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Johnny Mnemonic

gameactive72 mentionsFirst seen Apr 8, 2007Last seen Apr 8, 2026

Profile

Johnny Mnemonic is a 1995 Williams pinball machine based on the Keanu Reeves cyberpunk film, designed by Gomez. Known for its glove mechanic and matrix features, it remains a tournament-quality game valued for its fast, flowing playfield and strong 90s aesthetic. Despite its quality design, the game is recognized as underrated and somewhat niche, with a notable design flaw involving lane change lag from development time constraints.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedGomezDesigned Johnny Mnemonic pinball machinemedium
  • manufacturesWilliamsWilliams manufactured Johnny Mnemonic in 1995medium

Facts

  • achievementHigh score trophy game with 5.2 billion point recordhigh
  • achievementRanked #6 among 1995 pinball machineshighfrom 1995
  • attributeFeatures matrix mechanicshighfrom 1995
  • attributeGlove mechanic frequently breaks during servicehighfrom 1995
  • attributeSuffered from lane change lag due to time constraints in developmenthighfrom 1995
  • attribute1995 Williams pinball machine based on Johnny Mnemonic filmhighfrom 1995

Claims (11)

  • factualmedium

    Hidden Mortal Kombat codes exist in Johnny Mnemonic that can be activated

    Source: DonHoliday Special!! World Cup Soccer, Bull City Solera
  • opinionhigh

    Johnny Mnemonic has code issues with broken bonuses and video mode problems

    Source: Dr. JohnEpisode 150 – Happy Father’s Day
  • factualhigh

    Johnny Mnemonic's left orbit wasn't registering shots

    Source: Pinball News authorTHE RAYGUN LOUNGE
  • factualmedium

    Johnny Mnemonic was released in 1995

    Source: Greg and Zach SharpeStraight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 9: Johnny Mnemonic machine review

Recent Mentions (72)

  • Pinball machine featuring 'Power Down' mode cited as example of simple but effective memorable moment

    EP 21 - One Small Flip for Man...Apr 8, 2026
  • Referenced as design comparison for Pokémon's ramp patterns

    Pokémon Pinball Live Gameplay | Top Players & Stern Pinball at the dutch Pinball MuseumMar 22, 2026
  • 1995 Williams pinball machine mentioned alongside Attack from Mars as fast and flowing tables

    Get a Clue: Crack the Case with Bally's 1995 WHO dunnitSep 27, 2025
  • Stern game in Dr. John's collection; owned twice; criticized for broken code but praised for video mode; preferred for playability

    Episode 150 – Happy Father’s DaySep 9, 2020
  • Williams pinball licensed game based on poor-performing film; George Gomez nearly abandoned license after seeing film; became cult game despite initial regrets

    Ep 71 - Nuggets with George GomezSep 26, 2019
  • Classic pinball game referenced by George Gomez as design inspiration for combination shots and game speed in Star Wars

    Episode 62 - On The Eve of a Cornerstone (George Gomez)

Contradictions

  • Existing: Based on obscure film (mention 9)vsConflicting: Mention 11 clarifies it's based on Keanu Reeves film, which is Johnny Mnemonic - not obscure but moderately well-known
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Based on Johnny Mnemonic film (confirmed in mentions 9, 11)vsConflicting: Mention 9 describes it as 'based on obscure film' without naming it, creating ambiguity about which film
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: 1995 Williams gamevsConflicting: Mention 12 describes it as 'Bally Williams title' rather than Williams
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: 1995 Williams gamevs

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

attribute
Features glove mechanic
high
from 1995
  • attributeDescribed as underrated sleeper with strong character and 90s aestheticmedium
  • attributeSuitable as tournament game despite being low earner at some venuesmedium
  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02
  • roleDesigned by Gomezhighfrom 1995
  • statusHand mechanism remained functional despite 15 years without repairmediumfrom 2010
  • factualhigh

    Power Down Mode shows sectors shutting down sequentially, with flippers becoming disabled if you fail to hit them

    Source: Straight Down the Middle videoJohnny Mnemonic "Power Down Mode"
  • factualhigh

