Popeye Saves the Earth
1994 pinball machine
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Popeye Saves The Earth is a 1994 widebody pinball game designed by Python Anghelo and Barry Oursler and released by WMS Industries under the Bally label. It is based on the Popeye comic/cartoon characters licensed from King Features Syndicate.[4]
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| Manufacturer | WMS Industries |
|---|---|
| Release date | May 1994 |
| System | Midway WPC (DCS) |
| Design | Python Anghelo, Barry Oursler[1][2] |
| Programming | Mike Boon[1][2] |
| Artwork | Python Anghelo, Pat McMahon, John Youssi[1][2] |
| Mechanics | Zofia Bil Ryan[1][2] |
| Music | Paul Heitsch[1][2] |
| Sound | Paul Heitsch[1][2] |
| Voices | Tim Kitzrow[3] |
| Animation | Scott Slomiany, Eugene Geer |
| Production run | 4,217 units |
It is one of WMS' SuperPin line of widebody games; the tenth and final collaboration between Anghelo and Oursler.[5] The playfield artwork was by Pat McMahon and Anghelo, and the backglass was designed by John Youssi.[4] It uses the DCS sound system.[6]
Most of the games sold outside the United States.[5]
Story
The game was set in the current day, with a middle-aged Popeye living on an island from residual cheques of his time as a cartoon star. Olive Oyl collects seashells on the beach, and Swee'Pea is nearly 30 years old and has a masters degree in marine biology. Wimpy still has a hamburger addiction.[5]
Bluto has formed an oil company, Brutus Oil, which was responsible for a large oil spill on Popeye's island.[7][8]
Layout
The game has an upper playfield.[9]
Gameplay
Reception
Play Meter enjoyed the return to a cartoon theme, even with no movie tie-in.[11] Cash Box International couldn't see the reason for the choice of theme, and found the game to be slow.[12] At a seminar at Pinball Expo on October 27, 1995, it was "unanimously agreed" as being the worst game of recent memory.[13]
