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Tales of the Arabian Nights

gameactive95 mentionsFirst seen Mar 7, 2015Last seen Apr 8, 2026

Profile

Tales of the Arabian Nights is a 1996 Williams pinball game designed by John Popadiuk, featuring a genie-themed bash toy, spinning disc, magnet effects, and auto-save cages with 3,100 units sold. The game is highly regarded for its loaded design with thematic purpose, excellent art and sound, and complex rules, commanding $12,000+ on the secondary market. It has been featured across multiple digital platforms including Pinball Arcade and Zen Studios' Williams Pinball volumes, and is a leading candidate for Pedretti Gaming's upcoming remake series.

Aliases

Tales of Arabian NightsTales of the Arabian Knights

Relationships

  • producesPedretti GamingRumored to be developing a remake of Tales of the Arabian Nightsmedium
  • designedJohn PopadiukSolo designer of Tales of the Arabian Nights (1996)medium
  • manufacturesWilliamsOriginal manufacturer of Tales of the Arabian Nights pinball machinemedium
  • affiliated_withBrad AlbrightDesigner of new art for upcoming Pedretti remake of Tales of the Arabian Nightsmedium
  • affiliated_withPlanetary Pinball

Facts

  • achievementLaunch title for Pinball Arcade digital platformhighfrom 2012
  • achievementVisible in Zen Studios Williams license announcement videohighfrom 2018-09-04
  • attributeSubject of alternate art package by Brian Allen Flyland Designshighfrom 2025-08-26
  • attributeFeatured in Planetary Pinball figurine series with Genie/Salty Bazaar characterhighfrom 2026-01-25
  • attributeWilliams pinball game released in 1996highfrom 1996
  • attributeGame demonstrates depth versus longevity tradeoff; becomes shallow after beatingmedium

Claims (9)

  • factualhigh

    Tales of the Arabian Nights features a unique cage-based outlane ball save mechanism using eight posts

    Source: Gonzo (direct observation and explanation)Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine "I Love it" | Classic Williams Review & Gameplay
  • factualmedium

    Tales of the Arabian Nights shares the same voice actress/callout talent as Theater of Magic

    Source: GonzoTales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine "I Love it" | Classic Williams Review & Gameplay
  • opinionmedium

    Tales of the Arabian Nights does not come up for sale very often; it is a rare machine in the collector market

    Source: GonzoTales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine "I Love it" | Classic Williams Review & Gameplay
  • opinionhigh

Recent Mentions (95)

  • Pinball machine receiving full playfield swap and chrome treatment at Grasley Garage

    The Grasley Garage! Xenon, Getaway, TOTAN, Getaway x 3 & One of a Kind Twilight Zone!Apr 8, 2026
  • Machine being worked on at Grasley Garage; Kevin disassembling Davis Still's purple custom job with plan to swap playfield

    The Grasley Garage! It's going to be a one of a kind Twilight Zone!Apr 9, 2026
  • Premium restoration project at Grazley Garage; custom drop targets, full chrome parts, new playfield; estimated $20,000 completion cost

    The Grasley Garage! The Grateful Dead Van & Super Sonic Pick Ups!Apr 6, 2026
  • Pinball machine at Grazley Garage with restored cabinet and fresh paint; cosmetic upgrade completed

    The Grasley Garage! Slugfest & Tales of the Arabian Nights Restorations Begin!Mar 24, 2026
  • Classic pinball game with remake rights reportedly held by Pedretti Gaming

    American Pinball Announces New Team Members, Partnership with The Electric PlaygroundMar 12, 2026
  • Described as beautiful game with good sound design; considered for potential 2.0 upgrade kit discussion

Contradictions

  • Existing: 1996 Williams pinball game (from multiple mentions)vsConflicting: Episode 10 references 'Williams pinball machine' in context of 2018 announcement video, but this appears to be about future digital licensing, not contradicting the 1996 date
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Game designed by John Popadiuk (mentioned in episodes 15 and 20)vsConflicting: Mention 12 credits game to 'John Popadiuk' but lists it under Slam the Top 100 segment without designer context; Mention 20 refers to designer as 'John Papaduke' (different spelling)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Tales of the Arabian Nights is a 1996 Williams pinball gamevsConflicting: Mention 18 states it is an 'Early Gottlieb table redesigned for Zen Volume 5'
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Featured Tales of the Arabian Nights Genie character in Pinball Legends figurine series
medium
  • appears_inPinball ArcadeTales of the Arabian Nights was a launch title for Pinball Arcademedium
  • designedJohn PapadukeDesigner of Tales of the Arabian Nightsmedium
  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02
  • statusIn development as remake by Pedretti Gaming and Planetary Pinball Supply partnershiphighfrom 2026-01-26
  • statusAcquired by Pedretti Gaming for remakemediumfrom 2025-09-26
  • statusCandidate for Pedretti Gaming remakemediumfrom 2025-12-31
  • Tales of the Arabian Nights has comprehensive mechanical features and quality throughout its design

