Xenon

Released by Bally Manufacturing Corporation in November 1980, Xenon is a fantasy-themed solid-state electronic pinball machine designed by Greg Kmiec with artwork by Paul Faris. Bally produced 11,000 units of this four-player machine, which was designated as model number 1196. This was the first talking Bally game, featuring female voice and sound effects created by electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani, with additional sound design by Rehman Merchant and Chris Granner.

The playfield features two flippers, four pop bumpers, two slingshots, two kick-out holes, a four-bank drop target set, four mini-rollover buttons, and two standup targets. A distinctive right ramp sends the ball through an elevated transparent tube, creating a memorable visual element. The machine offers two-ball multiball play and a maximum score of 9,999,990 points. Infinity lights positioned behind the backglass enhance the futuristic aesthetic.

Xenon represents a landmark in pinball history as the first Bally machine with speech synthesis, utilizing unique AS-2518-56 and AS-2518-57 sound boards. During production, Bally experimented with a mylar playfield overlay. The project began on November 26, 1979, culminating in a machine that influenced countless future pinball designs through its integration of electronic music, voice synthesis, and innovative gameplay mechanics.