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Comet

gameactive32 mentionsFirst seen May 20, 2007Last seen Mar 19, 2026

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Comet is a 1985 pinball machine manufactured by Williams, designed by Barry Ousler and Python Angelo. It was the best-selling game of 1985 and spawned a trilogy of sequels, winning multiple awards including Best Sound, Best Theme Integration, and Best Knockoff Licensed Game. The machine features prominent center ramp mechanics and top lane completion systems with playfield multiplier progression (2x/3x/5x based on ball number), influencing later pinball designs, though it is considered mechanically weak by modern standards.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • manufacturesWilliamsWilliams manufactured Comet in 1985medium
  • affiliated_withBarry O's Barbecue ChallengeComet influenced the design of Barry O's Barbecue Challenge, particularly top lane mechanicsmedium
  • affiliated_withSorcererSorcerer received the 1985 GOTY award instead of Cometmedium
  • affiliated_withHurricaneThird title in the circus trilogy, following Cometmedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (3)

  • factualhigh

    Comet was originally named Riverview based on the amusement park across the river from Harry Williams

    Source: Host/Wikipedia-style knowledgeThe Barry Oursler Trio: Comet, Cyclone & Hurricane (Virtual Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Comet was released in 1985

    Source: Host (with chat correction from 1980 guess)The Barry Oursler Trio: Comet, Cyclone & Hurricane (Virtual Pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Comet fire bulbs are too big to fit standard OEM coolant slots without modification

    Source: Cary HardySHORT: Comet Fire Bulb Install in Coin Door

Recent Mentions (32)

  • Williams 1985 classic designed by Barry Oursler; coming to Pinball FX April 30

    Turner Pinball Shows Off Yukon Yeti Gameplay; New Aftermarket Card Dispenser Pokémon Pinball; New Bally / Williams Tables Coming to Pinball FX & MoreMar 19, 2026
  • Retro warm LED lighting product used in Superman and other older games; provides incandescent-like appearance while reducing heat and connector burn issues.

    #18 Superman - The Classic Pinball PodcastDec 3, 2019
  • Classic Williams machine; featured in Classics 1 tiebreaker and Classics 2 finals; Eric Stone selected it twice and won both times due to strategy and clutch play

    #22 Dave interviews Eric Stone INDISC Open Champion The Classic Pinball PodcastJan 17, 2020
  • Chris Bannister's first restoration project; purchased in very poor condition as learning experience; successfully restored to like-new condition

    The Spinner Is Lit - Episode 2: Cabinet repair and restoration tipsJun 12, 2017
  • LED manufacturer; host recommends their 2SMD Frosted Warm White LEDs for Theater of Magic GI

    The Pinball Show Ep 128 BONUS: Collectors Corner - Theatre Of MagicMay 23, 2023
  • 1985 Williams pinball game designed by Python; he claims it revolutionized the industry and introduced the million-shot feature

Contradictions

  • Existing: Comet won Best Game of Year (GOTY) in 1985vsConflicting: Hosts note a Mandela Effect - they gave 1985 GOTY to Sorcerer instead, not Comet
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

TOPCast 42: Python AngheloJul 1, 2007
  • Mid-1980s Williams pinball; originally titled 'Riverview'; designed around Chicago amusement park theme; known for universal appeal across gender and age demographics

    TOPCast 35: Barry OurslerMay 20, 2007
  • Manufacturer of LED OCD and GI OCD boards; acquired Stumbler's design space; boards doubled in price since COVID; offer profile-based configuration capabilities

    The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 2Aug 21, 2023
  • Williams game by Python Angelo; featured Reagan imagery; advertised on Taxi back glass

    #121 Taxi - The Classic Pinball PodcastNov 18, 2024
  • Pinball machine for which Jeff Miller created the plastic set reproduction; his first project with CPR in 2008, featuring halftones for roof shadows

    Episode 1- Pimp out my Pin!Mar 6, 2021
  • Pinball machine; Eric selected for tiebreaker and won, advancing to second place in finals

