gordon franchise and Bally's skilled execution in translating the property into an engaging pinball experience.