    Source: Gonzo and guest playerTales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine "I Love it" | Classic Williams Review & Gameplay
  • opinionmedium

    Tales of the Arabian Nights represents Papadiuk's best work and most successful design cohesively

    Source: Alan (personal opinion and anecdote)Episode 93 - John Popadiuk: Pinball's Magic Man
  • factualmedium

    Tales of the Arabian Nights received a community-created graphics update

    Source: ManuPro Pinball: Timeshock! Ultra Edition (Barnstorm Games 2016)
  • factualhigh

    Tales of the Arabian Nights is available on Pinball Arcade digital platform

    Source: Mystery Pinball Theater 3000 hostTales of the Arabian Nights VP (Williams 1996)
  • factualmedium

    Tales of the Arabian Nights has an exploitable tournament mode where players can stay in one mode indefinitely

    Source: Mystery Pinball Theater 3000 hostTales of the Arabian Nights VP (Williams 1996)
  • factualhigh

    Tales of the Arabian Nights EL Wire modification project is ongoing and awaiting parts before next video can be completed

    Source: Cary HardyOn Location With Viper Night Drivin' and X Files Pinball Machines
  • EP 95 - SKYNET is HERE
    May 28, 2023
  • Pinball machine with physical ball lock; had extremely sensitive tilt bob at City Champ venue; Raymond got first place

    Episode 10 - San Francisco City ChampJul 1, 2019
  • J-Pop game from 1992; referenced as having similar insert ghosting issues; noted as adjacency in host's desired collection arrangement

    The Pinball Show Ep 128 BONUS: Collectors Corner - Theatre Of MagicMay 23, 2023
  • 1996 Williams game by John Papadiuk, second in poll (17%); hosts suspect it's one of two games Pedretti is prototyping

    The Pinball Show Ep 169 BONUS: The Next Pedretti Game: Looking Deeper Into The Poll ResultsJan 28, 2025
  • Mentioned as part of Kevin's consecutive acquisitions of three back-to-back games with Medieval Madness and Creature

    The Grasley Garage! High Speed in a Bucket & Monster Bash!Jul 23, 2025
  • Rumored remake from Pedretti Gaming with Brian Allen artwork; Kaneda expresses concern about company's quality reputation

    Episode 1094: "Potter & Predator To Be Released The Same Week?"May 27, 2025
  • J-Pop remake title; mentioned alongside other potential Pedretti remakes

    Episode 1039: "My Thoughts on D&D Teaser"Jan 1, 2025
  • Stern Pinball machine; featured at Tim Ball launch party stream event

    Episode 19 – Home Sweet HomeNov 17, 2016
  • Collectible pinball game; secondary market asking price now $15,000+

    Episode 743: "Will The Elwin Bond Backfire?"Nov 27, 2022
  • Classic/historical pinball game used by Kaneda as comparative reference for detailed mechanical and artistic content

    Episode 756: "Stern Has Killed The Golden Goose"Jan 5, 2023
  • Classic Williams game; mint condition examples sell for $12,000+; Pedretti Gaming remaking it; known for many toys but shallow rules

    Episode 1059: "Who Will Strike First This March?"Mar 6, 2025
  • New version coming in next 6 months; mentioned as part of crowded release slate

    Episode 1056: "Making a Case for Kong"Feb 27, 2025
  • 1996 Williams classic; Steve's entry game purchased 2007 for $2,500; foundational game in his collection

    Episode 53: Top 5 and Other Craziness with Steve JohnsonApr 30, 2020
  • Pinball machine Titanic owned; referenced as looking good with yellow lighting

    SSS Ep 2: Various Pinball Streaming Rigs, the good and the not so goodAug 20, 2019
  • Williams pinball machine from 1988; features genie bash toy, spinning disc, magic carpet ramp, jewel collection, tiger loops, and complex rule set

    Tales of the Arabian Nights (Williams 1988)Oct 23, 2019
  • Classic pinball machine in Manus's garage with Scorbitron hardware installed for connectivity testing

    Scorbit Chat: Jay Adelson & DaphishbowlNov 29, 2022
  • Machine at Grazely Garage with trough issues being diagnosed

