Quarterback (Ball 1975)
Take a novel concept and add some suspect flipper action and add a
pinch of bland and you would get Quarterback, a unique pinball table from Bally.
This will be one of those tables that you either really like or you really hate
it.
Let's start with the positives, the game is based on football as you can plainly see. It is not just a table with some football graphics like many tables are. It actually incorporates a football element into the game that is quite novel and makes for a fun game. By doing different things on the table, you move the ball down the field and can score a touchdown. This gives you bonuses and is a fun mini game of sorts. I only wish they had something that kept track of how many touchdowns you scored. It would add something to be able and keep score of the game and could add some cool two player elements.
While the driving for a touchdown concept is great and elevates this among many other pinball tables, the flipper work almost kills it. This has to have the most erratic flipper control that I have ever seen in a pinball table. What you cannot see in the picture (this is the picture that came with the download of the game and as you can see, it is pretty weak) is that there are two sets of flippers. There is also a space between them that allows the ball to roll into it and down the drain. What this also does is keep you from holding and aiming the ball like you can in most pinball games. It gives skill shots a whole new meaning. Then there are times when the ball looks to be lost and it does some weird bounce and ends up back on the playfield. Or you think you saved it, only to find out that you just delayed the inevitable. The flippers will have you ripping your hair out of your head. And if you are already balding, that would be a very bad thing.
The graphics are quite plain. To save money, they made up a generic helmet and it shows. The playfield is clean but average at best. The sounds are quite plain, but the table was made back in 1975, which is an eternity in the world of pinball. I would to see this table modernized with some cheering crowds and other sound effects.
Even with the average graphics and sound and with the infuriating flippers, I still find the table enjoyable. There is something exciting about scoring a few touchdowns. It is harder than it seems, which makes it all the more enjoyable. It is an example of how a good concept can overcome some flaws that would sink most tables.
This is just a review of the pinball machine. If you are looking for the actual pinball machine, you may want to check out ebay. Click below to see if you can find this game.