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Flash Gordon

gameactive66 mentionsFirst seen Jan 27, 2015Last seen Mar 31, 2026

Profile

Flash Gordon is a game mentioned in 2 episode(s).

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • appears_inBlack KnightBlack Knight's left playfield design was reportedly inspired by or based on Flash Gordonmedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (10)

  • factualhigh

    Full hardtop restoration of a Flash Gordon machine costs approximately $3,200-$3,500 total

    Source: Juan (community expert)Restoration Scenarios: Is It Really Worth It? With Todd Tuckey and the TNT Crew
  • factualhigh

    A Flash Gordon restoration project required 35+ hours of labor but was billed for only 25 hours, making it financially unviable

    Source: Todd Tuckey and StevenRestoration Scenarios: Is It Really Worth It? With Todd Tuckey and the TNT Crew
  • factualmedium

    Flash Gordon (Bally 1981) is played in PAPA tournament circuits.

    Source: Host direct statementFlash Gordon (Bally 1981) VPW Mod
  • factualhigh

    Flash Gordon machines have increased from $2,000-2,800 to $5,600 in 12-18 months

Recent Mentions (66)

  • Multiple restoration scenarios discussed: barn-stored unit with extensive rust, customer service case with hard top, Bally/Gottlieb design

    Restoration Scenarios: Is It Really Worth It? With Todd Tuckey and the TNT CrewMar 31, 2026
  • Bally game used as major restoration case study. Two examples shown: one purchased for $800 with rat's nest, rust, and battery damage; another requiring 35+ hours of labor (billed for 25) to restore with hardtop technology.

    Restoration Scenarios: Is It Really Worth It? With Todd Tuckey and the TNT CrewMar 31, 2026
  • Bally upper playfield pinball machine; ranked as bonus #0 game (best of era); redeemed upper playfield concept; features highly valuable lit drop targets, bonus multipliers, flashbulb toy; cited in famous Keith Elwin tournament final

    The 10 Best Pinball Machines Ever Made From 1980 - 1984Mar 16, 2026
  • Playfield referenced as recently acquired at Grazley Garage; mentioned in context of Shackleton auction activity

    The Grasley Garage! Safe Cracker & Medusa Gameplay!Mar 14, 2026
  • Classic pinball machine Tim recently acquired; needs board restoration work from Brian

    episode 34 Heat WaveSep 20, 2020
  • Pinball machine with new playfield and plastic sets available; CPR repro backglasses visible

Contradictions

No contradictions detected

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Source: Drew (based on Pinside marketplace research)Episode 118 Special Guest Kaneda?
  • factualmedium

    Claude Fernandez designed Flash Gordon and Kevin O'Connor created the artwork

    Source: George/Dave#32 Flash Gordon - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    The Flash Gordon film had Queen doing the soundtrack

    Source: George#32 Flash Gordon - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • opinionmedium

    A very nice Flash Gordon machine typically costs $3,500-4,500+

    Source: Dave#32 Flash Gordon - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • opinionmedium

    Flash Gordon is one of the hardest pinball games to play

    Source: Dave#32 Flash Gordon - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • opinionhigh

    Flash Gordon requires specific machine optimization to execute the 100,000-point shot from the bottom left flipper

    Source: Dave#32 Flash Gordon - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualhigh

    Flash Gordon is a seven-digit game

    Source: Dave#32 Flash Gordon - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • INSANE Retro Auction! Pinball Machines, Arcade Games & Vintage Treasures Everywhere!Mar 7, 2026
  • Classic pinball game in Spencer's collection; recently had LED bulb replaced; lost ball during maintenance

    The Spinner Is Lit - Episode 72_Don't Forget the Classics (1)Feb 27, 2025
  • Pinball machine owned by Spencer; recently had spring maintenance on drop targets

    Episode 78_The Home GameAug 22, 2025
  • Classic Bally pinball machine from late 1970s; subject of this episode; features complex ramp and multiplier mechanics; designed by Claude Fernandez with artwork by Kevin O'Connor

    #32 Flash Gordon - The Classic Pinball PodcastJun 10, 2020
  • Bally solid-state game recommended by Dave as top-tier option

    #124 Captain Fantastic - The Classic Pinball PodcastJan 27, 2025
  • Bally game designed by Claude Fernandez; reportedly influenced by Williams' Black Knight; considered by some better than Black Knight

    The Pinball Show Ep 181 BONUS: Top 5 Greatest Gottlieb Premier Pinball Machines Of All TimeSep 11, 2025
  • Pinball machine noted as potentially expensive entry option; Bill Webb cited $1,200 as recent price point

    EP 91 - Nightmare On My StreetJan 17, 2023
  • Williams pinball machine owned by Spencer; recently had Alltech board replacement; Spencer's high score is $2.2 million

    The Spinner Is Lit - Episode 70_2024 ReflectionJan 1, 2025
  • Tournament machine; inserted as replacement for Johnny Pneumonic by top qualifier choice

    INDISC 2015 Pinball Tournament FinalsJan 27, 2015
  • Vintage pinball machine; mentioned in venue pricing discussion regarding operator strategy

    The Pinball Show Ep 146 BONUS: What I Like, What I Don't About Elton John Pinball & NEW JJP I/O Driver BoardJan 30, 2024
  • Machine owned by Scott in 1991-1992 timeframe; purchased from US1 flea market

    Episode 14 – An Evening With Scott C.Oct 13, 2016
  • Classic Williams game that Keith Elwin played at Steve's Arcade and considers one of his favorite pre-1985 pinballs.

