"Wipe Out," a solid-state electronic (SS) pinball machine released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in October 1993, captures the energy and thrill of winter sports. Manufactured under the Premier Technology banner, this Gottlieb System 3 game emerged at a time when pinball was navigating a competitive landscape, with manufacturers constantly seeking novel ways to engage players. The machine's theme is centered entirely around skiing and snowboarding, a unique choice that sets it apart from many of its contemporaries. This thematic consistency permeates every aspect of the machine, from its vibrant artwork to its distinct mechanical features.

The design of "Wipe Out" was primarily helmed by Ray Tanzer, a designer known for his ability to integrate cohesive themes with engaging playfield layouts. Tanzer's vision for a dynamic winter sports experience was brought to life with the artistic contributions of Constantino Mitchell, David Moore, and Jeanine Mitchell, whose bright and colorful artwork reinforces the playful and action-oriented theme. The visual elements work in concert with the sound design by Craig Beierwaltes and music by Duane Decker, which contribute significantly to the game's lively atmosphere. Animations for the dot-matrix display (DMD) were handled by Rand Paulin. With a production run of 2,150 units, "Wipe Out" aimed to carve out a niche by offering an accessible yet feature-rich experience. Its release was a notable moment for Gottlieb, demonstrating their continued commitment to innovative mechanical features during the System 3 era.

Signature Features and Design

"Wipe Out" is defined by two prominent and innovative mechanical features that directly tie into its skiing theme: the ski lift and the player-controlled tilting slalom mini-playfield. The ski lift mechanism is a standout, serving as a physical representation of ascending a ski slope. A motorized belt with precisely spaced holes captures the pinball and transports it vertically to an elevated upper playfield. This not only creates a compelling visual spectacle but also serves a functional purpose, initiating play on the slalom course.

The slalom course itself is a player-controlled tilting mini-playfield. This interactive element challenges players to guide the ball through a series of gates by manipulating the playfield's tilt, simulating the precision and quick reflexes required in actual slalom skiing. This mechanism provides a direct, tactile connection to the theme and offers a distinct gameplay challenge not commonly found in other machines. These unique toys are not merely decorative; they are integrated into the gameplay progression, enhancing the sense of immersion and providing tangible objectives. The ski lift and slalom course work together to create a multi-layered play experience that visually and mechanically supports the winter sports theme, making them central to the machine's identity.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Wipe Out" is designed with a focus on straightforward shots and engaging interactive elements. At the lower end, players utilize two standard flippers to propel the ball. Above the flippers, two slingshots redirect the ball, adding an element of unpredictability. The playfield layout incorporates three pop bumpers, which provide kinetic energy and scoring opportunities, typical of many pinball designs.

Key shot targets include seven standup targets strategically placed around the playfield, often associated with specific mode progression. A prominent four-bank of drop targets must be cleared, a common objective that resets upon completion or when a mode requires it. The primary ramps, of which there are two, offer satisfying shots that often lead to scoring bonuses or feed into other playfield features. A vertical up-kicker (VUK) provides a strong vertical launch for the ball, sometimes feeding a ramp or returning the ball to a top lane.

The flow of "Wipe Out" balances open areas with distinct target zones. Shots are generally approachable, making it an inviting machine for newcomers, yet specific shot accuracy is required for deeper progression. The design philosophy encourages players to interact with the various elements, particularly the ski lift and slalom course. Successfully navigating the main playfield allows access to the elevated ski lift, which then transports the ball to the slalom course mini-playfield. This multi-leveled design adds verticality and strategic depth. The artwork, a vibrant and dynamic representation of skiers and snowboarders on a snowy mountain, fills the playfield with color and thematic detail. Bright lighting and flashers are strategically employed to highlight active shots and emphasize moments of intensity, such as during multiball sequences, further immersing the player in the winter sports environment.

Gameplay Dynamics

"Wipe Out" features a gameplay progression centered around completing five distinct missions or challenges. These objectives are typically initiated by hitting specific targets or ramps on the main playfield and often involve interacting with the unique mechanical features. For instance, a mission might require navigating the slalom course successfully or hitting a series of targets after the ski lift transport. The machine offers a 3-ball multiball, known as "Avalanche Multiball," which provides a high-energy scoring opportunity. Activating multiball often involves completing a specific sequence of shots or dropping a bank of targets, leading to a frenzy of ball action.

A notable and often debated feature in "Wipe Out" is the "Double Your Score" mechanic. This unique element allows players, under certain conditions, to double their accumulated score, potentially leading to significantly inflated scores. While some players find this feature to add excitement and the potential for truly high scores, others find it disruptive to the flow or feel it devalues the effort put into achieving points through regular play. This polarizing mechanic significantly impacts player strategy, as deciding when and how to activate it becomes a crucial part of maximizing scores. The game also includes a mechanic where players can "steal" multiballs from other players in multiplayer games, adding a competitive edge.

The machine's audio package is a key component of its appeal. Custom speech callouts are plentiful, often characterized by their humorous, wise-cracking nature. These callouts, along with the catchy music, contribute significantly to the game's lighthearted and fun atmosphere. While generally praised for being entertaining, some players note that certain callouts can become repetitive over extended play sessions. The inclusion of the surf rock instrumental "Wipe Out" further cements the playful and energetic tone of the game.

Reception and Legacy

"Wipe Out" generally receives a positive reception within the pinball community, often characterized as a fun and approachable machine. Its strengths are frequently cited as its unique and well-integrated mechanical features—the ski lift and the tilting slalom course—which provide memorable and interactive gameplay moments. The machine's vibrant artwork and particularly its humorous and catchy sound package, including distinctive callouts and music, are consistently highlighted as major selling points that contribute to its lighthearted appeal. Many players appreciate its accessibility, finding it easy to understand and play, making it a suitable choice for casual players, families, and those new to pinball. It is frequently recommended as a "starter pin" due to its relatively straightforward ruleset and engaging theme. Furthermore, Gottlieb System 3 machines are often regarded for their robust build quality and reliability, which contributes to "Wipe Out's" reputation as a dependable choice for home owners.

However, "Wipe Out" is not without its criticisms. The primary point of contention revolves around its rule depth, which many seasoned players describe as relatively shallow. While this simplicity aids accessibility, it can lead to a lack of long-term engagement for those seeking complex scoring strategies or intricate mode progressions. Some players also find certain audio callouts to become repetitive after extended play sessions, despite their initial charm. Playfield wear, particularly in high-traffic areas near the flippers, is another common observation. The "Double Your Score" feature, while offering the potential for high scores, is polarizing; some find it enhances the fun, while others perceive it as disrupting game balance or devaluing traditional scoring efforts.

Despite these critiques, "Wipe Out" maintains a positive legacy as an enjoyable and distinctive pinball machine. Its unique mechanical toys demonstrate Gottlieb's innovation during the System 3 era, offering a fresh take on player interaction. While it may not stand out for its deep rule set, its cohesive theme, engaging features, and entertaining audio package secure its place as a pleasant and re-playable game. It remains a machine valued for its straightforward fun and thematic execution, offering a direct, lighthearted pinball experience in a package known for its robust construction.