The pinball machine "Bone Busters Inc." emerged from D. Gottlieb & Co. in August 1989, a period when the company was navigating a shifting landscape in arcade entertainment. With a production run of 2,000 units, this solid-state electronic (SS) machine operated on the Gottlieb System 80B, representing one of the final machines developed on this platform before the transition to System 3. Its theme, focusing on a quartet of individuals equipped with specialized stream-shooting devices confronting an undead skeletal threat in Chicago, drew immediate comparisons to a prominent supernatural comedy film of the era, albeit with a distinct, ghoulish spin. This thematic adjacency, combined with its unique visual style, positioned "Bone Busters Inc." as a distinct, if familiar, offering.

The machine's creation involved a team of skilled contributors. Ray Tanzer was responsible for the game's design, shaping its playfield and core mechanics. The visual aesthetic was crafted by Constantino Mitchell and Jeanine Mitchell, who brought the machine's supernatural world to life through their artwork. Brian R. Johnson also contributed to the artistic elements, specifically creating smaller, whimsical spot illustrations of skeletons engaged in various activities, such as riding a tandem bicycle or playing catch, which were integrated into the playfield. The soundscape and musical compositions, integral to the game’s atmosphere, were developed by Craig Beierwaltes and Dave Zabriskie, with Beierwaltes also handling the overall sound design. Allen Edwall was responsible for the software that dictated the game’s rules and functions. A subtle, yet notable, piece of trivia within the machine's artwork is the inclusion of a taxi falling into a sinkhole, with a skeleton dressed as Santa Claus in the back seat—a clear nod and playful jab at a competitor's contemporary machine.

Signature Features and Design

"Bone Busters Inc." distinguishes itself through several standout features that enhance its thematic presentation and gameplay experience. Dominating the backbox is a moving, talking skeleton head topper, affectionately known as "One Eye" by some players. This animated skull provides speech throughout gameplay and during attract mode, even offering a macabre laugh when the ball drains, a detail often cited as a particular highlight and one of the machine's most memorable elements. Complementing the theme, specific playfield features include light-up "Ghostbusters"-style guns, reinforcing the narrative of specialized equipment battling the spectral.

The machine's custom speech, present both during active play and in attract mode, contributes significantly to its immersive quality, delivering a sonic layer that reinforces the game's quirky supernatural narrative. Visually, the cabinet is adorned with a distinctive bubblegum pink hue, a bold choice that sets it apart and contributes to its campy, spirited aesthetic. The hand-drawn translite further illustrates the game's character roster and its haunted setting. Beneath the glass, the playfield artwork is rich with detail, featuring various characters and objects that flesh out the "Bone Busters" universe, including the aforementioned skeleton Santa in a sinking taxi, a testament to the artists' attention to detail and willingness to incorporate playful Easter eggs. The game uses an alphanumeric display, providing clear score and instruction readouts throughout play. A key gameplay feature is its 4-ball multiball, offering a dynamic and rewarding experience with multiplier bonuses that elevate scoring opportunities. Additionally, an "Extended Play" timer offers players a chance to continue their session under specific conditions, extending the thrill of gameplay. A unique mechanical feature is a smaller flipper positioned to control an upper right ramp, activated by an extra button located above the standard right flipper button, introducing an additional layer of control and shotmaking precision.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Bone Busters Inc." presents an unconventional layout that fosters a fast and often challenging gameplay flow. It features four flippers, including the distinctive smaller flipper on the upper right side that diverts the ball into a specific ramp shot. This mini-flipper requires precise timing and coordination with an additional button, adding a unique dimension to shot selection. The main flippers are set at wide angles, and the distance between them can make controlling the ball, particularly executing rolling shots or cradles, a test of a player's skill.

Two ramps define key pathways on the playfield. One serves as a central shot, often considered challenging to hit consistently but rewarding when mastered. The other ramp is integrated with the mini-flipper, offering an alternative route and shot opportunity. The playfield includes a single pop bumper, strategically placed to create unpredictable ball movement, and five drop targets that, when cleared, can light the "Opera Jackpot," encouraging players to target these specific bank shots. A single captive ball provides a satisfying target to repeatedly hit for points, while spinners can be lit for significant scoring opportunities, rewarding sustained shots through them.

