Party Animal

The Party Animal pinball machine, designed by Dennis Nordman with art by Pat McMahon, was manufactured by Bally Midway in May 1987. It captures the height of '80s party culture with bright colors, flashy lights, and playful sound effects, including the distinction of being the first pinball game to feature the sounds of a belch and a flushing toilet.

Gameplay-wise, Party Animal features three flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, three kick-out holes, two ramps, and 3-in-line drop targets, along with 3-ball multiball. Two toys bring the theme to life: a Juke Box that changes tunes when its targets are hit, and a Toad perched on a toad stool that jumps when struck. With 2,250 confirmed units produced, it was released in two translite versions, a bar edition and a home edition featuring a "Dad's Old Fashioned Root Beer" beer stein.

From a design and art perspective, Party Animal embodies the neon-lit aesthetic of the '80s party scene, with vibrant graphics that immerse players in the experience. As a comparatively lower-production Bally Midway title from the late '80s, it remains a fun find for collectors drawn to its playful theme and novelty sound effects.