! SKILLSHOT !

Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, 1992)

Released by Bally in 1992, Creature from the Black Lagoon is a unique hybrid of classic monster movie horror and 1950s drive-in nostalgia. Designed by John Trudeau, with rules by Dwight Sullivan and art by Kevin O’Connor, the game is inspired by the 1954 Universal Pictures film of the same name—but with a twist: it takes place in a drive-in theater setting, merging the creature feature aesthetic with neon-lit Americana. This offbeat combination gave the machine a distinct tone, separating it from other horror-themed pins of the era.

The playfield features two flippers and a layout that blends classic pinball elements with innovative features. The central objective is to spell F-I-L-M by completing various tasks: hitting the K-I-S-S targets, completing the P-A-I-D rollovers, shooting the Snack Bar targets, and utilizing the Slide scoop. Completing these tasks lights the multiball mode, where players must rescue the girl by shooting the correct scoop, then the Snack Bar, and finally hitting the Snack Bar again to score the jackpot. A standout feature is the holographic projection of the Creature, which appears beneath the playfield during multiball, creating a dynamic visual effect as it moves and swipes at the ball. Additional gameplay elements include the Whirlpool shot, various scoring modes like Mega Menu and Unlimited Millions, and a playfield multiplier that increases with each completed C-R-E-A-T-U-R-E sequence.

The visual design blends horror, humor, and retro charm. The playfield and cabinet are filled with 1950s pop culture imagery—vintage cars, soda fountains, drive-in screens—all wrapped in a palette of teal, magenta, and electric green. Kevin O’Connor’s artwork balances Universal monster grit with campy fun, and the hologram feature provides one of the most memorable visual effects of the dot-matrix era. The sound package includes movie-style narrations, creature roars, doo-wop music, and period-appropriate drive-in ambiance.

Approximately 7,841 units of Creature from the Black Lagoon were produced. While it was not the highest-selling game of its time, the machine’s unique theme and memorable playfield gimmick gave it a cult following, and it has remained in demand among collectors and monster movie fans alike.

Today, Creature from the Black Lagoon is praised for its immersive theme, cohesive artwork, and the novelty of its holographic display. It stands as a testament to Bally’s willingness to experiment with tone and presentation in the early 1990s pinball scene.