Eight Ball Action (DK conversion)

Eight Ball Action is a two-player sports game released in 1984 by Seatongrove UK, Ltd., under license from Magic Electronics USA. This conversion kit breathed new life into older Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. arcade cabinets, offering operators a cost-effective way to expand their game offerings. Players take turns attempting to sink eight balls on a vertically oriented playfield, striving for realistic pool gameplay that can even hold its own against traditional tables. The straightforward design allows players to quickly grasp the controls and jump into competitive matches. Simple to install with no wiring or soldering required, Eight Ball Action aims to provide an aggressive and exciting sporting challenge, appealing to fans of games like Birdie King but at a considerably lower investment. The game’s technical specifications include a S2650 main CPU and MB8884 sound CPU, delivering gameplay on a 256x224 pixel resolution screen with a palette of 256 colors. Early testing by Atlas Music Company demonstrated the game's potential, leading them to quickly place a significant number of units into their locations. Eight Ball Action’s accessible price point and engaging gameplay made it a surprisingly popular addition to arcades seeking a reliable and profitable title.