Pinball Glossary: Your Guide To Common Terms
Hey pinball enthusiasts! Ever found yourself scratching your head, trying to decipher the lingo tossed around by seasoned players? Don't worry, you're not alone! The world of pinball has its own unique vocabulary, and this comprehensive pinball glossary is here to help you understand what it all means. Let's dive in and turn you into a pinball pro in no time!
Essential Pinball Terms
Air Ball
An air ball occurs when the pinball flies high into the air, often uncontrolled. This usually happens when a player makes a strong shot that bounces off a target or bumper with excessive force. Air balls can be exciting, but they can also lead to unpredictable gameplay. Skilled players sometimes aim for air balls intentionally to reach specific targets or areas on the playfield that are otherwise difficult to access. However, too many air balls can indicate that the machine's flippers are too strong or the playfield is unusually bouncy. When mastering pinball, understanding how to control the ball and minimize wild air balls is an important skill to develop.
Backhand
A backhand shot is made by flipping the flipper on the opposite side of the playfield from where the ball is currently located. It's a technique that allows for greater control and precision, enabling players to hit targets that might be otherwise inaccessible with a direct shot. Mastering the backhand can significantly improve your pinball strategy, opening up new possibilities for scoring and completing game objectives. This shot requires timing and finesse to execute properly, often used to navigate complex playfields or to save the ball from draining. Practicing the backhand is essential for any serious pinball player looking to enhance their skills.
Baffle Plate
The baffle plate is a piece of hardware inside the pinball machine head that reduces the sound level of the chimes or bells. Early pinball machines used mechanical bells to indicate scoring and game events. Over time, manufacturers added baffle plates to muffle the sound, making the game less intrusive in noisy arcades or homes. While modern pinball machines often use digital sound effects, the baffle plate remains a historical element of classic electromechanical games. Collectors and restorers of vintage pinball machines appreciate the baffle plate for its role in preserving the original sound characteristics of these games. The baffle plate demonstrates how pinball machine design has evolved to balance the excitement of gameplay with the need for quieter operation.
Ball Save
Ball save is a feature that gives you a brief period of invulnerability after losing a ball. If the ball drains quickly after being launched, the ball save feature kicks in, returning the ball to the plunger lane or activating the kickback. This feature is designed to prevent unfair ball losses due to bad luck or machine malfunctions. Ball save can be timed or based on certain game conditions, such as activating it after starting a multiball mode. Many modern pinball machines allow players to extend the ball save duration by completing specific objectives, adding a strategic element to gameplay. Ball save is a crucial mechanic that helps keep the game fun and fair, especially for newer players who are still learning the ropes.
Bumper
Bumpers are round, mushroom-shaped objects on the playfield that propel the ball away when hit. There are two main types: passive bumpers (dead bumpers) and active bumpers (pop bumpers). Dead bumpers simply deflect the ball, while pop bumpers actively push the ball away with force. Pop bumpers are usually surrounded by a skirt or ring that triggers the mechanism when the ball makes contact. Bumpers are essential for creating chaotic and unpredictable ball movement, adding to the excitement of the game. They often play a crucial role in scoring and activating game features. Skilled players learn to control the ball's interaction with bumpers to maximize their score and achieve specific objectives. The strategic use of bumpers can turn a good game into a great one.
Advanced Pinball Terminology
Catch
To catch the ball means to trap it on a flipper, gaining control and allowing you to plan your next shot. This technique involves precise timing and coordination to stop the ball's momentum without letting it drain. Catching the ball is fundamental to advanced pinball play, as it allows you to avoid unpredictable bounces and set up strategic shots. There are several methods for catching the ball, including the dead bounce, the live catch, and the post pass. Each technique offers different advantages depending on the situation and the type of shot you want to make. Mastering the art of the catch is essential for controlling the flow of the game and maximizing your scoring potential.
