Ranked #9 of all time · ranking score 84.3 · See the list
Ranked #9 of all time · ranking score 84.3 · See the list
Theatre of Magic, released by Bally in 1995, is a captivating pinball machine designed by John Popadiuk. The game immerses players in a world of illusions, where they must perform eight distinct magic tricks to progress. Notable features include a prominent bash toy called "The Magic Trunk," which activates various game modes and multiball, as well as magnets and elaborate ramps that enhance gameplay dynamics.
Learn how to play Bally's 1995 classic, Theatre of Magic, in our expert guide. For the first time ever, we also break down the changes found in a popular community-contributed code update (Soren's 2.0 ROM).
Read our full tutorialPrefer a written guide?Pinball Primer (opens in a new tab)
In a competitive setting, the safety of the left orbit makes it a go-to shot at all times. Use it often to spell THEATRE to advance the base bonus and qualify hurry-ups, as well as a way to get back to the top lanes for bonus multipliers.
If you’re looking for game progress, you can qualify Grand Finale wizard mode by lighting the four diamonds near the flippers: Theatre, Multiball, Midnight, and Illusions.
For the Theatre diamond, shoot the left orbit 7 times to spell THEATRE and start a Theatre Hurry-up. You do not need to collect the hurry-up.
For the Multiball diamond, shoot the center or right ramp when lit for Spell Magic to earn letters. Spelling MAGIC lights locks at the center loop. Lock 2 balls, then shoot the magnet on the trunk to start Magic Multiball. In multiball, bash on the trunk to open it for Jackpot; most other shots raise the Jackpot.
For the Midnight diamond, reach Midnight by advancing the clock 12 times. Clock advances are earned with any right orbit shot or on captive ball skill shots.
For the Illusions diamond, play all 8 main modes. To start a mode, shoot the blank face of the trunk 3 times, then shoot inside.
Bashing the captive ball during non-mode single-ball play qualifies the Vanish lock on the left orbit. The Vanish lock can be added to Magic Multiball for a 4-ball round, or it can be released on its own at the right orbit to start Tiger Saw Multiball where the captive ball scores a progressive jackpot.
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Corrects Section 2 part numbers, with Magic Trunk drawings
March 1995 final, with DIP switch tables and schematics
March 1995 print with lamp, switch and solenoid matrices
June 1995 fix for ball hang-up near the right of the trunk