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Pinball

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Pinball Magic

gameactive28 mentionsFirst seen Jun 30, 2007Last seen Apr 6, 2026

Profile

Pinball Magic is a magic-themed pinball game released by Capcom in 1994-1995, marking the company's first entry into coin-op pinball manufacturing. The game features straightforward 'shoot the lit shot' gameplay with modes and multiball, accompanied by good artwork and a two-channel audio design by Jeff Powell. It was produced during the transition period when Williams employees moved to Capcom, and remains a rare title with approximately 1,200 units produced.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • affiliated_withTheater of MagicContemporary competing pinball machine from 1996 eramedium

Facts

  • achievementFirst Capcom pinball gamehighfrom 1994
  • achievementJeff Powell designed audio as his first coin-op audio design projecthighfrom 1994
  • affiliationCapcom-produced pinball gamehighfrom 1994
  • attributeMagic-themed gamehigh
  • attributeResult of Williams employees moving to Capcomhigh
  • attributeFeatures simple 'shoot the lit shot' gameplay with modes and multiballhigh
  • attributeFeatures two audio channels

Claims (4)

  • factualhigh

    Capcom's entry into pinball manufacturing occurred in 1995 with the release of Pinball Magic

    Source: Author (Kineticist)Every Pinball Machine of 1995, Ranked
  • factualhigh

    Pinball Magic was produced before Theatre of Magic

    Source: Knapp ArcadePorn and Punching Bags...The Collapse of Capcom Pinball
  • opinionmedium

    Pinball Magic is 'Louis Toy heavy' in gameplay design

    Source: GregSDTM: a pinball show Episode 28: Top 10 Magnets
  • factualmedium

    Pinball Magic wizard mode is worth 500 million points

    Source: Jermaine (chat participant)

Recent Mentions (28)

  • Classic/existing pinball game referenced as having magnet ramp similar to Monsters Inc.; described as 'underrated Capcom game'

    Homebrew Showcase: Monsters Inc Pinball at Texas Pinball Festival 2026Apr 6, 2026
  • Capcom vintage game with magnetic wand, rare title played at Wormhole, praised by host for gameplay quality

    Pinball Mod Talk Episode 25: Mod Showcase + Wormhole & The Vault Visit RecapMar 11, 2025
  • Capcom Coin's first and flagship pinball machine; released October 1995; designed by Brian Hansen and Rob Herdado; sold only 1,200 units; marked beginning of the company's commercial failure

    The Capcom Debacle Part 1Dec 26, 2023
  • Fast-playing modern pinball machine; Capcom first game; has DMD display; features similar art style to Bride of Pinbot by same artist

    Episode 110 - Interview with Brent Amrhein 6-21-15Jun 29, 2015
  • Machine chosen by Johnny Carl in finals group play

    California Extreme 2016 Pinball Tournament FinalsJul 25, 2016
  • Capcom pinball game; primarily designed by Jeff Powell; Chris Granner contributed orchestration

    TOPCast 47: Chris Granner

Contradictions

  • Existing: Pinball Magic is a Capcom game released in 1994-1995vsConflicting: Mention 3 references 'Sega machine' in context of 1997 Sega Jurassic Park, conflating it with Pinball Magic
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Pinball Magic released July 1995 (approximately)vsConflicting: Jeff Powell's audio design work dated to 1994 in mention 5, suggesting possible 1994 release date
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

high
from 1994
  • attributeApproximately 1,200 units producedmedium
  • attributeReleased in 1994mediumfrom 1994
  • attributeReleased simultaneously with Theater of Magic in July 1995mediumfrom 1995-07
  • statusSubject of lawsuit with Theater of Magicmedium
  • statusRare titlehigh
  • California Extreme 2016 Pinball Tournament Qualifying
    Aug 5, 2007
  • First-ever Capcom pinball game; featured in high stakes tournament

    INDISC 2022 High Stakes PlayoffsJan 2, 2023
  • Capcom 1995 pinball machine played during this episode; Manu had never played it before and learns rules while streaming

    Pinball Magic VP (Capcom 1995)May 19, 2019
  • Classic pinball machine used in qualifying; wizard mode worth 500 million; multiball mode available

    California Extreme 2016 Pinball Tournament QualifyingJul 22, 2016
  • Community resource/service mentioned for customer support (Discord community)

    Stern Pinball's Godzilla - Gameplay Stream - Code v0.81Nov 30, 2021
  • Pinball machine; featured in arcade entryway area

    Dune Pinball (Barrels of Fun) - First Time Play & ULEK Arcade Expansion Tour!May 25, 2025
  • Pinball machine scheduled to be streamed from Free Gold Watch on Thursday

    Willy's Wonderland VPXMar 18, 2021
  • #7 on magnet list; features lady's hand with magic wand magnet that diverts ball; noted as 'Louis Toy heavy'

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 28: Top 10 MagnetsAug 2, 2017
  • Game that Tony recently acquired and identifies as his favorite/aspirational home machine

    SDTM Episode 68: Interview with Recbar Co-owner TonyAug 3, 2018
  • Cited as superior to Big Bang Bar; hosts praise its mechanics and structure

    Top 10 Most Overrated Pinball Machines Of All TimeJan 10, 2021
  • Pinball machine featured at California Extreme 2016 main tournament; Bob came in second place despite poor opening performance

    #34 - Bob CaldwellDec 15, 2020
  • Pinball business/location whose owner Jesse Kujawa established Russ Jensen memorial fund

    Russ JensenNov 20, 2007
  • Pinball machine used in opening game of main tournament final

    ROMANIAN PINBALL OPEN 2015Dec 18, 2015
  • Capcom pinball game (1995); 1,200 units produced; came out before Theatre of Magic; still loved by collectors

    Porn and Punching Bags...The Collapse of Capcom PinballMar 31, 2022
  • Pinball machine on Wedgehead floor that has been problematic/unreliable; mentioned as example of game they maintain despite challenges

    Episode 4 - The Brief History of WedgeheadNov 13, 2023
  • Historical reference for loop design off shooter; compared to Hot Wheels' approach to loop integration.

    Ep 36: Hot Wheels with Josh KuglerMay 27, 2020
  • #8 ranked 1995 machine by Capcom; magic-themed; Capcom's first pinball entry; rare title

    Every Pinball Machine of 1995, RankedOct 3, 2025
  • First Capcom Pinball game and Jeff Powell's first coin-op audio design project (1994); featured two audio channels

    TOPCast 43: Jeff PowellJul 8, 2007
  • 1996 Capcom game; Play of the Week topic; simple 'shoot the lit shot' gameplay with modes and multiball; artwork described as good despite simple mechanics

    TOPCast 41: Tech showJun 30, 2007
  • Sega machine for which Mike received drop target decals from Bigfoot Bruce

    Part 10: 1997 Sega Jurassic Park The Lost World. Finishing Touches!Jan 24, 2026
  • Capcom-produced game with 1,200 units; referenced as comparison for rarity

    Part 2: 1997 Sega Jurassic Park The Lost World Pinball Project. Set up and inspection!Dec 14, 2025
  • Capcom title; released simultaneously with Theater of Magic (July 1995 approx.); hosts debate its merits relative to Big Bang Bar

    Episode 119 – Where No Pinhead Has Gone BeforeDec 2, 2019
  • Capcom game; result of Williams employees moving to Capcom; subject of lawsuit with Theater of Magic

    Episode 1130: "Kaneda's Exclusive News About Upcoming Game!!!"Sep 1, 2025