Creature from the Black Lagoon is based on the classic 1954 horror film. Artist Kevin O’Connor did a great job on the artwork, giving the game its “drive-in movie” atmosphere. The soundtrack amplifies the entire experience dramatically: “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and the Comets, “Get a Job” by The Silhouettes, “Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran, “Willie and the Hand Jive” by Johnny Otis, and “Red River Rock” by Johnny and the Hurricanes.

The playfield layout has an unconventional design, with lots of looping ramps on the top half. This gives ramp lovers just what they want, but also makes room for the centerpiece of the playfield, “The Lagoon.” Beneath this custom window in the playfield lives the Creature in his natural habitat. To achieve this, a green hologram was produced by Polaroid; unfortunately, it failed over time. With the benefit of modern technology, a mod was created to install an LCD screen in place of the hologram, depicting the Creature with multiple scenes containing custom graphics of him in action. Expensive at around $1,200, but it brings the game to a new level.

As far as restoration expenses go, the budget went out the window. To name a few: a new playfield, ramps, a plastic set, cabinet graphics, and much more. Probably the most I’ve ever spent on parts for a restoration, the bill of materials came out to a whopping $6,322.