    Power Down Mode is the wizard mode on Tee'd Off

    Source: Straight Down the Middle videoJohnny Mnemonic "Power Down Mode"
  • factualhigh

    Hitting shots down the middle is the primary mechanic for starting modes on Tee'd Off

    Source: Straight Down the Middle videoJohnny Mnemonic "Power Down Mode"
  • factualhigh

    Crazy Bob's must be hit to light the next mode start

    Source: Straight Down the Middle videoJohnny Mnemonic "Power Down Mode"
  • factualhigh

    Throwing spikes cannot be lit during tough multiball or yakuza strike modes

    Source: Straight Down the Middle hostJohnny Mnemonic "Lighting Throwing Spikes"
  • opinionmedium

    Johnny Mnemonic has clunky ramps

    Source: Straight Down the Middle hostJohnny Mnemonic "Lighting Throwing Spikes"
  • opinionmedium

    Completing all six throwing spikes during regular gameplay is approximately as challenging as the Power Down mode

    Source: Straight Down the Middle hostJohnny Mnemonic "Lighting Throwing Spikes"
  • Jul 23, 2019
  • Modern pinball machine featuring shot-based gameplay and throwing spike mechanics; appeared in tournament

    Episode 13 - Pinburgh Part 2Aug 18, 2019
  • Pinball machine used in tournament rounds

    Pinball at the Lab 2022 - Qualification RoundsAug 31, 2023
  • Tournament player, competed in Classics II finals against Keith Elwin, player in Travis's game group for CarHop

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 29.5 - INDISC 2023 Recap!Jan 20, 2023
  • Rental machine that introduced Will Johnson to Mike; marked beginning of deeper hobby involvement

    EP02 Will JohnsonAug 15, 2025
  • Stern pinball machine at Rulo's, discussed for GTO strategy and competition setup

    Episode 307 - The Creed and the ClawOct 14, 2024
  • Pinball machine being played and analyzed; subject of gameplay walkthrough

    Johnny Mnemonic "Lighting Throwing Spikes"Feb 18, 2017
  • 1995 Williams pinball machine based on the Johnny Mnemonic film; subject of full review covering art, shots, rules, toys, music, and theme

    Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 9: Johnny Mnemonic machine reviewMar 31, 2017
  • Content creator on 'Straight Down the Middle' pinball show demonstrating wizard mode gameplay

    Johnny Mnemonic "Power Down Mode"Feb 26, 2017
  • Referenced as game Greg owned and could overlook despite art criticisms

    SDTM Episode 82: Spider-Man Vault Pinball Machine ReviewDec 15, 2018
  • Early Gomez design known for fast, connected shots; referenced as example of achievable gameplay

    Episode 58 – George GomezAug 27, 2018
  • Game featured in the tour; Cary Hardy owns a similar/better version

    Early PATB Tour!Feb 6, 2026
  • Referenced as having similarly difficult/tacky decals to Earthshaker reproduction decals

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration: FINALEMar 15, 2024
  • 1995 George Gomez-designed pinball machine being restored; based on the film of the same name.

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 2Mar 22, 2021
  • Classic pinball machine being restored by Hardy; subject of multi-episode restoration series

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 3Apr 14, 2021
  • Classic pinball game being restored by Cary Hardy; currently in playfield restoration phase with new ramps on order

    Pinball Omnibus: Episode 2Apr 25, 2021
  • Playfield restoration project by Cary Hardy, currently in final clear coat and sanding phase

    Pinball Omnibus: Episode 3May 4, 2021
  • Pinball machine being restored; Williams-era game; subject of multi-episode restoration video series

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 4May 26, 2021
  • Pinball machine undergoing complete restoration; currently in playfield disassembly phase

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 5Jun 17, 2021
  • Homebrew/custom pinball machine owned by Cary Hardy, used as test platform for rotisserie assembly and mounting

    PinDoc Pinball Playfield Rotisserie: Unboxing, Assembly, and ReviewJul 12, 2021
  • Pinball machine being restored; approximately 26 years old; accumulation of heavy soot and deterioration; backside wiring and hardware now fully disassembled

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 6Sep 29, 2021
  • Pinball machine being restored; subject of Cary Hardy's multi-episode restoration documentation

