The Shadow is a classic pinball machine designed by Brian Eddy based on the pulp/comic character and 1994 film. Released by Bally in 1992, the game features distinctive upper playfield mechanics, loop combos, multiball modes, and Battlefield mode. It is considered one of Eddy's most acclaimed designs and has been used in competitive pinball tournaments including Concord Champ '25, serving as a reference point for loop mechanic inspiration in later games like Iron Maiden.
No aliases
The Shadow upper flipper requires hitting pulse-lit inserts in sequence to activate super mode
The Shadow's loop combos are more valuable strategically than some other shot sequences
The Shadow initially had cult following and B-list status but has become recognized as one of the greatest pinball games
Pinball machine featuring Tim Curry movie theme; tournament game for semi-final game 2; known for Arkanoid upper playfield, multiball, ramp diverters, and complex rule stacking
1992 Williams pinball machine, Zahler's favorite mid-era game, features multiple play styles, ramp diverters, large bonus mechanics
Machine Neil is bringing to Stall event; praised by Scott as best game for that specific format
Pinball game with upper flipper mechanism similar to Rick and Morty shot layout
Pinball machine from mid-1990s that Jerry Stellenberg played in college
Tournament game with $100 bounty challenge to reach final battle; Ron had poor performance and tilted trying to save ball
No linked glossary terms
The Shadow's diverter gimmick creates the 'best feeling in pinball' by giving players manual control over ball routing and maintaining game flow
The Shadow's final battle wizard mode requires hitting 5 balls on play across upper playfield and two ramp diverters within 30 seconds
The Shadow's invisible magnet underneath the playfield frequently burns out machines
The Shadow's sanctum ball lock uses a magnet to catch and redirect the ball, creating a mysterious disappearing effect
The Shadow is a terrible movie but a fantastic pinball machine
1994 Williams pinball machine; Brian Eddy's first game as both designer and programmer; featured Sanctum lock magnet, third flipper, diverters, mini-playfield; recently experienced cult following resurgence
Pinball machine designed by Brian Eddy; described as starting point for Eddy's career
1990s Bally/Williams game by Brian Eddy; cited as layout inspiration for 1990s fan layout design
Brian Eddy's first game design, three-flipper fan layout; Ian Jacobi's favorite game
Pinball game mentioned as source of player-controlled ramp diverter mechanic (third flipper button style). GTF implements similar feature that host criticizes as 'meaningless' and 'clunky.'
1990s Bally Williams game designed by Brian Eddy; cited as example of his work.
Classic pinball game featuring sanctum ball lock mechanism using magnet; ranked #2 on ball lock list despite hosts' ambivalence toward overall game quality
Classic pinball game cited as example of successful design without traditional pop bumpers.
Pinball title; Jeremy Schmitz acquired two copies; Drew interested in purchasing one
Pinball machine recently acquired by Drew; currently non-functional due to soundboard ROM error; has complex repair requirements; sent to Chris Hibbler for service
1990s pinball machine; recently acquired by Scott Ian; considered underpriced by Drew; described as 'one of the best 90s games'
Pinball machine formerly positioned strategically in room setup to avoid accidental collisions
Pinball machine Manu previously owned; used for streaming equipment demonstration; George was supposed to learn rule set but machine was sold
Pinball machine mentioned as potential trade piece in secondary market discussion.
Classic pinball game referenced for magnet implementation mechanics
Pinball game mentioned as having MagnaSave feature in a similar position to Rick and Morty
Pinball machine Drew owns; recently repaired with new soundboard from Jeremy Schmitz
Modern pinball game; Drew considers acquiring; prefers it over Ghostbusters Premium Edition based on chat/personal experience
Game streamer previously owned; traded for Data East game in what streamer considered a favorable deal
Classic pinball game mentioned as part of host's collection history
Pinball machine at UK Open that Rachel Risto tilted on multiple times during finals
Classic pinball game; authentic translite included in 600-follower raffle
#1 ranked upper playfield game in this list; classic pinball machine with fast-paced, integrated upper playfield using physical breakout mechanics
Classic Brian Eddy-designed pinball machine; referenced as anticipated design influence for Mandalorian layout
Pinball machine in Zach Sharpe's collection described as beautiful looking
Pinball machine Greg purchased from a retailer advertised as 'overhauled or serviced' but arrived with dirty playfield requiring hours of cleaning
Recently acquired by Rick; he values it as fitting cohesively with collection aesthetic; features challenging gameplay and fast glass
Referenced as comparison for two-shot mode-start mechanics similar to Johnny Mnemonic
Referenced for ball diverter ramp mechanic similar to Toy Story 4
Bally/Williams-era pinball machine used in installation demonstration; Sharpe describes it as one of his newer games
Classic pin; compared against Whirlwind in Indiana Jones matchup set; hosts cannot decide between The Shadow and Whirlwind
1994 pinball machine; chosen by both hosts as 'marry' option in marry/fling/kill game
Williams/Bally pinball machine from 1994, based on 1990s movie starring Alec Baldwin and featuring Tim Curry. Subject of this episode's full review.
