Line #25 Main/VideoMode


1	[[quoteright:300:[[Pinball/TheatreOfMagic https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/video-mode_7201.png]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:300: [[Series/PimpMyRide Yo, dawg! I heard you like pinball, so I put a pinball game in your pinball game so you can pinball while you pinball!]]]]
3	->''"Video Mode - activated."''
4	-->--'''The Terminator''', ''[[Pinball/Terminator2JudgmentDay Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''
5
6	In {{Pinball}} games, a Video Mode is a MiniGame that temporarily stops the playfield action and switches to a video screen. There, things continue with a simple VideoGame that can be played with the left and right flipper buttons. After the Video Mode is over, the pinball is returned to the playfield to resume the game. The ease or difficulty of reaching the Video Mode will depend on the specific pinball machine.
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8	The TropeMaker is Williams' ''Pinball/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' pinball machine, although technically it was not the first pinball game to include a video game; that would be ''Pinball/{{Caveman}}'' by Creator/{{Gottlieb}}.
9	----
10	!!Examples:
11	* As mentioned above, the TropeMaker is ''[[Pinball/Terminator2JudgmentDay Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''. Its Video Mode consisted of a simplified LightGunGame, where the player moves an onscreen cursor left or right to fight off advancing Terminator robots and HK drones. The video game is over when either all of the Terminators are defeated, or the player is shot three times.
12	** Appropriately enough, this is revisited in ''[[Pinball/Terminator3RiseOfTheMachines Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines]]'', where the player uses the flipper buttons to move the crosshairs and pull the launch trigger to shoot.
13	* Technically, the first pinball with a Video Mode is Gottlieb's ''Pinball/{{Caveman}}'', a pinball[=/=]video game hybrid and the UrExample. A video screen was embedded at the top of the pinball playfield. When the player shot a ball into either side of the screen, he could use a joystick to move the Caveman around a maze, hunting down dinosaurs and collecting extra balls while avoiding the tyrannosaurus rex. Exiting the maze would resume the pinball game.
14	* A month after ''Caveman'' came out, [[Creator/MidwayGames Bally]] released ''Pinball/BabyPacMan'', another pinball[=/=]video game hybrid. The player starts by moving Baby Pac-Man through a maze, but entering a vertical chute suspends video play and transfers the game to the pinball table underneath. The video game resumed when the ball drained.
15	* ''Pinball/TheatreOfMagic'' has Video Pinball, available as a random option in the Secret Basement. Yes, a pinball game inside a pinball game.
16	* ''Pinball/MedievalMadness'': After spelling out the F-I-R-E rollover eight times, visit Merlin to start Video Mode. A flock of falcons attacks a group of children, and you must move your character left and right to fend them off. There are 30 falcons all together, and beating 20 falcons yields an Extra Ball. Getting the cow three times in the Catapult Slam unlocks an alternate version of Video Mode, where the children the farmer is protecting are replaced by calves.
17	* ''[[Pinball/StarTrekTheNextGeneration Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' has the player perform a shuttle simulation in the holodeck, flying through a series of caverns without colliding. Players could opt to skip the Video Mode entirely, but completing it yields an artifact.
18	** An EasterEgg replaces the shuttle simulation with a game of Five-Card Draw Poker against William Riker.
19	** The operator's manual refers to a "[[UrbanLegendOfZelda secret video mode]]", which is believed to be a version of ''VideoGame/{{Breakout}}''. The exact requirement for invoking it is unknown, however, and it's unclear if the mode was disabled in the final game. It can sometimes be seen during the attract mode, however.
20	* ''Pinball/DoctorWho'' makes this ''mandatory''. After lighting a Doctor, you obtain him through a video mode where he [[AutoScrollingLevel runs to the right endlessly]], chased by a Dalek. You must make him jump over objects with either a light jump or a higher jump, dictated to the two flipper buttons. Making it to the TARDIS ends the level, and doing this three times unlocks the selected Doctor's playfield bonus.
21	* Available in ''[[Pinball/TheGetawayHighSpeed2 The Getaway: High Speed II]]'' after reaching 3rd Gear. Drive your car along a three-lane highway and dodge slow-moving Volkswagens; change gears to go faster and earn more points.