    #21 INDISC with Eric Stone - The Classic Pinball PodcastJan 13, 2020
  • One of three classic carnival trio pinball machines; owned by interview subject

    Pinball Junk Drawer, Episode 5:. Cosmic CarnivalJan 23, 2022
  • Classic pinball machine; used market price now $3,500-4,500; frequently cited as baseline example

    Pinball Junk Drawer, Episode 6Jan 26, 2022
  • 1985 Barry Orsler pinball machine; features upper lane multipliers and duck/rabbit targets; available on VPX virtual pinball

    The Barry Oursler Trio: Comet, Cyclone & Hurricane (Virtual Pinball)Feb 16, 2022
  • Classic Williams pinball game; third game in roller coaster trilogy alongside Cyclone and Hurricane

    Virtual Pinball: Hurricane (Williams 1991)Jun 17, 2020
  • Supplier of RGB flex bulbs and light systems used in the lamp base upgrade

    SDTM Cary Hardy: Upgrading Tales of the Arabian Nights DiscJun 14, 2019
  • Aftermarket pinball LED/lighting company; Zach endorses their 'purple passion bulbs' for The Shadow mode inserts.

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 23: The Shadow ReviewJun 25, 2017
  • LED supplier; Cary installed Comet 2 SMD frosted cool white LEDs throughout playfield

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: Episode 9Mar 7, 2022
  • Manufacturer of LED bulbs and illuminated flipper button kits used in restoration

    Johnny Mnemonic Pinball Restoration: FinaleMar 21, 2023
  • Manufacturer of fire bulbs for pinball machines

    SHORT: Comet Fire Bulb Install in Coin DoorFeb 7, 2022
  • Harry Williams System 11 machine susceptible to battery damage

    Pinball Machine Troubleshooting Made Easy with TNT Amusements!Feb 7, 2025
  • Vintage pinball machine; Ernie sourced back orbit playfield element from a spare Comet playfield he found on Facebook for his League machine

    Pinball Innovators & Makers Podcast Ep 3: Feet First, Head LastMar 23, 2023
  • Early machine in Jeffrey's collection; roller coaster theme; first introduction to ramps; subjected to amateur cabinet restoration (black stain filling, clear coat)

    Pinball Innovators & Makers Podcast Ep 10: PinBall ReBorn: The Showman and The MuseAug 8, 2023
  • Pinball bulb supplier offering 15-30% off popular bulbs and rubber kits

    2023 Black Friday Pinball Deals!!Nov 23, 2023
  • Pinball game; Python's first collaboration with Barry Oursler at Williams

    Python Anghelo DiesApr 9, 2014
  • Pinball machine designed by Barry Oursler

    Barry Oursler Asks Pinball Community for HelpJan 27, 2014
  • 1985 Williams pinball machine; significant in Earnhardt family history

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. Talks About Father's Obsession with Comet PinballJun 28, 2023
  • 1985 Barry Osler/Bally game with prominent center ramp; commercially successful but considered weak by modern standards; hosts note Mandela Effect about giving it 1985 GOTY (they gave it to Sorcerer instead)

    Episode 108 - Center RampsDec 29, 2025
  • Classic pinball referenced for top lane mechanics influence

    American Pinball Live Stream # 5 Barry O's Barbecue ChallengeApr 26, 2024
  • Referenced for top lane completion mechanics and playfield multiplier progression (2x/3x/5x based on ball number)

    Saucy Secrets: Inside Barry O's Barbecue Challenge with Steve BowdenAug 27, 2024
  • Referenced as example of game that benefits from board swap technique when battery damage occurs

    Pinball Machine Troubleshooting Made Easy with TNT Amusements!Feb 7, 2025
  • Williams 1985 machine by Barry Ousler/Python Angelo; best-selling game of year, spawned trilogy; won Best Sound, Best Theme Integration, Best Knockoff Licensed Game, Designer of Year

    Episode 94 - Pinball Hindsight Awards 1985Aug 4, 2025