CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, released by Stern in 2008, stands as a distinct entry in the Pat Lawlor design catalog. Bringing the gritty, procedural aesthetic of the hit television series to the playfield, the machine utilizes a classic DMD display and a layout that emphasizes the systematic collection of clues. With art direction from the legendary John Youssi and Margaret Hudson, the table maintains a clinical, high-stakes atmosphere, anchored by a prominent skull toy and a microscope feature that serves as the centerpiece for the game’s objective-driven progression.
Gameplay revolves around managing multiple concurrent investigations, requiring players to juggle various multiball modes to maximize their score. The core loop demands precision, particularly when aiming for the center ramp to trigger Skull Multiball or hitting the centrifuge repeatedly to initiate its own high-intensity chaos. For those looking to optimize their performance, the most effective strategy involves stacking the centrifuge-based multiball with either the Skull or Microscope modes. Furthermore, savvy players should aim to trigger the Ballistics mode immediately before diving into a multiball to capitalize on the chaos.
While the game offers a straightforward path to completion—such as collecting all evidence of a single color to unlock Microscope Multiball—it also rewards those who understand its mechanical quirks. A clever skill shot remains available even after locking balls if the player executes a rapid plunge before the auto-launch takes over. Despite its age, the machine remains a challenging puzzle for the serious collector, offering a deep, multi-layered experience that demands both tactical planning and steady nerves to solve the case.