The machine incorporates a kick-out hole and a "messenger ball" feature, contributing to the varied ball trajectories and gameplay events. The automatic plunger ensures a consistent and controlled launch for each new ball. The playfield itself is multi-leveled, adding verticality and complexity to the ball's movement and potential shot paths. The detailed artwork, beyond its thematic elements, visually guides the player through the various targets and features. The lighting, while functional for gameplay cues, also contributes to the overall aesthetic, highlighting key areas and creating a vibrant, yet macabre, atmosphere befitting the game's supernatural theme. The open nature of the playfield, combined with the wide outlanes, contributes to the machine's reputation for being demanding, requiring players to maintain constant control to avoid quick drains.

Gameplay Dynamics

"Bone Busters Inc." offers a distinct gameplay experience characterized by its direct objectives and focus on fundamental pinball skills. The primary objective often revolves around initiating and maximizing the 4-ball multiball, which is achieved through a ball lock system. While the specific sequence for locking balls and starting multiball can initially seem vague to new players, mastering this progression is key to achieving high scores, as the multiball activates a crucial multiplier bonus. Players can strategically choose to initiate 2, 3, or all 4 balls into multiball, impacting potential scoring.

Beyond multiball, other core objectives include lighting the "Opera Jackpot" by systematically hitting the five drop targets. This offers a significant point bonus and provides a clear, actionable goal for players. Spinners, when lit, become high-scoring targets, encouraging players to repeatedly shoot through them to accumulate points. The game also features an "Extended Play" timer, which can be activated and provides a grace period, often after a drain, to continue the game under specific conditions, adding a layer of suspense and potential for comeback. The initial skill shot, requiring precision to guide the ball through a habitrail, sets the tone for the game's emphasis on accurate aiming.

Gameplay in "Bone Busters Inc." is often described as fast and unforgiving. The open playfield layout, combined with relatively large outlanes and wide flipper angles, contributes to frequent ball drains, demanding constant alertness and refined flipper control. Strategies typically involve prioritizing the ball lock sequence for multiball, followed by systematically clearing drop targets and hitting the central ramp and spinner shots for incremental points. The mini-flipper, actuated by its dedicated button, requires players to develop a separate, precise shot technique, adding complexity beyond standard two-flipper play. Despite its challenging nature, the game can be quite addictive, with its quick pace and clear objectives fostering a "one more game" appeal.

Reception and Legacy

"Bone Busters Inc." elicits a varied response from the pinball community, creating a somewhat polarizing reputation. Its average rating suggests a generally positive, but not universally acclaimed, reception. Among its most frequently cited strengths is its animated skull topper, "One Eye," which is consistently praised for its unique movement, speech, and overall entertainment value, often considered a highlight feature. The artwork, particularly the vibrant "bubble gum pink" cabinet and the detailed, quirky playfield, garners appreciation for its distinctive, campy aesthetic and inclusion of subtle artistic references.

Many players find the machine's gameplay flow to be unique and refreshing. Features like the mini-flipper diverter, the captive ball, and the challenging central ramp are highlighted as skillful and engaging shots. The multiball feature is generally well-received, with players enjoying the flexibility to initiate different ball counts and the associated score multipliers. The game's music is often described as catchy and characteristic of Gottlieb games from the 1980s, contributing to an enjoyable auditory experience, though some find the custom speech quality inconsistent. For those who connect with its unconventional style, "Bone Busters Inc." is often seen as an underrated machine, offering significant value given its unique features.

However, the machine also faces considerable criticism. A prevalent concern centers on its layout, which is often described as "tough," "devilish," or "unconventional," making ball control difficult and leading to frequent, often frustrating, drains due to an open playfield and large outlanes. Some players find the shots unintuitive or the overall experience can become repetitive. The rules, particularly concerning the ball lock and multiball initiation, are sometimes perceived as confusing or lacking clarity, hindering a player's ability to fully grasp game progression without prior research. The game's thematic proximity to a well-known film franchise often leads to it being labeled as a "knock-off," which some interpret as a sign of budgetary limitations or a lack of originality, while others accept it as part of the machine's charm. Issues regarding build quality and a general perception of "cheapness" have also been mentioned by some players. Specific mechanical critiques include a dislike for the mini-flipper's feel and the wide flipper angles, which complicate advanced techniques like rolling shots.

Despite these criticisms, "Bone Busters Inc." holds a specific place in pinball history. It is recognized as one of the last machines produced on the Gottlieb System 80B platform, notably featuring a newer flipper style and a slightly shorter playfield than the subsequent System 3 games. Its relatively low production run contributes to its appeal among collectors seeking a distinct piece of Gottlieb's late-80s output. Its polarizing nature ensures that while it may not achieve universal acclaim, it maintains a dedicated following among those who appreciate its unique design, challenging gameplay, and memorable topper, securing its standing as a conversation piece within the pinball community.