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Gilligan's Island

gameactive28 mentionsFirst seen Nov 6, 2014Last seen Mar 3, 2026

Profile

Gilligan's Island is a classic pinball game with a complex history involving multiple designers and iterations. Originally conceived by Dan Langlois as 'The Brain,' the game was rethemed by Ward Pemberton following Langlois's death, eventually becoming known as Gilligan's Island. The game ranks 262nd on Pinside and remains notable enough to be featured in personal collections of pinball enthusiasts.

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Claims (14)

  • factualhigh

    Gilligan's Island was the first Williams WPC machine released with a high-resolution dot matrix display.

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

    Gilligan's Island underwent a theme change during its development before being released.

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

    The game's story is an original creation not based on any specific Gilligan's Island TV episode.

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

    The 50-million-point Kona shot overpowers all other scoring strategies on Gilligan's Island, making the rules shallow.

Recent Mentions (28)

  • Bally pinball machine released in 1991, designed by Dan Langlois and Ward Pemberton, first Williams WPC machine with DMD display

    Learn Bally’s Gilligan’s Island in 10 Minutes!Sep 19, 2025
  • Machine in speaker's collection, has Titan rubbers that look brand new after extended garage storage (temperature tested)

    episode 18. 4 weeks until springFeb 17, 2019
  • Vintage pinball machine being sold on Pinside at $10,800 after full restoration; primary focus of pricing criticism in episode

    Episode 54 - Things That Make You Go Hmm...May 28, 2019
  • Pinball machine available upstairs at the arcade location

    Pinball Arcade Wizard Goals IRL EP.1 "Champion Pub"May 8, 2017
  • Tournament game at ClePin women's finals; selected by Monica; kickback code gives all opponents 1M points on activation; special ROM exists to negate this mechanic

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 23: LIVE From ClePinSep 19, 2022
  • Pinball game that will receive warm LED treatment in Dr. Dave's restoration project

    #72 Fireball Classic - The Classic Pinball Podcast

Contradictions

  • Existing: Game originally designed by Dan Langlois as 'The Brain' in 1989 (from mention 2)vsConflicting: 1991 Williams release (from mention 1)
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

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

    The process of lighting the 50 million Kona shot is enjoyable and requires players to execute every shot on the playfield.

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

    Bonus on Gilligan's Island appears to have no maximum value and is calculated by adding individual thousands for every switch hit.

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

    Gilligan's Island was the first Bally Williams DMD game released

    Source: Alan (host)Episode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's Island
  • factualhigh

    Gilligan's Island sold 4,001 units in its production run

    Source: Alan (host)Episode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's Island
  • opinionhigh

    Gilligan's Island forces complete playfield engagement and strategic depth through ingredient collection mechanics

    Source: Zoe VrabelEpisode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's Island
  • opinionhigh

    The game's ruleset parallels Iron Man and Bram Stoker's Dracula in all-or-nothing scoring structures

    Source: Alan (host)Episode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's Island
  • opinionmedium

    The extra ball mechanic in Gilligan's Island is delivered at end-of-game rather than immediate, which is a positive design choice

    Source: Alan (host)Episode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's Island
  • factualhigh

    Gilligan's Island code gives all other players one million points when the left outlane kickback is triggered, creating disadvantageous tournament mechanic

    Source: TomTriple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 23: LIVE From ClePin
  • factualmedium

    A special ROM exists for Gilligan's Island that negates the kickback code giving opponents free points

    Source: TomTriple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 23: LIVE From ClePin
  • factualhigh

    Gilligan's Island at Bottom Lounge has a mechanical ramp that is stuck and prevents completion of the final mode

    Source: Multiple (Jack Danger, Brad Chmielewski)Live at halfrez.
  • Jan 18, 2022
  • Williams pinball machine; Mike has two copies, plans to restore one to basement collection

    My Secret Pinball Machine Stash Revealed! You Won’t Believe This!Mar 3, 2026
  • Classic Gottlieb pinball table referenced by JSM during restoration documentation work

