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Cirqus Voltaire (Bally, 1997)

Released by Bally in 1997, Cirqus Voltaire is a vibrant, theatrical pinball machine that brings players into the surreal world of a futuristic circus. Designed by John Popadiuk, it stands out as one of the most visually striking and mechanically inventive games of the 1990s. With its mix of unusual playfield features, interactive toys, and over-the-top theme, Cirqus Voltaire remains a favorite among collectors and competitive players alike.

The playfield includes two flippers and is packed with standout features, including a rising “Ringmaster” head that taunts players and must be defeated in battle, a vertical magnet-based ball lock for multiball, a neon-lit ramp, and a pop-up menagerie ball. The central goal is to complete nine circus-themed marvels—such as Juggler, Highwire Multiball, and Acrobats—in order to qualify for the wizard mode, “Join the Cirqus.” Players are challenged to complete objectives in any order, with many modes triggered through ramp shots, orbit completions, and interactions with the Ringmaster. The game also features an in-playfield display hidden behind the slingshots, and a unique ball-launching system that uses a curved wireform instead of a traditional shooter lane.

The artwork by Linda Deal, with contributions from Kevin O’Connor and John Youssi, is colorful and surreal, filled with stylized circus performers, vivid backbox animation, and whimsical details. A neon tube along the left ramp gives the game a glowing presence under blacklight, adding to its theatrical feel. The game is filled with custom voice work and a soundtrack that blends circus fanfare with electronic music, creating a rich, immersive audio experience.

Cirqus Voltaire had a production run of approximately 2,700 units, making it relatively scarce compared to other late-'90s Bally titles. Despite its modest commercial performance, the game quickly gained a reputation for its unique layout, rule depth, and artistic presentation. Its modern approach to game flow and deep wizard mode made it especially popular with home collectors and tournament players.

Today, Cirqus Voltaire is widely regarded as one of the most inventive and polished pinball machines of its era. Its high replay value, creative design, and strong personality have helped it maintain a lasting place in the pinball canon.