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Funhouse (Williams, 1990)

Released by Williams in 1990, Funhouse is one of the most iconic and influential pinball machines of its era. Designed by Pat Lawlor, with software by Larry DeMar and music by Chris Granner, the game introduced players to Rudy, a talking, animatronic head who serves as both antagonist and central toy. With a funfair theme and innovative mechanical integration, Funhouse helped redefine the role of personality and interactivity in pinball storytelling.

The playfield features three flippers and a dynamic layout centered around Rudy, the game's talking animatronic head. Players advance the in-game clock by hitting various targets and ramps, with the goal of reaching midnight. Once the clock strikes 11:30, a shot to the "Hidden Hallway" locks the current ball and advances the clock to 11:45. A second shot locks another ball and sets the clock to midnight, causing Rudy to fall asleep with his mouth open. Shooting a ball into Rudy's mouth at this point initiates "Midnight Multiball," a two-ball mode where players can score jackpots by hitting the Trap Door when it's open. This sequence blends mechanical innovation with thematic storytelling, making Rudy both a central character and a key gameplay element.

The artwork by John Youssi captures the offbeat charm of a slightly surreal amusement park, with vibrant colors, expressive characters, and detailed signage covering every corner of the playfield and cabinet. The sound design—filled with Rudy’s voice lines, bell rings, calliopes, and ambient chatter—creates a convincingly lively carnival atmosphere. Rudy’s voice was performed by Ed Boon, who would later gain fame as the co-creator of Mortal Kombat.

Approximately 10,750 units of Funhouse were produced, making it a major commercial success for Williams. Its innovative use of a fully interactive mechanical character set a new standard for immersion and paved the way for future toys like the Genie in Tales of the Arabian Nights and the Thing hand in The Addams Family.

Today, Funhouse remains a beloved title among collectors and players alike. It’s remembered for its personality-driven gameplay, memorable audio, and clever layout—cementing its place as a landmark machine in pinball history.