The year 1995 marked a period of innovation and thematic exploration in the pinball industry. Bally Manufacturing Co., a prominent name in arcade entertainment, released "WHO dunnit," a pinball machine that plunged players into a captivating murder mystery. This solid-state electronic (SS) machine, designated with the model number 50044, emerged from the Williams WPC Security (WPC-S) generation, indicating its robust technological foundation. Production figures confirm 2,416 units were manufactured, making it a moderately produced title of its era.

The conceptualization and design of "WHO dunnit" involved a skilled team. Dwight Sullivan is credited with the initial concept and software development, shaping the game's intricate narrative structure. Barry Oursler joined Sullivan in the design of the playfield layout, aiming for a balance of shots and flow that would keep players engaged in the unfolding mystery. The artistic direction was in the capable hands of Linda Deal and Paul Barker, who crafted a visual identity that seamlessly blended the casino and detective genres. Paul Heitsch contributed significantly to the game's audio landscape, composing the music and designing sound effects that immersed players in the thematic atmosphere. The vocal performances, crucial to a narrative-driven game, were provided by a talented roster including Ed Boon, Paul Heitsch, Tim Kitzrow, and Vince Pontarelli, with Tim Kitzrow lending his voice to Detective Nick Spade. Even the mechanical intricacies were meticulously handled by Zofia Bil, ensuring the physical elements performed as intended. One intriguing detail is the "Midnight Madness" mode, a special game state that activates around midnight, and the machine's attract mode chiming like a grandfather clock on the hour, displaying the "Midnight Madness" champion's score.

Signature Features and Design

"WHO dunnit" stands apart through its distinctive interactive elements, which are not merely decorative but integral to the game's narrative and progression. The most prominent feature is the central spinning slot machine reel assembly, a miniature casino fixture on the playfield. This mechanism is directly tied into gameplay, awarding points and advancing the mystery, creating a unique visual and mechanical focal point. Another notable toy is the telephone, an object often associated with detective work, which contributes to the game’s immersive theme and provides interactive moments.

The machine incorporates an "elevator" shot, a mechanism where a three-bank set of targets drops below the playfield to reveal a hidden path. This not only offers a visually engaging transformation but also provides a dynamic shot target that changes the flow of the ball. Further adding to the complexity and interactive nature is a drop ramp specifically for a "train shot," injecting another layer of movement and challenge into the playfield. The game also features three distinct drop holes strategically placed, serving as varying shot objectives. These features, combined with extensive custom speech and animations on the dot-matrix display (DMD), including roulette spins, work in concert to enhance the player's journey through the murder mystery. The cabinet, playfield, and translite artwork collectively present a cohesive visual package, with characters from the unfolding story depicted throughout, reinforcing the game's thematic foundation.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield layout of "WHO dunnit" is designed to guide players through its narrative while offering a variety of shots and challenges. It features two flippers at the base, along with three pop bumpers and two slingshots, ensuring dynamic ball action in the lower playfield. The upper playfield is dominated by the mechanics tied to the murder mystery theme. Three ramps provide diverse shot opportunities, directing the ball to different areas and contributing to the overall flow.

A key element of the playfield is the aforementioned "elevator" shot, which opens up by hitting a bank of targets, leading to an upper playfield area or a specific objective. This shot is central to progressing the investigation. The "train shot" via a unique drop ramp further diversifies the shot selection. The three drop holes, each leading to different outcomes, require precision and strategic aiming. The design philosophy behind this layout emphasizes a clear path through the game's cases, while also providing satisfying ramp shots and targets for general scoring. The artwork on the playfield reinforces the detective and casino theme, with elements like footprints, magnifying glasses, and casino chips visually cues. The lighting is utilized to highlight active shots and objectives, drawing the player's attention to the next step in solving the mystery, creating an engaging aesthetic that supports the gameplay.

Gameplay Dynamics

"WHO dunnit" immerses players in a captivating detective narrative, where the primary objective is to solve a murder case by collecting clues, interrogating suspects, and ultimately identifying the killer. The gameplay progression unfolds through a series of cases, each presenting new objectives and challenges. Players gather evidence by hitting specific targets, completing ramp shots, and activating modes, all of which contribute to the unfolding storyline. The game's unique features play a crucial role in this progression; the slot machine in the center of the playfield, for instance, serves not just as a points accumulator but often as a means to advance case objectives or trigger bonus rounds.

The game features a four-ball multiball, a chaotic and high-scoring mode that players can achieve through specific shot combinations. While "WHO dunnit" does not include a traditional video mode, it integrates several interactive video segments on the DMD, such as the roulette spin, which contributes to the mystery-solving aspect and adds a layer of visual excitement. Player strategies often involve prioritizing the collection of clues to unlock new suspects and case scenarios, while simultaneously building a high score through successful ramp shots and multiball activations. The roulette wheel mechanic, while offering the potential for high scores, also introduces an element of chance, adding variability to each game. The game's strength lies in its ability to tell a story through pinball mechanics, making each game a fresh attempt to unravel the mystery.

Reception and Legacy

"WHO dunnit" garnered a generally positive reception from the pinball community, largely due to its unique and compelling theme. Players frequently praise the game for its immersive murder mystery narrative, often drawing comparisons to the classic board game "Clue" due to its emphasis on gathering clues and identifying a culprit. The gameplay is widely considered enjoyable, offering a satisfying blend of shots and a fluid playfield that appeals to both novice and seasoned players.

A standout aspect of "WHO dunnit" is its audio design. The high-quality music, including the instantly recognizable "Peter Gunn" theme, coupled with clear and well-delivered voice callouts, creates an engaging atmosphere that significantly enhances the thematic experience. The integration of the dot-matrix display (DMD) is also a frequent point of praise, with its animations and cutscenes effectively advancing the narrative and adding interactivity. Features like the spinning slot machine, the roulette wheel, and the dynamic elevator mechanism are highlighted for their uniqueness and their contribution to game variety. The artwork, from the cabinet to the translite and playfield, is appreciated for its cohesive design, reinforcing the detective and casino theme. Furthermore, its approachable nature makes it a suitable option for family entertainment.

However, "WHO dunnit" is not without its criticisms. Some players find the case structure, while initially engaging, can become somewhat repetitive over extended plays, as the core process of solving each mystery follows a similar pattern. Concerns have also been raised about the game's depth, with some reviewers noting the absence of a comprehensive "wizard mode" or deeper rulesets that might extend its long-term replayability for high-level enthusiasts. The playfield layout has also been a point of discussion; while many enjoy the elevator ramp, a segment of players feels it can dominate the upper playfield, potentially leading to repetitive ball movement in that area. The roulette wheel's scoring mechanism, which can result in significant score swings, is another aspect that divides opinions. Additionally, the mechanical slot reels have been noted by some as potential points of maintenance, requiring attention over time.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall sentiment towards "WHO dunnit" remains largely favorable. It is frequently regarded as an underrated pinball machine, cherished for its distinctive theme, strong audio presentation, and interactive gameplay. Its ability to deliver an immersive and unique pinball experience secures its place as a desirable addition to many collections, recommended for those seeking a departure from more conventional pinball narratives. Its narrative-driven approach and unique mechanical features left a subtle but definite mark on pinball design.