    The Grasley Garage! Medieval Madness Progress and more!Jul 9, 2025
  • WPC pinball machine in Grazely Garage arcade, queued for restoration

    The Grasley Garage! Medieval Madness & 10 Strike bowler are done! Astro City's now Linked! & Big BoyAug 13, 2025
  • 1996 Williams design by John Papaduke; confirmed for Pedretti Gaming remake with classic and limited editions

    A New Pinball Hope? Are Stern Pinball Really Making a New Star Wars Pinball Machine?May 13, 2025
  • Recently arrived at Grazley Garage, purchased by Andre, requires full chrome package and new ramps

    The Grasley Garage! High Speed, Ripleys & 6 Million $ Man progress!Feb 28, 2026
  • Physical/virtual pinball game with Scorebit enabled in Manu's venue

    Virtual Pinball with Scorbit Integration - Setup and Use TutorialOct 29, 2022
  • Referenced as comparable game to Funhouse requiring manual plunging during multiball (along with World Cup Soccer)

    Funhouse 2.0 - Rudy's Nightmare w / l1ttlebubblegum (Pedretti Gaming - 2021)Jan 10, 2023
  • Williams 1996 pinball machine; featured as main gameplay focus; available on Pinball Arcade digital platform and vPinball

    Tales of the Arabian Nights VP (Williams 1996)May 6, 2019
  • Virtual pinball table referenced as receiving updates; host planning Thursday stream of physical version

    Pro Pinball: Timeshock! Ultra Edition (Barnstorm Games 2016)Sep 7, 2022
  • Classic Williams pinball mentioned as having quickdraw posts like Cactus Canyon

    Cactus Canyon & CC Continued VPX (Bally)Dec 22, 2020
  • Classic game mentioned as having appealing design philosophy; compared to Raza and Circus Voltaire

    Total Nuclear Annihilation (Spooky)Nov 25, 2019
  • First pinball machine purchased by Titanic; he got rid of it, which is how he acquired his 'Titanic' nickname

    Retro Week Conclusion: F-14Nov 15, 2019
  • Game Zach owns and admits to disliking; Tom mentioned in context of machines Zach dislikes; flow-based with ramp shots; long ball times can become tedious

    Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 8: Collector Interview (Tom in Indiana)Mar 24, 2017
  • Classic pinball machine being upgraded with transparent lamp base and RGB lighting; subject of this video

    SDTM Cary Hardy: Upgrading Tales of the Arabian Nights DiscJun 14, 2019
  • Classic pinball machine used as demonstration platform for Pin Stadium Fusion installation in this video

    SDTM Cary Hardy: Installing Pin Stadium FusionAug 13, 2019
  • Data East classic; Hoagie's 'white whale' – wants to acquire as project but typically snatched up by flippers; high secondary market prices

    SDTM Episode 30: Collector Interview with HougieAug 12, 2017
  • Classic Papa Duke pinball machine; confirmed as Pedretti Gaming's next remake title for 2025; mentioned in context of secondary market inflation and collector concerns

    Kaneda Exclusive! Pedretti Gaming's Next Title ConfirmedJan 2, 2025
  • Classic Williams game being remade by Chicago Gaming Company as limited production run, criticized for repetitive code and rule simplicity

    The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 27 - UK Pinfest Pinfest 25 Special!Aug 21, 2025
  • Classic Williams pinball title; included on Attack from Mars cabinet; cited as desired table

    Arcade1up Attack From Mars Pinball - RAPID REVIEW!May 17, 2021
  • 1996 Williams narrative-driven design; compared against Theater of Magic; praised for winding ramps and genie

    SDTM Episode 36: This or That? (Greg or Zach?)Oct 4, 2017
  • #2 ranked ramp; features single ramp with diverter offering multiple outcomes and exit options

    SDTM Episode 65: Top 10 Pinball RampsJul 1, 2018
  • Referenced classic Williams game; Greg mentioned customizing ball saves on his personal copy

    Scooby Doo Pinball: First Impressions (SDTM, 2023)Mar 20, 2023
  • Pinball machine owned by hosts; will be appearing at MGC event

    Day 3 of WRESTLEMANIA, Donated by Stern! [ Flipper Giveaway Tonight ] - 2 / 2Mar 7, 2015
  • Vintage pinball machine referenced by Kaneda as benchmark for effective magnetic save mechanism; shooting stars feature works better than Magic Girl's Magna Save

