Line #127 Main/MatchSequence


1	[[quoteright:256:[[Pinball/TheSimpsonsPinballParty https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/tspp_match_sequence_black_background.png]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:256:Hey kids! Knock your score off {{Disco\|Dan}} [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Stu's]] head for a free game!]]
3
4	A Match Sequence is a {{Pinball}} game mechanic where, at the end of a game, the last two digits of the players' scores (which will always be a multiple of 10) is compared against a random two-digit number (also a multiple of 10). If a player's digits match the game's, a free game is awarded (indicated with the [[JumpScare infamous knocker sound]]). The match bonus was first introduced in 1957, using the single digit of the scores; [[PinballScoring score inflation]] eventually elevated the match to the last two digits.
5
6	Not too surprisingly, matches occur fairly infrequently. Older games had the chance of getting the free game set at around 10%, up to 50%, but newer games will either dynamically adjust the frequency of matches, or follow a level set by the operator, from at max, 10%, to a standard 7% to a paltry '''1%''', at worse at 0%.
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8	Back when pinball was a controversial subject, this feature was often banned, as it was considered a form of gambling. While it's probably not ''that'' bad, the feature is specifically designed to get more money out of players: it has a disproportionately higher chance of giving a player a match if two have just played, so the other player will deposit money and they will both play again.
9
10	Older electro-mechanical pinballs used either light-up digits (for single-digit matches) or score reels (for two digits). The arrival of alphanumeric [=LEDs=] and, later, dot-matrix displays allowed match sequences to become more and more elaborate, often animated or otherwise specialized to the game's theme. Less creative machines simply show the number being generated, a practice that has all but fallen out of grace today.
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12	----
13	[[foldercontrol]]
14	[[folder:Notable Match Sequences using alphanumeric [=LED=] displays]]
15	* In ''Pinball/PulpFiction'', the players' scores are shot repeatedly, leaving only the second digit. One final gunshot reveals the match number.
16	* ''Pinball/BackToTheFuture'' starts with a weatherman reporting a severe thunderstorm headed for Hill Valley, then shows the lightning flying across the digit counters, then finally strikes a number.
17	* ''Pinball/{{Taxi}}'' shows a taxicab zipping across the display, pulling a pair of spinning boxes behind it. The boxes eventually settle down to form a pair of match digits.
18	* In ''Pinball/SpaceShuttle,'' a pair of rapidly-changing digits chase each other across the various score displays, eventually settling down inside the "Match" display field.
19	* ''Pinball/TheSimpsonsDataEast'' brands its Match Sequence as "Homer's Lucky Scratch-N-Match", where several digits are scratched off one by one until two remain.
20	* In ''Pinball/BlackKnight2000'', two lightning bolts strike each other, and the digits roll, and stops at the matching digit. The Choir of Angels sing "[[BigYes YEAH!]]" if any of the digits match.
21	* In ''Pinball/DrDude'', a magnet pulls the word "match" and the last two digits of the players' scores, smushing them together. The magnet then [[ReversePolarity reverses polarity]] to repel them, with "match" now forming the match number.
22	* For ''Pinball/ThePhantomOfTheOpera'', a set of musical notes follows along as a song plays, while two digits cycle through different values. The value when the song ends is the match number.
23	* In ''Pinball/FunHouse1990'', various numbers are shot at in a shooting gallery, the last one not shot as the match number.
24	* ''Pinball/{{Cyclone}}'' has a similar match sequence to ''[=FunHouse=]'', except that the numbers come in from the right and with different sounds.
25	[[/folder]]
26
27	[[folder:Notable Match Sequences using dot matrix displays]]
28	* ''Pinball/SouthPark''[='=]s match sequence is (unsurprisingly) ToiletHumor-based: Terrance and Phillip fart out several numbers (contained within bubbles... somehow), one eventually popping. On tamer settings, they burp the bubbles instead.
29	* ''Pinball/WhiteWater'' ends with {{Bigfoot\|Sasquatch and Yeti}} bowling, with the pins being replaced by digits. When he rolls the ball, he knocks away all but two, which forms the match.
30	* ''[[Pinball/TwentyFour 24]]'' replicates [[Series/TwentyFour the original series]]' TitleSequence, with several segments of a digital display lighting up and eventually revealing a two digit number -- but instead of settling on 24, it settles on the match number.
