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The Machine: Bride of Pin-Bot (Williams, 1991)

Released by Williams in 1991, The Machine: Bride of Pin-Bot is the celebrated sequel to the popular 1986 game Pin-Bot. Designed by Python Anghelo and John Trudeau, it tells the story of a robotic bride slowly being brought to life through the player’s progress. With its futuristic theme, distinct playfield features, and bold artwork, it became one of the most memorable and artistically ambitious games of the early 1990s.

The playfield centers around the Bride's transformation process, beginning with basic ramp shots to activate her voice circuits, eyes, and finally her human face through a rotating head mechanism. Players lock balls in her mouth to start the "Metamorphosis" sequence, leading to a two-ball multiball. Once fully transformed, the ultimate objective is to activate the "Billionaire Club" by spinning the Big Wheel—a rotating award system—to achieve massive jackpot scores. The game's layout features two main ramps, a left mini-loop, and key shot areas that focus player attention on building the Bride's life piece by piece.

The artwork, led by Python Anghelo, embraces a bold, stylized vision of the future, blending mechanical and organic imagery in striking detail. The Bride herself dominates the backglass and playfield, depicted with vibrant colors, flowing mechanical lines, and a style that is both sleek and theatrical. The sound package further enhances the theme, featuring a mixture of robotic voices, electronic music, and synthesized heartbeats that mark the Bride’s progression toward humanity.

Approximately 8,100 units of The Machine: Bride of Pin-Bot were produced. While initial reception was mixed due to the game’s relatively narrow ruleset compared to deeper titles, its unique concept, striking visuals, and mechanical innovation helped it grow into a cult favorite among collectors and enthusiasts.

Today, The Machine: Bride of Pin-Bot is regarded as a bold and imaginative title that pushed the limits of what narrative pinball could achieve. Its iconic design, memorable character, and distinctive playfield features ensure its place as a standout in Williams’ legendary lineup.