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Earthshaker

gameactive65 mentionsFirst seen Mar 16, 2007Last seen Mar 9, 2026

Profile

Earthshaker is a classic pinball game by Williams featuring a spiral ramp and designed by Pat Lawlor. The game is notable for its mechanical toy design philosophy and has been featured in digital pinball platforms like Pinball FX. Its audio was handled by Chris Granner, who collaborated with John Hay on the soundtrack, with Granner contributing a distinctive taxi guitar lead that was later remixed and expanded.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedPat LawlerDesigned Williams pinball gamemedium

Facts

  • achievementChris Granner added taxi guitar lead to main jamhigh
  • achievementMusic later remixed with additional lead by Chris Grannerhigh
  • achievementJohn Hay wrote main instrumental jamhigh
  • attributeReplacement spiral ramp manufactured by Pinball Inc.high
  • attributeSpiral ramp replacement requires minor tool modificationshigh
  • attributeMusic features collaboration between Chris Granner and John Hayhigh
  • attributeClassic Williams pinball gamehigh

Claims (5)

  • factualhigh

    Earthshaker was the first pinball machine to feature a shaker motor

    Source: Rob Burke / Past Times ArcadePast Times Pinball History Ep 30: Earthshaker
  • factualmedium

    5,265 units of Earthshaker were manufactured

    Source: Rob Burke / Past Times ArcadePast Times Pinball History Ep 30: Earthshaker
  • factualhigh

    Kerry completed Earthshaker restoration in approximately two months for TPF 2024

    Source: Kerry HardyCary Hardy - Episode 23
  • factualhigh

    Earthshaker won runner-up best 80s/early solid state at TPF 2024

    Source: Kerry Hardy

Recent Mentions (65)

  • Lawler-designed pinball machine; Stephanie's fourth pick at ~$3,500

    038: You get $15k to spendMar 9, 2026
  • Williams pinball machine; Drew acquired three units from warehouse

    The Spinner is Lit - Episode 7: Raiders of the Lost WarehouseJun 19, 2017
  • Williams game released ~1989; Dwight Sullivan played on test location at Portillo's; contemporary with his hiring

    Episode 3 - Dwight Sullivan (Lead Game Developer - STERN Pinball) InterviewJul 2, 2018
  • 1989 pinball machine; Bill's entry point via nostalgia (Clearwater Mall); Bill recently reacquired prototype #4; sentimental keeper despite not optimally playing

    Episode 1 (Pilot)Jul 2, 2018
  • System 11 game; recommended as budget-friendly entry machine in $2,200-$3,200 range

    Episode 22 - That SOUNDS goodNov 13, 2018
  • Classic Williams pinball game; prototype #7 (or variant) currently playable in Bill Webb's workplace lunchroom in Hoffman Estates

    EP 92 - Macho Pinball Revealed! PINBALL PODCAST BOMBSHELLSFeb 7, 2023

Contradictions

  • Existing: Game designed by Pat LawlorvsConflicting: Pat Lawlor described as disaster table designer in context of Pinball FX top 5 list
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

  • attributeFeatures spiral ramphigh
  • intelligence_frequency_spikenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02
  • roleAudio designed by Chris Grannerhigh
  • roleDesigned by Pat Lawlorhigh
  • Cary Hardy - Episode 23
  • opinionmedium

    Earthshaker is a good budget entry-level pinball machine in the $2,200-$3,200 range

    Source: Bill Webb and Ken CromwellEpisode 22 - That SOUNDS good
  • Bally machine owned by Scott; stored in basement and later moved to mom's basement during hurricane

    Episode 14 – An Evening With Scott C.Oct 13, 2016
  • Classic game Taylor prefers over Whirlwind

    Toy Story 4 LifeJun 15, 2022
  • 1989 Pat Lawlor Williams classic; features Nevada/California split toy; last of Lawlor's disaster-themed tables; speculated as candidate for upcoming Zen Bally/Williams pack

    What's your favourite gimmick?Aug 6, 2024
  • Pinball machine at Ore Dock Brewing where Mike Maple achieved #3 score; Zack and Mike play regularly

    Rescue 911 + Chill? We get tilted with Liquid Mike’s Zack AlwordenMay 15, 2025
  • Williams pinball machine owned by Drew; positioned next to Meteor in basement

    Episode 100: The best episode in the history of podcasting!Jun 15, 2021
  • Medieval Madness-themed pinball machine being acquired by Drew

    Episode 98: We talk Fathom, Rumors, Game Room PornApr 30, 2021
  • Steve's second copy; currently in garage awaiting cleanup; missing inserts as a project