31	* ''Pinball/BigBuckHunterPro'', reusing an animation from elsewhere in the game, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNsN9zeYeXk shows]] a cow excreting twice. The PlayerCharacter quickly shoots the cow pies to reveal the two digits of the match number.
32	* ''Pinball/TheSimpsonsPinballParty'' has Disco Stu dancing for a few seconds before the disco ball falls on him, breaking in half to reveal the digits.
33	* ''Pinball/AttackFromMars'' has several numbers flashing until a Martian ship comes and shoots it with a laser, stopping it on the match. If the numbers match, a crowd also cheers.
34	* ''Pinball/CreatureFromTheBlackLagoon'' shows the PlayerCharacter and his date driving out of the DriveInTheater (with the car's license plate fittingly reading "THE END"). Afterward, two changing digits appear on the horizon and move closer to the camera, settling on the match number after a couple of seconds.
35	* ''Franchise/StarWars'' pinballs:
36	** [[Pinball/StarWarsDataEast The Data East game]] has the Jawas walk up to R2-D2, pulling out digits from him, and eventually leaving nothing but the final match.
37	** [[Creator/{{Sega}} Sega Pinball's]] ''Pinball/StarWarsTrilogy'' similarly ends with a tube being lowered over R2 and sucking him up, leaving a number behind.
38	* ''Pinball/DoctorWho'' has a piston in the TARDIS repeatedly push up a number, eventually settling on one; afterwards, the background dissipates.
39	* ''Pinball/SuperMarioBros'' simply has the two digits come together.
40	* ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}'' pinballs:
41	** ''Pinball/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' shows a pair of walls closing together, repeatedly mashing a pair of digits between them to form the match.
42	** ''Pinball/Terminator3RiseOfTheMachines'' has the word "match" shatter into pieces, and the pieces then melt and reform into the final number.
43	* In ''Pinball/MedievalMadness'', a pair of numbers quickly flash by, then an arrow is fired from off-screen, skewering a roasted marshmallow and stopping the numbers.
44	* ''Pinball/{{Transformers}}'' has the word "MATCH" appears on the display before transforming into the match number.
45	* Later software revisions of ''Pinball/NoFearDangerousSports'' implement the "dice roll" match feature, in additional to the standard match sequence.
46	* In ''Pinball/TheAddamsFamily'', Thing drags a wagon carrying a bag of numbers, and when the wagon hits a bump, two numbers fall off the wagon and form the match. On the "Gold Edtion", he's carrying a sack of gold instead.
47	* ''Pinball/HighRollerCasino'' has the number revealed behind a curtain.
48	* In ''Pinball/TwilightZone'', one of the Invaders fires its laser gun to reveal the two numbers, and any non-matching scores instantly vaporize.
49	* ''Jurassic Park'' pinballs:
50	** ''Pinball/JurassicParkDataEast'' has the T-Rex lift up the car with its mouth, slamming it back down to reveal the number, then roaring while [[ParanoiaFuel staring straight at you.]]
51	** ''Pinball/TheLostWorldJurassicPark'' has a long-tailed dinosaur smash down a stone pillar saying "match" on it, slowly revealing the number.
52	* ''Pinball/BlackRose'' pulls an interesting twist on this: your score's last two digits ''will'' appear... but there are three numbers in all, and they appear on bombs which ignite as soon as all three are shown. One of the fuses is a fake: the other two aren't.
53	* ''Pinball/{{Monopoly}}'' has Uncle Pennybags slamming his fist on the table, causing two nearby dice to pop up and display the number.
54	* ''Pinball/PinballMagic'' does a "woman sawed in half" trick . When the halves separated they reveal the number.
55	* ''Pinball/NoGoodGofers'' has Buzz kicking the golf ball down a field where it lands on a yard stick. Interestingly the ball has an odd habit of suddenly rolling ''away'' from the intended number.
56	* ''Pinball/ScaredStiff'' has Elvira flipping through TV channels displaying different numbers (which also doubles as a shout out as the phrases heard are from previous Williams pinball games). After five clicks, if none of the numbers match, she says "Oh, poo" and turns off the TV.
57	* ''Pinball/TheatreOfMagic'' has the magician produce two doves from her hands, which fly together and produce the number.
58	* ''Pinball/Breakshot1996'' has a cue ball that bounces off the table, hits a glass, and knocks a lemon that lands [[VictoriasSecretCompartment between the brunette's breasts]] to reveal the match number.
59	* ''Pinball/WorldCupSoccer'' has Striker lighting a rocket, which spirals off and explodes, revealing the number.
