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Terminator 2

gameactive97 mentionsFirst seen Feb 18, 2007Last seen Apr 10, 2026

Profile

Terminator 2 is a 1991 Williams pinball machine designed by Steve Ritchie based on the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Day, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger voice samples and licensed audio/visual elements. It was a commercial success, selling approximately 15,000-16,500 units during the pinball peak era, and is widely regarded as a landmark title that pioneered modern design philosophy including guaranteed ball saves and fan layouts. The game holds significant cultural importance in the pinball community, serving as a formative first machine for many players and becoming a sought-after vintage collectible.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedSteve RitchieSteve Ritchie designed Terminator 2 for Williams in 1991medium
  • manufacturesWilliamsWilliams manufactured and released Terminator 2 in 1991medium
  • appears_inTerminator 2: Judgment DayPinball machine licensed from the 1991 film Terminator 2: Judgment Daymedium
  • affiliated_withArnold SchwarzeneggerVoice samples and likeness featured in the gamemedium
  • affiliated_withDwight Sullivan

Facts

  • achievementSold 16,500 units during pinball peakhigh
  • achievementInspired George Stern's request for simpler game designhigh
  • achievementMajor design influence on George Gomez's first personal pinball purchasehigh
  • attributeWilliams pinball gamehigh
  • attributeLicensed movie pinball game based on Terminator 2 filmhigh
  • attributeFeatured Arnold Schwarzenegger audio sampleshigh
  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02

Claims (10)

  • factualmedium

    Terminator 2 was delayed as the first DMD game due to Steve Ritchie and Dwight Sullivan's complex collaboration

    Source: Alan (host)Episode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's Island
  • factualhigh

    Terminator 2 was the first pinball game with a DMD-based video mode and sold approximately 20,000 units, making it one of the most popular pinball machines of all time.

    Source: AlanEpisode 5 - Video Modes
  • factualhigh

    Terminator 2 pinball sold 15,000 units

    Source: David Dennis (Silverball Chronicles host)Steve Ritchie Part III: The Return… to Stern
  • factualhigh

    Scores exceeding 200 million points on T2 require strategic use of multiple objectives

Recent Mentions (98)

  • Pinball machine mentioned as favorite by team member, cited as reference for design excellence

    The 3 Musketeers by Hexa pinball - GameplayApr 10, 2026
  • Commercial pinball game; design reference point Kyle Smet used for balancing speed/brutality in Friday the 13th

    PINDEVCON: Friday the 13th Pinball by Kyle SmetMar 13, 2026
  • Machine Ocean obtained for CS department as student project for P-Rock reprogramming

    Episode 476 - Dungeon Door Defender with Michael Ocean - 4-28-24May 1, 2024
  • Movie licensed for pinball with Schwarzenegger personally recording audio.

    Ep 39: Roger Sharpe & The License Of ImpossibilityAug 1, 2021
  • Classic Williams game being restored by Dave; left flipper issue resolved via fuse replacement and diode repair; featuring Terminator face target

    #56 Anniversary show - The Classic Pinball PodcastJun 29, 2021
  • 1991 pinball machine; Ken's entry point to hobby via childhood memories; current market value $3,000+; Ken's sentimental keeper

    Episode 1 (Pilot)

Contradictions

  • Existing: Terminator 2 is a pinball gamevsConflicting: Mention 7 discusses a classic action film screened at Propeller arcade using a 35mm print scan to educate audiences about film restoration and color differences
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Co-coded Terminator 3 with Steve Ritchie; T2 inspired Stern's request for simpler design
medium
  • affiliated_withGeorge GomezTerminator 2 was George Gomez's first personal pinball purchase and a major design influencemedium
  • roleCo-coded by Dwight Sullivanhigh
  • roleCo-coded by Steve Ritchiehigh
  • roleDesigned by George Gomezhigh
  • Source: George (citing Dean Saint Antoine's guide)#58 Terminator 2 - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    T2 was the first Williams game intended to feature video mode, though Gilligan's Island shipped first due to delays

    Source: Dave#58 Terminator 2 - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    The swing-out cannon mechanism on T2 uses grease that hardens into glue after approximately 20 years

    Source: Dave#58 Terminator 2 - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Terminator 2 was produced in 15,000 units, making it one of Williams' highest production games

    Source: Dave#58 Terminator 2 - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    T2 was released close to the theatrical release of Terminator 2: Judgment Day film

