Abstract: A new pinball game includes a playing surface with a plurality of targets disposed on the playing surface. A player actuated flipper is used to propel a ball toward the targets thereby accumulating points in a first fashion. The pinball game also includes a track which has a first position wherein the ball rolls on the track and a second position wherein the ball is dropped off of the track. A mechanism is provided for positioning the ball on the track. At least one target associated with the track is located below the track. A sensor is connected to the target to detect engagement of the ball with the track associated target. The player actuates a button which causes movement of the track from the first position to the second position thereby dropping the ball off of the track. A memory is provided to store the point value of each track associated target each time such target is hit. The player uses the actuation button to try to drop the ball on or over the target.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a ball engaging mechanism is provided such that when a pinball makes contact with a ball engaging mechanism, which propels the pinball, a player feels an impulse from the button that activates the ball engaging mechanism.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a ball engaging mechanism is provided such that when a pinball makes contact with a ball engaging mechanism, which propels the pinball, a player feels an impulse from the button that activates the ball engaging mechanism.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a scoring mechanism is provided such that the player corresponding to the game element that last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points. Such scoring mechanism can be repeatedly biased to allocate points to different players throughout the play of the game. Scoring elements that bias the scoring mechanism in favor of one of the players may include active elements, which also propel the ball, or passive scoring elements.

Abstract: A multi-surface pinball machine, which may be played by one or more players. The surfaces connect at an apex, and one or more players stand at the outer ends of each surface. An automatic flipper actuator is provided for play of the game with the number of players less than the number of surfaces. The machine can operatively be switched from the multi-player mode to as little as a single player mode. In such a mode, software controls the flippers of the missing players. Thus, the multi-surface table allows for either simultaneous competitive play by two or more players, or play by as little as one player competing against the machine.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes a multisurface table which may be used by at least two players to play the game. Multiple surfaces are provided that connect at an apex, which can be lowered to form a flat or inverted playing surface. A scoring mechanism is provided such that the player corresponding to the game element that last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points. Thus, the dual-surface table allows for simultaneous, truly competitive play by two or more players.

Abstract: A pinball machine which includes apparatus attached to a game element which, when contacted by the ball during play of the game, will detect the contact of the ball. Movement of the apparatus toward the ball is controlled by a player. Preferably, the present invention also provides a scoring mechanism such that the player corresponding to the game element which last struck the ball is credited with all subsequent points scored. Another embodiment provides a dual-surface table which may be used by at least two players to play the game.