Classic Brian Eddy design; part of Eddy's legendary portfolio
#4 on magnet list; features invisible magnet underneath playfield that locks ball and causes unpredictable behavior; frequently burns out machines
1994 Williams/Bally machine designed by Brian Eddy; Jon's highest-rated game at A-- (3.87); owned by Jon; has A+ enjoyability despite B-- theme
Pinball game designed by Brian Eddy; comparison point for mode start shot and upper playfield mechanics
Referenced as example of highly mechanized, well-designed pinball machine; Don enthusiast
Pinball machine described as a 'masterpiece' by hosts; ratings unchanged in year-end review.
#4 wizard mode (Final Battle); multiball with upper playfield and diverter targets; 30-second time pressure
Williams title; massive project restoration involving playfield repair, ramp replating, board replacement; heavily parted-out when acquired; example of transformative restoration
Williams classic; strongly preferred over Whitewater by Greg
1992 Williams pinball machine used to demonstrate Pin Stadium Lights installation and visual improvements
#7 ranked; features tight, steep ramps with railroad track-style diverters; hosts debate whether diverters count as ramp elements
#7 ranked shot: moat start (tricky, mastery-dependent, drains if missed)
Competing classic pinball game used for comparison; hosts discuss its long-term engagement and value relative to Addams Family
Pinball machine referenced as example of challenging/difficult game that host prefers
1990s Bally game referenced as design comparison for Galactic Tank Force's mode start mechanic
Williams pinball game with Jason Werdrick's name/initials in credits
Available at local pinball venue
Pinball machine being streamed; based on Alec Baldwin movie; features Furba mechs, multiball, and ramp modes; currently at Emporium in Wicker Park arcade
Referenced as design precedent for secret skill shot mechanic
Classic pinball game; Spooky Pinball paid tribute to its 'sanctum effect' magnet implementation on TCM
Referenced pinball machine; Hardy cites player-controlled dagger diverter mechanics as design precedent
Referenced as example of game with player-controlled ball diversion mechanic similar to Rush's ramp diverter.
Previous Brian Eddy-designed pinball game referenced as preferred layout style vs. Stranger Things fan layout
Williams-era game ranked high alongside Judge Dredd on hosts' WPC list
Pinball game with Doug Watson artwork; cited as one of hosts' favorite games; hosts describe artwork as exceptional
Jersey Jack Pinball game designed by Brian Eddy; #3 on Hardy's list; features controllable dagger ramps and upper playfield; Hardy seeks similar design revisit
Classic vintage pinball machine; displayed with greatly-improved translite mod at MGC 2018
Brian Eddy's first pinball design at age 26; classic Stern title from 1990s
Ranked #2 in the Pinbotz guide
Stern Pinball (1994) by Brian Eddy; first official design role; features unique ramp diverters (dual-coil per diverter), upper playfield battlefield, gun shooter knob; cult following despite poor film performance
Historical pinball example of 'great pin, bad movie' scenario
Pinball machine; Tri-State Selfie League game
Bally/Williams licensed pinball machine; cited as terrible movie but fantastic pinball table
Vintage pinball machine at The Flipper Room in dungeon section; Erika played and got worse score than on Addams Family
Ranked #3 greatest Bally/Williams pinball machine; initially cult following/B-list status; designed by Brian Eddy; features wizard mode and ramp diverters
Zachary loves it; Joe dislikes it; used as example of subjective game preferences in collector community
Vintage pinball; Josh Roop enjoys playing despite unfamiliarity with theme; demonstrates theme independence
Pinball machine designed by Brian Eddy; Tremonti plans to purchase; difficult upper loop shot is primary high-scoring strategy.
Classic 1990s Bally/Williams game; Brian Eddy design referenced as exemplar; mentioned for shot layout comparison
Stern Pinball game; referenced as Brian Eddy's previous three-flipper design; used to mark historical significance of D&D flipper layout choice
Classic pinball game in Drew's collection; described as difficult but enjoyable; Drew collecting parts for Shadow of the Storm restoration.
Classic 1930s radio serial featuring Lamont Cranston; Brucie references as formative radio experience and notes it was based on radio before becoming a movie; modern pinball game exists based on Alec Baldwin film version
Bally/Williams title in Neil's collection; described as great competition game
1994 Brian Eddy design; early work featuring orbit shot and problematic magnet design; low sales despite quality
Pinball game with diverters on ramps controlled by side-cabinet buttons; creates engaging combo-building mechanic; noted for maintenance demands
A-list pinball title in Pop Spinball lineup; used as contrast to Popeye's appeal to casual players
Pinball game designed by Brian Eddy; completes trio of Eddy's most acclaimed classic designs
Classic pinball game featuring inner loop mechanic with high points. Referenced as design inspiration for Iron Maiden's loop mechanics.
Bally pinball machine featured in this match; 1992 game with loop combos, multiball modes, and battlefield upper playfield
Bally pinball game used for Concord Champ '25 semifinals Game 3/4; features upper playfield, loop combos, Battlefield mode, multiball
1994 Bally game rumored as possible American Pinball remake candidate (unconfirmed)
Classic pinball machine being reviewed; designed by Brian Eddy; based on The Shadow pulp/comic character and 1994 film