    Episode 53: Top 5 and Other Craziness with Steve JohnsonApr 30, 2020
  • Classic Williams pinball game, Jon Hey has line on one for potential restoration

    Episode 94: Ian bought a Deadpool and loves it... also Drew plays The Pricing Game!Mar 23, 2021
  • Vintage pinball machine that Dirty Donny modified to create custom Metallica game

    Frank Thomas' Big Hurt from The Pacific Pinball MuseumMar 10, 2022
  • Non-A-list Williams title; Drew owns; purchased for $2,500, currently worth $3,000-$3,500

    Episode 113Feb 23, 2022
  • Alphanumeric System 11 game; Drew scored four million on ball one while rage-playing during tournament

    Episode 97: History Lesson and Drew Has a Great Story Plus More!Apr 26, 2021
  • Pinball machine used by Dirty Donnie for custom Metallica build around 2005-2006

    Pinball Junk Drawer, Episode 2Dec 26, 2021
  • 1992 System 11 pinball machine signed by John Trudeau; recently purchased by Drew; described as 'work in progress' with water damage and corrosion issues; plan to test by plugging in to identify problems.

    Episode 99: I am sorry I was late to post this... but Glenn's song should be heard by all!!!!May 16, 2021
  • Pinball machine on which MacCulloch reports strong performance in tournaments

    Pinball Heroes: Todd MacCullochMay 16, 2009
  • Pinball game designed by Pat Lawlor and Larry DeMar, mentioned as representative of their work

    Past Times Pinball History Ep 2: Addams FamilyOct 3, 2023
  • Classic pinball machine; Josh Roop commissioned Les Paul-style guitar from its playfield featuring blue/seafoam color and couple in Cadillac artwork

    These Pinball Guitars Are Incredible!Feb 26, 2026
  • Classic pinball game designed by Pat Lawlor, referenced as explanation for ramp-heavy design philosophy

    Dialed In! (Jersey Jack 2017)Jan 20, 2021
  • Pinball machine that Cary will be working on in upcoming video series featuring playfield disassembly

    I Upgraded my Tools to THIS!!Nov 27, 2023
  • Classic pinball machine being transported to TPF by Cary Hardy

    See you at TPF!Mar 14, 2024
  • Classic System 11 pinball machine being fully restored in this video series

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration: FINALEMar 15, 2024
  • Pinball machine recently restored by Cary Hardy; used as reference point for playfield complexity discussion

    So, You're New To Pinball (SYNTP) - Pinball Machines are StupidApr 16, 2024
  • Williams System 11 pinball machine subject of sinking building mod installation

    How to Install the Earthshaker Sinking Building ModDec 12, 2023
  • Classic pinball game Hardy plans to use Pen Caddy 2 on for future video content

    This....is the PINCADDY!Dec 5, 2023
  • Williams pinball machine acquired in non-functional condition; subject of restoration video

    EARTHSHAKER is Here! Should It Be Next?Feb 6, 2023
  • Williams pinball machine being comprehensively restored; playfield replacement project

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration: Episode 1Feb 12, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine being restored; subject of restoration series

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration: Episode 2Mar 4, 2024
  • Williams pinball machine being fully restored; restoration in progress for TPF display

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration: Episode 3Mar 12, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine being restored across multiple episodes; subject of this restoration documentation

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration: Episode 4Mar 13, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine being restored across multiple video episodes; restoration focuses on backbox, speaker panel, and display components

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration: Episode 5Mar 14, 2024
  • Pinball machine Cary Hardy restored; mentioned as example of restoration work using clear rubbers for light refraction

    Jersey Jack Pinball is doing Avatar?!Aug 28, 2024
  • Classic Williams pinball machine being restored by Cary Hardy

    Earthshaker Pinball Restoration TrailerFeb 6, 2024
  • Classic pinball game featured in Brian Allen's Mashup Volume 2

    Brian Allen Pinball Mashup Volume 2 is Here!Aug 18, 2021
  • Williams pinball game; reportedly first game to use the company's shaker motor; used multi-ball mode triggering

    Mike Patzke and Vince Patzke - Pinball Expo 2023 - Pinball NewsOct 20, 2023
  • Pat Lawler-designed Williams game; first pinball machine with shaker motor; on Colligan's wish list

    The Pinball Tapes Ep 6: WhirlwindNov 25, 2022
  • Classic Williams pinball game; 5,265 units produced; author notes surprising low production volume

