Machine Description

Four Million BC, released by Bally in 1971, stands as one of the most visually striking and thematically cohesive electro-mechanical pinball machines of its era. The game's prehistoric theme captured the public's imagination by combining dinosaurs, cavemen, and volcanic imagery into an engaging pinball experience that helped define the early 1970s pinball aesthetic.

Designed by Ted Zale with art by Dave Christensen, Four Million BC featured innovative gameplay elements for its time, including a unique center-mounted volcano that would erupt when certain targets were hit. The playfield layout incorporated multiple drop targets, pop bumpers designed to look like prehistoric rocks, and specially themed standup targets. The backglass artwork, depicting a dramatic scene of cavemen fleeing from dinosaurs amid an active volcano, became iconic within the pinball community.

The machine's success helped establish Bally's dominance in the early 1970s pinball market. Its reliability and earning potential made it a popular choice for arcade operators, while its engaging theme and solid gameplay mechanics kept players coming back. Approximately 10,500 units were produced during its run, making it one of Bally's more successful releases of the period.

Today, Four Million BC is highly sought after by collectors, particularly for its beautiful artwork and representation of the late electro-mechanical era's engineering sophistication. The game serves as a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the pre-digital age of pinball, when mechanical innovation and artistic design worked in perfect harmony to create memorable player experiences.