Nine Ball is a solid-state electronic pinball machine released by Stern Electronics in December 1980. Designed by Steve Kirk, a prominent figure in the pinball world, the game is themed around billiards and features a unique rule set and challenging gameplay that emphasizes precise shooting and strategic decision-making.
Key Features
* Theme & Artwork: The game features a visually striking blend of blue and orange colors, with a whimsical wizard character overseeing the action on both the backglass and the playfield. The cabinet artwork and backglass design are inspired by a 1970s t-shirt graphic.
* Gameplay:Players must hit drop targets numbered 1 through 9 in sequence to activate multiball and other scoring features.
* A distinctive "free hanging" spinner located on the lower right side of the playfield requires precise shots and can be built up to a high value, offering significant scoring opportunities.
* A horseshoe lane in the upper left corner provides risk/reward gameplay, with its value culminating in a lucrative 173,000-point payout.
* Three-ball multiball adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge.
* Technical Specifications: Stern M-200 MPU (though reports indicate some machines may use the M-100)
* Production: 2,279 units
* Notable Features: 15 drop targets, a single pop bumper, a unique spinner placement, and on-playfield multiball lock.
Reception
* Critical Acclaim: Nine Ball has generally received positive reviews, with many praising its fast and challenging gameplay, as well as its unique features like the floating spinner and horseshoe lane. The game enjoys an average fun rating of 7.2/10 on the Internet Pinball Database (IPDB) and 7.717/10 on Pinside.
* Player Comments:Players often highlight Nine Ball's addictive gameplay, its depth of strategy, and the satisfaction of mastering its demanding shots.
* The game's unusual scoring system, particularly the 173,000-point horseshoe payout, is a frequently discussed and appreciated quirk.
* Some players find the audio repetitive and less thematic compared to other aspects of the game.
* Market Value: Recent sales data from Pinside Marketplace indicates that Nine Ball machines in good condition can fetch prices ranging from $4,500 to over $7,000, depending on the level of restoration and originality.
Challenges and Considerations
* Software Issues: Historical reports suggest that Nine Ball, even after numerous revisions, has been known to experience software glitches, particularly with the ball lock switches. Proper adjustment can reportedly rectify these issues.
* Parts Availability: As a relatively low-production game from the early 1980s, sourcing replacement parts for Nine Ball can be challenging. However, resources like Pinside Marketplace and specialized retailers offer some options for parts acquisition.
* Drop Target Durability: The eight-bank drop targets are prone to wear and tear due to frequent use. Some players recommend using original targets over reproductions, even with modifications.
Pinside User Veemonroe: "Probably my favourite early SS game. I love the vibrant wizard artwork, the individual drop targets that can only be shot from the side (or by a careful rebound) and it even has multiball! Simply delicious, a wonderful shooter’s game and a brilliant test of skill."
Conclusion
Despite its relative obscurity, Nine Ball stands out as a well-designed and engaging pinball machine with a dedicated following. Its unique features, challenging gameplay, and striking visuals make it a highly sought-after classic among collectors and enthusiasts. While some technical considerations and parts availability challenges may exist, the game's enduring appeal and historical significance solidify its place as a noteworthy entry in Stern Electronics' catalog.
Key Quotes
* IPDB: "After over 60 software revisions 'Nine Ball' still did not work properly on location. Reportedly, proper adjustment of ball lock switches can remedy this (if using Rev. 60)."
* Pinside User onetaste: "Update: Another year on and I’m upping the points, this pin is in my top 3 of all time. The fast game time is a plus."
* "Nine Ball Pinball Tutorial": "[The horseshoe] goes 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 173,000 so answering the question what comes next 10 20 30 40 blank the correct answer is 173"
* Pinside User mrgone: "great risk-reward shots and one of the best spinner shots ive ever seen."
Resources
* https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/nine-ball-club-all-welcome
* https://pinside.com/pinball/machine/nine-ball/ratings
* https://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=1678
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