Seattle's only Interactive Pinball Museum & Free-play Arcade!
Seattle's only Interactive Pinball Museum & Free-play Arcade!
Date of Manufacture: August 1971
Number Produced: 1,555 units
Manufacturer: Bally Manufacturing Co.
Creators:
Game Type:
Rating: 7.5/10
Fun Rating: 8/10
Released in 1971, Expressway is a hallmark of Bally's rich portfolio of electro-mechanical pinball machines. Designed by Ted Zale, a pioneer in innovative playfield layouts, and adorned with Christian Marche's bold, geometric artwork, the game captures the era's design sensibilities. The machine featured unique innovations such as a left-side kickback lane and an up-post between flippers, providing enhanced ball control—a significant advancement for its time.
Expressway became a favorite for its straightforward yet challenging gameplay, marked by six mushroom bumpers, three pop bumpers, and strategically placed kick-out holes. The game's theme of roadways and travel struck a chord with players during an era of growing car culture in the U.S., making it a culturally resonant addition to arcades.
As highways symbolized freedom and exploration during the 1970s, Expressway's theme resonated deeply, aligning with the spirit of the era. Its innovative mechanics influenced subsequent Bally machines, helping define the electro-mechanical era of pinball.
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The main goal of Expressway is to achieve the highest possible score by skillfully using the machine’s distinctive features, including mushroom bumpers, pop bumpers, kick-out holes, and the up-post between the flippers. Success lies in maximizing point-scoring opportunities and utilizing the kickback and up-post for extended gameplay.
Scoring Opportunities:
Kickback Lane:
Up-Post Between Flippers:
Hit the Mushroom Bumpers Early:
Maximize Kick-Out Hole Use:
Control the Flippers:
Leverage the Kickback Lane:
Utilize the Up-Post:
Expressway rewards precision and timing. With its blend of unique features and scoring mechanisms, this machine remains a favorite among enthusiasts. Hone your skills, aim carefully, and take full advantage of its innovative gameplay elements to dominate the leaderboard!
"Expressway Pinball Machine." Pinside, www.pinside.com/pinball/machine/expressway. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
"Expressway by Bally." Open Pinball Database (OPDB), opdb.org/machine/expressway. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
"Expressway (Bally, 1971)." Internet Pinball Machine Database (IPDB), www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=846. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
Pinball Nirvana, www.pinballnirvana.com/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
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