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Revenge from Mars (Bally, 1999)

Released by Bally in 1999, Revenge from Mars is a landmark machine in pinball history—it was the first to integrate real-time video gameplay with a traditional mechanical playfield. Designed by George Gomez, it runs on the Pinball 2000 platform, combining a physical pinball cabinet with a computer-generated playfield overlay projected onto a reflective glass screen. As the spiritual sequel to the 1995 hit Attack from Mars, the game brought innovation and humor together in one of the most technologically ambitious titles of the era.

The playfield features two flippers and includes left and right ramps, orbit lanes, a central bank of targets, a Capture Lane (used for ball locks), and a mini ramp that rises during certain sequences. The game is divided into nine main modes, grouped into three categories: Fuel, Saucer, and Weapons. Players progress through these modes by completing specific objectives, such as defending landmarks or battling Martians. Completing modes with a "Flawless" rating lights Saucer lights, and collecting all nine lights, along with completing Bonus Wave Multiballs, qualifies the player for the final "Attack Mars" wizard mode. The integration of video animations with physical gameplay creates a dynamic and immersive experience.

The artwork, led by John Youssi, combines classic 1950s sci-fi themes with updated 3D animations that appear in the integrated monitor system. The cabinet and translite retain a retro alien invasion aesthetic with cartoon Martians and flying saucers. The machine’s humor, voice acting, and digital animations deliver a lighthearted but action-packed tone that helped define the Pinball 2000 experience.

Approximately 6,878 units of Revenge from Mars were produced. It was the first of only two titles released using the Pinball 2000 system before Williams exited the pinball market entirely later that year. Despite this, the machine demonstrated the potential of hybrid designs and remains a technical milestone in the evolution of pinball.

Today, Revenge from Mars is celebrated not only for its unique gameplay and technical achievement, but also for its replayability, humor, and memorable blending of digital and physical pinball. It stands as a creative swan song from Bally/Williams and a fascinating glimpse into what might have been a new direction for the industry.