    Pedretti Gaming's Next 2.0 Pinball Expansion Kit is Nearing CompletionFeb 8, 2023
  • Classic Williams pinball game speculated as potential candidate for future 2.0 remake

    Pedretti to Launch Secret FunHouse 2.0 Topper and MoreMar 12, 2022
  • Williams 1988 table; Chris uses as favorable comparison point showing superior design vs TX Sector

    Why Gottlieb's Aren't Chris' Favourite ManufacturerMay 30, 2016
  • 1989 Williams pinball game by Pat Lawlor; referenced as early example of distinctive designer's style

    Swords, Monsters, and Cab ModeMay 29, 2022
  • 1989 Williams pinball machine; first game to feature a shaker motor; designed by Pat Lawlor

    Past Times Pinball History Ep 30: EarthshakerOct 30, 2024
  • Pinball machine recently brought to Wormhole; has four flippers; noted as 'real pain in the ass' but working well after Brian's repair.

    Krystle Gemnich - Episode 45Nov 15, 2024
  • Classic Williams EM pinball machine; Scott acquired prototype #2 and modified it with P-ROC system, LED strips, and auto-launcher (Earthshaker Aftershock)

    Scott Danesi - Episode 33Jun 28, 2024
  • 1989 Pat Lawlor original-themed game; earthquake theme; 5,200 units; precursor to Whirlwind

    Episode 76 - Original ThemesMar 31, 2025
  • Classic pinball game that Scott had reprogrammed as early practice before creating TNA from scratch

    Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep23 - Scott Danesi and Building Total Nuclear Annihilation PinballJan 7, 2026
  • System 11 game in Drew's collection; described as underrated and least expensive modern game Drew purchased.

    The Pinball Show Ep 79: The Middle Class Man‘s Pinball PodcastOct 18, 2021
  • Pinball machine that Kerry restored in 2 months, winning runner-up Best 80s/Early Solid State at TPF 2024 with custom decals recreated by his brother

    Cary Hardy - Episode 23Apr 4, 2024
  • Classic pinball machine used in PinFest tournament; Julie played and scored 3 million

    Episode 196: Julie Dorssers, the Wonder Woman of PinfestMay 13, 2019
  • Pat Lawlor Williams classic from 1989; features shaker motor innovation; controversial rules (miles exploit); Ron criticizes as 'terrible game' due to single-shot exploit

    Episode 165: Bye Slam Tilt Podcast?Nov 24, 2018
  • Pat Lawlor-designed pinball featuring falling building mechanic; original prototype included elaborate mech removed for production; later influence visible in Godzilla

    Episode 50 - The 90s Pinball Renaissance Pt.2 w/ Roger SharpeSep 30, 2024
  • Pat Lawlor game; Mike's first Lawlor acquisition

    Episode 57 - Pinball AirBnB / DOTH Road KingsNov 18, 2024
  • Early location game placed by Marcus at Main Street dive bar; selected for its physical impact to generate venue attention

    Episode 80 - Rural Operator Spotlight SeriesApr 28, 2025
  • Pat Lawlor design; example of successful original (unlicensed) game; pioneered mechanical toy approach

    Episode 49 - The 90s Pinball Renaissance Pt.1 w/ Roger SharpeSep 23, 2024
  • Features collaboration between Granner and John Hay; Hay wrote main instrumental jam, Granner added taxi guitar lead; later remixed with additional lead by Granner

    Episode 97 - The Music of Chris Granner w/ Chris GrannerAug 25, 2025
  • Pinball game designed by Pat Lawler; first game referenced as example of his mechanical toy design philosophy

    Ep 6 - Get Your Game Back!Aug 11, 2020
  • Pat Lawlor disaster table; Chris's first honorable mention pick

    Top 5 Pinball Arcade Bally Williams Tables We Want Next in Pinball FXAug 24, 2023
  • Game with spiral ramp; Pinball Inc. manufactures replacement spiral ramp requiring minor tool modifications

    TOPCast 15: James LoflinMar 16, 2007
  • Classic pinball game mentioned in context of game selection/tournament play

    Episode 434: Raymond Davidson remasteredFeb 9, 2026
  • Vintage pinball machine Kerry's older friend mentioned as available at Pocket Change arcade before Kerry's era of play.

    EP13 Cary HardyJan 19, 2026
  • Classic pinball game with fan connection mentioned; potential sale of Jeff's machine to friend in New Jersey.

    034 - Building A Community - How Scenes Grow & Why They DieFeb 9, 2026
  • Classic Williams game with Granner audio

    Episode 71 – Chris Granner: Pinball Sound MastermindNov 26, 2018