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Capersville
Date of Manufacture: December, 1966
Number Produced: 5,120 units
Manufacturer: Bally Manufacturing Co.
Creators:
- Concept and Game Design: Ted Zale
- Artist: Jerry Kelley
Type: Electro-Mechanical - 4 Players
Rating: 8.4/10
Fun Rating: 8/10
DISCUSSION OF Capersville PINBALL
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History of Capersville
Capersville emerged as a highly innovative pinball machine during its release in 1966. Designed by Ted Zale, known as the "King of Pinball," and illustrated by Jerry Kelley, this game captured the thrilling essence of mid-20th-century espionage. Its thematic inspiration leaned heavily into spy culture, reminiscent of early James Bond films. Capersville was a resounding success, becoming Bally's best-selling machine of the 1960s and maintaining that position until the early 1970s.
The machine's standout feature was its "zipper flippers," a groundbreaking innovation that allowed the flippers to move closer together, preventing center drains and extending gameplay. This design was part of a broader Bally push for more engaging and skill-oriented play. Capersville also included multiball play, one of the earliest machines to do so, which added a dynamic layer of complexity and excitement.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Capersville was more than a game; it embodied the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s with its playful nods to espionage. The game’s mechanics and theme played a pivotal role in cementing Bally as a leader in pinball innovation. Despite initial skepticism from Bally executives, the machine’s enduring popularity validated the bold design choices of Zale and Kelley.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
Cultural Impact and Popularity
The machine's appeal extended internationally, with notable success in Germany. Variants with German-language playfields and backglass art were produced, further emphasizing its global reach. Its gameplay complexity and advanced features marked a transition into the modern era of pinball machines.
Innovations and Features
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Zipper Flippers: A revolutionary design element unique to Bally machines from this era. It allowed players greater control and reduced the frustration of frequent ball drains.
- Multiball Gameplay: Capersville featured three-ball multiball, a rarity for its time, which introduced an exhilarating challenge for players.
- Dynamic Ruleset: The rules included "locking" balls in play and activating various bonuses by strategically hitting mushroom bumpers, creating a high-skill ceiling.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Capersville's use of zipper flippers marked it as one of 18 Bally machines employing this technology between 1966 and 1973.
- It was the second pinball machine in history to feature multiball gameplay.
- The cabinet art and "pointy people" artwork were polarizing; some collectors found them unappealing despite the gameplay brilliance.
- Early production models had a white cabinet front, while later versions featured a green design.
- It ranks as one of the most sought-after 1960s machines for collectors due to its innovative features and cultural significance.
Capersville Gameplay Tutorial
Goal and Objectives
The primary goal in Capersville is to rack up as many points as possible while exploring its unique gameplay features, including zipper flippers and multiball. The game incorporates strategic elements, such as advancing the “Deep 4 Caper” lane and locking balls for multiball. Players must navigate a variety of skill shots and utilize features specific to the machine to maximize their score.
Game Features and Gameplay Elements
Zipper Flippers
- How to Activate: Hit the red mushroom bumper to close the flippers. This prevents the ball from draining through the center gap.
- How to Deactivate: Hit any of the green mushroom bumpers, which reopen the flippers.
Multiball (Three-Ball Gameplay)
- Lock Balls: Shoot the ball into either top saucer when it is empty. You can lock up to two balls.
- Release Multiball: Hit the white mushroom bumper to release all locked balls, initiating multiball mode. Balls can be re-locked during multiball for additional scoring opportunities.
“Deep 4 Caper” Lane
- This is a progressive scoring feature located on the right side of the playfield.
- Advance the Ball: Hit the white mushroom bumper to move the ball down the lane.
- Scoring: When the ball reaches the bottom, it returns to the shooter lane, earning bonus points. Progress carries over across turns and games, allowing for strategic gameplay.
Left Gate Access
- Open the Gate: Hit the blue mushroom bumper to open the gate on the left, enabling access to the chute for bonus points.
- Chute Scoring: Advance the left chute’s "Zapper" value by hitting outlanes or mushroom bumpers.
Game Modes and Strategy Elements
Single-Ball Play
- Focus on advancing the “Deep 4 Caper” lane and maximizing the zapper chute values. Use the zipper flippers strategically to extend ball time.
Multiball Play
- Aim to control multiple balls while triggering high-scoring features like mushroom bumpers and chute bonuses.
- Use multiball to activate hard-to-reach features without worrying about losing your only ball.
How to Score High
Lock and Multiball Strategy
- Prioritize locking balls in the top saucers early in the game. Release them strategically by hitting the white bumper to score points and keep play exciting.
Zipper Flipper Mastery
- Keep the flippers closed as long as possible by avoiding green bumpers. This minimizes ball drains and allows for longer gameplay.
Chute Progression
- Advance the left chute values by targeting outlanes and mushroom bumpers. Collect the accumulated chute bonus when it is at its maximum value.
Skill Shots
- Aim for the center lane or either saucer during your initial plunge for easy points and ball locking opportunities.
Mushroom Bumpers
- Familiarize yourself with the roles of each bumper:
- Red: Zipper flippers.
- Blue: Left gate.
- Green: Reopen flippers.
- White: Advance "Deep 4 Caper" or release locked balls.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Neglecting Multiball:
- Locking balls is critical to unlocking high scores; ignoring this feature will severely limit your points.
Overreliance on Zipper Flippers:
- While they prevent center drains, zipper flippers reopening can catch you off guard if you're not prepared.
By mastering these features and prioritizing objectives, Capersville becomes a rewarding and high-energy pinball experience! For a deeper dive into its rules and quirks, consult the Pinside or IPDB resources
Resources
"Capersville Pinball Machine," Pinside, www.pinside.com. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
"Capersville (1966)," VFW Pinball Museum, vfwpinball.com. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
"Capersville (1966) Pinball Machine," Kineticist, www.kineticist.com. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
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