    Source: George and Dave#58 Terminator 2 - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Terminator 2 machines found in the wild are typically underpowered and unable to reach ramps designed to be shot

    Source: Chris FrebusFocus!
  • factualmedium

    Terminator 2 is receiving 3D conversion with James Cameron supervising

    Source: Chris FrebusFadgeting with your Dinner Sausage
  • Jul 2, 2018
  • Licensed pinball game based on James Cameron's film; 15,252 units sold; completed within one year

    Episode 11 - Steve Ritchie - Senior Game Designer - STERN PinballAug 27, 2018
  • Pinball game designed by Steve Ritchie; referenced as memorable interview topic

    EP 92 - Macho Pinball Revealed! PINBALL PODCAST BOMBSHELLSFeb 7, 2023
  • Owned multiple times by Bill Webb; carries nostalgic value from hot dog stand arcade memories; recently owned again briefly

    EP 93 - Confessing Our Guility PleasuresApr 23, 2023
  • Steve Ritchie game; first pinball machine Ron Hallett ever played as a child (age 5-6) on ferry between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island; 1991-92 era; considered a major licensing achievement

    Steve Ritchie – Before The MulletJun 26, 2020
  • 1990 Williams game designed by Dwight Sullivan. First pinball game with DMD-based video mode (T-800 targeting game). Sold ~20,000 units, one of most popular pinball machines of all time.

    Episode 5 - Video ModesNov 20, 2023
  • Pinball machine (T2) that Jack Danger previously streamed and tore apart

    Pinball Arcade Wizard Goals IRL EP.1 "Champion Pub"May 8, 2017
  • 1991 Williams pinball machine designed by Steve Richie; landmark title featuring first Williams video mode, swing-out cannon, and licensed Terminator 2 film IP; produced 15,000+ units

    #58 Terminator 2 - The Classic Pinball PodcastJul 27, 2021
  • Early 1990s Williams game with playfield tilt-up (non-removable) design; mentioned as candidate for future modification

    #137 A new Day - The Classic Pinball PodcastFeb 17, 2026
  • Game that taught Raymond specific competitive strategies; played at go-karting location during middle school; mentioned as a formative challenge

    Ep 48: RayDay!Nov 18, 2020
  • Classic pinball table being rebuilt in VPE as a proof-of-concept; demonstrating 3D rendering, refraction, reflections, and no-code table setup

    Chatting with The Visual Pinball Engine Dev TeamNov 17, 2021
  • Pinball machine (Williams, 1991); part of Rotter collection; valued for simplicity (skull-shoot mechanic); functions as accessible entry game for non-pinball-playing guests

    Tribe Multiball with Rachel and Tim, Episode 30: Whatcha Gonna Do, When Grandma Drops the GC on You!Jul 14, 2022
  • Classic Steve Ritchie-designed pinball game cited as bringing new generation to pinball; compared to Black Knight as generational appeal title

    Episode 3 Rage WITH the Machine?Apr 3, 2019
  • Machine at go-karting location near Raymond's home in Muckleteo; Raymond played it regularly after school to learn control moves; difficult game requiring skull shots and cannon use

    Tribe Multiball with Rachel and Tim, Episode 25: 1-Year Anniversary Special with Raymond DavidsonApr 4, 2022
  • Pinball machine owned by Dwight Sullivan at home

    Pinball Heroes: Dwight SullivanFeb 21, 2009
  • Classic Williams pinball; speaker's early learning/formative game; has notable gun mechanism; Cactus Canyon LE topper compared to T2

    Cactus Canyon LE Remake (CGC 2021)Oct 17, 2023
  • Classic machine formerly in Ralph's collection, traded out as full nostalgia play, replaced by unrevealed mystery game

    Episode 32: Spooky Surges, Potter Vanishes, and Kong Gets an Upgrade!May 18, 2025
  • Contemporary pinball machine released ~1991-1992 compared to Skull and Bones; more feature-rich but less preferred by reviewers

    SDTM Episode 49: Black Rose Pinball Machine ReviewFeb 12, 2018
  • Arcade light gun game mentioned as very difficult; RetroRalph played it for an hour before filming

    Arcade1up Light Gun MOD - mame light gun games !!Apr 9, 2019
  • Classic 90s virtual pinball table available on cabinet; Ralph mentions it as one of his favorite tables

    Virtual Pinball Introduction - Iron Man / Back to the Future - Check it out!Aug 13, 2019
  • Both arcade and pinball versions mentioned as absent from 1UP; Ralph expressed desire to play these

