Machine Description

Magic, released by Bally in 1979, emerged during a pivotal transition period in pinball history as manufacturers were moving from electro-mechanical to solid-state electronics. The machine exemplified this technological evolution, featuring early solid-state circuitry while maintaining the classic aesthetic sensibilities of the late 1970s pinball era.

The game's design centered around a mystical theme, incorporating imagery of magicians, illusions, and supernatural elements that were popular in late 1970s entertainment. The playfield layout was typical of early solid-state games, featuring standard drop targets, pop bumpers, and multi-ball capability, though innovative for its time in incorporating various magical-themed special features and bonus modes.

Magic represented Bally's continuing dominance in the late 1970s pinball market, when the company was producing some of the industry's most popular and profitable machines. The game's release coincided with a broader cultural fascination with magic and the occult in popular entertainment, helping it find success in arcades and locations across North America and Europe. While not as widely remembered as some other Bally titles from this era, Magic remains a sought-after example of early solid-state pinball design.