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Checkpoint

gameactive8 mentionsFirst seen Aug 10, 2015Last seen Nov 17, 2025

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Checkpoint is a game mentioned in 1 episode(s).

Aliases

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  • designedJoe KaminkowDesigner of Checkpoint pinball machine with automatic ball launcher innovationmedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (3)

  • factualhigh

    Checkpoint (Data East) was the first pinball game to feature a DMD (dot matrix display), though a smaller version

    Source: Wedgehead hostsEpisode 105 - Pinball Hindsight Awards 1991
  • factualhigh

    Checkpoint was the first pinball machine with an automatic ball launcher

    Source: Wedgehead hosts / Joe Kamenkal (designer)Episode 105 - Pinball Hindsight Awards 1991
  • factualhigh

    Checkpoint was Data East's first game to include a DMD, released in 1991, after The Simpsons was delayed.

    Source: AuthorLearn Bally’s Gilligan’s Island in 10 Minutes!

Recent Mentions (8)

  • Data East game released after The Simpsons in 1991, became Data East's first DMD release

    Learn Bally’s Gilligan’s Island in 10 Minutes!Sep 19, 2025
  • Data East pinball with half-height dot matrix display; Charles acquired as diagnostic/reference machine

    Episode 152 - Interview with Charles Rowland 8-5-15Aug 10, 2015
  • First DMD pinball machine; baby DMD with limitations compared to later systems

    The Pinball Show Ep 156 BONUS: Can We Really Compare Old Games To New Games?Jul 3, 2024
  • Data East's first DMD table (Feb 1991); technological shift that may have pressured Gottlieb away from street-level design.

    Street Cred: Reviewing Every Gottlieb "Street-Level" Pinball TableJul 25, 2025
  • Data East pinball game following The Simpsons; first Data East game actually released with DMD display

    Learn Bally’s Gilligan’s Island in 10 Minutes!Sep 19, 2025
  • Don's father acquired this ~6 years before interview; represents evolution of his collection over time

    Matt and Don of Bash Pinball - Episode 32

Contradictions

No contradictions detected

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Jun 20, 2024
  • First game with small DMD screen, predating Hook

    Episode 40 - Die on this Hill: HookJul 22, 2024
  • 1991 Data East release; first DMD display in pinball, first automatic ball launcher

    Episode 105 - Pinball Hindsight Awards 1991Nov 17, 2025