    Magic Girl Pinball Magna Save RevealedMar 14, 2017
  • Referenced as an example of proper ramp/magnet implementation that Magic Girl could have emulated

    Magic Girl Pinball Playfield Overview Part 2Feb 22, 2017
  • Referenced as an example of a classic Williams game that Brian Allen has remade artwork for

    Interviewing Brian Allen about His Artwork on the Funhouse RemakeMay 22, 2024
  • Example of pinball with multiple cool moments; Hardy highlights multiball that pulls ball underneath playfield

    Jaws is Elwin's Worst Game Yet?!Jan 9, 2024
  • Pinball machine from Cary's collection tested for levelness; found to be level

    Are My Pinball Machines Even Level?Oct 7, 2018
  • Pinball machine Carrie Hardy plans to modify with EL Wire

    Let's See What EL Wire Can Do In PinballOct 18, 2018
  • Cary Hardy's home restoration project currently being modified with EL Wire; awaiting parts to continue work

    On Location With Viper Night Drivin' and X Files Pinball MachinesOct 28, 2018
  • Pinball machine being updated; classic Williams game from 1996

    Updating Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball to v1.4 codeAug 10, 2018
  • Pinball machine featured in Hardy's tutorial video on ROM chip updates (revision 1.1 to 1.4).

    My Road to 1000 Subscribers!Nov 19, 2019
  • Pinball game designed by John Papaduke; mentioned as one of his other A-list designs

    World Cup Soccer 94 Pinball ReviewMar 6, 2021
  • Classic pinball game receiving 2.0 upgrade kit from Mirco; referred to as 'Totan' or 'TOTAN' in announcement

    Mirco Announces their Next Product...PoorlyMar 15, 2022
  • Classic Williams pinball machine (1996); subject of the art upgrade being reviewed

    This Game Has New Art!!!Aug 27, 2022
  • Classic pinball game referenced by scammers in false claim about manufacturer warranty coverage

    I'm Sure I'll Get BANNED NextFeb 26, 2025
  • A-list pinball title with high resale demand; used as example of sought-after game with rising prices

    Buying a Pinball Machine - 101Nov 10, 2020
  • Vintage pinball game owned by Cary Hardy's wife; relatively simple code; rarely played; considered for potential replacement if Harry Potter acquired

    Harry Potter Pinball: I Played It...Jun 12, 2025
  • Classic pinball referenced by Melvin as inspiration for achieving 1990s nostalgia feeling in Alice's design

    Dutch Pinball - Pinball Expo 2024 - Melvin Williams, Barry Driessen & Rens HooijmaijersOct 19, 2024
  • Classic pinball reference for 'whimsical 90s feeling' design aesthetic that influenced Alice's Adventures in Wonderland approach

    Dutch Pinball Exclusive - Dutch Pinball Open Expo 2024 - Pinball NewsNov 5, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine; Retro Ralph placed first in tournament arena playing this game

    Episode 7: "I did something stupid and I don't care!"Aug 4, 2024
  • Papa Duke designed game; Tony's favorite of the three Papa Duke games, ranked higher than Theater of Magic and Circus Voltaire

    Episode 14 - 80s Pinball, Nintendo, and KantCon 2016Aug 18, 2016
  • Machine Jeffrey owns; not selected for his first high-end restoration attempt due to expense considerations

    Pinball Innovators & Makers Podcast Ep 10: PinBall ReBorn: The Showman and The MuseAug 8, 2023
  • Older game mentioned as candidate for shaker motor retrofit

    5 Mods that Increase Your Pinball Machine ValueNov 16, 2023
  • Classic pinball game; one of most sought-after machines; priced around $20,000; played by Sally in Ladies Flip Wisconsin tournament

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 68 - Craft Brew Sally's Ladies Flip, Blue Ribbon and Snoop D. O. Double G!Mar 20, 2025
  • 1996 pinball machine; featured on Volume 1 of Jackpot Plays Pinball

    PINBALL MUSIC ON VINYLMay 19, 2023
  • Data East title with Harem multiball scoring imbalance; allows skilled players to battle genie indefinitely; excluded from top-tier IFPA events

    NACS 2019: A GAME ANALYSISMar 1, 2020
  • Unlicensed standard-body CGC remake cited as successful product

    RUMOR: A Large Order Has Been Placed for Twilight Zone Pinball RampsJan 18, 2023
  • Williams classic receiving 2.0 upgrade kit (The Forgotten Tales) from Mirco

    Mirco Presents Williams Tales of the Arabian Nights The Forgotten Tales at TPFMar 25, 2022
  • Classic Williams game with homebrew code project 'The Forgotten Tales' that was licensed and monetized by Planetary Pinball through Mirco

    Planetary Pinball Threats Spur Changes to Updated Whirlwind CodeMar 24, 2022
  • Williams pinball game with 2.0 kit announced and new video mode available

    THIS WEEK'S ARCADE & PINBALL NEWS - 3/18/2022Mar 18, 2022
  • Williams pinball classic receiving a 2.0 upgrade kit with new video mode

    New Williams Tales of the Arabian Nights Video ModeMar 16, 2022
  • Classic Bally Williams game by John Papaduke; has 2.0 kit available; Don speculates this as Pedretti's most likely remake candidate.

