Pinball machines are defined by their ability to transport players into a unique world, and few accomplished this as effectively as Centaur, released by Bally Manufacturing Co. in October 1981. This solid-state electronic (SS) machine, designated Model 1239, emerged from a period of rapid innovation in pinball, pushing boundaries with its distinct theme, sound, and gameplay mechanics. With approximately 3,700 units produced, Centaur carved out a memorable niche, standing apart from many of its contemporaries.

The creative forces behind Centaur included Jim Patla on design, Paul Faris crafting the artwork, Rehman Merchant developing the software, and Irv Grabel focusing on mechanics. Patla drew inspiration from an earlier Bally creation, the 1956 'Balls-A-Poppin', particularly its multi-ball concept. Grabel, in turn, engineered Centaur's sophisticated multiball mechanism, a central pillar of its gameplay. The machine's theme delves into a dark fantasy realm, featuring monstrous centaur figures and a motorcycle aesthetic, all presented through a strikingly stark visual filter. This fusion of mythology and a contemporary, gritty edge gave Centaur an immediate, powerful identity upon its release.

Signature Features and Design

Centaur's identity is largely shaped by its distinctive visual and auditory presentation. Paul Faris's artwork defines the machine, rendered almost entirely in black and white, with selective red accents providing high contrast. This gothic-inspired aesthetic, featuring the imposing Centaur figure and skeletal elements, was a deliberate departure from the more colorful and often whimsical themes common in pinball at the time. It created a serious, almost menacing atmosphere that resonated deeply with players seeking a different kind of experience.

Auditorily, Centaur delivers an immersive soundscape. It utilizes Bally's "Squawk and Talk" speech card for custom callouts, which are notably aggressive and taunting, urging players to push their limits. What elevates the auditory experience further is the inclusion of a "Say It Again" reverb card, which adds a distinct echo and depth to the speech and sound effects. This combination creates an atmospheric quality, making the machine's vocalizations feel as if they emanate from within the dark world depicted on the playfield.

Mechanically, Centaur introduced several elements that enhanced its appeal. The concept of "virtual captured balls" or "orbs" is key to its 5-ball multiball, where the game tracks the state of up to four virtual balls for each player, leading to a dramatic release of multiple physical balls when multiball is activated. A single magnet in the upper right corner of the playfield momentarily holds the ball, creating a momentary pause before it is released back into play. The machine features an automatic plunger in addition to a manual one, contributing to gameplay flow. Furthermore, an operator-optionable two-tilt system adds a layer of strategic risk, allowing a first "warning" tilt without penalty, but ending the game on a second. The attract mode also offered a unique option to automatically launch all five balls onto the playfield every 15 minutes, allowing them to interact with the pop bumpers and slingshots, providing a dynamic display even when not being played.

Playfield and Mechanics

The Centaur playfield is designed for high-energy play, balancing open spaces for rapid ball movement with concentrated areas of targets. It features two flippers, positioned conventionally at the bottom of the playfield, and two pop bumpers, centrally located to keep the ball in motion and direct it towards scoring opportunities.

Central to the playfield's layout are its twelve drop targets. These are strategically placed, including two banks of four drop targets and a single in-line bank of four, which are critical for advancing gameplay and accumulating points. The "orb" drop targets are particularly important, as clearing them is a primary method for initiating Centaur's 5-ball multiball. A single captive ball is located on the right side of the playfield, offering a specific target for precise shots. The shot to the magnet, recessed in the upper right corner, provides a unique interaction, momentarily pausing gameplay before the ball re-enters the general playfield.

The flow of Centaur's playfield encourages a constant cycle of target hitting and ball control. Shots to the drop targets often feed back towards the flippers or into the pop bumper area, ensuring dynamic, continuous action. The interplay between the different target banks and the captive ball provides varied shot opportunities, preventing repetitive trajectories. The artwork on the playfield reinforces the dark, gothic theme, with detailed illustrations that guide the eye to key features and scoring areas. Lighting complements this aesthetic, using strategic illumination to highlight active targets and modes, contributing to the overall visual impact of the machine.

Gameplay Dynamics

Centaur's gameplay dynamics center around its innovative multiball system and the strategic pursuit of "orbs." The primary objective is to activate the 5-ball multiball by collecting these virtual "orbs," typically achieved by clearing specific sets of drop targets. Each player tracks their own set of orbs, a feature that was quite advanced for its time. When multiball is activated, the game dramatically ejects previously "captured" balls from a ramp located below the playfield, plunging the player into a chaotic, high-scoring phase.

Scoring in Centaur is heavily weighted towards multiball play and the efficient clearing of drop targets. Players are rewarded for precision shots to the various target banks, which not only contribute to their score but also advance bonus multipliers. During multiball, the game becomes a frantic race to keep multiple balls in play, hitting as many targets as possible to maximize points. The "Say It Again" reverb and taunting callouts add a layer of urgency and excitement, driving players to perform under pressure.

Strategic approaches often involve prioritizing the "orb" targets to quickly launch multiball, then shifting focus to managing the numerous balls on the playfield to sustain the high-scoring phase. The captive ball and the magnet shot also provide valuable, high-point opportunities that can be integrated into a broader strategy. The operator-optionable two-tilt system adds a unique layer of challenge; players must balance aggressive nudging with the risk of tilting out of the game, adding a layer of strategic decision-making beyond just shooting the ball. This combination of chaotic multiball, precise target shooting, and a unique tilt system creates a demanding yet highly rewarding gameplay experience.

Reception and Legacy

Centaur garnered significant attention within the pinball community upon its release and maintains a robust reputation decades later. Its strengths are frequently cited, beginning with Paul Faris's iconic black and white artwork. This gothic, almost "demonic" aesthetic was considered ahead of its time, providing a bold and memorable visual identity that still stands out. The game's engaging gameplay is another major positive, offering multiple avenues to achieve multiball and a satisfying progression through its rule set. Players appreciate the machine's balance of challenge and accessibility, leading many to seek "one more game." The immersive sound design, with its custom taunting callouts and the added atmosphere of the "Say It Again" reverb board, is consistently praised for enhancing the overall experience. For collectors of the early 1980s era, Centaur holds significant historical value, showcasing innovative technology and design philosophies that were groundbreaking for its period, particularly its advanced multiball mechanics.

While feedback is largely positive, some specific points of critique have emerged over time. The machine's market value, while reflective of its status, can be perceived as high for a pinball machine of its vintage compared to the feature set of modern titles. Although widely celebrated, the black and white artwork is not universally appealing; a minority of players find its visual style too dark or somber. Some also contend that the gameplay, particularly the bonus system or paths to multiball, can become repetitive or too easy for experienced players seeking deeper rules. Minor maintenance considerations occasionally arise, with the auto-launch mechanism and ball trough switches sometimes requiring attention. Compared to contemporary pinball designs, some players feel Centaur lacks the complex rule sets and deep objectives of modern machines. Additionally, its playfield layout can lead to quick ball drains for less precise shots.

Despite these considerations, the overwhelming sentiment towards Centaur remains highly positive. It is widely regarded as a classic, often described as an enjoyable and enduring pinball machine. It stands as a testament to Bally's design prowess during a pivotal era for pinball, its unique theme and groundbreaking features leaving an indelible mark on the hobby. Centaur's bold aesthetic and advanced multiball implementation set a benchmark, influencing how future pinball machines approached thematic depth and gameplay innovation.