Epic Pinball

Released in 1993, Epic Pinball set a new standard for DOS-based arcade games. Developed entirely in x86 assembly language by James Schmalz, it pushed PC hardware to the limits with buttery-smooth physics, catchy MOD music, and addictive gameplay. Its top-down 2D scrollable tables featured crisp pixel art at 320×240 resolution, offering a near-arcade experience straight from your hard drive.

How to play Epic Pinball

Game Setup

Before playing, Epic Pinball must be installed on a DOS-compatible system or run via emulation (like DOSBox). You’ll need about 2.5MB of hard drive space per pinball pack, a VGA display, and at least 570K of conventional memory. While the game can run under Windows or OS/2, it’s best played in pure DOS mode for optimal sound and performance.

Controls

Epic Pinball is designed for keyboard input:

• Spacebar – Launch ball using the plunger (hold and release for power control)
• Left/Right Shift – Control the left and right flippers
• Z / / – Nudge the table left or right (next to the shift keys)
• Spacebar (in play) – Nudge the table upward
• P – Pause the game
• ESC – Exit the game
• M – Toggle music
• S – Toggle sound effects

Starting the Game

Launch the game by typing PINBALL in the installation directory. At the main menu, select the number of players (1–4), adjust performance (FAST/SLOW PC), and customize sound settings.

Table Options

Each pinball table includes its own menu:

• Play Game – Starts a new game
• Rules – View table-specific scoring objectives
• Options – Customize number of balls (3–5), table angle (affects speed), and sound/music per table

Pressing F1 in the options menu enables a hidden 6-ball mode.

Gameplay Tips

• Master the plunger timing to aim for specific lanes on launch.
• Use nudging to prevent the ball from draining—but don’t overdo it or you’ll tilt!
• Each table has unique objectives—some focus on combos, others on ramp progression or multiball triggers.
• On slower systems (e.g., sub-33MHz 386 CPUs), enable “SLOW PC” mode for improved fluidity.

Sound Configuration

During setup, select your sound hardware: Sound Blaster, SB Pro/16, Gravis Ultrasound, or None. If you use a Pro Audio Spectrum card, choose “Sound Blaster Clone.” IRQ, DMA, and port values must match your system configuration.

FAQ

Can I play Epic Pinball in my browser on PEXY.IO?

Yes! The game runs via DOS emulation, so you can play directly in your browser without installing anything.

How many tables are included?

Epic Pinball was released in three “Pinball Packs,” each containing four tables. The original shareware release included “Android” as the demo table.

Does it support multiplayer?

Yes, up to four players can take turns playing on the same machine, alternating control between balls.

Why does the game run slowly on my system?

If using real hardware, select “SLOW PC” mode for better performance on 386-class machines. On emulators, adjust CPU cycles for smoother gameplay.

Can I adjust difficulty?

Yes. Increase table slope to speed up gameplay or switch from 5 to 3 balls per game for a tougher challenge.

Are the tables historically themed?

Some are! “Crash & Burn” is futuristic, “Enigma” is abstract, and “Jungle Pinball” channels a tropical vibe. Each table has unique art and rule sets.

Can I nudge the table without tilting?

Yes—use left, right, or up nudges sparingly to keep control. Excessive nudging causes a tilt, ending your ball early.

Is there music in the game?

Yes, every table features MOD-based background music. You can toggle it on/off per table or globally from the main menu.

What’s the significance of x86 assembly coding?

Epic Pinball was written entirely in assembly language, allowing for incredibly fast performance and smooth animation on early 1990s hardware.

Can I change the sound card settings later?

Yes. Run SETUP from the installation directory to reconfigure your sound hardware.

Game Fodder

Manuals

• Epic Pinball game manual