Back to the Future

Back to the Future, released in June 1990 by Data East Pinball, brings the beloved science fiction time-travel film franchise to the playfield. Designed by Ed Cebula and Joe Kaminkow, with artwork by Paul Faris and music and sound by Brian Schmidt, it was one of the movie-licensed titles that defined Data East's output in this era. A confirmed 3,000 units were produced between June and September of 1990.

The machine offers a solid feature set: two flippers, three pop bumpers, two ramps, a 3-bank of drop targets, 3-bank and 5-bank standup targets, a spinning target, a kick-out hole, and a vertical up-kicker. A 3-ball multiball with a Twin Jackpots feature provides the game's headline scoring opportunity, rewarding players who can keep all three balls in play while hunting jackpots.

The artwork carries a famous quirk: Michael J. Fox did not allow his likeness to appear on the game, so the 'Marty McFly' image on the backglass and playfield is actually artist Paul Faris' son. Fred Young provided voice characterizations for the game. For fans of the films and of early-1990s Data East design alike, Back to the Future remains a nostalgic and entertaining package.