60	* ''Pinball/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' has a surprisingly generic one: the number is chosen on a space background.
61	* ''Pinball/TronLegacy'' has a lightcycle drive towards the camera, ending with a flash of light and the number being revealed.
62	* ''Pinball/IndianaJonesThePinballAdventure'' has Indy walking by several boxes, pushing a cart with more boxes on it, with one of them opening to reveal the number.
63	* In ''Pinball/TheShadow'', a flashlight shines on a brick wall, with a match number in the center. As it sweeps left and right, the number changes, and The Shadow appears and laughs if a match occurs.
64	* ''Pinball/TheAvengersStern'' has the Hulk (offscreen) smash the number into some sort of surface.
65	* The ''Pinball/FamilyGuy'' sequence has Brian the dog eating from the garbage bin, then blowing a bubble gum bubble from his butt, which pops to reveal the number.
66	* ''Pinball/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesDataEast'' has three regular turtles enter the screen, flipping their shells to reveal a number, changing several times before one eventually reveals the final number.
67	* Creator/SternPinball's ''Pinball/HarleyDavidson'' has the match number being tattooed on a woman's back.
68	* In ''Pinball/CirqusVoltaire,'' a clown walks across the display and gets knocked down by a pie, with the splatter forming the match digits. The clown also gives a thumbs up if there is a match.
69	* ''Pinball/BigBangBar'' has a drunk martian barfing up the match number.
70	* In ''Pinball/MonsterBash'', Dracula plays a guitar riff while it's plugged into a shaking speaker, which eventually explodes to reveal the match number.
71	* In ''Pinball/TheChampionPub'', the Kid punches the small bag several times, two changing digits behind it, before knocking it down and revealing the final number.
72	* ''[[Pinball/IronManStern Iron Man (Stern)]]'' shows Tony Stark landing (and crashing) into his garage, then getting sprayed by one of his household robots. The match number appears in the firefighting foam.
73	* ''Pinball/{{NASCAR}}'' has a car racing past a sign, which spins to reveal the match number.
74	* In ''Pinball/FishTales,'' a fish is dropped onto a scale, with the weight as the match.
75	* ''[[Pinball/GilligansIsland Gilligan's Island]]'' has the Skipper think of a match number, which appears inside a ThoughtBubble.
76	* In ''Pinball/{{Avatar}}'', a clip of Eywa seeds surrounding Jake is shown, with the match number superimposed on it.
77	* For ''Pinball/{{Indianapolis 500}}'', assorted Indy cars past and present flash on the display, each sporting a different number. The final car's number forms the match.
78	* In ''Pinball/{{Corvette}},'' a mechanic examines a car engine, using a magnifying glass to read the serial numbers. The final magnified digits form the match number.
79	-->'''Mechanic:''' "Hey, wait a minute — these numbers don't match!"
80	* ''Pinball/ThePartyZone'' shows Captain B. Zarr flying through space in his rocket, and the exhaust smoke forms the match number.
81	* ''Pinball/{{ACDC}}'' has video of Angus Young playing on-stage, during his infamous "mooning the audience" antic. He has his hand up to his ear, listening for the audience's cheers, then turns around and drops his shorts, mooning them. The numbers are on his butt.
82	* On ''Pinball/{{Metallica}}'', the Snake gets an unpleasant expression, then [[VOmitDiscretionShot vomits on the display,]] leaving the Match Number behind.
83	* In ''Pinball/DemolitionMan,'' four monitors rotate, with possible numbers shown on each display, and the monitor with the matching number stops rotating.
84	* Creator/SternPinball's ''[[Pinball/MustangStern Mustang]]'' has a car driving donuts around an open field, and writes out a multiple of 10 as skid marks.
85	* In ''Pinball/StarTrekStern'', a Gorn steps into a turbolift, the doors close, then open again to reveal the match number.
86	* ''Pinball/TheAdventuresOfRockyAndBullwinkleAndFriends'' features Aesop chiseling the word "Match" on a wall. His Son then enters from stage left with a jackhammer to carve the match number.
87	* In ''Pinball/{{Baywatch}}'', the camera pans down a line of female lifeguards, each holding a card with a two-digit number. The last woman's number is the match number. An operator configuration even enables [[JigglePhysics jiggling breasts.]]
88	* Creator/DataEast's ''Pinball/{{Hook}}'' shows two sword-welding hands {{Flynning}}; the number at the end of the fight is the match.
