The Shadow

The Shadow pinball machine, released by Bally in 1994, was based on the 1994 film starring Alec Baldwin and drew from the rich legacy of the pulp hero character. The machine perfectly captured the art deco noir aesthetic of the movie and the original 1930s radio drama, featuring the iconic character who knows 'what evil lurks in the hearts of men.'

Designed by Brian Eddy (who would later create Attack from Mars and Medieval Madness), The Shadow featured innovative gameplay elements including a rotating interactive Shadow disk in the center of the playfield, multiple magnetic ball locks, and a unique 'Battle the Dark Side' multiball mode. The machine's artwork by Doug Watson and Paul Barker created an appropriately moody atmosphere with deep blacks and rich reds, while the dot matrix display animations effectively conveyed the Shadow's supernatural abilities.

The game's ruleset was notably deep for its era, featuring seven multiball variations and multiple wizard modes. The audio package included actual voice clips from the movie and an original soundtrack that enhanced the mysterious atmosphere. Notable features included the 'Shadow Motor', a motorized target bank that rotated to reveal different shots, and the 'Battlefield' upper playfield that created intense risk-reward scenarios.

Approximately 4,200 units were produced, making it a moderately rare title. While initial sales were affected by the film's mixed box office performance, The Shadow has gained significant appreciation among collectors and players over the years, being particularly praised for its combination of challenging gameplay and atmospheric presentation. It stands as one of the more sophisticated licensed themes from the 1990s era of pinball.