Heavy Metal Meltdown

Heavy Metal Meltdown, designed by Dan Langlois and manufactured by Bally Midway in August 1987, is a four-player solid state machine that embodies the spirit of rock 'n' roll. With artwork by Tony Ramunni, sound by Neil Falconer, and software by Rehman Merchant, this music-themed game had a confirmed production run of 1,600 units. Its most visible flourish is a boombox topper that reinforces the theme.

The game's most distinctive trait is its sound design, powered by the 68000-based "Sounds Deluxe" sound board. The only fixed music is a drum track and bass line; the player fills in the lead with guitar riffs by hitting shots. Every switch triggers part of a riff, so the duration of a ball plays out like an extended guitar solo.

On the playfield, Heavy Metal Meltdown features two flippers, three pop bumpers, and two kick-out holes, with a ramp that feeds an in-line ball trap for a five-ball multiball. Its combination of interactive rock soundtrack and multiball action makes it a memorable entry in Bally's late-1980s catalog.