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Seattle Pinball Museum
Home
Our History
Game List
  • Game List
  • 2000-NOW
  • 1980-1999
  • 1960-1979
Planning a visit
  • Plan Your Trip
  • How to Get Here
  • Whats Around Us
  • Rules for Entry
  • FAQs
  • Location and Hours
Games for Sale
  • Featured Games for Sale
  • Jersey Jack Pinball
  • Chicago Gaming Company
  • Legacy Machines
  • Sales Contact Form
Private Events
More
  • Home
  • Our History
  • Game List
    • Game List
    • 2000-NOW
    • 1980-1999
    • 1960-1979
  • Planning a visit
    • Plan Your Trip
    • How to Get Here
    • Whats Around Us
    • Rules for Entry
    • FAQs
    • Location and Hours
  • Games for Sale
    • Featured Games for Sale
    • Jersey Jack Pinball
    • Chicago Gaming Company
    • Legacy Machines
    • Sales Contact Form
  • Private Events

  • Home
  • Our History
  • Game List
    • Game List
    • 2000-NOW
    • 1980-1999
    • 1960-1979
  • Planning a visit
    • Plan Your Trip
    • How to Get Here
    • Whats Around Us
    • Rules for Entry
    • FAQs
    • Location and Hours
  • Games for Sale
    • Featured Games for Sale
    • Jersey Jack Pinball
    • Chicago Gaming Company
    • Legacy Machines
    • Sales Contact Form
  • Private Events

Nip-It Museumm Back Glass

Nip-It

Date of Manufacture: 1973
Number Produced: ~4,280 units
Manufacturer: Bally Manufacturing Co.

Creators:

  • Designer: Ted Zale
  • Artist: Dick White

Game Type: 

  • Electro-mechanical
  • 4-player game

Rating: 7.5/10
Fun Rating: 8.5/10

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DISCUSSION OF Nip-It PINBALL

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History
Innovations
Game Tutorial

History of Nip-It

Released during the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball, Nip-It is celebrated for its innovative Balligator mechanism—a unique ball-grabbing device operated by a separate “Gator” button on the right flipper. This feature allowed players to actively interact with gameplay in ways unseen before. The game's use of “zipper flippers,” which closed together to reduce the gap between them, added a layer of strategy and player control.

Cultural Impact and Popularity

Cultural Impact and Popularity

Cultural Impact and Popularity

The machine gained additional cultural significance due to its appearance in the popular TV show Happy Days, where Fonzie frequently played it at Arnold’s Diner. This exposure helped cement Nip-It as an iconic piece of Americana during the 1970s.

Cultural Impact and Popularity

Cultural Impact and Popularity

The game also featured a compelling two-ball multiball mode, making it one of the few electro-mechanical machines to incorporate this advanced feature. Its vibrant artwork, designed by Dick White, complemented its dynamic gameplay and contributed to its enduring appeal.

Innovations and Features

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Nip-It introduced several key innovations:


  • Balligator Mechanism: The “grabber” added an interactive element, allowing players to trap the ball strategically. Early versions featured a plastic alligator, which was later replaced with a more durable metal bar.


  • Zipper Flippers: Provided players the ability to reduce the drain lane width, enhancing control.


  • Multiball Mode: Offered a thrilling challenge, as players had to juggle multiple balls while maximizing scoring opportunities.

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Interesting Facts and Trivia

Interesting Facts and Trivia

  • Nip-It was one of the last major electro-mechanical games before the industry transitioned to solid-state machines.


  • Nip-It was also the last pinball machine to feature "Zipper Flippers"


  • Early promotional materials depicted a molded alligator, but this was removed due to frequent breakage.


  • The Gator Grabber was operated by a separate button, adding a tactile layer of gameplay for players to master.


  • The machine's maximum score display was capped at 99,990 points, reflecting the limitations of electro-mechanical scoring reels.


  • Nip-It was originally a 3 ball multi-ball game but during production was reduced to a 2 ball multi-ball to save on production costs.


  • Fonzie’s association with the game in Happy Days increased its visibility, making it a symbol of 1970s pop culture.

Nip-It Gameplay Tutorial

Goal and Objectives

The primary objective in Nip-It is to score the most points by interacting with its key features—specifically the Balligator Mechanism, Zipper Flippers, and Multiball Mode. The game combines fast-paced action with a high level of player control, especially with the unique "Gator" button that allows you to grab the ball for a bonus scoring opportunity. The game includes a set of target sequences and features designed to maximize your scoring potential, including a two-ball multiball mode.