    #102 Keith Elwin - The Classic Pinball PodcastApr 19, 2023
  • Pinball machine picked by Steven Donaldson in finals; Raymond finished second with 250,000 points; features drop targets and upper playfield.

    Episode 11 - SPL July 2019Jul 25, 2019
  • Vintage pinball machine; purchased by Neil from UK forum; currently stored in Martin's Croydon storage unit pending club reopening

    The Great British Pinball Podcast Episode 10Apr 14, 2024
  • 1981 solid-state pinball. Cited as earliest example of true playfield multiplier (15-second 2x or 3x), though hosts uncertain of accuracy.

    Episode 95 - Playfield MultipliersAug 11, 2025
  • Classic wide-body pinball; Jeff Parsons' nostalgic favorite; known for punishing gameplay; highly challenging for scoring

    Episode 66 – No One Likes ViperOct 26, 2017
  • Early Valley game referenced for 'feel' and playability; discussed in context of flipper quality and restoration

    episode 38 mayday,mayday.May 9, 2021
  • Dave is restoring two copies with brand new playfields; one for personal collection, one for future sale

    #107 Pintastic 2023 Preview - The Classic Pinball PodcastAug 28, 2023
  • Classic Williams game with linear flipper mechs; Dave converted to WPC flipper mechanisms; cited as example of precision flipper upgrade benefits

    #88 Stern Stars - The Classic Pinball PodcastJul 26, 2022
  • Pinball machine used in 2019 Pinburgh finals

    Stern Pro Circuit - 2019 Replay FX / Pinburgh EVENT RECAPDec 4, 2019
  • Pinball machine mentioned as potential tournament inclusion at Space City Tournament; George noted it as a 'tough game'

    Episode 11: The Classic Pinball Podcast - Road Trip to deliver a 1984 Eight Ball DeluxeOct 1, 2019
  • Bally pinball with spinner worth 100 unlit / 1,000 lit with electric guitar sound effect; ranked among best Bally spinners; Dave owns

    #34 Spinner - spinner, chicken dinnerJul 27, 2020
  • Classic Valley machine; Tommy acquired for ~$700; underwent full cabinet restoration and hard-top playfield overlay; now on location at bar; demonstrated hard-top durability in 400-play tournament use

    #25 Fathom The Classic Pinball PodcastFeb 4, 2020
  • Classic pinball game in Dave's collection; used as joke reference when discussing Rush's newness

    #80 RUSH delivery - The Classic Pinball PodcastMar 22, 2022
  • Classic pinball game with artwork by Kevin O'Connor; hosts mention its distinctive electric guitar sound effects

    #74 Bally KISS - The Classic Pinball PodcastFeb 1, 2022
  • Classic pinball game; featured in Electric Bat Arcade lineup

    #71 The OG - The Classic Pinball PodcastJan 11, 2022
  • Pinball machine in John's collection that received WPC flipper modifications and playfield swap restoration work.

    #105 Black Hole. Make mine Day - The Classic Pinball PodcastJun 27, 2023
  • Pinball machine in Dr. John Day's collection; converted to WPC flipper mechanisms with success

    #137 A new Day - The Classic Pinball PodcastFeb 17, 2026
  • Machine owned by Theatre of Magic (Tommy); part of his collection

    Episode 25: Jurassic Park Review and another Top 5Sep 12, 2019
  • Pinball machine played at Nationals; Xyren scored approximately 800,000 on first three balls

    PNP Ep. 561- Xyren Silvers: The Sk8boarding Pinball Prodigy/Covid Kid From From Boise IdahoMar 28, 2024
  • Classic Williams pinball machine; example of price doubling from $2,000-2,800 to $5,600 in 12-18 months

    Episode 118 Special Guest Kaneda?Apr 28, 2022
  • Classic tournament game; commentators advocate for its inclusion in all IFPA competitions

    INDISC 2023 - The Open IFPA World Championship - Second RoundDec 13, 2023
  • Pinball game with Kevin O'Connor artwork from 1980s era, mentioned as title host frequently played

    Kevin O' Connor Artist Guest 2021May 25, 2021
  • Williams pinball game based on De Laurentiis movie; features O'Connor backglass art inspired by black-and-white original film; actor Sam Jones recently engaged O'Connor about poster collaboration

    The Art of Kevin O' ConnorJan 5, 2022
  • Ranked as 'nailed it' by host despite acknowledging many disagree; described as beloved

