The Champion Pub is a pinball machine designed by Bally Manufacturing Co. and released in April 1998. It was created during a period when pinball was evolving, blending innovative mechanics with engaging themes to captivate players. Designed by Pete Piotrowski, a well-known name in pinball design, the machine takes inspiration from boxing, offering a unique blend of humor and competitive spirit.

The theme revolves around a boxing match, where players take on the role of a boxer aiming to rise through the ranks. The machine was produced in a run of 1,369 units, making it relatively rare and sought after by collectors today. The design process involved a team of talented individuals, including Linda Deal and Paul Barker for artwork, and Rich Carle for music and sound, creating an immersive experience.

The Champion Pub is built on the Williams WPC-95 platform, known for its reliability and advanced features for the time. The machine also features a dot matrix display, which was a staple in late '90s pinball, providing animated scoring and game information.

Signature Features and Design

One of the standout features of The Champion Pub is its interactive toys and mechanisms. The machine includes a rotating boxer that spins 180 degrees, revealing a boxer who waves his arms, adding a dynamic element to the playfield. Players can hit the boxer's face with the ball, guided by ramps, or aim for the body between the ramps for a "body blow." This interactive element is both entertaining and challenging, making it a central feature of the machine.

Another unique feature is the mini-playfield, where the ball is launched at a speed bag using plastic fists instead of traditional flippers. This mechanism mimics the action of boxing training, providing a fresh and engaging gameplay experience. Additionally, the "jump rope" feature, a rotating wire that the ball must jump over using a solenoid, adds a fun and quirky challenge to the game.

The artwork, by Linda Deal and Paul Barker, captures the gritty and humorous side of boxing, with vibrant colors and caricatured boxers adorning the playfield and backglass. The overall aesthetic is both visually appealing and thematic, drawing players into the world of the game.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of The Champion Pub is designed to resemble a boxing ring, complete with ropes, a canvas floor, and a scoreboard. The layout is intuitive, with major shots and targets clearly marked to guide the player through the game. The ramps and interactive toys are strategically placed to create a sense of progression and flow.

The playfield features three captive balls, a pair of flippers, and an automatic plunger. The ball can be launched into a speed bag, which is a small, raised area with a target that the ball must hit repeatedly to score points. The speed bag is a fun and challenging feature that requires precise timing and control.

The artwork on the playfield is detailed and thematic, with cartoonish boxers, referees, and spectators adding to the game's humor and charm. The lighting is also well-designed, with flashers and illumination effects that highlight key targets and events during gameplay.

Gameplay Dynamics

The Champion Pub offers a variety of gameplay modes and objectives that keep players engaged. The game is centered around a boxing match, where players must progress through different rounds and defeat opponents to win the championship. The scoring system is based on hitting specific targets and completing challenges, with bonus points awarded for particularly skillful shots.

One of the unique aspects of The Champion Pub is its use of video modes. Players can activate video-based minigames, such as "Spittin' Gallery" and "Poker Night," by hitting specific targets on the playfield. These modes add a layer of variety and interactivity to the game, making it more engaging and fun.

The gameplay mechanics are designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels. Novice players can easily understand the basic objectives, while experienced players can dive deeper into the game's strategies and nuances. The game also features a "buy-in" button, which allows players to add credits to their game, extending the play session.

Reception and Legacy

The Champion Pub has received widespread acclaim from the pinball community for its unique theme, creative gameplay, and humorous design. Many players praise the machine's ability to balance accessibility with depth, making it enjoyable for both casual and serious players. The interactive toys and video modes are particularly well-received, as they add a layer of engagement that sets the game apart from other pinball machines.

However, some players have criticized The Champion Pub for its repetitive gameplay mechanics. The game's "stop-and-go" nature, where the ball often comes to a stop for animations or target hits, can disrupt the flow of the game for some players. Additionally, the limited production run has made the machine somewhat rare and difficult to find, which can be frustrating for enthusiasts who want to add it to their collection.

Despite these criticisms, The Champion Pub has left a lasting legacy in the pinball community. Its innovative design and creative gameplay mechanics have influenced the development of subsequent pinball machines, particularly in the use of interactive toys and video modes. The game's charm and uniqueness have made it a beloved title among pinball enthusiasts, and it continues to be celebrated for its contribution to the evolution of pinball.

The Champion Pub is more than just a pinball machine; it's an experience that combines the thrill of boxing with the excitement of pinball. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual player, The Champion Pub offers a fun and engaging gameplay experience that is sure to entertain.