1 | [[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/strangesciencebackglass_3299.jpg]] |
2 | [[caption-width-right:350:Hey, that's not [[Film/WeirdScience Lisa...]]]] |
3 | |
4 | ->'''Dr. Shock:''' "This is what [[TitleDrop Strange Science]] is all about!" |
5 | |
6 | ''Strange Science'' is a PhysicalPinballTable designed by Dan Langlois and illustrated by Creator/GregFreres. It was released by Creator/BallyMidway in 1986. |
7 | |
8 | On [[ItWasADarkAndStormyNight a dark and stormy night,]] [[HormoneAddledTeenager frisky teens Jodi and Todd]] venture into an abandoned old house, only to get separated by a MadScientist living within. Dr. Shock introduces Jodi to Gertrude the chimpanzee, then announces his wild experiment to [[FreakyFridayFlip swap their bodies.]] While Todd rushes to save her, the player must use the Particle Accelerator and the Atom Smasher to power up the experiment, and activate the Anti-Gravity machine to move balls up the playfield. Trigger the Power Saver to prevent drains down the outlane, fill up the test tube, then start a five-ball multiball spree and start some [[TitleDrop Strange Science!]] |
9 | |
10 | [[TheMockbuster Capitalizing on the "wacky science" comedy movies]] of TheEighties, ''Strange Science'' ended up a modest success, selling around 2,300 units. It was marketed with a seven-page black-and-white comic by Brian Colin (the designer of ''VideoGame/{{Rampage}}'') documenting the back story. While it's not a particularly deep game, it has a fair number of fans who enjoy its wacky humor and engaging layout. |
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12 | ---- |
13 | !!''Strange Science'' demonstrates the following tropes: |
14 | |
15 | * AllThereInTheManual: The game's background story is only presented in the promotional comic. |
16 | * AntiGravity: The Anti-Gravity machine shoots balls up to the top of the playfield. |
17 | * BigElectricSwitch: Dr. Shock is grabbing one on the backglass. |
18 | * DamselInDistress: Jodi. |
19 | * EinsteinHair: Dr. Shock has a scalp of cropped white hair. |
20 | * EpilepticFlashingLights: The Jacob's Ladder neon topper tends to flicker very rapidly, producing this effect. |
21 | * EvilLaugh: Though the game lacks any voices, it makes up for it with a variety of modulated laughs from Dr. Shock. |
22 | * ExcusePlot: The backstory of Jodi, Todd, and Shock's experiment don't factor into the game at all -- just shoot stuff and score points. |
23 | * FreakyFridayFlip: The experiment is to swap Jodi and Gertrude's bodies. |
24 | * GeniusSlob: Dr. Shock's desk (represented by the pinball table's apron) is a slovenly mess, including a half-empty can of cola, a partially-eaten cheeseburger and a tube of ketchup. |
25 | * GoldenSnitch: Multiball is ridiculously unbalanced - The playfield multiplier goes up to ''12x'' with all five balls out. |
26 | * HormoneAddledTeenager: Jodi and Todd. |
27 | * ImprobableWeaponUser: Todd charges into the laboratory with his electric guitar held like a shotgun. |
28 | * ItWasADarkAndStormyNight |
29 | * LabcoatOfScienceAndMedicine: Dr. Shock is always seen wearing one. |
30 | * MadScientist: Dr. E. Shock, the antagonist. |
31 | * MadScientistLaboratory: The playfield is decorated like a classic laboratory. Operators can also install a backbox topper resembling a [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_gap#Visual_entertainment Jacob's Ladder]] with an electric arc. |
32 | * TheMockbuster: The game intentionally invites comparisons to films such as ''Film/WeirdScience'' and ''Film/RealGenius''. |
33 | * NoNameGiven: Ultimately subverted; although the MadScientist is never named anywhere, a small nametag on his coat reads "Dr. E. Shock". |
34 | * NotSoAbandonedBuilding[=/=]OldDarkHouse: Shock's lab is located inside a seemingly-abandoned OldDarkHouse. |
35 | * ScoreMultiplier: 3x, 6x, 9x, or 12x with 2, 3, 4, or 5 balls in play, respectively. |
36 | * SkillShot: Time your launch so it rolls over the Particle Separator switch when the moving light is on the desired reward. |
37 | * SpellingBonus: L-A-B increases the bonus multiplier, while S-T-R-A-N-G-E-S-C-I-E-N-C-E advances the Spark Bonus. |
38 | * UnwantedRescue: The comic ends with [[BigDamnHeroes Todd bursting in to rescue Jodi]] (whose mind is now in the body of Gertrude the chimp), only for her to note, "Save me?! He's gotta be kidding -- this is the most fun I've had in years!" |
39 | * ValleyGirl: Jodi even ''thinks'' in val-speak. |
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