Abstract: A method of operating a pinball machine includes initiating a first gaming session associated with a user identifier, receiving user inputs from one or more game input devices, updating a game state based on the received user inputs, transmitting the game state to a remote server for association with the user identifier, initiating a second gaming session associated with the user identifier, obtaining the game state based on the user identifier, and configuring the second gaming session based on the game state.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an amusement device includes a plurality of targets of a playfield of the amusement device, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive an indication that a first target of the plurality of targets is hit during a first player turn. The processor is further configured to send, based on the indication, a signal to a moveable component of the playfield to unlock access to a second target of the plurality of targets during the first player turn. The processor is further configured to determine that the first player turn has ended. The processor is further configured to keep the second target unlocked during a second player turn.

Abstract: Enhanced amusement game tournament play is achieved by awarding prizes to one or more players maintaining a position on a threshold game score achieving, bump board listing, a prize qualifying cumulative threshold game score total, and/or a prize qualifying cumulative actual game score total wherein individual game scores are required to meet a threshold game score prior to being added to the cumulative total. These methods for awarding prizes may also include the awarding of prizes to one or more players achieving a prize qualifying individual game score and/or a prize qualifying cumulative game score total.

Abstract: A pinball machine having an inclined playfield supporting a plurality of game features and a rolling game ball. A processor is used to control the function of the pinball machine including permitting game play in a tournament mode wherein game play allows a player to earn a score that is evaluated to determine if a prize is to be awarded. The processor may also allow for game play in a normal mode wherein game play does not provide for a prize to be awarded. When both game play modes are available, a player operated switch may be provided for permitting player selection of the mode of play at the beginning of each game.

Abstract: Enhanced amusement game tournament play is achieved by awarding prizes to one or more players maintaining a position on a threshold game score achieving, bump board listing, a prize qualifying cumulative threshold game score total, and/or a prize qualifying cumulative actual game score total wherein individual game scores are required to meet a threshold game score prior to being added to the cumulative total. These methods for awarding prizes may also include the awarding of prizes to one or more players achieving a prize qualifying individual game score and/or a prize qualifying cumulative game score total.

Abstract: A game ball cradle is positioned upon the playfield of a pinball game. A player-controlled solenoid plunger mechanism "pops" a ball positioned within the cradle into the air. A wire form jump rope is rotatably connected to an electric motor. The jump rope is positioned so that when it is rotated, it will pass under a game ball that has been properly "popped" by the player. A switch indicates to the game microprocessor that the jump rope has completed a revolution. Optical detectors indicate to the game microprocessor that the game ball is within the cradle so that the electric motor may be activated and, upon completion of a successful "jump", the player's score incremented and the speed of the jump rope rotation increased.

Abstract: A play feature for a pinball game features a multimode target with a variable trajectory ball ramp. The multimode target features a pair of distinct targets mounted upon the playfield of the pinball game in a rotating fashion. The multimode target may be rotated between positions whereby each of the distinct targets is exclusively accessible by the game ball thus providing the pinball game with more than one mode of play. A variable trajectory ball ramp is positioned upon the playfield and is curved and banked towards the multimode target. A pinball properly negotiating the ramp may strike the multimode target so as to increase the player's score. The multimode target may oscillate and the distinct targets may feature a number of sub-targets as well as oscillating barriers.

Abstract: A wrecking ball play feature for a pinball game includes a crane disposed upon the playfield of the pinball game. A wrecking ball is suspended from the crane by a cable so that it may be impacted by a game ball rolling upon the playfield. After being struck by the game ball, the wrecking ball swings in a pendulum-like fashion so as to strike targets near the crane, thus increasing the player's score. Alternatively, the wrecking ball may block a passage, the access of which by the game ball increases the player's score. The wrecking ball may be raised or lowered so that the pinball game features two or more modes of play. In one embodiment, the wrecking ball is raised and lowered by pivoting the crane arm about a pivot connection with the crane tower by way of a solenoid connected between the crane arm and the playfield. In another embodiment, the wrecking ball is raised by retracting the cable into the crane arm by way of tilting a crank to which the cable is connected.

Abstract: A pinball game is provided with a control system which enables a game player to choose between a novice mode of play and a normal mode of play. In novice mode, game play proceeds for a predetermined time, regardless of the number of game balls played and selected game features, such as the tilt sensor, may be disabled. Game bonuses and free games may be made unavailable in novice mode to encourage experienced players to play in normal mode.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a ball projecting mechanism mounted for rotary motion about an axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the playfield. When a ball enters the projecting mechanism, a motor is activated which rotates the projecting mechanism about the axis. The player, by pressing a button, can control when the projecting means is fired thereby to control the direction of travel of the ball. A series of play features can be located at a position on the playfield spaced from the projecting mechanism to provide targets for the player.