    The Pinball Podcast Episode 221 - Ball is LifeOct 18, 2023
  • Different pinball machine mentioned at festival; King of Thrones variant also referenced

    Houdini Pinball at Texas Pinball FestivalMar 25, 2017
  • Pinball machine referenced in exhibit with old/new kits discussion

    Skill Shot Art Exhibit Walkthru! #Pinball #StreamingSep 25, 2016
  • Classic pinball game featured in Brian Allen's Mashup Volume 2

    Brian Allen Pinball Mashup Volume 2 is Here!Aug 18, 2021
  • Original pinball machine used as the base platform for Spinal Tap build; severely damaged condition made it unsuitable for restoration

    Spinal Tap Pinball - Pinball Expo 2018 - Pinball NewsOct 21, 2018
  • Solid-state pinball machine in the front section of Flipper Room

    The Flipper Room Tour by Pinball PursuitJul 5, 2025
  • Pinball game known for punishing made shots and lack of safe shots; used by Tony as tournament equalizer strategy

    Episode 54 - The King of CashingJan 29, 2018
  • Williams classic; basis for Spinal Tap custom mod; referenced as 'outlane drain monster' with brutal playfield design

    Episode 31 - TPF 2017 & National Videogame MuseumMar 27, 2017
  • Classic pinball machine referenced for saucer mechanics ('saucers and they could kick out multiple directions'); cited as design precedent for multi-directional ball firing

    Episode 120 - Video Game ThemesJul 27, 2020
  • Classic pinball machine used in Classics Tournament final

    PINBALL EXPO 2019 - SUNDAYOct 30, 2019
  • Vintage pinball machine in The Flipper Room's old school section

    Pinball Pursuit Joins Me at The Flipper Room! | 360° League Night TourJul 5, 2025
  • Classic pinball game with code modification created by developer community member (not Dick)

    Episode 204 – Proof and TruthApr 19, 2023
  • Valley game from early 1980s; difficult machine Bowen continuously plays to master

    Episodes 3 & 4: Bowen Kerins, part 1 & 2Nov 8, 2016
  • Pinball game recently restored by Upkick Pinball with new hardtop; customer pickup demonstrated significant transformation that inspired Jeff to order hardtop for own Flash Gordon

    Episode 305: Elizabeth DronetMay 10, 2021
  • Pinball machine at Grazley Garage; recently had soundboard refurbished by Corey; featured in gameplay segment

    Part 2: 1978 Interflip Alaska 4 Player EM. The cabinet is finished!Feb 15, 2026
  • 1980 Bally pinball machine; acquired by JC; in early stages of full restoration; missing sound (squawk-and-talk board non-functional); playfield in decent condition with wall-to-wall mylar

    The Grasley Garage! Combat is done! HG is mint! Flash Gordon has no sound!Feb 5, 2026
  • Source of drop target design upgrade used in Cybernaut restoration

    Part 4: 1985 Bally Cybernaut Pinball Project. LED time!Dec 1, 2025
  • Classic pinball game; referenced as favorite featuring inline drop targets

    The Electric Bat Cast Presents ::Pinpals Episode 6 :: Winchester Mystery HouseOct 14, 2025
  • Classic pinball title available at Montreal league venue; mentioned by Bergeron as favorite casual game alongside Dolly.

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep03 – Jonathan Bergeron From Punk to PinballMay 13, 2025
  • Valley pinball machine, crucial to Nick's Pin Mania tournament victory on left-side targets

    Episode 261: Now and ZenJun 3, 2020
  • Classic pinball machine; Jeff scored 3 million during London League night recording

    Episode 196: Julie Dorssers, the Wonder Woman of PinfestMay 13, 2019
  • Classic pinball machine; Ryan Wanger strategy: 3X right away, right flipper ramp shots, left targets for spinner light; used in multiple tournaments including Cleveland Pin classics and Intergalactic; Ryan beat Josh Sharp on this game

    Episode 234: Ryan Wanger on fire!Nov 27, 2019
  • Pinball machine Todd personally owned when moving to Astoria; initially non-functional; now restored with hard top and new boards; currently operational

    Episode 72 - Operator Spotlight: Astoria PinballMar 3, 2025
  • Vintage game used as example of location play variety; described as 'humbling' in difficulty

    Episode 88 - Pinball on LocationJun 23, 2025
  • Steve Ritchie game with repeating upper flipper shot; positioned as counterexample to criticism that Steve's designs feel derivative of himself

    Episode 2 - The Ritchie Brothers Steve vs. MarkOct 30, 2023
  • Classic game used in Indisc finals by Keith Elwin; characterized as 'drain monster' but exciting competitive game

    Ep 101: Elwin, Keith ElwinFeb 6, 2023
  • Classic pinball game whose left playfield design was reportedly incorporated into Black Knight through industrial espionage

    Episode 11: Steve Ritchie and Video Game Themes with Jeff RiveraJun 7, 2019