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Pinball

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Hook

gameactive26 mentionsFirst seen Nov 13, 2015Last seen Dec 4, 2025

Profile

Hook is a pinball machine from the early 1990s with significant cultural impact in the pinball community. Originally a Data East game (later produced by Williams in 1992), it features innovative 360-degree ramp mechanics and became a commercial success, outselling major licensed titles like Batman and Star Trek. The game served as a formative introduction to pinball for Matt of Bash Pinball and has been extensively used as a teaching tool in pinball skill development and design pedagogy.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • appears_inJohn WilliamsComposer of original Hook film score featured in Hook pinball adaptationmedium
  • manufacturesData East USA Inc.Data East designed and initially manufactured Hookmedium
  • manufacturesWilliamsWilliams produced Hook as a 1992 pinball machinemedium
  • appears_inMattHook was Matt's introduction to pinball, placed in his office break room; ranked top 10-25 on Pinsidemedium
  • affiliated_withJohn Borg

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (1)

  • factualmedium

    Hook code version 5 uses Stern-approved custom code and reverses scoring mechanics

    Source: Ron HallettEpisode 27 – Just a Quick One

Recent Mentions (26)

  • Pinball game with simple left-ramp strategy; round 1 at Pinburgh where Raymond got first

    Episode 12 - Pinburgh Part 1Aug 14, 2019
  • Data East pinball machine; Drew acquired three units from warehouse

    The Spinner is Lit - Episode 7: Raiders of the Lost WarehouseJun 19, 2017
  • Data East pinball machine released January 1992; based on Steven Spielberg's Hook film; ranked 266/294 on Pinside; 6,700 units sold

    Episode 40 - Die on this Hill: HookJul 22, 2024
  • Stern pinball spinner game; considered good but not as good as Nine Ball in competitive spinner ranking

    #34 Spinner - spinner, chicken dinnerJul 27, 2020
  • Pinball machine purchased by Robert from Eagle Vending for personal collection

    Tucson Pinball Podcast – Episode 67 – Disaster StrikesFeb 23, 2023
  • Classic pinball machine; used market price averaging $3,500-4,000

    Pinball Junk Drawer, Episode 6Jan 26, 2022
  • Pinball machine restoration project where Hardy tested and approved Advantage clear coat material

Contradictions

  • Existing: Hook is a Data East game (Mention 2, 3)vsConflicting: Hook is a 1992 Williams pinball machine (Mention 4)
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

John Borg worked as mechanical lead on Hook at Data East; the game featured his 360-degree ramp innovation
medium
  • affiliated_withJurassic ParkHook was obtained as part of strategy to secure Jurassic Park licensemedium
  • SDTM Cary Hardy: Clear Coating: The Final CoatDec 20, 2019
  • Pinball machine with recent code improvements; Mike's aspirational acquisition despite past criticism

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 13: Collector Interview with Mike and Matt from St. LouisApr 21, 2017
  • Data East pinball machine at Bottom Lounge, played during stream

    Funhouse - Bottom Lounge Location Stream!! #Pinball #Streaming 11/04/15Nov 13, 2015
  • Pinball machine being repaired and restored in Hardy's video series; currently undergoing diagnostics and playfield teardown

    Hook Pinball Repair Series: Episode 2Aug 14, 2019
  • Data East 1992 pinball machine being restored; subject of full restoration video series

    Hook Pinball Restoration FinaleFeb 2, 2020
  • Pinball machine based on Robin Williams film; first game acquired by Donald ~2018; features 'Bangarang' multiball with fairies and sound effects

    Welcome! Gofers and Pirates and Keanu oh my!Apr 16, 2024
  • Classic Williams pinball cited as example of innovative ramp design that defines the game experience; referenced as model for player engagement through whimsy

    The Name’s John…. Not John Wick, the other one. BonusX!!Aug 1, 2024
  • Pirate-themed pinball game in Matt's collection; male-gendered; shows jealousy toward Black Rose; described as obsessed with Tinkerbell

    Kissed by Black Rose…. How to Break Up With a Game :’(Aug 15, 2024
  • Pinball machine owned by Don since ~2018; his first and only machine until this episode's acquisition

    Don’s New Game!! Monopoly, Ripleys, RCT? Rudy!May 23, 2024
  • Stern pinball machine at Moonwalker Arcade

    MOONWALKER ARCADEJul 19, 2016
  • Data East 1992 pinball machine in February 2016 inventory

    META-GAMES UNLIMITEDMar 9, 2018
  • Data East pinball machine from 1992; one of three games at Jerry's Pizza Mill; 50 cents/credit or $1/3 credits

    JERRY’S PIZZA MILLOct 20, 2017
  • Data East 1992 pinball game that may have reused playfield layout from abandoned Universal Studios Park machine

    Rare Prototype Art for a Never Produced Data East Universal Studios Park Pinball MachineJul 7, 2022
  • Pinball machine at YESTERcades stuck in ball search during visit

    ARCADE REPORT: YESTERcades - Somerville, NJAug 19, 2021
  • Pinball machine; one of Matt's formative games played for free before purchasing Dracula; featured skull shot hazard

    F**k Lightning Flippers | Pinball School with DraculaDec 4, 2025
  • 1992 Williams pinball machine featured extensively in Pinball School segment; used as primary teaching tool for skill development and game design pedagogy

    We Try To Start An Arcade + Pinball School!!Oct 2, 2025
  • Data East game; used generic Peter Pan substitute instead of Robin Williams likeness due to cost; was obtained as part of strategy to secure Jurassic Park license.

    Borgie – Living The 90s License DreamNov 18, 2020
  • Data East game; Borg's first mechanical lead; 360-degree ramp innovation; sold more copies than Batman/Star Trek; experienced display crash issues requiring 100-hour development weeks

    Fireside Chat with John BorgFeb 12, 2025
  • Pinball machine that introduced Matt to the hobby; placed in his office break room; ranked top 10-25 on Pinside; catalyst for Matt's rapid onboarding into pinball culture

    Matt and Don of Bash Pinball - Episode 32Jun 20, 2024
  • Game alleged to feature intentional death save mechanics

    Episode 58 - DEATHSAVESNov 25, 2024