Full Throttle, released by Heighway Pinball in 2014, stands as a widebody tribute to the high-octane world of motorcycle racing. Designed by Dave Sanders, this machine breaks from traditional layouts by incorporating an integrated LCD screen that keeps the player immersed in the track-side action. The playfield is a dense, mechanical sprawl featuring four spinning disks that whip the ball around with unpredictable velocity, complemented by a captive ball and a unique motorized figurine that tracks the ball’s movement with its gaze. With its heavy focus on speed and momentum, the game captures the tension of the circuit through a sophisticated mix of traditional mechanics and modern digital integration.
Gameplay revolves around the pursuit of high-speed challenges and strategic scoring maneuvers. To get into the thick of the race, players must focus on the inlane rollovers to unlock race modes, which are then triggered via the scoop. For those chasing big bonuses, the machine rewards tactical management of multipliers; once you’ve lit up the back wall for 2x, 3x, or 4x scoring, you must manually activate the playfield multiplier using the launch button. Mastering the ramp and orbit loops is essential, as these shots serve as the gateway to the game’s various challenge modes—intense, short-lived multiball events that demand precision under pressure.
The true chaos of Full Throttle is revealed when you begin stacking these challenges. Each successful activation adds another ball to the mix, building toward a frantic five-ball frenzy that tests even the most seasoned veteran. The combination of magnetic playfield elements and the sheer physical presence of the widebody design makes for a demanding experience that requires constant attention to ball control. It is a bold, ambitious machine that forces players to balance the aggressive, fast-paced nature of the race track with the calculated timing needed to maximize their point totals.