Game Info

Cirqus Voltaire, designed by John Popadiuk and released by Bally in 1997, is a pinball machine that stands out for its unique and vibrant circus-themed gameplay. The game features a distinctive neon light along the right-hand ramp and a pop bumper that rises from the middle of the playfield, adding to its visual appeal. The central gameplay element is the Ringmaster, a taunting head that emerges from the playfield, challenging players to hit it to progress. Players must complete nine marvels, such as Juggler Multiball and Ringmaster Frenzie, to ultimately "Join the Cirqus" and activate the wizard mode.

Game type: Solid State

Display type: LCD

Players: 4

MPU: Williams WPC-95

Model: 50062

Manufactured: 1997

Production: 2,704 units

Tags:Carnival,Circus,Original Theme,1990s,Solid State

Also made as

The same machine, made under a different name by a different manufacturer: licensed copies, conversion kits, and re-releases.

Name	Manufacturer	Year
Cirqus Voltaire (Classic)	American Pinball	Sep 2026
Cirqus Voltaire (Ringmaster)	American Pinball	Sep 2026

Game Info

Design Team

Design: Cameron Silver, John Popadiuk
Art: Linda Deal
Software: Cameron Silver
Mechanics: Louis Toy, Jack Skalon
Animation: Adam Rhine, Brian Morris
Music: Rob Berry, Dave Zabriskie
Sound: Rob Berry
Callouts: Jon Hey, Cameron Silver, Rob Berry, Cathy Schenkelberg
Concept: John Popadiuk

Design Team

How to Play

Kineticist tutorial

How to Become Ringmaster of Cirqus Voltaire Pinball

Bally released Cirqus Voltaire in 1997, and American Pinball's remake begins shipping this October. Here, solar_espeon runs through the nine Marvels, the Ringmaster multiballs, Join the Cirqus wizard mode and the 2.0 code.

Read our full tutorial

Prefer a written guide?Pinball Primer (opens in a new tab)

Keys to the Game

Hit the WOW targets in the top right to raise the Ringmaster, then hit him 5 times to defeat him. A free multiball is given for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defeats; defeating 4 Ringmasters is the most time-consuming requirement for Join the Cirqus wizard mode.
The left ramp gives progress toward two different multiballs: hitting the standup targets on either side of the ramp lights locks for Highwire Multiball, while shots to the unlit ramp progress towards Strike an Arc Multiball.
Two further multiballs are potentially available at the left orbit: Juggler Multiball for repeated left shots, or Neon Multiball from the Side Show mystery award. The latter is lit by hitting standup targets on either side of the Ringmaster.
Completing the 9 “Marvel” tasks shown near the flippers qualifies Join the Cirqus wizard mode. Marvels are earned by playing Highwire and Juggler Multiballs, defeating all 4 Ringmasters, and making repeated shots to features like the right orbit, Menagerie ball, and right spinner.

Video tutorial

How to Play

Where to Play

On the floor at 93 locations · 86 in our directory

Past Times ArcadeGirard, OH Pinball Hall of FameLas Vegas, NV Pinball PerfectionWestview, PA Next Level Pinball MuseumHillsboro, OR Game GalaxySmyrna, TN

See all 86 in our directory

Where to Play

Documentation

Manualpdf6.4 MB
2 downloads
Playfield differences between prototype, sample, and production gamespdf181 KB
1 download
Service Bulletin #101pdf282 KB
Service Bulletin #102pdf135 KB
Service Bulletin #104pdf39 KB

View 1 more

Schematic ManualSchematicpdf17.9 MB
1 download

Documentation

Parts List

Parts ListTXT210 KB

ROM Files

Game ROM V1.4 [27C080 Required]zip457 KB
1 download
Revision 1.0 Game ROMzip450 KB
1 download
Revision 1.1 Game ROMzip451 KB
1 download
Revision 1.3 Game ROMzip452 KB
1 download
Revision 2.0H (Home) Game ROM; Free Play Onlyzip469 KB
1 download

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Sound ROM V1.0 [S2]zip490 KB
1 download

ROM Files

Mods & Toppers

RocketCPU for WPC

Mod$399.95

Mods & Toppers

Takes

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Community Photos

Flyers & Promo Media

Featured Videos

Cirqus Voltaire video

Articles

“I’m Like a Cover Band” — Brian Allen on Reimagining Pinball’s Classics

Artist Brian Allen on designing Gritty, remaking Tales of the Arabian Nights and Cirqus Voltaire, hidden Easter eggs, and why AI art is cheating. Paul Melio asks the questions.

Sep 25, 2026

How to Become Ringmaster of Cirqus Voltaire Pinball

Bally released Cirqus Voltaire in 1997, and American Pinball's remake begins shipping this October. Here, solar_espeon runs through the nine Marvels, the Ringmaster multiballs, Join the Cirqus wizard mode and the 2.0 code.

Sep 23, 2026

Cirqus Voltaire Returns With American Pinball's Classic and Ringmaster Editions

American Pinball announces Cirqus Voltaire in Classic and Ringmaster editions, $9,989 and $12,589, shipping October 2026. Paul Melio reports.

Aug 26, 2026

Mentioned in

Podcasts, videos, and articles from the community that mention Cirqus Voltaire.

Knapp ArcadeArticle1mo ago

Mentioned in

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