    Arcades are still ALIVE ... And they serve BEER - 1up Denver, COJan 10, 2019
  • Original pinball machine by Williams that inspired the virtual cabinet theme; source of personal childhood memory

    ToyShock Terminator 2 MODJan 1, 2020
  • Pinball machine; iconic title from RetroRalph's college years; currently expensive in secondary market; top priority acquisition

    My Ultimate MUST HAVE Arcade Games for 2022!Dec 31, 2021
  • Williams pinball machine that RetroRalph owns and has been playing more frequently

    Arcade Game Pickup - Project Updates & MORE GAMES!!!Jul 29, 2021
  • Hypothetical pinball machine speaker mentions he would have purchased if available; not actually purchased

    I FINALLY DID IT - I bought a Jurassic Park Pinball Machine!Dec 3, 2021
  • Pinball machine Jon acquired as wedding gift

    Ultimate Arcade Games I NEED in my Collection!Aug 19, 2021
  • Classic pinball machine featuring drop targets and planet advancement modes; RetroRalph's favorite

    300+ Amazing Arcade Games & Pinball Machines!Oct 11, 2021
  • Pinball table demonstrated on modded cabinet; used to showcase audio quality from reused monitor amplifier

    The ToyShock has been modded!Dec 19, 2019
  • Historical reference arcade lightgun game that used positional gun technology similar to kit

    Lightgun Kit w/House of the Dead 3 & Aliens Extermination!Jan 8, 2021
  • Pinball machine in RetroRalph's collection used to demonstrate surround sound feedback effects

    Supercharge Your Arcade1Up Star Wars Pinball!!!Dec 29, 2020
  • Arcade machine in Retro Ralph's game room collection

    Arcade Game Over: RETRO RALPH is OUT OF SPACE!Jan 19, 2022
  • Arcade lightgun game demonstrating Gun4IR solenoid consistency and MAMEHooker integration

    Gun4IR - The Unbeatable Lightgun of 2023!Aug 11, 2023
  • Game that influenced Gomez as a designer

    Episode 58 – George GomezAug 27, 2018
  • Arcade game Ralph sold as part of collection reduction

    I SOLD ALL MY ARCADE GAMES... Well... Almost.Jan 26, 2024
  • Pinball machine in collection

    Home Arcade Tour 2022Oct 26, 2022
  • Movie featuring After Burner arcade cabinet scene with John Connor playing the game

    The Best SEGA Arcade Cabinet!Nov 9, 2022
  • Arcade pinball machine; on speaker's 2022 list; three acquisition opportunities missed (Flagstaff, California, Indiana)

    Arcade Game Pickups for 2022 - Did I fail?Sep 28, 2022
  • Pinball machine designed by Steve Ritchie

    Day 1 of THE GETAWAY Battle Week!Nov 20, 2014
  • Pinball machine artwork displayed in exhibit

    Skill Shot Art Exhibit Walkthru! #Pinball #StreamingSep 25, 2016
  • WPC-era (1991) pinball machine being repaired; used as example for circuit board diagnostics, power supply testing, connector identification, and switch matrix troubleshooting

    Pinball Repair w/ Gavin EP.1May 8, 2017
  • Stern pinball machine being controlled via Twitch chat; featured in the experiment

    TWITCH PLAYS PINBALL (Revisited)Mar 2, 2018
  • Williams Pinball game referenced for cannon mechanic design that influenced AC/DC (Premium) mechanical implementation.

    Batman ‘66 Pinball w/ Lyman Sheats and crew. Code V. 1.0!Dec 6, 2018
  • WPC89 game compatible with Rocket CPU

    PinSound RocketCPU - Unboxing and InstallMar 17, 2022
  • Licensed theme; Kalinowski's factory produced T2 model toy for machine; experienced manufacturing issues with model (backwards number 2)

    Mike Kalinowski - Vancouver Flipout Pinball Expo 2018Sep 9, 2018
  • Watson's signature game achieving visual unity through five-color palette; represents his breakthrough in controlling insert layouts, art direction, and overall design package

    Master Class in Pinball Playfield Art - Pinball Expo 2024 - Doug WatsonOct 18, 2024
  • Williams pinball machine at Ralph's sister's college break room (Syracuse); Ralph's childhood pinball introduction; memorable play experience

