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Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993)

Released by Williams in 1993, Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure is one of the most celebrated licensed pinball machines of the 1990s. Designed by Mark Ritchie, it draws from the original trilogy of films—Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade—to create a richly themed, action-packed machine that blends narrative progression with mechanical creativity. It was the first Indiana Jones pinball game and among the most successful titles produced during the WPC (Williams Pinball Controller) era.

The playfield features two flippers and a range of mechanical features that tie directly into the Indiana Jones trilogy. A key element is the "Path of Adventure," a motorized mini-playfield that tilts left and right to guide the ball through skill-based lane shots. Players complete 12 adventure modes—four from each of the original films—by hitting designated ramps and targets across the playfield. Ball locks are achieved by shooting into the Ark of the Covenant, located behind a set of drop targets, which then enables multiball play with jackpot scoring on the ramps. Other key elements include the "mode start" scoop on the center-left and shot sequences that tie tightly to scenes from the films. Completing all 12 adventures lights the wizard mode, Eternal Life, which challenges players to earn final bonuses across the entire playfield.

The artwork by Doug Watson captures the adventurous tone of the films with vivid scenes, bold character illustrations, and iconic imagery like the Ark, the Grail, and Sankara Stones. The backglass prominently features Indiana Jones surrounded by key characters and artifacts. The sound design includes film clips, original John Williams score segments, and custom voice lines to enhance immersion—bringing familiar cinematic moments to life with every shot.

Approximately 12,716 units of Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure were produced. Its popularity was driven by a combination of strong theme integration, deep gameplay, and high production quality. It became a staple in arcades and continues to be a prized piece in private collections.

Today, Indiana Jones is considered one of the defining machines of the 1990s. Its balance of storytelling, mechanical challenge, and audio-visual immersion make it a standout among film-themed pinball games—and a lasting tribute to one of cinema’s most iconic adventurers.