Bonus Episode - Best Game Ever: ADDAMS FAMILY

The The Addams Family (1992) defense: iconic design, innovative mechs, perfect IP integration, accessibility + depth.

Synopsis

Rob and Miguel, two Portland-based pinball players, argue that The The Addams Family (1992, Bally/Williams) is the greatest pinball machine ever made. They discuss its innovative mechanics (Thing flipper, Power magnets, modes), exceptional design by Pat Lawlor and sound design by Chris Granner, strong IP integration with Raul Julia's voice work, and its balance between casual accessibility and competitive depth. The episode defends the game against contrarian criticism that dismisses it as overhyped or overly easy, emphasizing its 30-year longevity and enduring appeal.

Highlights

• The The Addams Family was released in March 1992 by Bally and sold 20,000 units, making it one of the most successful selling games of all time.
• Pat Lawlor was the designer, Larry DeMar handled code, Chris Granner did sound, and John Youssi handled art.
• The game was originally intended to be alphanumeric (like Whirlwind and Earthshaker) but received a DMD after Terminator 2's success with DMD.
• Roger Sharpe secured the The The Addams Family license from Paramount Pictures, marking a shift toward IP-driven pinball design.
• Thing flipper (automatic flipper) was patented, preventing other manufacturers from implementing the same feature.
• Lights, Camera, Action (Gottlieb) had modes before The The Addams Family, but The The Addams Family modes became so memorable that people associate modes with that game.
• A Special Edition of The The Addams Family was produced with 1,000 additional units, new call-outs, a secret tunnel, and a 'Cousin It's Hairbrush' mode.
• Both Rob and Miguel have been playing The The Addams Family for approximately 30 years since childhood.

Entities

• Bally· company
• Paramount Pictures· company
• Williams· company
• Lights, Camera, Action· game
• Terminator 2· game
• The Addams Family· game
• Whirlwind· game
• Wedgehead Pinball Podcast· organization
• Alan· person
• Chris Granner· person
• John Youssi· person
• Larry DeMar· person
• Miguel· person
• Pat Lawlor· person
• Raul Julia· person
• Rob· person
• Roger Sharpe· person
• Peter Piper Pizza· venue
• Wedgehead· venue