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BMX

gameactive7 mentionsFirst seen Apr 2, 2008Last seen Oct 31, 2025

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BMX is a 1982 Bally pinball machine designed by Ward Pemberton, representing one of the company's later releases in their pinball manufacturing era. The game was originally conceived as an E.T. licensed title before the license fell through, and approximately 500 units were produced. BMX is notable for featuring side buttons for in-lane control and is one of only three pinball machines with a magic save/flex save mechanic, alongside D&D and Hard Body.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedWard PembertonBMX was designed by Ward Pembertonmedium
  • affiliated_withD&DBMX shares the magic save/flex save mechanic with D&Dmedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (3)

  • factualhigh

    BMX has a difficult lower playfield

    Source: Knapp (direct gameplay and prior streaming knowledge)2019 SUMMER ARCADE TOUR STOP 2: Penn Skate Arcade Allentown, Pennsylvania (June 2019)
  • factualmedium

    BMX was originally planned to be an E.T. pinball machine

    Source: Bruce NightingaleEpisode 40 – BMX
  • factualmedium

    Only 406 BMX machines were produced

    Source: Bruce NightingaleEpisode 40 – BMX

Recent Mentions (7)

  • 1983 Bally EM machine; originally planned as E.T. license; only 406 produced; features flipper-activated dial mechanic; Bruce's featured game pick

    Episode 40 – BMXApr 27, 2017
  • Second game designed by Ward Pemberton; featured unique side flipper with spring steel button; first two-level playfield; sold only 350-400 units

    TOPCast 56: Ward PembertonApr 2, 2008
  • Bally 1982 pinball game; featured at Past Times free play area; author played it repeatedly (Thursday-Saturday) and praised its flex save inlanes and upper playfield mechanics

    Pinball Expo for OneOct 23, 2025
  • Pinball machine with upper playfield magnet mechanism and difficult lower playfield

    2019 SUMMER ARCADE TOUR STOP 2: Penn Skate Arcade Allentown, Pennsylvania (June 2019)Jun 1, 2019
  • 1982 Bally game; approximately 500 units made; designed by Ward Pemberton; features side buttons for in-lane control; priced $4,000-$5,000

    Rare Game Roundup | Harry Potter | Pinball Expo Recap!Oct 31, 2025
  • Last pinball game manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Corporation, January 1983. Designed by Ward Pemberton; sold only 406 units. Originally pitched as E.T. game before license fell through.

Contradictions

  • Existing: BMX was manufactured in 1982 with approximately 500 units producedvsConflicting: Episode 1 states BMX was the last pinball game manufactured by Bally in January 1983 with only 406 units sold
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Pinball Is Dying Part 3 – Bally-MidwayJan 16, 2023
  • One of only three pinball machines with magic save/flex save mechanic (alongside D&D and Hard Body)

    Episode 77 - Die on this Hill: Bally Dungeons & DragonsApr 7, 2025