# History of the Bally Attack From Mars Pinball Machine **Source:** Knapp Arcade **Type:** article **Published:** 2023-07-25 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.knapparcade.org/history-of-the-bally-attack-from-mars-pinball-machine --- ## Analysis Article reviewing Kevin Carrington's YouTube video on the history of Attack From Mars, a classic 1995 Bally pinball game designed by Brian Eddy that sold 3,450 units. Discusses original design concepts (moving UFO prototype), the game's Epilepsy Warning (first pinball machine to include one due to Strobe Multiball), voice work by Tim Kitzrow, and Chicago Gaming Company's 2017 officially-licensed remakes in three variants. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Bally sold 3,450 units of Attack From Mars in 1995 — _Direct factual statement from article based on Kevin Carrington video_ - [HIGH] AFM was the first pinball machine to come with an Epilepsy Warning due to Strobe Multiball — _Stated as fact from video content_ - [MEDIUM] A prototype moving UFO mechanism was created during development and supposedly still exists — _Article states 'supposedly' twice, indicating uncertain verification_ - [HIGH] Tim Kitzrow (NBA Jam voice actor) did voice work for AFM — _Presented as documented fact with specific attribution_ - [HIGH] Chicago Gaming Company released officially-licensed AFM remakes in 2017 in three variants — _Direct factual statement with specific year and variant count_ ### Notable Quotes > "People love it so much that in 2017 Chicago Gaming Company built a significant number of officially-licensed remakes of Attack From Mars." > — **Article author (Knapp Arcade)** > _Establishes market demand and longevity of AFM as franchise_ > "The UFO in the center of the game originally was supposed to be on a pivoting telescopic rod with a target hanging from it, so that it could move around the front of the playfield and the player could try to hit it." > — **Kevin Carrington video (quoted by article)** > _Reveals significant original design concept that was not implemented in final version_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Attack from Mars | game | Classic 1995 Williams/Bally Pinball 2000 title designed by Brian Eddy; 3,450 units sold originally; remade by Chicago Gaming Company in 2017 | | Brian Eddy | person | Designer of original Attack From Mars (1995) | | Chicago Gaming Company | company | Produced officially-licensed remakes of AFM in 2017 in three variants (Classic, Special, Limited Edition) | | Kevin Carrington | person | YouTuber who produced video history of Attack From Mars that article is based on | | Tim Kitzrow | person | NBA Jam voice actor who provided voice work for AFM (non-alien voices) | | Rock Fantasy | organization | Pinball arcade in Middletown, New York where article author photographed AFM Limited Edition | | WMS Industries | company | Released an Attack From Mars slot machine for casinos | | Strobe Multiball | product | Mystery award mode in AFM featuring strobe lighting effects; first game to require epilepsy warning | ### Topics - **Primary:** Attack From Mars history and design, Original prototype/scrapped mechanics, Chicago Gaming Company remakes - **Secondary:** Pinball machine epilepsy warnings, Voice acting in pinball ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.85) — Article is celebratory of AFM's legacy and highly positive about Kevin Carrington's video content. Uses enthusiastic language ('uber-popular,' 'awesome,' 'fantastic'). No criticisms present. ### Signals - **[product_strategy]** Chicago Gaming Company's 2017 AFM remakes offered three tier variants (Classic, Special, Limited Edition), mirroring modern manufacturer tiering strategy (confidence: high) — The CGC version came in three variants, Classic Edition, Special Edition and Limited Edition --- ## Transcript A couple of days ago, YouTuber Kevin Carrington published a new video for his awesome series on the history of pinball. This one is about the uber-popular 1995 Bally classic Attack From Mars. Bally sold 3,450 units of this Brian Eddy-designed classic back in the day. People love it so much that in 2017 Chicago Gaming Company built a significant number of officially-licensed remakes of Attack From Mars. The CGC version came in three variants, Classic Edition, Special Edition and Limited Edition. Here's a few interesting facts from the video: The UFO in the center of the game originally was supposed to be on a pivoting telescopic rod with a target hanging from it, so that it could move around the front of the playfield and the player could try to hit it. The development team made one prototype with the moving UFO that supposedly sort of worked that supposedly still exists today. Because of the mystery award "Strobe Multiball" AFM was the first pinball machine to come with an Epilepsy Warning on it. WMS Industries released an Attack From Mars slot machine for casinos Tim Tim Kitzrow of NBA Jam fame did a number of the voices in the game (though not the aliens). The theme has absolutely nothing to do with the movie Mars Attacks. The game's often massive bonus multiplier maxes out at a whopping 250X Below are pictures that I took of the Chicago Gaming Company Attack From Mars Limited Edition at Middletown, New York's iconic Rock Fantasy pinball arcade and the games' flyers. I also have embedded the history video. Kevin's videos are always fantastic and worth a watch. Enjoy! Chicago Gaming Company Attack From Mars Remake Limited Edition as seen at Rock Fantasy: The original Bally Attack From Mars flyer: The Chicago Gaming Company Attack From Mars Remake Flyer: _(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 136137fa-d6d0-4d56-9900-38b10a9b5253*