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1992

Fish Tales

Quick Overview

Huge fish, wild fishing adventures and record-breaking catches! Fish Tales is Williams' humorous and extremely popular 1992 pinball machine, guiding players into the world of sport fishing. The goal isn't just to catch the biggest fish but to set record scores too. Fast ramps, special mechanical features and cheerful sound effects deliver a true classic arcade experience.

Fish Tales

Basics

  • Release1992
  • ManufacturerWilliams Electronic Games
  • DesignerMark Ritchie
  • GenrePinball
  • ThemeSport fishing
  • Players1–4 (alternating)
  • SystemWilliams WPC
  • DisplayDot-matrix (DMD)
  • Units produced13,640

Creators

Mark Ritchie – designer

Standout features:

Motorized fishing reelSpectacular fish-shaped decorationsFast ramps and targetsMultiball modesMonster Fish scoring opportunityHumor-filled digital animations and sound effects

Play It Live!

Ready for the catch of a lifetime? Grab the flipper buttons, spin the reel, and try to land the legendary Monster Fish on the Fish Tales pinball machine at Arcade Museum Budapest!

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Game Objective

Fish Tales' gameplay is built around an exciting fishing contest. The player has to hit various targets to catch ever bigger fish and earn valuable rewards. One of the playfield's most spectacular features is the spinning fishing reel, which comes alive during big catches and multiball modes. Catch the biggest fish you can, complete the fishing challenges, and collect the huge jackpots! During the game you have to complete various tasks, while quick reactions and accurate shots earn higher and higher scores. Landing the Monster Fish is a particularly valuable challenge that can mean a serious points reward.

Fun Facts

  • The game is built entirely on the humorous world of sport fishing.
  • The playfield also features a decoration depicting a giant fish.
  • Fish Tales is known for its extremely fast, high-energy gameplay.
  • The Monster Fish is one of the best-known scoring opportunities.
  • It was one of Williams' most successful, high-volume pinball machines.
  • Recommended for fishing lovers, fans of classic pinball and anyone who enjoys humorous, fast-paced games of skill.

Why Is It Special?

One of Fish Tales' most memorable features is the motorized fishing reel, which sits above the playfield and spins in step with the events of the game. The machine also features distinctive fish-shaped decoration and humorous sound effects. Players have to react quickly, as the ball moves at high speed on the short, intense playfield. Fish Tales is both easy to learn and a serious challenge, which is why it is popular with beginners and experienced players alike. One of its best-known quirks is the use of unusually short flippers, which make the game feel faster and harder than many traditional pinball machines. Its popularity is clear from the fact that more than 13,000 units were built, making it one of Williams' most successful 1990s pinball models.