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Roller Games

gameactive34 mentionsFirst seen Feb 18, 2007Last seen Nov 24, 2025

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Roller Games is a licensed pinball machine released on the System 11C platform, designed by Steve Ritchie. The game features notable mechanical elements including a mag-nab shot mechanic on the left orbit that has influenced later designs. Despite its licensing pedigree and technical contributions to pinball design, the game is remembered critically—composer Dan Forden described it as 'probably the worst license ever'—yet it remains significant as an influential title that taught players fundamental pinball mechanics.

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Facts

  • achievementPurchased by Kevin for $900 around 2012 as his first pinball machinemediumfrom 2012
  • attributeInfluential title that taught Chris pinball alongside Whirlwindmedium
  • attributeSystem 11C game designed by Steve Ritchiehigh
  • attributeFeatured mag-nab shot mechanic similar to Oktoberfest left orbit featuremedium
  • attributeLicensed game with theme music and vocals created by Dan Fordenhigh
  • attributeDan Forden described it as 'probably the worst license ever'highfrom 2010-02-21
  • location

Claims (2)

  • factualhigh

    Roller Games was originally going to be licensed as American Gladiators but the deal fell through

    Source: Alan (citing Roger Sharp)Episode 54 - Pinball Metamorphosis: The System 11 Era Pt.2
  • factualhigh

    Roller Games licensing did not help Williams financially despite good game quality and early sales success

    Source: Roger Sharpe (quoted in episode)Yes… More Roger Sharpe

Recent Mentions (34)

  • Martin's first owned machine, licensed from 1980s TV show, tough gameplay, loved for cheesy theme

    Episode 80 – Out Of OrderFeb 22, 2018
  • April 1990 Williams game by Steve Ritchie; originally pitched as American Gladiators licensed game but theme fell through; ranked #182; features upper ramp and wall shot

    Episode 54 - Pinball Metamorphosis: The System 11 Era Pt.2Oct 28, 2024
  • Difficult classic game; Marty's first machine purchase; featured in InDisc 2022 finals; Marty explains difficulty justifies tournament selection

    Ep 51: Dumb and DumberFeb 24, 2022
  • Pinball machine; Martin Robbins' first personal machine purchase; described as fast and brutal game

    Ep 1: Enter The Final RoundJun 26, 2020
  • Williams licensed pinball based on roller derby game show; first Williams license after Bally acquisition; successful sales but license did not significantly help company

    Yes… More Roger SharpeApr 11, 2024
  • Vintage pinball game played in In Disc 2024 finals as part of controversial game selection

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 14: Robert Byers Jumping Off The Top Rope

Contradictions

  • Existing: System 11C game by Steve Ritchie (mention 6, 2007)vsConflicting: Licensed game with theme music/vocals by Dan Forden (mention 5, 2010)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Located at The Pinball Studio, removed due to space constraints
high
until 2025-09-30
  • statusFarsight digital adaptation project abandoned due to licensing rights complicationshighuntil 2022-01-20
  • statusEM machine at PRPHQ with flipper/coil issues repaired by Markhighfrom 2025-11-24
  • statusPlanned for streaming content at PRPHQhighfrom 2025-11-24
  • Feb 16, 2022
  • Heavily customized pinball machine at Outer Orbit by Christian with integrated pin sounds allowing gameplay to Maniac or Soul Sonic Force

    Belle's & Chimes - Monster Bash Pinball Clash!Oct 22, 2024
  • 1990s Williams pinball machine; Will Johnson's first and favorite pinball experience; described as embodying 90s aesthetic with fast gameplay, multiball, and neon colors; now owns one

    EP02 Will JohnsonAug 15, 2025
  • Game Taylor previously owned; sold to make room for Jurassic Park acquisition

    Falcon Crest is GOMay 13, 2021
  • Classic game referenced for dual-stage kickback feature; praised as ahead-of-its-time design

    Episode 42 – S.T.O.M.P.May 11, 2017
  • Located at District 82; 80s-themed with cheesy music; one of Martin Robbins' favorites; loaded game with more depth than initially apparent

    Episode 63: Pinshade Giveaway! Love Letters! Episode 4 Eric! Lots of fun!!!Jul 8, 2020
  • Pinball machine mentioned as example of retailer overpricing at $3,000

    Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 3: This Month In PinsideFeb 14, 2017
  • Licensed pinball machine example; TV show was canceled before game release, illustrating licensing timing problems

    Day 1 of WORLD CUP SOCCER '94!! - 1 / 2Jan 14, 2015
  • Classic pinball machine (manufacturer not specified in content) used as the base platform for Cacciola's Fist of the North Star conversion. Cacciola chose to preserve the original software/mechanics.