Combo
A combo is a series of shots made in quick succession, usually triggering a bonus or scoring multiplier. Combos require skillful planning and execution, as you need to hit specific targets or ramps in the correct order and timing. Many modern pinball machines feature complex combo systems that reward players for chaining together multiple shots. Successfully executing combos can lead to massive scores and unlock hidden game features. Combos are a key element of advanced pinball strategy, encouraging players to develop precise aiming and timing skills. The satisfaction of pulling off a long and complex combo is one of the most rewarding aspects of pinball.
Dead Bounce
A dead bounce is a technique where you let the ball hit a flipper without flipping, causing it to bounce off and ideally into a more controllable position. This move is used to redirect the ball or slow it down, allowing you to regain control. The dead bounce is particularly useful when the ball is moving too fast or unpredictably to catch directly. It requires precise timing and a good understanding of the ball's trajectory. Mastering the dead bounce is a valuable skill for any pinball player, as it can help you avoid drains and set up strategic shots. This technique is often used in combination with other ball control methods to maximize your gameplay efficiency.
Drain
A drain refers to the unfortunate event of the ball falling between the flippers or down the side lanes, resulting in the loss of a ball. Drains are the bane of every pinball player's existence, as they bring your turn to an abrupt end. Avoiding drains requires quick reflexes, strategic flipper skills, and a bit of luck. Skilled players develop techniques like catching, flipping, and nudging to minimize the risk of drains. Some pinball machines have features like ball saves or outlane posts that can help prevent drains, but ultimately, avoiding drains is up to the player's skill and concentration. While drains are inevitable, minimizing them is a key factor in achieving high scores and mastering the game.
Flipper
Flippers are the player-controlled levers used to hit the ball and keep it in play. They are typically located at the bottom of the playfield and are activated by buttons on the sides of the machine. Flippers are the primary means of interacting with the pinball, allowing you to aim shots, control the ball's movement, and prevent it from draining. Flippers have evolved over time, from simple mechanical levers to sophisticated electronic controls. Modern pinball machines often feature multiple flippers at different locations on the playfield, adding complexity and strategic options to the game. Mastering the use of flippers is essential for any pinball player, as it determines your ability to control the game and achieve high scores.
Understanding Pinball Machine Features
Inlane/Outlane
Inlanes and outlanes are the side channels that guide the ball towards or away from the flippers. Inlanes typically award bonuses or activate features when the ball passes through them, while outlanes usually lead to a drain, ending the ball in play. Strategic players often try to guide the ball into the inlanes to maximize their score and extend their gameplay. Many pinball machines allow you to adjust the position of the outlane posts, making it easier or harder to prevent the ball from draining. Understanding the dynamics of inlanes and outlanes is crucial for developing a successful pinball strategy. Skilled players use nudging and flipper techniques to influence the ball's trajectory and guide it towards the inlanes, while avoiding the dreaded outlanes.
Jet Bumper
Jet bumpers are a type of pop bumper that are usually smaller and more powerful than standard pop bumpers. They are often arranged in clusters and are designed to create rapid and unpredictable ball movement. Jet bumpers are typically found in areas of the playfield where the designers want to increase the chaos and excitement of the game. Hitting a cluster of jet bumpers can result in a flurry of points and trigger various game features. Controlling the ball's interaction with jet bumpers requires quick reflexes and a bit of luck. Many players enjoy the challenge of navigating the ball through a maze of jet bumpers, as it can lead to high scores and unlock hidden bonuses.
Kickback
Kickback is a feature that automatically returns the ball to the playfield when it drains down a specific outlane. It is usually activated by hitting a target or completing a certain objective. The kickback provides a second chance to save the ball, preventing an otherwise certain drain. Many pinball machines feature a limited number of kickbacks per game, adding a strategic element to their use. Skilled players often prioritize activating the kickback early in the game to protect themselves from unlucky drains. The kickback can be a lifesaver, especially for newer players who are still learning the nuances of the game. Mastering the activation and use of the kickback is a valuable skill for any pinball enthusiast.
