Attack from Mars
Attack from Mars is a 1995 pinball game designed by Brian Eddy, and released by Midway (under the Bally label).
Manufacturer | Midway |
---|---|
Release date | December 1995 |
System | Midway WPC-95 |
Design | Brian Eddy |
Programming | Lyman F. Sheats |
Artwork | Doug Watson |
Mechanics | Robert C. Friesl |
Music | Dan Forden |
Sound | Dan Forden |
Production run | 3,450 |
In this game, the player must fend off an alien invasion from the planet Mars by defending the world's major cities, destroying the invasion fleet, and conquering Mars itself.
Notable features on the playfield include four mechanized Martian figures and a strobe light (for Strobe Multiball).
Objectives
Six objectives must be completed in order to qualify for the Rule the Universe wizard mode, as follows:
- Super Jets: Score a specified number of hits on the pop bumpers to light Super Jets (worth 3 million points per hit).
- 5-Way Combo: Complete consecutive shots (each within a timed interval) through any lit loops or ramps in a specified combination to score a large bonus.
- Super Jackpot: During multiball, complete five jackpot shots to light the Super Jackpot, which continuously toggles around each of the five jackpot locations.
- Martian Multiball: Destroy all four Martians during "Martian Attack" to begin Martian Multiball.
- Total Annihilation: Shoot all four ramps/loops three times each to begin this four-ball mode.
- Conquer Mars: Defend all major cities and fly to Mars to destroy the Martian Empire.
Once all six objectives are met, the player can shoot the "Stroke of Luck" scoop to begin Rule the Universe. This is a four-ball multiball, with every playfield shot and target lit for maximum scoring. Scoring at least 5 billion points in this mode awards an additional 5 billion.
Game quotes
- "Nobody messes with the USA."
- "Take that, you pasta head!"
- "Sacre Bleu! The martians are destroying the Eiffel Tower!"
- "Get your hands off me! All four of them!"
Design Team
- "Attack from Mars"
- © 1995 Midway Manufacturing Company. Manufacturers of Bally/Midway Amusement Games. All rights reserved.
- Concept: Brian Eddy
- Designer: Brian Eddy
- Software: Lyman Sheats Jr.
- Mechanical Engineer: Robert C. Friesl
- Artwork: Doug Watson
- Sound & Music: Dan Forden
- Dots & Animation: Adam Rhine & Brian Morris
- Callouts: Tim Kitzrow
Sequels
Attack From Mars was followed up with Revenge From Mars, released in 1999. It was designed by George Gomez, and it featured most of the original AFM design team. It was the first game to run on Williams/Midway's Pinball 2000 platform. WMS Industries introduced slot machines in 2011 called Attack from Mars and Revenge from Mars.[1]
Digital versions
Attack from Mars is available as a licensed table of Pinball FX 3 for several platforms and formerly available for The Pinball Arcade. Attack from Mars was also included in the arcade game UltraPin. Unlicensed recreations of the game are available for Visual Pinball.
Remake
In 2017, the Chicago Gaming Company released three new editions of the classic Williams title: Attack From Mars Classic, Attack From Mars Special Edition, and Attack From Mars Limited Edition.[2][3][4] Each edition has some cosmetic differences, including different options for cabinet trim, a large color display with HD graphics, lighting effects on the speakers, and an animated topper on the backbox.
References
- "Attack From Mars Slot Machine (WMS Gaming) (The Best of 2011)", YouTube review, December 26, 2011
- http://www.chicago-gaming.com/afm.php
- https://pinballsupernova.wordpress.com/2017/05/13/news-attack-from-mars-remake-on-the-assembly-line/
- https://www.vendingtimes.com/Main/Articles/Chicago_Gaming_Unveils_Attack_From_Mars_Remake_Bri_10350
External links
- Official Attack From Mars page
- Attack from Mars at the Internet Pinball Database
- Attack From Mars promo video
- YouTube - eight minutes of gameplay with Attack From Mars