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GoldenEye

gameactive13 mentionsFirst seen Mar 27, 2018Last seen Feb 17, 2026

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GoldenEye is a pinball game known for its innovative ball-save mechanics, particularly a magnetic save feature that has influenced subsequent game designs. The game was designed by Ward Pemberton for Data East/Sega and was released in the early 2000s. Its mechanical innovations, especially the magnetic ball-save mechanic, have become a reference point in the pinball industry, with later games like Star Wars incorporating similar concepts.

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Claims (5)

  • factualhigh

    GoldenEye was designed by Ward Pemberton and is likely his last credited pinball game design

    Source: Host/Dennis verificationThe Pinball Show Episode 178 BONUS: Dennis' Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines Of All Time From Each Company Part 2 (Data East & Sega)
  • factualmedium

    GoldenEye had only 2,200 units produced

    Source: DennisThe Pinball Show Episode 178 BONUS: Dennis' Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines Of All Time From Each Company Part 2 (Data East & Sega)
  • factualhigh

    The original physical GoldenEye pinball machine was manufactured by Sega in 1996

    Source: ManuGoldenEye VPX (Sega 1996)
  • factualhigh

    The original Sega GoldenEye pinball cabinet features a gun mechanism for shooting (similar to Indiana Jones or Terminator pinball)

Recent Mentions (13)

  • Sega game ranked #2 by Dennis. Two-flipper, three ramps, 14 stand-up targets, satellite dish grabber toy, tank, helicopter, crotch-wear ball save magnet. Designed by Ward Pemberton.

    The Pinball Show Episode 178 BONUS: Dennis' Top 5 Greatest Pinball Machines Of All Time From Each Company Part 2 (Data East & Sega)Jul 12, 2025
  • Machine Tommy recently repurchased after selling it eight years ago; currently having trough opto issues

    Working on that PMAMar 17, 2022
  • Licensed pinball game; recently received color DMD upgrade

    Episode 140 – Low ClassFeb 11, 2020
  • Stern game where Zach Sharpe Meny scored $2.8 billion in pin golf tournament; described as simple with three ramps and target

    Episode 112 – Almost LiveOct 17, 2018
  • Sega pinball machine (1996); described as uncommon; played by author during visit

    ARCADE REPORT: Richmond Pinball Collective - Richmond, VA (July 2021)Aug 21, 2021
  • Referenced for comparison of pop-up ramp mechanics on Mandalorian table

    Mando vs Mando

Contradictions

  • Existing: GoldenEye designed by Ward Pemberton for Data East/Sega (Episode from 2008)vsConflicting: Episode 1135 dated 2025-09-13, Episode 254 dated 2025-09-15, and related episode dated 2025-09-20 reference GoldenEye mechanics as inspiration for Star Wars (released/reviewed in 2025)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Source: ManuGoldenEye VPX (Sega 1996)
  • factualmedium

    A color DMD upgrade was recently developed for GoldenEye pinball modernizing its display

    Source: ZachEpisode 140 – Low Class
  • May 28, 2021
  • Mentioned as precedent for magnetic save mechanic; hosts debate whether X-Men's dead posts replicate this feature

    We Are Pinball #10!!! "X-men, Avatar...and Enzo?"Sep 5, 2024
  • Historical reference; magnetic ball save mechanic originated here, adopted in Star Wars

    Episode 1136: "Thoughts After Seeing More Star Wars Gameplay"Sep 15, 2025
  • Underrated pinball machine with hidden magnet ball lock feature in outlane; referenced as design inspiration for Alice Cooper's ball catch mechanism

    Episode 36a – Last minute Maiden Rumours + USA part 2Mar 27, 2018
  • Game Ward designed for Data East/Sega

    TOPCast 56: Ward PembertonApr 2, 2008
  • Referenced as source inspiration for magnetic save mechanic with visible pinball; criticized for lacking surprise factor

    NEW @sternpinballinc Star Wars Fall of the Empire! WAIT - I've seen this playfield before, Austin!Sep 20, 2025
  • Referenced for magnetic save mechanic that appears in Star Wars LE as 'force ball save.'

    Episode 254 - Star Wars the Star WarsSep 15, 2025
  • Referenced as source of recycled ball-save mechanic used in Star Wars

    Episode 1135: "Kaneda Got a Bad Feeling About Star Wars - First Impression Review"Sep 13, 2025