Bally's "Atlantis" pinball machine, released in April 1989, invited players to explore a submerged world of mystery and riches. Manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Co., a name synonymous with pinball innovation for decades, "Atlantis" embraced a compelling theme rooted in mythology and nautical adventure. The concept of a lost city beneath the waves, populated by sea creatures and mystical figures, provided fertile ground for its visual and mechanical design.

The creation of "Atlantis" was a collaborative effort by a team of experienced pinball developers. The game's intricate layout and shot geometry were conceptualized by designer Peter Perry. Pat McMahon contributed the machine's distinctive artwork, infusing the playfield, cabinet, and backglass with vibrant colors and a bold, comic-book aesthetic. The captivating sound design, featuring custom speech and an 80s synth-infused musical score, was crafted by Robin Seaver and Dan Forden. Tony Pugh was responsible for the machine's mechanical engineering, ensuring the various playfield elements functioned cohesively. Notably, "Atlantis" incorporated Williams' System 11 audio board (D-11581), a detail that provided a familiar and robust sound platform for Bally's undersea adventure. Production of "Atlantis" began on March 9, 1989, and concluded on May 17, 1989, resulting in a production run of 1,501 units. This solid-state electronic (SS) machine, designated Model Number 2006, marked a significant point as the final Bally game distributed to Germany via Bally Wulff.

Signature Features and Design

"Atlantis" distinguishes itself through several unique elements that enhance its thematic immersion and gameplay. The most prominent feature is the "Submarine" toy located on the upper-left side of the playfield. This mechanism serves as a ball lock, visibly "saving" up to three "divers" (pinballs) within its structure. Once three balls are locked, the Submarine initiates a dramatic 3-ball multiball sequence, launching the saved balls back onto the playfield, creating an engaging and rewarding spectacle.

Another notable feature is the mechanically raised and lowered ramp. This dynamic element alters shot opportunities during gameplay, adding an unpredictable layer to the playfield flow and requiring players to adapt their shot timing. The playfield also incorporates a singular cannon, offering a distinct shot dynamic. Pat McMahon's artwork further defines the machine's identity, characterized by its eye-catching colors and detailed depictions of undersea life, ancient ruins, and captivating figures, including sea-themed characters often shown interacting with dolphins on the backglass. The machine’s lighting scheme is particularly effective, utilizing a mix of vibrant illumination to highlight shots and modes, with a striking visual shift to red light during multiball, enhancing the intensity of the experience.

Playfield and Mechanics

The "Atlantis" playfield presents a balanced and engaging layout, designed to offer a mix of challenging and approachable shots. At its core, the playfield features two flippers positioned at the bottom, providing the primary means of ball control and shot execution. Above these, three pop bumpers animate the upper playfield, creating erratic ball movements and generating quick points.

Key objectives are integrated into the playfield design. A prominent 4-bank of drop targets provides a clear target set for progression, often tied to bonus multipliers or specific game objectives. Additionally, three separate 3-bank standup targets are strategically placed, offering further targets to light features or advance modes. A spinning target adds an element of skill, rewarding precise shots with high scores as the target rotates.

The machine features a loop shot, a classic element that encourages rhythmic shooting. A left-hand U-turn ramp serves as a significant shot, often leading to jackpot opportunities and contributing to the game's overall flow. A vertical up-kicker (VUK) and a center up-post are also present, adding variety to ball returns and providing moments of suspense. The submarine mechanism, beyond its ball-locking function, serves as an active playfield element, directing balls and contributing to the machine’s distinct aesthetic. The playfield's artwork complements the deep-sea theme, with intricate details of underwater ruins, coral formations, and sea creatures visually guiding the player through the sunken city. Lighting is used effectively to draw attention to active shots and mode indicators, creating a visually coherent and engaging play environment.

Gameplay Dynamics

"Atlantis" offers a gameplay experience that balances accessibility with elements of challenge, catering to a wide range of pinball players. The fundamental objective revolves around exploring the lost city and accumulating wealth, primarily through well-aimed shots and strategic use of the machine's features. The ruleset is generally straightforward, making it easy for new players to grasp, while offering enough depth to keep experienced players engaged in pursuing higher scores.

The primary progression often involves lighting locks for multiball, activating bonus multipliers through drop targets, and aiming for high-value jackpot shots. The "Submarine" multiball is a core mechanic, initiated by locking three balls within the submarine toy. Once activated, all three balls are released, and players must aim for flashing jackpot shots to maximize their score during this high-stakes mode. Beyond the main multiball, the game also features a general 3-ball multiball.

Timed drop targets add a layer of urgency and strategic focus, requiring players to clear them within a specific window to earn significant points or activate special features. The left-hand U-turn ramp often serves as the "Jackpot" shot, rewarding players who master its trajectory. The "Million-Dollar Shot" presents a high-value target, encouraging precise aiming and rewarding successful execution. Player strategies often involve prioritizing the timed drop targets to build up the bonus multiplier, then focusing on hitting the jackpot ramp to maximize multiball scores. The game encourages a "one-more-game" feeling, with a flow that rewards consistent shooting and attention to the various playfield elements.

Reception and Legacy

"Atlantis" by Bally has garnered a generally positive reception within the pinball community, often praised for its enjoyable gameplay and value proposition. Many players commend its vibrant and colorful artwork, particularly the backglass featuring sea-themed figures on dolphins, which some describe as beautiful and eye-catching. The machine's overall playability is frequently highlighted, with many finding it to be a fun and accessible game with a good variety of shots across the playfield. The "submarine" ball lock and the subsequent multiball launch are consistently praised as a unique and cool feature that adds excitement. The incorporation of timed drop targets and the left-hand U-turn ramp contribute to a balanced flow, providing satisfying shot opportunities. The lighting effects, especially the shift to red during multiball, are also frequently cited as a strength, enhancing the game's atmosphere. Furthermore, the sound package, with its clear custom speech and characteristic 80s synth music, is often regarded as surprisingly good for its era, supported by the use of Williams System 11 audio components. Its robust construction and relative reliability are also appreciated. Given its production run of 1,501 units, its comparative rarity adds to its appeal for some collectors.

Despite its strengths, "Atlantis" also faces certain criticisms. A recurring point of feedback centers on the perceived lack of depth in its ruleset. Some players find that once the main objectives, particularly the jackpot or hurry-up, are achieved, the game can become somewhat repetitive or dull, lacking further intricate modes or long-term goals. While most appreciate the artwork, a minority express a strong dislike for it, describing it as "cheesy" or "cringe-worthy," and some feel the overall thematic execution of Atlantis could have been more inspired despite the engaging concept. The music, while generally praised, is occasionally described as underwhelming by some. Issues related to the standard ROM's "percentaging" feature, which can alter game difficulty, have also been noted, with a preference for tournament ROMs that offer a more consistent challenge. The frustration of progress resetting on drop targets if a ball drains before completion is another common point of contention.

Despite these criticisms, "Atlantis" maintains a reputation as a solid, entertaining machine, particularly for those seeking an accessible yet engaging pinball experience. It is often recommended as a strong entry point for new collectors due to its straightforward rules and positive overall sentiment. Its legacy lies in its blend of classic Bally design with certain influences from the contemporaneous Williams System 11 era, offering a distinct playing experience that continues to appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate its particular blend of art, sound, and playfield flow.