Episode 19 - Die on this Hill: Bad Cats
Wedgehead Pinball Podcast
30 min
Summary
Jess DeNardo defends Bad Cats (Williams 1989) as a thematically rich, joyful game despite low Pinside rankings.
Alan and Alex of Wedgehead Pinball Podcast host Jess DeNardo in their "Die on this Hill" series, where she defends Bad Cats (Williams, 1989), a System 11 game designed by Barry Oursler with art by Python Anghelo. Despite ranking #179 on Pinside's Top 100, DiNardo passionately argues the game excels through its thematic art package, memorable sound design by Dan Forden, fun playfield mechanics (spinning fish wheel, doghouse, repeatable center ramp), and comedic charm. The hosts counter negative reviews from Pinside users who criticize the game's scoring balance, repetitive sounds, and open playfield, framing Bad Cats as a fun, whimsical experience that prioritizes joy over competitive balance.
Highlights
- Bad Cats was designed by Barry Oursler with art by Python Anghelo and sound by Dan Forden
- Bad Cats currently ranks #179 on the Pinside Top 100 list
- Ed Suchocki (programmer) drew inspiration from Alice Cooper 'Gutter Cat vs. the Jets' for the game's music, which Dan Forden created a version of
- Mark Ritchie provided vocals for the seafood callout segment
- The spinning wheel feature with different fish catchable acts as extra ball or bonus/points
- The center ramp is fully repeatable and goes 'meow' on every hit up until a certain point value threshold
- Python Anghelo fought with management at Williams and later Capcom about custom-shaped inserts, refusing to compromise his artistic vision despite cost concerns
- Bad Cats has a 20 million point shot on the final ball that every player has a fair chance to achieve
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