Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine: A Masterpiece of the 90s
Step into a world of magic carpets, sinister genies, and ancient treasures with the Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine. Released in 1996 by Williams Electronics and designed by the legendary John Popadiuk, this machine is widely regarded as one of the most visually stunning and mechanically innovative games of the “Golden Age” of pinball.
Whether you are a seasoned collector looking for a center-piece for your game room or a newcomer wanting an immersive story-driven experience, this table delivers a “world under glass” like no other. At The Pinball Market, we specialize in both new and meticulously refurbished machines, ensuring your journey through ancient Baghdad is as smooth as a magic carpet ride.
Key Features & Innovative Toys
The Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine is famous for its “toys”—mechanical features that interact with the ball in ways that were revolutionary for the time:
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The Spinning Magic Lamp: Located in the center of the playfield, this lamp rotates as you hit it, building bonuses and lighting the “Make a Wish” feature.
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The Blue Genie Bash Toy: A large, imposing Genie stands guard at the back. Hitting him allows you to spell G-E-N-I-E to lock balls for the 3-ball Multiball.
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Vertical Magnet Diverter: In a pinball first, a magnet grabs the ball and hurls it back toward the player or drops it into a hidden bazaar vault.
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The Shooting Stars: Look out for the “Rising Spikes” in the outlanes. These localized ball-saves physically pop up from the playfield to rescue your ball from a certain drain.
Gameplay & Narrative Missions
The goal is to complete 7 Tales to rescue the Princess from the Genie’s bottle. Each mission is based on Middle Eastern folklore:
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Sinbad and the Rocs: Battle giant predatory birds.
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Ali Baba’s Cave: Spell “SESAME” to unlock the treasure.
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The Flying Horse: Find the hidden jewel among the statues.
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Scheherazade’s Tale: Keep the story going under a time limit.
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The Great Camel Race: Overtake opponents to take first place.
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The 40 Thieves: Escape the pursuit on your magic carpet.
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The Genie’s Revenge: The ultimate showdown.
Why Buy From The Pinball Market?
Buying a vintage machine like the Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine requires trust. Our refurbished units undergo a rigorous 50-point inspection, including:
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Full playfield teardown and waxing.
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LED lighting upgrades for a vibrant, modern look.
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New rubber rings and mechanical part replacements.
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Tested and verified WPC-95 electronics.
Looking for something else? We carry everything from the latest Stern hits like The Walking Dead Remastered and Godzilla Premium, to quirky classics like the Funhouse Remake Midnight Edition.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
| Manufacturer | Williams Electronics Games (1996) |
| Design / Art | John Popadiuk / Pat McMahon |
| Dimensions | 28″ W x 56″ D x 77″ H |
| Weight | Approx. 250 lbs |
| Players | 1-4 Players |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Tales of the Arabian Nights Pinball Machine good for beginners?
Absolutely. While the rules have depth for experts, the “Make a Wish” scoop and the “Shooting Star” ball-saves make it very forgiving for casual players and families.
How rare is this machine?
Williams only produced about 3,128 units. Because of its beauty and high ranking on the Internet Pinball Database (IPDB), it is highly sought after by collectors.
Do you provide shipping and setup?
Yes! We offer various shipping methods, from curbside delivery to full white-glove “Inside Delivery with Assembly.”
Can I find replacement parts for this game?
Yes. Since it uses the WPC-95 system, many parts are still manufactured. We carry a variety of parts, or you can check community resources like Pinside for specific modding advice.
Explore More Arcade Classics
If you love the fantasy theme of Tales of the Arabian Nights, you might also enjoy other legendary titles in our collection, such as the Addams Family Pinball or the magical Theatre of Magic.
For those looking for more modern gameplay, check out the Jurassic Park Premium or take a break from pinball with a round of Golden Tee PGA Tour Deluxe.
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