Multiball
Multiball is a mode where multiple balls are in play simultaneously, greatly increasing the chaos and scoring potential of the game. It is usually triggered by hitting specific targets or completing a sequence of objectives. Multiball is one of the most exciting and challenging modes in pinball, requiring quick reflexes and strategic flipper skills to keep all the balls in play. Successfully navigating a multiball round can result in massive scores and unlock hidden game features. Many modern pinball machines feature complex multiball systems with multiple stages and objectives. Mastering the art of multiball is essential for achieving high scores and becoming a pinball pro.
Nudge
To nudge is to physically move the pinball machine slightly to influence the ball's trajectory. Nudging can be used to prevent a drain, redirect the ball towards a target, or improve your chances of hitting a shot. However, excessive nudging can trigger the tilt mechanism, ending your turn and costing you a ball. Nudging requires a delicate balance of skill and caution. Skilled players use nudging sparingly to make subtle adjustments to the ball's movement without tilting the machine. Mastering the art of nudging is a valuable skill for any pinball player, as it can give you a slight edge in controlling the game. However, it's important to practice nudging responsibly to avoid penalties.
Common Pinball Strategies
Orbit
An orbit is a shot that sends the ball around the outer perimeter of the playfield, typically returning it to the flippers on the opposite side. Orbits are often used to activate features, score points, or set up other shots. They require a precise and well-aimed shot to execute successfully. Many pinball machines feature multiple orbits that can be chained together to create combos and increase your score. Mastering the orbit shot is a valuable skill for any pinball player, as it allows you to control the flow of the game and set up strategic opportunities. Skilled players often use orbits in combination with other shots and techniques to maximize their scoring potential.
Post Pass
A post pass involves bouncing the ball off the rubber post located between the flippers to transfer it from one flipper to the other. This technique allows you to reposition the ball for a more strategic shot or to save it from draining. The post pass requires precise timing and a good understanding of the ball's trajectory. It is a valuable skill for controlling the ball and setting up advanced shots. Mastering the post pass can significantly improve your pinball strategy, opening up new possibilities for scoring and completing game objectives. Practicing the post pass is essential for any serious pinball player looking to enhance their skills and gain more control over the game.
Ramp
A ramp is an inclined plane on the playfield that the ball can travel up, often leading to a target, feature, or scoring bonus. Ramps are a common element in pinball machine design, adding verticality and excitement to the game. Successfully hitting a ramp requires a well-aimed shot with the right amount of power. Many pinball machines feature multiple ramps that can be chained together to create combos and increase your score. Mastering the ramp shot is essential for achieving high scores and unlocking hidden game features. Skilled players often prioritize hitting ramps to advance through the game's objectives and maximize their scoring potential.
Skill Shot
A skill shot is the first shot you make after launching the ball, often requiring precise timing and aim to hit a specific target or area on the playfield. Successfully executing the skill shot typically awards bonus points or activates a special feature. The skill shot is an important element of pinball gameplay, as it sets the tone for the rest of the ball. Many pinball machines feature a variety of skill shots with different levels of difficulty and rewards. Mastering the skill shot is a valuable skill for any pinball player, as it can give you a significant advantage early in the game. Skilled players often practice the skill shot repeatedly to perfect their timing and aim, ensuring they get off to a strong start.
Tilt
Tilt is a penalty that occurs when you nudge the pinball machine too aggressively, resulting in the loss of the current ball and potentially ending the game. The tilt mechanism is designed to prevent players from cheating or damaging the machine by excessive shaking or lifting. The sensitivity of the tilt mechanism can vary depending on the machine. Skilled players learn to nudge the machine subtly to influence the ball's trajectory without triggering the tilt. Avoiding the tilt is an essential aspect of pinball strategy, as it can cost you valuable points and end your game prematurely. Mastering the art of nudging responsibly is a valuable skill for any pinball player.
With this pinball glossary in hand, you're now equipped to understand and engage with the pinball community like a pro. Happy playing, and may your scores be high!