Mata Hari (pinball)
| Industry | Pinball machine manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1932 |
| Products | Pinball machines, including Mata Hari (1977) |
Mata Hari is a pinball game developed by Bally Manufacturing in 1977 and launched in 1978, inspired by the Dutch exotic dancer Mata Hari. The majority of units were built using solid-state electronics, although around 170 machines were made with electro-mechanical components, making it Bally's final model available in both formats. A limited number of about 20 prototype machines were equipped with a plastic playfield rather than the standard wooden one.
Description
The artwork showcases a palette of deep red and gold hues, centered around an image of a dagger, which also appears on the backglass held by Mata Hari herself. One variant of the backglass features the Nazi SS slogan "Meine Ehre heißt Treue" ("My honor is loyalty"), which is historically inaccurate as Mata Hari died during the First World War. Both versions of the backglass were produced in nearly equal quantities.
This machine employs chimes for sound effects instead of electronic noises, reflecting its era before such technology became common. Its main components include two flippers, four pop bumpers, two slingshots, a set of two four-bank drop targets, and a single kick-out hole. The internal electronics consist of an MPU 2518-17 circuit board paired with an AS2518-18 power supply unit.
Gameplay
Designed to accommodate up to four participants, the table features a balanced layout and simple rules that appeal to novice and experienced players alike. Players aim to knock down drop targets, repeatedly complete the A-B target sequence, and successfully land balls in the kick-out hole multiple times. Scoring advances through illuminated values triggered by rollover lanes and orbit shots, while multipliers increase via successive kick-out hole hits. Clearing all drop targets grants points and activates special features. Extra replays can be earned by hitting specific targets, with only one additional ball permitted per ball in play; any further extra balls result in mystery scoring.