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 7Oct 19, 2021
  • Pinball machine being restored across episode series

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 8Dec 1, 2021
  • Pinball machine in Cary Hardy's collection that Alexa has difficulty recognizing by voice (doesn't understand word 'mnemonic')

    Devices I Use to Power ON/OFF my Pinball MachinesDec 6, 2021
  • 1995 Williams pinball machine based on Keanu Reeves film; subject of mirrored backglass upgrade reviewed in this video

    Johnny Mnemonic Mirrored Backglass Unboxing and InstallJan 13, 2022
  • Pinball machine used as example in tutorial; Hardy uses an old ramp from this game to demonstrate flame polishing

    How To Flame Polish Plastic Pinball RampsAug 17, 2022
  • Stern pinball game designed by George Gomez; Hardy references owning and analyzing it for comparison to the new game

    This Game Will Rival Godzilla!!Sep 14, 2022
  • Pinball machine restored and exhibited by Kerry Hardy at TPF 2023; had transit issues but played well after repair

    Texas Pinball Festival 2023 in ReviewMar 28, 2023
  • Pinball machine being comprehensively restored by Cary Hardy; receiving new ramps, playfield clearcoat, powder-coated cabinet (blue/black two-tone), new rubber, LEDs, and component replacements

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 9Mar 7, 2022
  • Data East pinball machine being restored by Hardy; subject of multi-episode video series

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 10Apr 5, 2022
  • Classic pinball machine based on the Johnny Mnemonic film; subject of Hardy's 11-episode restoration series

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: FinaleMar 21, 2023
  • Pinball machine being restored; subject of video restoration documentation

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 1Oct 4, 2020
  • Earlier pinball game by Gomez where he invented the blue rubber bumper design feature

    George Gomez - Pinball Expo 2018 - Pinball NewsOct 21, 2018
  • Pinball machine owned by Paul Mullen; mentioned for having Midnight Madness mode capability

    Wifi Leaderboards, Video Aprons, & More - Pinball Expo 2025 - Pinball NewsOct 17, 2025
  • 1995 Bally Williams pinball machine; subject of detailed analysis and discussion

    Johnny Mnemonic with Special Guest h4ck3r-JSep 26, 2024
  • 1995 Williams pinball machine; focus of discussion around data glove mechanic, code exploits, and tournament viability

    The Data Glove, Strats, Code, and J’s Hackstory…Oct 30, 2024
  • Classic pinball game; hosts draw aesthetic parallels to John Wick's ramp triangles and neon city design

    We’re Still Standing with John… Not Elton, the other one. BonusX!!Aug 8, 2024
  • Pinball game by George Gomez; based on 1995 film; contains hidden Mortal Kombat codes; was Gomez's preferred project over Mortal Kombat pinball concept

    Holiday Special!! World Cup Soccer, Bull City SoleraJun 19, 2024
  • Video arcade game Gomez worked on; he repurposed a 35mm slide from this project in the Pinball 2000 foam core prototype.

    Pinball 2000 Part 2 - Featuring George GomezApr 11, 2024
  • Williams pinball title featuring Kopera's ball-catching glove mechanical design

    TOM KOPERA GETS STERN PINBALL POSITIONJun 20, 2021
  • Pinball machine at The Raygun Lounge with left orbit shot registration issues

    THE RAYGUN LOUNGEJun 8, 2018
  • Pinball machine offered as raffle prize at APO 2016 by distributor Niegelhell

    AUSTRIAN PINBALL OPEN 2016Nov 1, 2016
  • Pinball machine featuring glove mechanic designed by Tom Kopera

    Pinball Odds & Ends: New Hires at Stern & Jersey Jack, New Digital PinballAug 31, 2023
  • 1995 Williams pinball machine; base platform for the custom Matrix conversion

    The Origin of the Steve Ritchie is Making "The Matrix" Next for Jersey Jack Pinball RumorMay 17, 2023
  • Referenced as comparison for Falcon minigame arm mechanic (claw game style)

    Zen Original Sneak PeekJun 6, 2021
  • Referenced as B-list Bally/Williams game that The Shadow surpassed in recognition

    Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines From Bally/Williams (SDTM, 2025)Mar 11, 2025
  • Elite pinball player; competed in multiple INDISC tournaments; referenced as top competitor in Car Hop qualifying; played in Classics 2 finals

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 29.5: INDISC 2023 RecapJan 21, 2023
  • Film where Gomez worked; provided 35mm slide materials used in Pinball 2000 mock-up experiments

    Millennium Moment- Pinball 2000Aug 5, 2021
  • Gomez's early design that was poorly received initially but is now viewed favorably by community

    Drinks with Jack Featuring George Gomez (Part 3)Jan 12, 2026
  • Pinball machine previously reviewed by Straight Down The Middle, used as comparison for speed and combo potential.

    Episode 112 – The Beastie BoyOct 7, 2019
  • Don's father's first pinball machine; source of Don's childhood connection to pinball; shared co-ownership with others; represents family legacy connection

    Matt and Don of Bash Pinball - Episode 32Jun 20, 2024
  • Williams pinball machine featuring Spinner Millions mechanic and known infinite bonus exploit via magnetic glove lock shot; caused game breakdown at District 82

    Episode 184 – Loving LustApr 30, 2022
  • Gomez's second game; criticized for inflated scoring and progression; suffered commercially but developed cult following; Gomez wishes he could remake it with modern technology

    Episode 259: George GomezMay 16, 2020
  • Pinball game referenced in anecdote between Jeff Teolis and Mike Primo from Pinburg competition

    Episode 122: Path of Play Day (2018)Apr 16, 2018
  • Bally Williams title; Scott owned but found repetitive after 6 months despite acknowledging it as fantastic game

    Ep 24: Happy Holidays!Dec 18, 2019
  • #6 ranked 1995 machine by Williams; cyberpunk-themed based on Keanu Reeves film; features glove mech frequently broken in service

    Every Pinball Machine of 1995, RankedOct 3, 2025
  • 1995 Williams pinball machine; fast and flowing table released alongside WHO dunnit; high score trophy game with 5.2B point record

    Get a Clue: Crack the Case with Bally's 1995 WHO dunnitSep 26, 2025
  • 1995 Williams game based on obscure film; designed by Gomez; suffered from lane change lag due to time constraints; featured glove and matrix mechanics

    TOPCast 24: Tom UbanApr 8, 2007
  • Referenced for similar three-ball drop mechanism design as Beetlejuice

    Beetlejuice by Spooky Pinball: Fomometer goes to 11. Ranted from Raccoon City Arcade.Nov 15, 2025
  • 90s pinball game referenced as example of games with soul and nostalgia; host cited as personal favorite

    The Big Trouble in Little China Homebrew Pinball JourneyNov 6, 2025
  • Modern reference example featuring close ramp shot requiring rapid reflexes

    F**k Lightning Flippers | Pinball School with DraculaDec 4, 2025
  • Pinball game where Zach McCarthy scored $69 billion, completing on two balls without needing third ball at Pinball at the Lab

    Episode 256 – Imperial WalkersSep 17, 2025
  • Great tournament game but one of Electric Bat's lowest earners; retained despite low coin drop

    Episode 32 :: The Electric Bat CastJan 17, 2026
  • 1990s game described as underrated 'sleeper' with strong character and '90s aesthetic. Hand mechanism remains functional despite 15 years without repair. Frequently purchased and appreciated by hosts.

    We Are Pinball #45 with Enzo Slaps!!Oct 5, 2025
  • High score trophy game with 5.2 billion point record from qualifying

    Episode 105 – Planes, Cows and Pinball MachinesAug 19, 2019
  • Referenced by Ryan as game he enjoys playing without prior knowledge/tutorials; influenced his preferences for discovery

    Episode 90 – Stern Battle Royale!!Apr 29, 2019
  • Game with glove mechanic cited as one of hardest pinball mechanics to repair.

    Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep13 - Kyle Spiteri - Motorcycles, Cats, and Stern Support GuruJul 23, 2025
  • Conflicting: Mention 12 refers to it as 'Bally Williams title' rather than Williams
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026