Checkpoint

The Checkpoint pinball machine, designed by Joe Kaminkow and Ed Cebula for Data East Pinball in 1991, holds a revered place in pinball history. As the first game to feature a dot matrix display (DMD), it marked a significant innovation in the industry, paving the way for future games with digital displays. Checkpoint used a "half-height" DMD; later games from Data East and other manufacturers moved to a larger display size, which became the industry standard, making Checkpoint's smaller display a unique artifact of the technology's debut.

Players are drawn to Checkpoint's engaging gameplay, which combines classic pinball elements with cutting-edge technology. The machine boasts two flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, and an array of targets that reward strategic play, along with a Porsche Carrera toy mounted above the Nitro target. Its auto shooter — the first combination automatic ball shooter and spring plunger, patented by Data East — allows for rapid ball launches, while the shaker motor adds an extra layer of excitement. Notably, the game's start button takes the form of an ignition key, creating a tactile experience reminiscent of racing.

Checkpoint's design and artwork, by Paul Faris, capture the thrill of auto racing, and the playfield layout was based on that of Data East's 1989 'Robocop', which the team liked and modified for this game. With a confirmed production run of 3,500 units, Checkpoint is a testament to the innovative spirit of Data East Pinball and a sought-after find for collectors interested in the dawn of the DMD era.