Cirqus Voltaire is a 1997 pinball game designed by John Popadiuk and released by Bally. The theme involves the player performing many different marvels in order to join the circus. Some of the game’s distinctive features include a neon light running along the right ramp return, a pop bumper that rises from the middle of the playfield at certain times, and a magnet at the top of the left ramp that can catch balls and divert them into the locks. The most notable feature is the Ringmaster—a head that rises at certain times and taunts the player.

This restoration has a bit of a backstory, and at the time, it tested my patience—here’s what happened. The decision was made to install a new playfield. The new playfield was installed on the rotisserie, and the process of repopulating all the parts began. When it was about 90% complete, I noticed a small hole drilled by the manufacturer in a place it didn’t belong. This led to a heated debate with the manufacturer, but I was finally able to get a replacement. Needless to say, I was not happy about it, and in a sense, this playfield was restored twice.

The rest of the restoration was fairly typical: loads of new parts, ramps, plastics, mechanical components, etc. The cabinet received new graphics and came out looking like new. The artwork on this game is something to behold—very colorful and bright, and it fits the carnival theme perfectly. Everyone who sees this game comments on the art.