    EP2025 - Alessandro Cacciola - Pinball NewsJun 1, 2025
  • Pinball machine in Bob's collection; listed among machines Bob owns

    #34 - Bob CaldwellDec 15, 2020
  • 1990 Williams pinball machine; coder Mark Penacho was involved; three theme options were considered (American Gladiators, Roller Games, Fish Police)

    First Ever Stern Pinball James Bond 60th Anniversary Stream; Game Shipping Now; Elvira on the LineFeb 22, 2023
  • Worst-earning machine at Electric Bat Arcade; Steve Ritchie design based on forgotten TV show

    Episode 4 :: The Electric Bat CastOct 14, 2023
  • Pinball table Chris praises for both audio package AND good gameplay (not just sound)

    Why Gottlieb's Aren't Chris' Favourite ManufacturerMay 30, 2016
  • Unreleased/unavailable table frequently requested by community for Pinball Arcade

    Take the Challenge, Brave OneDec 4, 2016
  • System 11 Williams machine based on TV show; Chris cites as example of table superior to source material; hopes for Pinball Arcade inclusion

    Fadgeting with your Dinner SausageFeb 19, 2017
  • Vintage pinball machine Chris desires; described as unobtainium; available in new condition in Vegas according to Nick's contact

    Bit Rot and Bug FixesApr 1, 2017
  • Classic Stern pinball from 1984; Chris argues it has superior soundtrack to Black Knight 2000; also designed by Steve Ritchie

    ZaccaRIa, not ZaccARiaApr 5, 2019
  • Cassidy's first pinball machine, family-owned; features prominent side ramp shot; influences her playstyle

    Episode 342: Kassidy MilanowskiApr 30, 2022
  • Steve Ritchie classic featuring sudden death mystery that Worre fixed by making it fixed mystery #3 instead of random

    Episode 245: Soren WorreFeb 24, 2020
  • Bally Williams game designed by Steve Ritchie; wins Best Licensed Game award despite being a loose license; features phenomenal theme song and extensive product placement; hosts note its music remains iconic.

    Episode 90 - Pinball Hindsight Awards 1990Jul 7, 2025
  • Farsight game project abandoned due to inability to track down one of two rights holders; cited as cautionary tale on licensing risks

    Recap of Mel Interview and MoreJan 20, 2022
  • Game that taught Chris pinball alongside Whirlwind; mentioned as influential title

    Netflix and Zen?Feb 19, 2024
  • System 11C game by Steve Ritchie, featured in Corn's Conundrum puzzle

    TOPCast 5: Tech showFeb 18, 2007
  • Licensed game where Forden created theme music and vocals; described by Forden as 'probably the worst license ever'

    TOPCast 65: Dan FordenFeb 21, 2010
  • Source of magnet near flipper mechanic used in Big Trouble to catch difficult orbit shot

    The Big Trouble in Little China Homebrew Pinball JourneyNov 6, 2025
  • Pinball machine purchased by Kevin for $900 around 2012; his first pinball machine acquisition

    ENZO chats Pinball - Buffalo PinballNov 21, 2025
  • Game previously at The Pinball Studio, removed due to space constraints

    EP04 Halloween TournamentSep 30, 2025
  • EM machine at PRPHQ with flipper/coil issues repaired by Mark; planned for streaming content

    023 - Launching the HQNov 24, 2025
  • Referenced for similar mag-nab shot mechanic to Oktoberfest left orbit feature

    Episode 66 – Expo recap with Krystle Gemnich and Jeff TeolisOct 22, 2018