Miami Balls
About This Machine
Miami Balls is a rare and intriguing electro-mechanical pinball machine that offers a glimpse into head-to-head competitive pinball play. Manufactured by Roma-Automatic of Paris, France (a company doing business from 1964), its unique design and gameplay set it apart from more conventional single-cabinet machines, making it a notable addition to any serious pinball collection.
One of the most notable features of Miami Balls is its simultaneous two-player design, where two players at opposite ends of the playfield compete against each other, each controlling only the flippers facing their opponent. The machine's array of 12 flippers, 8 ball kickers, and 4 slingshots (and no traditional slingshot-only layout) provides a challenging and engaging experience for both players. With five balls per game, served via a manual ball lift mechanism operated by the player at the coin-slot end, Miami Balls requires strategy and skill to navigate.
The soccer/futbol theme reflects the sport's popularity in Europe. Little is known about the machine's 'Loterie' (Free Play) feature beyond the fact that it's activated by the pop bumper and can light at game over, suggesting Miami Balls offered additional bonus incentives for skilled players. Overall, Miami Balls is an enigmatic machine that offers a fascinating look at head-to-head pinball design.
Images (35)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Sports - Soccer - Futbol
- Notable Features:
- 20 centimes for 2 players. 5 balls per game. Flippers (12), Ball kickers (8), Pop bumper (1), Slingshots (4). Balls enter playfield from the middle of one side, served by a manual ball lift mechanism operated by the player at the end of the cabinet having the coin slot mechanism. Both player's scores appear at each end of playfield, facing the other player. We have limited information on the ' Loterie ' (Free Play) feature. The pop bumper activates it, and a light can illuminate at Game Over for it. This is a head-to-head game where two players at opposite ends of the playfield compete in simultaneous play. Each player has flipper buttons which control only those flippers facing the opponent.