'Special' - What does it mean?

[Thory]

When you get a 'Special' does that mean free game or something else? If you can also get a replay for a free game, why is there two terms used?



Does eveyone just turn these off if you've got your machine in free play anyway?

 

[Sgt GrizZ]

When you get a 'Special' does that mean free game or something else? If you can also get a replay for a free game, why is there two terms used?

Special = free game. I *think* Special came before the idea of a replay for reaching a certain score.





I don't bother turning it off as it makes no difference, and I still like to get the 'Special' ...makes me feel Special

Some games you can set the Special to give other rewards ...an extra ball, or points .Got to be careful that doesn't unbalance the gameplay though eg too many extra balls being awarded.

 

[Thory]

I do like it when it says Special and the over the top animation. At first I was thinking where are the points and then I found out it was for a free game. I'll have a play around with the settings to see what I can change to.

 

[Wizcat]

I believe it stems from the time when pinball was considered gambling, but only in some states of the US. Basically, in some states, if the game awarded a replay - that would be considered a financial reward from a gambling game and therefore illegal.



Obviously, changing the insert so that it said 'Replay' or 'Extra Ball' depending on which state the game was shipped to would be difficult, so the inserts are labelled 'Special' and operator adjustments allowed the reward to be switched between free game, extra ball or points.

 

[teachp8]

I have the Special set to award an extra ball on my LOTR. If I'm ever going to make it to Valinor I need all the help I can get!