22	* ''Pinball/CreatureFromTheBlackLagoon'' has the player beating up a peeping tom.
23	* Appropriately enough, Creator/{{Gottlieb}}'s ''Pinball/SuperMarioBros'' has a Video Mode where you play ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1''. Mario moves automatically, and the player uses the flipper buttons to either jump or run faster.
24	** ''Pinball/SuperMarioBrosMushroomWorld'' adds a swimming game, where Frog Mario automatically swims through the water, and the player uses the flipper buttons to make him move up and down to avoid enemies.
25	* ''Pinball/StarWarsDataEast'' requires the player to pull the launcher trigger to shoot Stormtroopers ''while the ball is in play.''
26	* Creator/DataEast's ''[[Pinball/GunsNRosesDataEast Guns N' Roses]]'' has "Gilby Rides", where Gilby Clarke rides his motorcycle down a three-lane road, and the player steers him to hit pedestrians and avoid cars. The same mode was later reskinned for Creator/SegaPinball's ''Pinball/StarWarsTrilogy'' and Creator/SternPinball's ''Pinball/HarleyDavidson'', down to using the same patterns.
27	* ''[[VideoGame/ProPinballTimeshock Pro Pinball: Timeshock!]]'' has you maneuvering a craft down a circular pipe, dodging mines and collecting awards. Achieving a perfect run doubles the score.
28	* ''Pinball/SouthPark'' originally had a "Carpet Munching Race" Video Mode. As Stan, the player competed against Cartman to see who could munch carpet faster and impress Ms. Ellen as the bigger Lesbian. It was disabled soon after the game's release at the insistence of Comedy Central, but [=ROMs=] with it enabled are available from private sellers.
29	* ''VideoGame/MetroidPrimePinball'' has a mode where Samus must WallJump in order to reach an artifact.
30	* ''Pinball/JudgeDredd'' has a variation centered around a [[HotPursuit police chase]] -- the player must stop a swerving, runaway car on the display. This is done with the playfield itself, as shooting the ramps will fire a missile at the car, so good timing is needed to hit it.
31	* ''Pinball/FishTales'' has you shooting torpedoes at waterskiiers.
32	* ''Pinball/IndianaJonesThePinballAdventure'' features three video modes, called "Gunfight at the Raven Bar", "Escape in the Mine Cart", and "Choose Wisely".
33	* Creator/PatLawlor's first Video Mode was "Chicken Fight" in ''Pinball/FamilyGuy'', where Peter fights a man in a chicken suit. The player helps Peter land punches by making important shots on the playfield.
34	** This was originally in older software was an pure Video Mode, with the ball kept in the TV scoop and the flipper buttons enabling Peter to dodge and attack a la ''VideoGame/PunchOut'', but it was deemed either too easy or too disconnected from the rest of the game (it is unclear which) and was replaced by the more conventional mode seen later software releases.
35	* There are no less than ''three'' of these in ''Pinball/JunkYard'', two of which are accessed by [[SpellingBonus spelling D-O-G]] and get harder every time you complete them:
36	** If you don't have the [[EdibleAmmunition toaster gun]], you play "Run From Spike", where you [[ButtonMashing mash the flipper buttons]] to escape [[AngryGuardDog Spike]]'s wrath. (According to WordOfGod, running fast enough creates "sparks of speed" and plays the famous ''[[Series/TheSixMillionDollarMan Six Million Dollar Man]]'' sound effect.)
37	** If you ''do'' have the toaster gun, the game is instead "Save the Girl", where you press the flipper buttons to launch toast into either a left or right opening and try to shoot Spike three times.
38	** The last Video Mode is accessed through the TimeMachine mode, which may randomly activate the "Saucer Attack" mode from ''Pinball/AttackFromMars''. (It may randomly become "Cow Attack" mode, just like in the original.)
39	* At random times during ''Pinball/JurassicParkDataEast'', a dinosaur will walk across the screen. Fire the launcher gun rapidly to stun the dinosaur for 3 million points.
