Theatre of Magic
| Company type | Pinball machine |
|---|---|
| Industry | Arcade games, Pinball |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | John Popadiuk |
| Products | Pinball machines |
| Parent | Midway (Williams) |
Theatre of Magic is a pinball machine from 1995, crafted by designer John Popadiuk and manufactured by Midway (Williams) under the Bally label. Players take on the role of an apprentice magician honing their craft through various stage illusions. Initially named "The Magic of David Copperfield", the title was altered due to licensing complications. Interestingly, Capcom also launched a magic-themed pinball titled Pinball Magic in the same year.
Design
The cabinet’s design mimics a vintage magician’s trunk. Early prototype versions included an up-post situated between the flippers, which was removed prior to final production. The focal point of the playfield is a rotating magic trunk whose panels can reveal either a sinkhole or an electromagnet designed to capture the ball.
Rollovers positioned above the rear bumpers are hidden from direct sight and can only be observed through a cleverly placed mirror.
Gameplay
To access the "Grand Finale" wizard mode, players must complete four primary objectives:
- Theatre: Complete the word T-H-E-A-T-R-E by shooting the left outer loop, triggering a countdown during which shots must be made into the magic trunk.
- Multiball: Spell out M-A-G-I-C by hitting ramps; locking two balls activates the magic trunk’s magnet and starts Theatre Multiball—a three-ball mode where jackpots are scored by hitting the trunk.
- Midnight Madness: Progress a clock from noon to midnight via shots to the right outer loop; once midnight is reached, shots into the magic trunk award variable points as the clock reverses.
- Illusions: Strike the magic trunk three times to rotate it, then shoot its opening to initiate one of eight modes: Tiger Saw, Levitating Woman, Trunk Escape, Spirit Cards, Safe Escape, Metamorphosis, Strait Jacket, or Hat Magic.
Achieving all objectives unlocks Grand Finale: within 60 seconds, players must make 12 shots that spell MAGIC THEATRE, each scoring 50 million points plus a 500 million bonus.
Additional gameplay elements include:
- "Secret Ball Lock": A subtle inner loop shot into the lock hole counts towards Theatre Multiball and lights remaining letters.
- "Vanish Lock": Hitting captive balls enables locking on the left outer loop; locking here before starting Theatre Multiball initiates a four-ball mode.
- Two "Hocus Pocus" targets activate magnetic ball savers on outlanes for 15 seconds or until the ball drains.
The game features a digital video mode and utilizes the DCS Sound System. Designed to appeal to both beginners and seasoned players, it exemplifies Williams’ mid-1990s emphasis on accessibility combined with complexity.
Reception
A 2021 evaluation in Pinball Mag awarded the game an 8 out of 10 overall, with gameplay, thematic immersion, and audio each receiving a 9 out of 10. The innovative magic trunk mechanism was singled out for praise. Conversely, the video mode faced criticism for lacking thematic cohesion; suggestions included incorporating elements like rabbits and hats or card throwing for better alignment.
Digital versions
In 2012, Theatre of Magic was made available on The Pinball Arcade, but it was removed on June 30, 2018, following expiration of WMS licensing rights. It subsequently appeared in Williams volume 3 for Pinball FX3 on March 19, 2019, with a remastered edition released for Pinball FX on March 31, 2022.