"Ripley's Believe It or Not!" Pinball by Stern Pinball, Inc., launched in March 2004, invited players into a world of the strange, the bizarre, and the unusual, capturing the essence of Robert Ripley's global quest for the extraordinary. This solid-state electronic (SS) machine, designated model I-0081, emerged from the collaborative efforts of an experienced team, featuring the distinct design sensibilities of Pat Lawlor. Lawlor's reputation for creating games with compelling flow and intricate rule sets was evident in this title, which quickly garnered attention for its unique approach to a licensed theme.

The visual identity of "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" was shaped by the artistry of John Youssi, whose work translated the eclectic nature of the theme onto the playfield and cabinet. Chris Granner contributed the auditory landscape, composing both the music and sound effects that underscored the game's quirky atmosphere. Software development was handled by Greg Dunlap and Louis Koziarz, bringing the intricate rule set to life, while Adam Rhine crafted the animations that punctuated gameplay. The mechanical elements were conceived by John Krutsch, ensuring the physical reliability and interactive nature of the machine's various features. With 2,750 units produced, "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" represented a significant release for Stern Pinball, utilizing a modified Whitestar MPU to power its complex operations. A distinctive fact surrounding its production involved machines destined for the UK, which were factory-fitted with three "skill posts" to meet specific import tax regulations, classifying them as games of skill rather than chance. These posts, including one between the lower flippers and one in each outlane, could be temporarily raised via extra cabinet buttons, though many operators later disabled this feature to optimize game time on location.

Signature Features and Design

"Ripley's Believe It or Not!" is characterized by several standout features that enhance its thematic integration and gameplay depth. Central to its visual appeal is the Shrunken Head toy positioned prominently over the playfield. More than just an aesthetic element, a magnet strategically placed beneath this shrunken head acts as a ball-catcher, temporarily holding the ball before releasing it with a burst of energy to the rear of the playfield or back to the lower flippers depending on the active mode. This interaction adds an element of unpredictability and visual spectacle.

Another distinctive mechanism is the "Vari-target," referred to by Stern as a "variable push target." This dynamic target retracts based on the force of the ball strike, offering variable scoring or triggering different game events based on its position. The machine also incorporates a second magnet within the Idol feature, further manipulating ball movement and adding to the game's interactive complexity. The playfield is equipped with three flippers, providing diverse shot angles and challenging trajectories. A multi-level rule, aptly named the 'Believe it or Not.' feature, allows players of all skill levels to engage with the game effectively. Beginners can achieve initial goals more readily, while advanced players can leverage this system to extend their opportunities and deepen their strategic approach, fostering long-term engagement and replayability. These features collectively contribute to a gameplay experience that is both visually stimulating and mechanically varied.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" presents a sophisticated layout, characteristic of Pat Lawlor's design philosophy, emphasizing a multitude of shots and intricate pathways within a standard cabinet width. The game features two main ramps, offering high-scoring opportunities and facilitating rapid ball movement across different sections of the playfield. These ramps are complemented by ramp diverters, which guide the ball to various destinations depending on the active mode, adding an element of surprise and demanding precise shot execution.

At the heart of the playfield’s interactive elements are six pop bumpers, strategically positioned to create lively ball agitation and random bounces, contributing to the game's overall energy. Six standup targets and two spinning targets offer additional objectives, requiring accuracy to light features or advance mode progression. An up-post located in the upper right corner of the playfield further controls ball flow, holding or releasing the ball to set up specific shots or modes. The Idol feature, containing one of the game's two magnets, serves as a crucial target, initiating modes or multiball opportunities. The playfield artwork, executed by John Youssi, complements the Ripley's theme with a vibrant and quirky aesthetic, integrating bizarre curiosities and global landmarks that reinforce the "Believe It or Not!" narrative. The lighting design works in tandem with the artwork, guiding the player's eye to active shots and enhancing the immersive experience, creating a visual spectacle that mirrors the fantastical theme.

Gameplay Dynamics

The gameplay dynamics of "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" are anchored by a deep and multifaceted rule set that encourages exploration and strategic play. The game's primary objective revolves around traveling to seven continents, each unlocking unique challenges and progression opportunities. Players advance through these continents by completing specific shots and objectives, culminating in a journey that mirrors Robert Ripley's global expeditions. The "Believe it or Not!" feature further layers the experience, allowing less experienced players to progress through a simplified version of the rules while offering advanced players a more complex path to extend their game.

"Ripley's Believe It or Not!" boasts a dynamic multiball system, featuring 2-, 3-, and 4-ball multiball modes. These chaotic sequences are often triggered by specific shots to the Idol or Shrunken Head, providing high-scoring opportunities and intense flipper action. Progression through the game involves completing various "oddities" and "treasures" across the continents, each contributing to a cumulative score and leading towards the ultimate wizard mode: Atlantis. Reaching Atlantis is a challenging endeavor, requiring mastery of the game's mechanics and a thorough understanding of its rule set, serving as a rewarding long-term goal. The game's callouts and animations infuse the experience with humor and whimsy, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Ripley's franchise and keeping players engaged throughout their bizarre journey.

Reception and Legacy

"Ripley's Believe It or Not!" has cultivated a distinctive reputation within the pinball community since its release, often regarded as an undervalued machine. Its strengths are frequently cited, particularly its fun gameplay and deep, complex ruleset. Players appreciate the varied shots and balanced playfield layout, attributing these qualities to Pat Lawlor's design influence. The game is seen as offering significant challenge and reward, catering to both new players and seasoned enthusiasts. Its thematic integration receives considerable praise, with many noting how effectively the quirky callouts, unique toys like the Shrunken Head and Vari-target, and exploration-based gameplay capture the essence of Ripley's Believe It or Not! The whimsical sound package and humorous elements are also frequently highlighted as enhancing the overall experience. For many, the machine offers strong value due to its robust design and comprehensive features, leading to high replayability.

Despite its many lauded qualities, "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" has received some nuanced feedback. Some players found the theme, while well-integrated, not entirely compelling for a pinball machine, or considered certain aspects of the cabinet artwork less inspiring. Gameplay criticisms occasionally point to a perceived cluttered playfield, which can lead to a stop-and-go flow for some, though others see this as part of its strategic depth. Repetitive audio cues were also noted by some, and the strength of the upper right flipper was a minor point of contention. The outlanes were sometimes described as unforgiving, leading to frustrating drains. Despite these specific criticisms, "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" maintains a position as a memorable Stern title from the early 2000s. Its status as a Pat Lawlor design often draws comparisons to other complex games, cementing its significance as a challenging yet highly rewarding pinball experience that continues to appeal to a dedicated following.