1990

Multiball, Ramp Designs & Dot Matrix Displays (DMD).

During the 1990s, pinball machines reach a new level of technical sophistication and gameplay complexity.

 

Electronic ball control enables multiball modes, where several balls are active at the same time.
These moments create fast-paced action and spectacular scoring opportunities.
At the same time, designers introduce plastic ramps, creating vertical playfield structures.
The ball can now travel across ramps, levels and guided pathways.
This allows for more complex shots and gameplay strategies.
Music, digital sound effects and speech become standard features.
Another milestone is the introduction of Dot Matrix Displays (DMD) in the backbox.
These animated displays show scores, instructions, graphics and short scenes.
This allows pinball machines to include storytelling elements.
Machines can now automatically store and display high scores.
Players can also enter their initials or names into the machine.
A famous example of this era is “The Addams Family” (Bally, 1992).