Nudge-It
About This Machine
Nudge-It is a single-player, flipperless solid-state redemption machine designed by Ray Tanzer for Premier Technology, released under the Gottlieb name in December 1990 (model N102, Gottlieb System 3, approximately 54 units produced). Rather than being a conventional pinball machine, it's a ticket-redemption novelty game with a prospecting theme, using two 20-digit alphanumeric blue Futaba displays.
Operators can select from three built-in game modes. In Game 1, tickets are awarded based on how many of five lit columns the player achieves. Game 2 introduces a 'Stop' mode, where the player has ten seconds to hit a 'STOP' button on the lock-down bar to freeze a strobing light sequence on the correct lit insert for a bonus of 5 tickets (versus 1 for a miss). Game 3 is a timed mode awarding 5 tickets for hitting a designated lit column, 1 for any other, and a consolation ticket if the timer runs out. Play length is operator-adjustable from 1 to 9 balls per game (factory default is 1), and all ticket payout amounts can be configured by the operator.
By most accounts, the game's software was left noticeably unfinished -- it prompts players with a nonfunctional 'Continue? (Y/N)' message, references player initials that are never actually stored, has incomplete attract-mode light shows, and can have sound or music cut out randomly during multi-ball games. Despite these rough edges, Nudge-It remains a distinctive example of Gottlieb-era redemption gaming.
Images (11)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Prospecting
- Model Number:
- N102
- MPU:
- Gottlieb System 3
- Notable Features:
- 1 to 9 balls per play (operator option, factory default is 1 ball per game). Tickets are awarded for each ball in play. The operator can change all ticket payout amounts. Uses two 20-digit, alpha-numeric (with commas), blue Futaba displays. Operator-selectable between three different Games: - Game 1: At the start of a ball, the columns will have 1 to 5 lights lit. The player will be awarded tickets equal to the number of lights lit. - Game 2: At the start of a game, one column of all 5 lights will be lit. If the player gets the ball over that column, the game will enter 'Stop' mode. One random light will light up solid, and the rest of the lights will strobe in sequence. The player has ten seconds to press the 'STOP' button on the lock-down bar, to stop the strobing inserts. If the user stops the strobe on the lit insert, 5 tickets are awarded. Otherwise, 1 ticket is awarded. - Game 3: This is a timed game (operator-adjustable). At the start of a game, one column of all 5 lights will be lit. When the ball rolls through that column, 5 tickets are awarded. An un-lit column would award 1 ticket. The timer is visible to the player and if the game runs out of time, a ticket is awarded. The software for the game is noticeably incomplete. Issues include: - Asking the player to 'Continue? (Y/N)', without having any effect on the existing game or next game. - References to Player Initials, when initials are never stored. - The Attract Mode light shows are incomplete, or have small errors with them. - Sound effects and background music may randomly stop during a game with greater than 1 ball.
Credits
- Designer:
- Ray Tanzer