Hardbody is an early 1980s Bally/Midway pinball game featuring a bodybuilder theme, designed by Ward Pemberton. The machine is notable for introducing the 'flex save' mechanic—hidden diverters activated by button presses—which became influential enough that it was later borrowed for the Dungeons & Dragons pinball machine. The game is also historically significant for featuring Rachel McLish's photograph on its backglass, the only photographic backglass ever produced by Bally, reportedly forced upon the art department by corporate mandate.
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Hardbody's flex saves are possibly the single best gimmick implementation in pinball history
Hardbody features unusual mechanical innovations including dual flipper sets and upper playfield
Rework of BMX for Bally's health and fitness line; sold approximately 2,000 units
Valley 1987 game; duplicated submission in tournament (2 votes); included in Shane Tournament bracket
Bally Midway pinball with dual button sets, upper playfield with flippers; praised for mechanical innovation despite weak theme
Ward Pemberton design released before D&D; D&D borrowed 'flex save' mechanic from this machine
Bally game featuring Rachel McLish photograph on backglass; forced upon art department by corporate; only photographic Bally backglass ever made
Early 1980s Bally/Midway split-level game; features flex saves (hidden diverters activated by button); 1980s bodybuilder theme; praised as having excellent gimmick implementation
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