Black Knight 2000

The Black Knight 2000, designed by Steve Ritchie and released in April 1989, is a celebrated solid-state pinball machine from Williams Electronics Games and the sequel to Ritchie's 1980 classic Black Knight. Like its predecessor, it features a split-level playfield: hitting the three targets on the drawbridge lowers the drawbridge, providing access to the skyway ramp. The layout includes three flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, two ramps, drop target banks, a vertical up-kicker, a kick-out hole, and a horseshoe lane, along with the series' signature Magna-Save - a player-controlled magnet that can rescue a ball headed for the outlane - plus a kickback.

One of the standout features of this machine is its multiball lineup, including "Double Knight's Challenge" (2-ball), regular multiball (3-ball), and the timed "King's Ransom" 3-ball wizard mode. The game also boasts 16 flash lamps in the backbox insert behind the backglass, which sync with playfield flashers to animate the Black Knight and the lightning bolt he holds - a striking effect characteristic of Ritchie's showmanship. Steve Ritchie himself voiced the Black Knight, and the acclaimed soundtrack was created by Brian Schmidt, Dan Forden, and Ritchie, with software by Ed Boon.

With artwork by Doug Watson rooted in its medieval knight theme, and approximately 5,703 units produced, the Black Knight 2000 remains a coveted gem among pinball enthusiasts and collectors.