89	* For Stern's ''[[Pinball/XMenStern X-Men]],'' Colossus holds up the robot head of a Sentinel, then throws it towards the player. It explodes, leaving behind a few parts that spell the match number.
90	* In Stern's ''Pinball/TheWalkingDead'', the match sequence shows two zombies feeding on a victim. As they pull away entrails, the match number shows up within the guts.
91	* ''Pinball/CactusCanyon'' was supposed to have one where six beer bottles are shot at and shattered, with the number appearing in the center- but, like many aspects of the table, it wasn't included because the table was rushed, and so we get a rather bland match sequence as a result.
92	* In ''Pinball/MaverickTheMovie'', the dealer cuts the deck, revealing the match number on the bottom of the top half.
93	* ''Pinball/TalesOfTheArabianNights'' has the player's ''jinn'' disappear in a puff of SuperSmoke, leaving the match number behind.
94	* ''Pinball/StarshipTroopers'' has the Brain Bug think of several items until he is shot. The match number appears in his carcass.
95	* For ''Pinball/LastActionHero,'' action hero Jack Slater plays ''Hamlet'' and throws Claudius through a stained-glass window. The match number appears in the hole.
96	-->'''Slater:''' "To be or not to be? ... Not to be."
97	* In ''Pinball/{{NBA}},'' a player spins a basketball on his finger, then stops it to reveal the match number on the surface.
98	* ''Pinball/SpaceJam'' has the Tasmanian Devil devour the word "Match", only to get hit by a basketball and falls down. The match digits then rise into view.
99	* ''[[Pinball/JackBot Jack*Bot]]'' has an Invader from ''Pinball/TwilightZone'' crank a device to form the match number.
100	* ''Pinball/SafeCracker'' has a safe door cycle through some numbers. The last one that shows up is the match number.
101	* ''The Getaway: Pinball/HighSpeed II'' has your not-Lamborghini and Car 504 drive by, with the number showing up in 504's dust. If you fail to get a match or high score, [[ItsAWonderfulFailure 504 pulls you over offscreen.]] He then starts reading your rights, getting through the first part ("You have the right to remain silent") before the theme music kicks in.
102	* In Creator/{{Stern}}'s ''[[Pinball/KissStern KISS]],'' Gene Simmons waggles his tongue while a pair of digits flash to his right. He then turns and breathes fire, igniting them to reveal the match number.
103	* For ''Pinball/GameOfThrones'', the word "Match" appears on the screen as a bell tolls. A flock of ravens swarm over the word, picking pieces away until the number remains.
104	* ''Pinball/TheXFiles'' shows a crowded bee hive; the bees disperse to show “MATCH”, then re-group and disperse again, revealing the final number.
105	* ''Pinball/NBAFastbreak'' shows several race cars making a lap around a track; one car in particular stops to display its number on the side, doubling as the match number.
106	* ''Pinball/GodzillaSega'' depicts the titular character stomping through New York before ducking out of the way of two missiles launched toward him. They instead destroy two buildings behind him, revealing the match digits.
107	* ''Pinball/BramStokersDracula'' depicts a pool of blood draining, revealing the match number.
108	[[/folder]]
109
110	[[folder:Notable Match Sequences using LCD displays]]
111	* In Jersey Jack Pinball's ''Pinball/TheWizardOfOz'', the tornado throws debris around, one of which is a single match digit that hits the screen. If it's a match, the screen ''shatters.''
112	* ''Pinball/RevengeFromMars'' has the same match sequence as in ''Pinball/AttackFromMars'', but the animation is improved, and it has more colors, along with more information.
113	* ''Pinball/StarWarsEpisodeI'' shows a droid getting sucked through a pod racer engine, with the match number spewed out the other end along with the debris.
114	* ''Pinball/Batman66'' shows the "Bat Score-Match Analyzer" generating a random match number and beeping all the while.
115	* ''Pinball/{{Aerosmith}}'' shows Jacky digging through his toy box, throwing various "toys" (false match numbers) out, until revealing a bomb that explodes in his face, leaving the real match number in its place.
116	* Stern's ''[[Pinball/StarWarsStern Star Wars]]'' shows the Death Star charging up its superlaser and destroying Alderaan. The match number is formed out of the debris.
117	* ''Pinball/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy2017'' shows a machine unlocking the two halves of the Orb, revealing the match number within it.