    Episode 2: My Unexpected Pinball PathJun 25, 2024
  • Classic Williams machine by Steve Richie and Dwight Sullivan; sold at auction for $3,200 (significantly below typical $4,000-$4,500 secondary market)

    Episode 5: Is New In Box Pinaball Dead? & Godzilla 70th is Beautiful!Jul 15, 2024
  • Pinball machine with Doug Watson artwork; first game where Watson achieved his creative vision for insert-directed shot flow; breakthrough moment in his career establishing his design philosophy

    Running a Successful Arcade | Legendary Artist Doug WatsonDec 17, 2024
  • Pinball machine at Flippers arcade that had one flipper malfunction during host's visit

    Arcade Trip: Are We the Borg?Jun 26, 2024
  • Stern pinball machine in Rob's collection; was flooded in Townsville flood incident; featured in viral garden hose cleaning video; fully restored with new cabinet and clear-coated playfield

    The Aussie Pinball Podcast Ep 7: Rob MillaJul 28, 2022
  • Current client machine in Jeffrey's workshop; playfield sent for restoration in Germany but sourced locally instead; clear-coating curing for one month as of interview date

    Pinball Innovators & Makers Podcast Ep 10: PinBall ReBorn: The Showman and The MuseAug 8, 2023
  • Pinball machine featured prominently at Ton Ton XL 2016; classic title that remained popular with visitors

    TON TON XL 2016Apr 6, 2016
  • Pinball machine designed by Steve Ritchie at Williams; major commercial success and signature title.

    STEVE RITCHIE JOINS JJPAug 2, 2021
  • Pinball machine at Silverball Museum undergoing flipper coil replacement during visit

    SILVERBALL MUSEUM DELRAY BEACHNov 8, 2016
  • Pinball machine at Steam office

    Lighting up the Silver ScreenSep 16, 2009
  • 1991 Williams pinball game with promotional video included in collection

    The Ultimate Compilation of 1990s Bally / Williams Pinball Promotional VideosJun 13, 2023
  • Bally Williams WPC 89 pinball machine compatible with RocketCPU

    PINSOUND LAUNCHES NEW BALLY WILLIAMS REPLACEMENT BOARDSFeb 17, 2022
  • Long-play table in current Australian league collection; slows down qualifying rounds

    BlahCade BackRoom #2Nov 14, 2015
  • Farsight Kickstarter campaign that came close to failing; nearly missed funding goal

    BackRoom: What a Mother BuckerJan 27, 2016
  • Pinball Arcade table; recently received cannon view camera angle update affecting gameplay difficulty

    TrololoJun 6, 2017
  • Steve Ritchie-designed machine commonly found underpowered in the wild; flipper strength issues prevent reaching intended ramps

    Focus!Jun 11, 2017
  • Location pinball machine at laser tag venue; found powered down with ball locked in cannon; Chris considers making offer but lacks funds

    Dino-mite from Zen StudiosFeb 11, 2018
  • One of four tables in final monthly Tournament of the Month; site of Switch3Flip's decimal point scoring error

    Timings on the Mind (TotM Talk)Feb 1, 2016
  • Farsight digital table with updated physics; ramps reported as significantly harder to shoot after tuning

    Mr Hart, whatta mess!May 31, 2017
  • Stern pinball machine; Chris owned a promotional T-shirt for this game from ~2015

    Pinball Titles We Love To Suck AtAug 31, 2025
  • Rumored upcoming Zen Studios pinball table based on Terminator Endoskeleton box spotted on Ask Jack Anything back wall; licensing complex (Warner Brothers/Paramount history)

    More Williams and More OriginalsApr 17, 2022
  • Classic pinball title; recently acquired by Ralph; being used to learn vintage game maintenance and repair

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Episode 59: We Done Did D&DJan 11, 2025
  • Williams pinball machine from 1992; based on Terminator 2: Judgment Day film (1991). RetroRalph's first non-Stern machine; extensively restored with modern upgrades.