40	* ''Pinball/TheLostWorldJurassicPark'' has a small one, where you must swing on two ropes and avoid a looming T. rex. Winning nets you 350,000 points, losing gives 100,000, and a failed run where you manage to get to the first rope awards 150,000.
41	* ''Pinball/TheShadow'' has "Duel of Wills" -- help The Shadow dodge the Phurbas that are being thrown at him.
42	* ''Pinball/CirqusVoltaire'' features "The Amazing Roonie", where the player must help Roonie the kangaroo jump over various obstacles.
43	** The 2.0H software adds a second video mode, called "Copy-Cat", which is similar to Simon Says.
44	* ''Pinball/BlackRose'' has ''three'' of them, depicting a crewmate throwing a knife at a target, swinging from riggings, and outswimming a ThreateningShark after [[WalkThePlank walking the plank]].
45	* ''[[Pinball/NoFearDangerousSports No Fear: Dangerous Sports]]'' has the player race a motocross bike around the track, collecting as many points as possible before reaching the finish line.
46	* Creator/SegaPinball's ''Pinball/BatmanForever'' has the player drive the Batmobie up a wall and over Gotham's rooftops, dodging obstacles along the way.
47	* ''Pinball/JohnnyMnemonic'' has one as a Matrix Award: you must use all four buttons to move your square (a "predator") around the display and catch all the dots ("prey") before time runs out.
48	* ''Pinball/{{Apollo 13}}'' has one that's rather similar to ''VideoGame/LunarLander'': carefully land the Landing Module on the moon for bonus points.
49	* ''Pinball/TheWhosTommy'' lets the player control Captain Walker's bomber to make it shoot various obstacles on the screen.
50	* ''Pinball/TheChampionPub'' has two:
51	** In "Spittin' Gallery", you must move a spittoon around with the flippers to catch some men's spit.
52	** In "Poker Night", the player is given 15 seconds to decide which cards they want to keep and discard.
53	* ''Pinball/CueBallWizard'' has two simplistic ones:
54	** "Catch the Pool Balls" is a version of ''Kaboom!'', where you move a pocket to catch cue balls as they fall from the top of the screen.
55	** "Where's the King?" is a guessing game, where you try to find Elvis behind one of three set of curtains.
56	* ''Pinball/TalesFromTheCrypt'' has "Door Prize", where three closed doors are shown. Choose one with the flippers and open it for points. The mode ends when you open a door that reveals a hanged man instead.
57	* ''Pinball/LethalWeapon3'' has a simple shooting gallery game. When an enemy appears on the display, pull the plunger trigger, but don't hit the bystanders.
58	* ''Pinball/{{Indianapolis 500}}'' has "Caution", where you drive down the track and move the car left and right with the flippers. Collect point values and Extra Balls on the track while avoiding obstacles. Crashing ends the mode, but it's possible to graze obstacles and continue.
59	* ''Pinball/{{Corvette}}'' has "Race Today", a video drag race game. Rapidly tap the left flipper to accelerate, and the right to shift up a gear. Winning it starts a two-ball multiball mode with every ramp worth 15 million.
60	* ''VideoGame/SuperPinballIITheAmazingOdyssey'':
61	** One of the random rewards in "Show Time" is "Pie Attack", where you throw pies at incoming clowns.
62	** "Space Sister" has "Love Stops", where a heart floats around the display and the player must press a button to hit it when it enters a set of crosshairs.
63	* ''Pinball/TheSopranos'' offers the "Executive Game," a poker match. The display shows two hands of cards for yourself and the dealer, with five cards shared between them and three exposed initially. You can either bet points or fold on successive reveals.
64	* In addition to the full-screen {{Mini Game}}s, each table of ''VideoGame/PsychoPinball'' has a VideoMode of its own:
65	** In "Wild West," the player plays a simple game of blackjack.
66	** "Trick Or Treat" has "Spook Shoot", where the player has to hit 20 ghosts which pop up in three pre-defined positions.
67	** "The Abyss" has "Fast Fishing", where the player must time button presses to catch fish swimming by a hook.
68	** "Psycho" has a shell game where the player must track the letter "P" under three moving cups.
69	* ''Pinball/MacAttack'' has three separate Video Modes, played on the game's 9" color CRT screen.
