Episode 85 - Die on this Hill: Future Spa
Podcast
Wedgehead Pinball Podcast
34 min
Summary
Hosts defend Future Spa (Bally 1980) against poor ratings, citing innovative design and art
Wedgehead Pinball Podcast episode defending Future Spa (Bally, 1980, George Christian design) against poor Pinside ratings (ranked #257). Hosts Alan and co-host Alex discuss why the wide-body spa-themed game deserves better reception despite legitimate criticisms about playfield balance, maintenance requirements, and theme execution. Guest Ty Palmer argues the game's unique layout, artwork, and risk-reward mechanics outweigh flaws.
Highlights
- Future Spa sold 6,400 units, demonstrating strong market appeal despite later poor Pinside ratings
- Future Spa playfield was designed by Dave Christensen and backglass by Paul Faris, two different artists collaborating on the wide-body artwork
- The game requires steep angle and proper wax maintenance to play well; flat examples feel 'floaty' and unresponsive
- Future Spa has a dedicated PCB control board for backglass letter sequencing/light show animation
- The game's backhand drop target technique allows players to work the inline drops safely without always committing to a full playfield shot
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