    DPP #95 "2 New game releases besides JAWS?"Jan 10, 2024
  • Example Bally/Williams pinball table with mode-scoop mechanic; Genie mode automatically resets after mode completion

    May the flip be with youMay 7, 2020
  • Early Gottlieb table redesigned for Zen Volume 5 with upgraded visuals

    Williams Pinball Volume 5 AnnouncementDec 8, 2019
  • Zen Pinball tournament table; features harem multiball mode; scores reaching 6+ billion in top rankings

    Williams Pinball Volume 6 RevealAug 7, 2020
  • Classic Williams title; rumored CGC remaster; Don's preferred remaster over Twilight Zone/Medieval Madness

    DPP# 169 "Harry Potter will disappoint!"Jan 17, 2025
  • 1996 Bally Williams pinball; solo Papadiuk design credit; genie bash toy, spinning disc, magnet effects, auto-save cages; 3,100 units sold; now $12k+ secondary market; exemplifies loaded design with thematic purpose; excellent art, sound, rules.

    Episode 93 - John Popadiuk: Pinball's Magic ManJul 28, 2025
  • Classic Williams game; upcoming Pedretti remake with new art by Brad Albright

    Kaneda's Pinball Podcast Saturday Morning Spectacular Sept 27Sep 27, 2025
  • Finished third in Chicago Gaming Company remake poll

    The Pinball Show Ep 22: Pinball Market Trends Deals Of The WTF!Jul 20, 2020
  • Pinball game by John Popadiuk featured in Slam the Top 100 segment (ranked #12 on Pinside)

    Episode 119: Head2Head&RedApr 1, 2018
  • Williams pinball machine; launch title for Pinball Arcade; described as 'killer opener' that set excitement bar for digital pinball releases

    RIP Digital Pinball FansJun 27, 2022
  • Visible in announcement video manual sequence; future release candidate

    And the WMS License Goes To… Zen Studios!Sep 4, 2018
  • Classic Williams pinball machine being reviewed; subject of entire video

    Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine "I Love it" | Classic Williams Review & GameplayAug 24, 2025
  • Source game for Genie/Salty Bazaar figurine; featured in Series 1

    I Unbox ALL of the Pinball LegendsJan 25, 2026
  • Classic game reportedly in development as remake by Pedretti Gaming

    American Pinball and Planetary Pinball Supply Announce Long-Term Partnership to Produce Classic Williams® and Bally® Pinball GamesJan 26, 2026
  • 1996 Williams pinball game; rumored to be announced as Pedretti remake in March 2026

    Big News About Upcoming Bally Williams Pinball RemakesDec 31, 2025
  • Rumored candidate for Pedretti's next remake; community speculation before Theatre of Magic theory emerged

    New Details on the Next Bally Williams Pinball RemakeJan 2, 2026
  • Williams game for which Allen has created alternate art package

    Redefining Classic Bally Williams Art | Brian Allen Flyland DesignsAug 26, 2025
  • Papaduke design; rumored Pedretti remaster candidate

    Episode 262 – The Eras TourJan 13, 2026
  • Bally Williams classic featured in Planetary Pinball figurine series (Genie character)

    Episode 256 - The Worst Deal in GamingOct 12, 2025
  • Classic game acquired by Pedretti Gaming for remake

    Episode 1141: "Spooky Said Whaaaaaaaaat?"Sep 26, 2025
  • Classic game Kaneda owns; demonstrates depth vs. longevity tradeoff; becomes shallow after beating

    Episode 1181: "Texas Pinball Festival's Pokemon Mistake"Jan 30, 2026
  • Williams machine; advanced through bracket; hosts debate versus Revenge from Mars and Cactus Canyon

    Episode 100 – The 3 StoogesJul 15, 2019
  • Reissue mentioned as upcoming competitive offering in crowded market

    D&D Hangout Round 2Jan 4, 2025