World Cup Soccer (pinball)
| Industry | Video games, Pinball machines |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Pinball machines, video games |
World Cup Soccer is a pinball machine from 1994, crafted by designers John Popadiuk and Larry DeMar, and produced by Midway Games. The theme revolves around the 1994 FIFA World Cup, incorporating soccer-related gameplay elements. A digital adaptation can be found in Pinball FX and associated platforms.
Gameplay
Central to the game is a soccer goal guarded by a moving goalkeeper figure, accompanied by a rotating ball that grants 10 million points upon scoring. To reset the goal mechanism, players must either activate four rollover targets or shoot into the free kick area, which then delivers the ball to the goal following flipper interaction.
Advancement depends on achieving multi-ball jackpots that symbolize various cities with teams to overcome. The game features 15 team rankings, with Germany occupying the highest position. Progression requires repeatedly triggering multi-ball modes to clear these jackpots.
Additionally, players can complete specific lanes and ramps to access nine U.S. cities for bonus points. Among these, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles unlock exclusive mini-games:
- The Boston location starts the "Boston Tea Party" mini-game, which counts down from 30 million points and awards the remaining score when the left ramp spinner is engaged.
- Washington D.C. activates an "Extra Ball" bonus.
- Los Angeles initiates the "Final Match" mini-game, offering 45 seconds to outscore Germany’s virtual squad for a 500 million point reward and top team status.
Digital versions
Previously available as downloadable content for The Pinball Arcade until its removal on June 30, 2018, this table was originally released under the title World Champion Soccer due to FarSight Studios' lack of rights to use the FIFA World Cup branding. To circumvent licensing restrictions, certain elements were modified; for instance, the playfield lights spelling W-O-R-L-D-C-U-P were altered to C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N, and all references to World Cup USA 94 on plastics and backglass were either renamed or omitted.
On October 20, 2022, Zen Studios launched this table as standalone DLC for Pinball FX. This version holds an official FIFA license following the expiration of FIFA’s exclusivity agreement with EA Sports, enabling a more authentic recreation of the original 1994 machine. Enhancements include an official FIFA License logo displayed on both backglass and playfield, along with an optional animated rendition of the 1994 World Cup mascot, Striker, performing tricks adjacent to the playfield.
Trivia
- The character Raiden from the Mortal Kombat franchise makes a cameo appearance during a bonus round.
- The promotional flyer for the machine uses an American football field as its background instead of a soccer pitch; however, it features Soldier Field in Chicago, one of the primary venues during the 1994 World Cup, including hosting the opening match.