70	** The first game has the player use a JetPack to fly up the side of a building, dodging gunfire from enemies in the windows.
71	** The second game requires running and climbing up a construction site to rescue a hostage.
72	** The third game is a reaction test game, requiring the player to shoot at enemies while avoiding hitting civilians and fellow Mac Attack members.
73	* ''[[VideoGame/ThreeDUltraPinballCreepNight 3-D Ultra Pinball: Creep Night]]'' has three different Video Modes:
74	** On the Castle Table, whenever you complete all five challenges, you have to collect keys as new targets. Collecting 5 of the keys will open a door, shooting into it will launch the Video Mode, where you shoot every passing creature, from goblins to ghosts, for as many points as possible. Shooting a specific amount will add bonus points and extend the timer once.
75	** The Tower Table follows a similar concept as the Castle Table, only here, the Video Mode consists of shooting Ghosts with an energy gun. Scoring a specific amount will extend the timer and has the ghosts replaced by bats.
76	** The Dungeon Table is the odd one out as the video game is one of the five Challenges. Shooting into the door starts a 'Simon Says' type of game, where you must follow the song what the Goblins play using church/tower bells by clicking on them with the mouse.
77	* ''Pinball/{{Baywatch}}'' has two of them -- a button-mashing "Ironman Competition" game, and a first-person jet ski race.
78	* ''Pinball/StarshipTroopers'' has "Psychic Test". Use the flipper buttons to select a card, then see if it matches the one held by the examiner. Getting the correct card awards a Special (free game), with lesser awards for matching other attributes like the color or number.
79	* ''Pinball/AmericasMostHaunted'' has "Flippy Ghost," a copy of ''VideoGame/FlappyBird.'' As the display scrolls from left to right, the player must repeatedly tap the flipper buttons to make a ghost move up and down, avoiding various obstacles in the way.
80	* In ''Pinball/{{Congo}}'', the player must maneuver a boat down a river, avoiding rocks and hippos along the way.
81	* ''Pinball/MaverickTheMovie'' has blackjack. Beat the dealer to receive 1 million points times the points in your hand.
82	* ''Pinball/SpaceJam'' has the player move a basket to catch balls thrown by UsefulNotes/MichaelJordan and the WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes characters.
83	* Available in ''Pinball/GameOfThrones'' as a Mystery award. The player engages in a sword duel with an axe-welding opponent, and must defeat him before running out of time or lives.
84	* ''Pinball/{{Ghostbusters}}'' has two different video modes that the player can select from:
85	** "Negative Reinforcement on ESP Ability" is a 50/50 card guessing game from the movie's opening scene. Each guess is a "double-or-nothing" game that can be stopped at any time.
86	** "Don't Cross the Streams" is a game where you control two proton streams to catch ghosts before time runs out -- or the player crosses the streams. This was added to the 1.10 code update; prior to this, "Negative Reinforcement" was the only video mode.
87	* ''Pinball/StarWarsStern'' is a rare example of a game with an LCD screen having a video mode. In it, the player steers the ''Millennium Falcon'' through an asteroid thicket with the flipper buttons (with the action button allowing for a [[NitroBoost speed boost]]).
88	* "Liar's Dice" from ''Pinball/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanJerseyJack'' is a fairly faithful translation of the dice game seen in ''[[Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanDeadMansChest Dead Man's Chest]]''. The player must specify a wager (gold, souls, points, or tilt warnings) and a bid (up to six die with a specific face), whereupon they and the computer take turns raising or calling "liar!" on the previous bid. Calling "liar!" immediately reveals the dice, which will leave the better victorious if their claim was legitimate.
89	* ''Pinball/FunHouseRudysNightmare'': "Haunted Roller Coaster" uses the display for a mini-game that relies on ActionCommands. The player must move their coaster car in one of three directions by pressing one or both flipper buttons shortly after being prompted, or else the mode ends immediately.
90	* ''Pinball/ToyStory42022'': Tiki Party Pinball is a virtual pinball table played on the smaller playfield screen. The player is given 30 seconds to try and light the three top lanes, at which point a multiball mode begins on the main playfield.

Context Main / VideoMode