Game Modes and Rule Sets

The Balligator Mechanism

  • The Balligator is a key feature of Nip-It, located on the upper-right part of the playfield.
  • You can activate the Balligator by pressing the Gator button (located by the right flipper), which grabs the ball and pulls it into a high-scoring lane.
  • This mechanism can be a strategic point for boosting your score, so use it wisely to collect bonus points or maneuver the ball into advantageous areas.

Zipper Flippers

  • This unique feature involves two flippers that "zip" together, closing the gap between them. This allows for more precise ball control and increases your ability to keep the ball in play while targeting specific areas.
  • Mastering the timing of the zipper flippers will give you more control over the ball and help you set up shots that lead to higher scores.

Multiball Mode

  • Nip-It includes a two-ball multiball mode that can be triggered during play.
  • To start multiball, you need to hit specific targets or complete certain tasks, which vary slightly based on game progression. Once activated, you’ll need to manage two balls simultaneously, which significantly increases the challenge and scoring potential.
  • The more you juggle and manage the multiball scenario, the more points you can rack up.

Pop Bumpers and Kickout Holes

  • There are four pop bumpers scattered around the playfield. These bumpers increase your score each time the ball hits them, and their score can be further augmented with other mechanisms like the kickout holes.
  • Use the zipper flippers to direct the ball into the bumpers or kickout holes for quick score boosts.

Target Sequences

  • The game includes standup targets that light up various scoring bonuses. Completing certain target sequences can lead to extra points and valuable advantages during multiball.

How to Score High

Activate the Balligator Early

  • Use the Gator button early in the game to grab the ball and steer it into high-value lanes for significant points. Timing is crucial, as you’ll need to activate it when the ball is near the Balligator.
  • When multiball is active, consider using the Balligator to trap a ball and gain extra points, especially when it is in a higher-scoring area.

Control the Ball with Zipper Flippers

  • Take full advantage of the zipper flippers by mastering their timing. They allow you to make more controlled shots, keeping the ball alive longer and setting up shots for your next target or feature.
  • With more precise control, you can keep the ball from draining while positioning it for more rewarding actions like hitting bumpers or kickout holes.

Multiball Mastery

  • Activate multiball mode as soon as you can to increase your scoring potential. Managing two balls at once requires quick reflexes, but it’s a great way to rack up points.
  • Focus on keeping both balls in play without draining them. Use the zipper flippers to direct the balls to desirable areas.

Maximize Bumper Hits

  • Take full advantage of the pop bumpers by hitting them frequently. The more you can direct the ball into them using the zipper flippers, the higher your score will climb.
  • Utilize the kickout holes effectively for additional point opportunities.

Finish Target Sequences

  • Keep an eye on the standup targets and complete sequences as quickly as possible. Completing these will trigger valuable bonuses, increasing your overall score.

Additional Tips

  • Start strong by mastering the Balligator early to collect bonus points and set up for a successful multiball.
  • Use multiball to your advantage—don't waste any opportunity to capitalize on two balls at once.
  • Always aim for the pop bumpers and kickout holes for frequent scoring.

By effectively using the unique features of Nip-It, including the Balligator, zipper flippers, and multiball, you'll be on your way to maximizing your score and enjoying all that this fun and challenging game has to offer!

General Gameplay Tips

  • Ball Control: Maintaining control of the ball is crucial for maximizing your score. Focus on keeping the ball away from the outlanes and in the center of the playfield.
  • Timing and Precision: Pay attention to the timing of your shots. Precise flipper control can help you hit high-value targets and complete objectives.
  • Understanding the Playfield: Familiarize yourself with the playfield layout, including the locations of bumpers, kickers, and rollovers. Knowing where to aim can help you optimize your gameplay strategy.

Advanced Strategy

  • Combo Shots: Align shots to hit the swinging targets immediately after the ball ricochets from lit bumpers for bonus chain scoring.
  • Play Defense: Watch for rebounds from the swinging targets, as they can lead to unexpected drains if not carefully managed.
  • Endgame Planning: Set up the playfield during the last ball to maximize bonus collection at the end of your turn.

Resources

"Nip-It Pinball Machine (1973)." Pinball Museum, www.pinballmuseum.org. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

"Nip-It Pinball Machine by Bally." Elite Home Gamerooms, www.elitehomegamerooms.com. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

"Nip-It Pinball Machine Rules and Features." Internet Pinball Database, www.ipdb.org. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Nip-It Pinball Machine by Bally. Kineticist, www.kineticist.com. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kurtz, Bill. Arcade Treasures. p. 84.

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