Rollergames

Rollergames, designed by Steve Ritchie and released in 1990 by Williams Electronics Games, brings the high-energy sport of roller derby -- based on the short-lived TV show of the same name -- to the table, complete with lights, sound effects from Dan Forden, and a ball-catching magnet near the upper flipper.

The machine features three flippers and a multiball mode, along with a two-stage kickback in the left outlane that shoots the ball up a ramp and around the orbit to the upper right flipper. A signature shot uses the magnet: when lit, the game calls out "Don't Flip!" as a VUK fires the ball onto the magnet in front of the flipper, then "Flip!" sends it up the ramp. Locking balls in the wall ramp shot builds toward multiball, and the game features distinct background music for its various modes.

Artwork was handled by Pat McMahon (playfield and backglass) and Linda Deal (backbox), with mechanics by Carl Biagi and software by Mark Penacho. Approximately 5,000 units were produced between April and October 1990. Some early prototype units used drop targets instead of the standup targets found on the rest of the production run, making them a notable variant for collectors.