World cup is arguably the best pinball machine of all time. First let me say that I am not a huge fan of soccer, I couldn’t care less for the actual world cup, but that also said I can see why people enjoy it. There’s so much to like about this game – everything from the game design, easy to get into game play, and challenge. One of the things that has always stood out for me is the sound. The announcer calls the goals as you make them, getting more and more intense with every consecutive goal. There’s a few unique playfield designs which make this visually stand out from other pinball machines. The first thing you’ll notice is the big soccer ball located on the right of the machine as well as the moving goal keeper which attempts to stop you from making goals. Occasionally, you’ll get a chance for a free kick as well where the goal keeper is basically stuck to the left or right to test your accuracy.
Bally released this pinball in 1993 and it’s still holding it’s own to this day. Anytime I see this machine, it’s one of the few I always look at and think… “Maybe this time I’ll win the World Cup”. I have to admit, I don’t think I’ve ever personally beaten all the teams before but I have come close many times and I feel this game offers a great challenge while also being easy enough to get into for novice players or people new to pinball machines.
Who did what thanks to the IPDB website:
Pinball Manufacturer: Williams Year of Release: 1994 Design by: John Popadiuk, Larry DeMar Art by: Kevin O’Connor Dots/Animation by: Scott Slomiany, Eugene Geer Mechanics by: Jack Skalon Music by: Vince Pontarelli Sound by: Vince Pontarelli
Software by: Larry DeMar, Matt Coriale