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Pinball

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Pinball Circus

gameactive19 mentionsFirst seen Feb 4, 2007Last seen Feb 17, 2026

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Pinball Circus is a classic Williams pinball game designed by Python in the early 2000s, featuring an innovative sit-down flipper cabinet variant and surfing ramp mechanics. Originally produced in extremely limited quantities (only 6 units made), the game became a revenue leader at pinball venues, notably earning $1 per play at the Hall of Fame. The game has experienced a revival through homebrew recreations and prototype developments, with examples preserved in private collections and museum settings.

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Recent Mentions (19)

  • Location visited in Las Vegas where Dutch Pinball Museum played machines including Roadrunner and recently-repaired equipment

    FLOG #28 Pinball Expo 2023 ChicagoNov 27, 2023
  • Vertical pinball arcade game concept proposed by John Papadiuk at Williams; rejected by Williams; cited as reason Papadiuk left Williams and joined Capcom

    The Capcom Debacle Part 1Dec 26, 2023
  • Game at Pinball Hall of Fame; was non-functional during Don's visit

    Summer/PHOF Trip ReportAug 17, 2024
  • Rare pinball game; Ball Pin demonstrated familiarity despite claiming novice status; contradicts his new-to-hobby narrative

    The One About BallPin and KanedaAug 31, 2020
  • Rare 3D vertical pinball game in video game cabinet format by Python Angelo; only two units exist; unfinished prototype

    #121 Taxi - The Classic Pinball PodcastNov 18, 2024
  • Classic prototype game; homebrew recreation built; subject of Planetary Pinball cease-and-desist

    Expo wrap upOct 22, 2024

Contradictions

  • Existing: Williams game designed by Python (mention 4)vsConflicting: Original arcade game by Planetary Pinball/Williams (mention 2)
    Unresolved

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Small pinball manufacturer that has been silent for 2-3 years on Kingpin project

Ep 46: GNR & AIQOct 17, 2020
  • Mentioned by chat as favorite upper playfield game in discussion

    Day 1 WRESTLEMANIA!! Donated by Stern Pinball!!! PT1Mar 3, 2015
  • Evolution of Goose parties; first held October 2, 2004; became annual paid-entry event at SS Billiards

    SS BILLIARDS’ GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PARTYSep 25, 2022
  • Vertical pinball game designed by Python; shelved by Williams; Python was attempting to produce independently with new designs at time of death

    Python Anghelo DiesApr 9, 2014
  • Planned live broadcast location for Talk Pinball; scheduled for next month from article date

    Pinball RadioFeb 4, 2007
  • Circus Maximus remake project; officially cancelled; no plans to resurface

    Pinball News & Notes: Last Call for Stern Guardians of the Galaxy, Kingpin is Dead, New CodeSep 13, 2023
  • Classic pinball machine covered in Carrington's video series

    A Video History of the Amazing 1988 Williams Banzai Run Pinball MachineNov 18, 2022
  • Top revenue-generating game at Hall of Fame ($1 per play)

    TOPCast 51: Tim ArnoldJan 23, 2008
  • Williams game designed by Python; original vision included sit-down flipper variant and surfing ramps; only 6 units made, stripped down by Steve Caraz; Python's pride and source of disappointment

    TOPCast 42: Python AngheloJul 1, 2007
  • Original commercial pinball game that Manuelin remade as homebrew; playable at Electromagnetic Pinball Museum after licensing negotiations

    Homebrew Showcase: Luau Pinball by John ManuelinNov 7, 2025
  • Original arcade game by Planetary Pinball/Williams; basis for Lynn's homebrew recreation with significant gameplay enhancements

    Pinball Circus HomebrewDec 2, 2025
  • Multi-level upright cabinet prototype; two originals (one private collection, one non-working at Vegas Hall of Fame); spotted in Barrels of Fun live stream; purpose unclear

    DPP #202 "Let's Space Hunt! BOF and Stern news"Aug 26, 2025
  • Proposed remake; unknown production status

    Episode 123 – Xmas CheerDec 22, 2020