Laser War is the first pinball machine that was produced by Data East Pinball. It was the first pinball machine to feature digital stereo sound,[1] and is loosely based on Lazer Tag.[2]
Data East had been trying to get a pinball division for 2 years before this machine to sell them through their existing distribution network.[3] The game was first revealed in November 1986, and completed and tested before its release in May 1987.[4]
Design
This is notable as the "first pinball specifically designed for digital stereo", which included a subwoofer. There are separate ROMs for voice and music, and includes advanced speech. The digital speakers are in a chrome enclosure as part of the backbox,[5] and are slightly angled to face the player.[6] While he assisted with some previous machines, this is the first machine that David Thiel completed all of the sound and music for.[7]
The machine was designed with a topper, but only the first 500 or so machines were issued with one.[8] This is based on the Lyte sound visualizer manufactured by Clyde Industries which displays kaleidoscopic patterns from audio input.[9] This is housed in a trapezoidal case, and uses the unamplified sound from the sound board for its input.
Layout
There is a kickback in the left outlane. There are three groups of three stand-up targets: red on the left side, blue on the right side, and yellow towards the middle. There is a corresponding lock/kickout for each colour, with the red and yellow including a spinner that the ball hits before reaching them. The table has a single ramp, with a wireform return to the right flipper; where this ramp turns a laser-gun turret is located which lights up at various points during a game. The top left of the machine has W-A-R rollovers just above three pop-bumpers.[10]
Gameplay
The table is controlled with two flippers, and has a manual plunger. By hitting all three targets in a colour group the player lights a lock, and after locking two balls, the two ball multiball starts. This can be turned into a three ball multiball by locking these balls again, which enables a jackpot to be collected by hitting the ramp.[11][6]
Reception
In a review for Play Meter, Roger Sharpe gave the game 3.5/4 with a layout that is fair to an average player, yet still challenging for a more skilled player.[12] It was also the cover story for the April 1987 issue of RePlay magazine.[13]
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