118	* ''Pinball/ElvirasHouseOfHorrors'' simply depicts pairs of numbers appearing and disappearing on the various windows of the titular mansion, eventually settling on one pair for the match.
119	--> "[[{{Pun}} Got a Match?]]"
120	* ''Pinball/DeadpoolStern'' has a wheel with various pairs of digits (along with a few oddball joke numbers) spin, eventually settling on one while Deadpool reacts. (This animation is also used for the Mystery award.)
121	* ''Pinball/WillyWonkaAndTheChocolateFactory'' displays several Oompa-Loompas contorted in the shape of the match number.
122	* ''Pinball/IronMaidenLegacyOfTheBeast'' shows Eddie, piloting a plane, getting shot down by enemy forces; the bullet holes form the match number.
123	* ''Pinball/JurassicParkStern'' depicts a mechanical appendage turning over a dinosaur egg to reveal the match number printed on it.
124	* ''Pinball/StrangerThings'' shows a die rolling the match number.
125	* ''Pinball/TheMunsters'' displays an old television (playing a clip from [[Series/TheMunsters the original series]]) turning its dial to different stations, eventually settling on one (the match number).
126	* ''Pinball/RickAndMorty'' plays a scene from [[Recap/RickAndMortyS1E6RickPotionNumber9 "Rick Potion #9"]] where alternate versions of Rick and Morty die in a lab accident; the match number pops up immediately after their demise.
127	* ''Pinball/TheBeatlesBeatlemania'' shows an animation of [[Music/TheBeatles the band]] practicing guitar, with the final note causing the match number to emerge from the speaker.
128	* ''Pinball/DialedIn'': The Quantum Theater projects lights into the sky, BatSignal style, to show various pairs of numbers in the clouds. They eventually settle on one for the match number.
129	* ''Pinball/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanJerseyJack'' forgoes using an actual match ''number'' in favor of the player's chosen character, displaying a wheel spinning through the entire roster before landing on one.
130	* ''Pinball/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesStern'' shows the turtles grabbing every slice of a pizza, revealing the match number underneath it.
131	* ''Pinball/GunsNRosesJerseyJack'' shows a post-apocalyptic highway. A massive tank drives into the word "MATCH", leaving behind a single digit for the match number (and electrocutes a nearby road sign).
132	* ''Pinball/AvengersInfinityQuest'' shows the Hulk leaping and smashing the ground, with the match number appearing on the screen afterwards.
133	* ''Pinball/LedZeppelin'' presents the cover of ''Music/PhysicalGraffiti'', with the doors on the front opening and shutting repeatedly to reveal potential match digits. Eventually, the actual record exits the sleeve to reveal the final number.
134	* ''Pinball/TheMandalorian'' plays a scene from "[[Recap/TheMandalorianS2E1Chapter9TheMarshal The Marshal]]" where a Krayt Dragon attacks and sinks into the sand, with the match number being overlaid on the screen afterwards.
135	* ''Pinball/GodzillaStern'' plays a short sequence from ''Film/SonOfGodzilla'' where Minilla[[note]]Godzilla's son[[/note]] attempts to emulate Godzilla's [[BreathWeapon Atomic Breath]]. He can only cough up a single ring of smoke (representing a 0), which is paired with another digit to form the final match number.
136	* ''Pinball/Rush2022'': The two-digit number cycles between different multiples of 10 before a snowy owl (based on the cover art of ''Music/FlyByNight'') flies into it, knocking it into place to reveal the final result.
137	* ''Pinball/FunHouseRudysNightmare'' shows an animation of Rudy holding his stopwatch as one hand spins around rapidly, eventually stopping on the match number.
138	* ''Pinball/ToyStory42022'': In a machine packed full of alien toys, a claw reaches down and lifts the match number out of the crowd.
139	* ''Pinball/FooFighters2023'' displays an old TV that switches between various channels (each displaying a potential match number), eventually settling on one before turning off.
140	[[/folder]]
141
142	[[folder:Other]]
143	* ''Pinball/JamesBond007Stern'' consists of two separate games, both of which have different match sequences owing to their differing hardware.
144	** The cornerstone models use their main LCD screen to show a roulette table -- the ball bounces and eventually settles on the match number.
145	** The 60th Anniversary Limited Edition uses four [[{{Retraux}} old-timey scoring reels]], so its sequence starts with all four of them rapidly spinning, with each one independently stopping in place like a slot machine to reveal the match number (the last digit).
146	[[/folder]]

Context Main / MatchSequence