Video-Pinball Hybrids
Some video game maker launched, in the '80s and '90s, a few video
pinball machines.
These had a small built-in monitor, and if the player hit the
targets with the ball, he could play for a while 'with a video game
- usually very simple - inside the monitor.
Among the most famous "hybrids", there were Caveman and Baby Pac-Man
by Bally/Midway
Even some Italian company tried this way. We know about three products.
New York Defence, E.G.S., 1981
In this Keith Smith's blog page you can see Alessandro
Carnevali, founder of the E.G.S., standing next to an unit. We are
looking for a better photo that appeared at the time.
Dakar, Mr. Game, 1988
Mr. Game was founded by Mr. Alfredo Cazzola, organizer of the
exhibition of motor vehicles "Motor Show" in Bologna, in year 1987.
The main venue was the formerly one of Zaccaria, just went out of
business. Mr. Game closed in 1991 after producing only a few
pinball.
Produced two-pinball video games, the first was Dakar, inspired by
the famous race who took place in Africa at that time. ROMs of this
mini-game are available, and this picture from Haze's MAME blog
shows the actual state of emulation.
Motor Show, Mr. Game, 1989
Of course, Cazzola made a synergy, and in 1991 launched the official game of the Motor Show. An unit has been found and repaired, for the arcade "Spazio Tilt" in Bologna. Pictures below come from Haze's blog; note the tile screen, where credits are given to Zaccaria as well as Mr. Game!
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