Pinball machines often transport players to fantastical realms, but some choose to celebrate more grounded, relatable experiences. Williams Electronic Games, Inc. explored the tranquil, yet sometimes frantic, world of angling with its October 1992 release, Fish Tales. This machine emerged from the advanced Williams WPC (Fliptronics 2) platform, a system known for its robust capabilities and driving many popular titles of the era. With 13,640 units produced, Fish Tales found its way into a substantial number of arcades and homes, becoming a prominent fixture in the early 1990s pinball landscape.

The genesis of Fish Tales stemmed from a collaborative concept involving Mark Ritchie, Pat McMahon, and Python Anghelo, all well-known names in pinball design. Mark Ritchie, the primary designer, steered the machine's overall play philosophy. Pat McMahon, a prolific artist, crafted the distinctive visual identity, infusing the machine with a vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic that perfectly complements the fishing theme. Chris Granner was responsible for the music and sound design, creating an auditory backdrop that underscored the aquatic adventure. The software was meticulously programmed by Mark Penacho, ensuring the gameplay was responsive and dynamic. Further contributions came from Scott Slomiany on animations and Jack Skalon on mechanical engineering, bringing the machine's unique physical features to life. The expressive voice work, integral to the game's character, was provided by an ensemble including Mark Ritchie himself, Steve Ritchie, Jim Gentile, and Chris Granner. Even the distinct fish sculpture on the backbox topper, a dynamic element of the machine, was created by sculptor Jerry Pinsler. A curious design choice for Fish Tales was the use of slightly shorter flippers—1/8 inch shorter than the standard Williams flippers—a decision reportedly influenced by European distributors seeking a different feel. These flippers also feature a lightning bolt pattern molded into their design, adding a subtle visual flourish. The machine's impact extended beyond its own playfield; Mark Ritchie referenced Fish Tales in subsequent designs. In Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure, a jackpot award during quick multiball is dubbed "The Fish of Tayles," and in Airborne, a memorable quote, "You've mastered….buzzing the tower!", directly echoes Fish Tales' video mode.

Fish Tales distinguishes itself through a suite of signature features that directly tie into its fishing motif, elevating the player experience beyond conventional pinball. At the forefront is the animated fish topper located on the backbox. This sculpted fish provides continuous motion and speech throughout gameplay, serving as a dynamic, talking companion that reacts to the player's performance. On the playfield, the multi-ball lock mechanism is ingeniously designed as a rotary fishing reel. This physical toy not only serves a crucial gameplay function by locking balls for multi-ball but also reinforces the theme with its spinning motion and appearance. Complementing the reel is a unique ball-launching catapult positioned nearby, which dramatically propels balls into play from the reel lock, creating a satisfying, high-energy moment. The game's two main ramps are sculpted in the shape of fishing boats, visually integrating with the aquatic theme and offering unique shot geometries. Even the automatic plunger, responsible for launching the ball into play, is designed as a fishing rod handle, complete with a realistic reeling sound effect, immersing the player from the very first plunge. These bespoke elements – the moving topper, the fishing reel lock, the boat ramps, and the rod plunger – are not mere cosmetic additions; they are integral to the gameplay, offering tangible interaction and thematic consistency that define the Fish Tales experience.

The playfield of Fish Tales is a masterclass in Mark Ritchie’s design philosophy, emphasizing fast flow and clear shot opportunities. The primary targets include a single drop target, three pop bumpers positioned strategically for chaotic rebound action, and a prominent captive ball located centrally on the lower playfield. This captive ball, while offering scoring potential, also presents a risk, as it can occasionally redirect the ball straight down the middle if struck improperly. The layout is dominated by two criss-cross ramps, sculpted as fishing boats, which guide the ball over each other, creating satisfying, high-speed returns and combo opportunities. A rollunder spinner adds a rewarding tactile and auditory element when hit. The automatic plunger, shaped like a fishing rod handle, launches the ball into the top lanes, setting the initial pace. The upper-left portion of the playfield houses the standout rotary fishing reel, which serves as the multi-ball lock. Balls fed into this reel are spun around before being locked, and then dramatically launched by a catapult mechanism, sending them back into play. The artwork by Pat McMahon blankets the playfield in bright, cheerful colors, depicting various fish, boats, and humorous fishing scenarios. Lighting is strategically employed to highlight active shots and modes, drawing the player's eye to key objectives and enhancing the overall visual appeal, making every shot vibrant and inviting.

Fish Tales offers a gameplay experience that balances accessibility with depth, rewarding both novice players and seasoned enthusiasts. The core objective revolves around "catching" fish, primarily by hitting various shots that advance progress toward different fish species. The scoring system is tied into these catches, with more valuable fish contributing higher points. The machine features a compelling 3-ball multiball, initiated by locking balls in the innovative rotary fishing reel. Activating multiball often leads to increased scoring opportunities and a surge of excitement. One of the machine's most celebrated features is its video mode, which transports the player to an on-screen mini-game where they must "shoot torpedoes" at passing jet skis and boaters. This unique interlude provides a break from the traditional playfield action and offers substantial points, often cited as one of the better video modes from its era. Strategic gameplay in Fish Tales often involves prioritizing ramp shots for flow and point accumulation, while also carefully aiming for the reel to initiate multiball. Mastering the captive ball shot requires precision to avoid dreaded straight-down-the-middle drains. The machine encourages players to chain shots and explore different modes to maximize their score, providing a sense of progression as they "reel in" more fish.

The reception of Fish Tales within the pinball community has been largely positive, solidifying its place as a popular solid-state machine. Its primary strengths are consistently cited as its engaging fishing theme, which is seamlessly integrated through the artwork, sounds, and unique playfield features. Players frequently commend the fast and flowing gameplay, especially highlighting the satisfying sensation of hitting the criss-cross boat ramps. The multi-ball feature is universally regarded as a highlight, providing a dynamic shift in gameplay, and the video mode is often celebrated as one of the best examples of its kind. Many find the machine accessible for beginners due to its clear objectives, yet it offers enough challenge and depth to keep experienced players returning. The overall value for the price is often noted, making it a desirable addition to collections. The colorful, cartoonish cabinet and playfield artwork also receive praise for their contribution to the machine's lighthearted and fun atmosphere.

However, Fish Tales is not without its areas for improvement, as pointed out by community feedback. The most common criticism revolves around the machine's sound package. While integrated with the theme, the music and sound effects can become repetitive or, for some, irritating over extended play sessions. This auditory repetition, combined with a perceived repetitiveness in shot patterns, leads some players to feel the game might lack long-term retention compared to other titles. The central captive ball, while thematic, is occasionally cited as a source of frustrating straight-down-the-middle drains, potentially interrupting the flow for some. Furthermore, a few players feel the center boat feature can occupy too much playfield space without offering enough varied shot opportunities. Despite these points, the machine’s overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. It is frequently described as "fun," "addictive," and a "classic," often recommended as a solid choice for players of all skill levels. Fish Tales holds a reputation as a game that consistently brings smiles to players' faces, compelling them to say "just one more game." Its presence in later Mark Ritchie designs underscores its lasting influence and significance within the Williams pinball lineage, marking it as a memorable entry from the WPC era that captured the essence of a simple, yet exciting, pastime.