Pinball Magic rules and strategy
The Strategy
Pinball Magic assigns named magicians to different shots across three rounds, while the Morph Chamber or M-A-G-I-C targets prepare separate Multiballs. Complete the current magician shot, qualify and collect two left-ramp locks, then start Magic Mayhem at the right sinkhole or hat. During Mayhem, shoot the right loop to light and build Jackpot, then the left ramp to collect.
The goal
Complete the current round's lit magician shots while preparing the Morph targets and trunk locks. With two balls locked, start Magic Mayhem at the hat, then repeat the left-ramp Jackpot, right-loop build, and timed left-ramp collect.
Test the left loop, right loop, main ramp, stage ramp, magic hat, and magic trunk returns.
Complete the current magician shots, favoring the loop or ramp that returns to control.
Complete the three Morph Chamber targets or knock down M-A-G-I-C to light Lock, then shoot the left ramp to lock the first ball.
Complete either target bank again, then shoot the left ramp for the second lock. Shoot the right sinkhole or plunge into the hat to start three-ball Magic Mayhem.
During Magic Mayhem, shoot the right loop to light and build Jackpot, then shoot the left ramp to collect it. Repeat while at least two balls remain.
- Each right-loop shot raises the three-ball Jackpot by 10 million, up to 90 million. Mini Mayhem keeps the Jackpot at 20 million.: Each right-loop shot raises the three-ball Jackpot by 10 million, up to 90 million. Mini Mayhem keeps the Jackpot at 20 million.
After multiball, complete the remaining round shots and return to the lock route.
Alternative route: Recovery: Controlled magician round
Recovery pivot: Use this when the trunk or right sinkhole rejects but one loop and ramp are dialed in.
- Read the currently lit magician location.
- Complete the repeatable loop and ramp assignments.
- Use the captive ball's Advance Trick award for a difficult assignment when that award is available.
- Return to locks after the current trick is complete.
Need to know
- Magician rounds
- Each round assigns named magicians to loops, ramp, stage, captive ball, and other major shots.
- Trunk locks
- Complete the Morph Chamber or M-A-G-I-C to light each left-ramp lock. One lock prepares two-ball Mini Mayhem; two locks prepare three-ball Magic Mayhem.
- Magic Mayhem
- With two balls locked, start at the right sinkhole or plunge into the hat. Shoot the right loop to light and build Jackpot, then shoot the left ramp to collect it.
Sources and references6 references6 source links and outbound references.
- Kineticist Pinball Magic production-game tutorial and strategy
- Capcom Pinball Magic V1.03 service bulletin
- Preliminary Pinball.org Pinball Magic rulesheet
- Pinball Magic CPU V1.03 tournament gameplay and commentary
- Pinball Magic CPU V1.03 Magna Matra gameplay and commentary
- Escher Lefkoff at INDISC 2022 High Stakes