    Chatting with The Visual Pinball Engine Dev TeamNov 17, 2021
  • American Pinball game; features standard bulbs rather than RGB LEDs due to cost constraints at $7,000 price point

    SDTM: Houdini pinball StreamJan 22, 2018
  • One of nine games recently acquired by Zach/host in bulk lot purchase

    SDTM: Ultimate Game of Thrones Pinball Tutorial Part 5Jan 11, 2018
  • Referenced as example for the labeled power connection plugs in Pin Stadium Lights installation

    SDTM Mod Install: Pin Stadium LightsSep 29, 2017
  • Referenced as machine where hosts use sunlight SMD frosted bulbs for lighting upgrades

    SDTM Episode 73: Deadpool (Pro) Pinball Machine ReviewSep 15, 2018
  • Classic pinball machine referenced in context of electrical connector terminology; the 'Gilligan's Island connector' is an unreliable old connector type Cary replaced.

    SDTM Cary Hardy: Saving Swords Of Fury Part 7Dec 14, 2020
  • Referenced for lighting board flash techniques and pulsing effects comparison

    Scooby Doo Pinball: First Impressions (SDTM, 2023)Mar 20, 2023
  • Classic pinball machine being played on stream; has severe leftward lean and mechanical ramp failure; obscure game not frequently encountered

    Live at halfrez.Nov 6, 2014
  • Pinball machine owned at Bottom Lounge; noted as requiring functional volcano mechanism

    KISS (pro), Starchild anyone? #Pinball #Streaming 11/02/15Nov 14, 2015
  • Pinball machine being brought back to Bottom Lounge upstairs area

    Funhouse 2 - Bottom Lounge Location Stream!! #Pinball #Streaming 11/04/15Nov 13, 2015
  • Gottlieb machine mentioned in context of lighting system examples

    Pinball Machine Troubleshooting Made Easy with TNT Amusements!Feb 7, 2025
  • Pinball machine at Show Me Lanes arcade; location crusher that Bob disliked; operator offered to swap for Whirlwind but Bob refused

    #34 - Bob CaldwellDec 15, 2020
  • Game played at Fort Wayne location

    DPP #120 "Lets talk Wick...and Ohio"May 6, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine released 1991; acquired ~30-35 years ago by seller; features worn playfield, missing carriage bolts, and shows age-appropriate wear

    Pinball Pick Up Adventure for a Mousin' Around & Gilligan's IslandDec 24, 2025
  • 1991 Bally/Williams pinball machine, first WPC with DMD display, designed by Ward Pemberton and Dan Langlois

    Learn Bally’s Gilligan’s Island in 10 Minutes!Sep 19, 2025
  • Women's tournament semifinal game; features kickback rule that gives opposing players 1 million points when activated

    Triple Drain Pinball Podcast Ep 23: LIVE From ClePinSep 19, 2022
  • Rare pinball game desired by Michael Hanley; represents the type of unique/unavailable title Maple Pinball seeks.

    Episode 326: Michael Hanley and Shane JacksonDec 11, 2021
  • Bally Williams DMD pinball machine (May 1991); first Bally/Williams game to feature DMD; 4,001 unit production run; subject of episode defense; features rotating jungle mech and Kona jackpot mechanic.

    Episode 7 - Die on this Hill: Gilligan's IslandDec 4, 2023
  • 1989 pinball machine originally designed by Dan Langlois as 'The Brain' but rethemed by Ward Pemberton after Langlois's death; ranks 262nd on Pinside; subject of first podcast episode

    Episode 10 - Die on this Hill: Popeye Saves the EarthDec 25, 2023
  • 1991 Williams release; first full-size DMD screen implementation

    Episode 105 - Pinball Hindsight Awards 1991Nov 17, 2025
  • Classic pinball game in McBain's personal collection, one of four games he actively enjoys

    Episode 370: Andrew MacBain of Pinball AdventuresAug 18, 2023