    I Finally Found the Perfect Terminator 2 Pinball Machine! Was It Worth the Wait?Dec 29, 2024
  • Genghis retrospectively suggests as alternate theme to The Office in post-recording reflection

    We are Pinball Episode 2.1 My TOP 10 Pinball Themes (filler episode)Jun 14, 2024
  • Licensed Williams pinball game requiring Arnold Schwarzenegger voice recording; central anecdote in presentation

    Episode 96 - Pinball Composer w/ Chris GrannerAug 18, 2025
  • First real pinball machine purchased by Pepe; Williams game; catalyzed his transition from virtual pinball to physical machines

    Episode 246 – Get The TablesMar 4, 2025
  • Williams era pinball machine; Ralph's first non-Stern, non-new purchase; nostalgic value tied to Ralph's childhood in Syracuse; features Arnold Schwarzenegger voice samples

    We Are Pinball 17 "Retro Ralph gets WAPPED!!"Dec 15, 2024
  • Williams pinball (1991); Ritchie design; exemplar of premium licensing with daily video access, Terminator arm props, director access through Lightstone Productions

    Pinball Magazine & Pinball News bonus PINcast: the Steve Ritchie interviewApr 12, 2022
  • Classic 1990s pinball machine; one of Nate's first pinball experiences at age 10-11 in small Arizona arcade

    Episode 295: Nate ShiversJan 22, 2021
  • Pinball machine from 1992 Graz, Austria tournament won by Markus Stix at age 17; machine still owned by Stix as trophy

    Episode 421: Markus StixJun 24, 2025
  • Steve Ritchie two-flipper game with left-right ramps, skull lock, vertical up kicker

    Silverball Chronicles BONUS: Our Top PinsOct 10, 2023
  • Previous Steve Ritchie Stern design; sold 15,000 units; team largely reunited for T3

    Steve Ritchie Part III: The Return… to SternSep 4, 2021
  • Steve Ritchie's 1991 Williams release; cited as first universally acknowledged fan layout; commercial success spawned industry-wide adoption

    Episode 62 - Fan LayoutsDec 23, 2024
  • Bally Williams DMD game originally intended to be first DMD release; delayed due to design conflicts between Steve Ritchie and Dwight Sullivan; allowed Gilligan's Island to launch first.

    Episode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's IslandDec 4, 2023
  • Arcade machine; mentioned as conversation piece that damaged door frames when transported; low replay value according to Ian

    Episode 31 - Operator Spotlight: Propeller ArcadeMay 20, 2024
  • Williams licensed game (1991); sold 15,000 units with Arnold Schwarzenegger callouts

    Episode 79 - Licensed ThemesApr 21, 2025
  • Steve Ritchie design that sold 'shitloads' without topper; cited as anomaly proving toppers not strictly necessary for commercial success

    Episode 99 - Much Ado About ToppersSep 8, 2025
  • 1991 Steve Ritchie game; first to feature guaranteed ball save on start of every ball, marking transition to modern design philosophy

    Episode 106 - Ballsaves: Pinball's Biggest Mistake!Dec 1, 2025
  • Game that new buyer of Last Action Hero repeatedly called it by mistake

    TOPCast 5: Tech showFeb 18, 2007
  • Williams WPC game designed by Granner; sold 16,500 units during pinball peak

    TOPCast 47: Chris GrannerAug 5, 2007
  • Classic action film screened at Propeller featuring 35mm print scan that Ian uses to show color differences vs modern 4K releases; used to educate audiences about film restoration

    Propeller Arcade With The Owner Ian Matheson, Halifax Arcade | Ep 173Sep 20, 2025
  • Owned by Greg Bone; gifted by Zach; fully restored by Brian Kelly; Greg values sentimentally and would not sell; original artwork restoration preferred over Chrome Edition

    EP 15 - Is Pinball Restoration a Rip-Off?Dec 4, 2025
  • Pinball machine hidden in back of Texas restaurant where Robert worked as teenager; first machine where he began understanding sequence and rules

    EP12 Robert TerryJan 12, 2026
  • Licensed pinball game at Pocket Change arcade during Kerry's childhood; featured Arnold audio samples; thematic attachment to movie license.

    EP13 Cary HardyJan 19, 2026
  • Pinball machine in Syracuse University dorm break room; Ralph's first significant pinball experience at age ~13

    EP15 Retro RalphFeb 3, 2026
  • Vintage pinball game David Van Ness encountered at Australian pizza shop, developed awareness of pinball without initial engagement

    We Are Pinball #48 BOF CEO David Van Es Joins WAP!!Oct 30, 2025
  • Williams game; Gomez's first personal pinball purchase, major design influence

    Drinks with Jack Featuring George Gomez (Part 3)Jan 12, 2026
  • Classic pinball game that inspired George Stern's request for simpler design; Sullivan co-coded T3 with Steve

    Episode 76 – Dwight SullivanJan 14, 2019