How to play Bumper Bash online
The game needs a pair of paddles in the left controller port. The emulator switches to paddle mode automatically. Only the paddle buttons matter here, not turning the dials.
- Flippers: Space bar and A (the buttons of the two paddles)
- Set the plunger: press either flipper button before launching
- Launch the ball: press both buttons at the same time
- Start a new game: F12 (the console’s Reset switch) or either button
- Switch between paddle and joystick mode: Alt + L
- Save and load your progress: Ctrl + 0–9 saves to a slot, Alt + 0–9 loads it
Gameplay
You get five balls. You lose one when it drains down either side or slips through the gap between the flippers. Across the top are three rollovers marked with the letters A, C and E. Light all three and two ball kickers appear in the side drains to knock the ball back into play. Light them all again with the same ball and you win an extra ball.
The table has two banks of drop targets. The large number in the middle shows what each drop target is worth, and the spinner changes it from 1 to 9. Clearing the top targets makes the bumpers worth more, first the bumper pair and then the top bumper. The third time, the rollover buttons start adding to your bonus. Hitting the rail bumpers moves the flashing light between the target banks. Each bonus point is worth 1,000 points in your final score.
| Target | Points |
|---|---|
| Top rollover | 100 |
| Rollover button | 50 |
| Top bumper | 50 (500 when flashing) |
| Bumper pair | 10 (100 when flashing) |
| Spinner | 10 |
| Drop target | 100 × the drop target value |
| Rail bumper | 5 |
Tips
- Go for the rollovers early. The ball kickers they give you protect the side drains for the rest of the ball.
- Watch the number in the middle. Each drop target is worth 100 times that value, so a hit at 9 scores 900 instead of 100. Aim for the targets when the spinner has pushed the value up.
- Build the bonus. Top rollovers and flashing targets each add a bonus point, worth 1,000 at the end, more than most single shots.
History
The North American cartridge carries the model number SA-218, and AtariAge rates it extremely rare. A PAL version was sold in Europe under the serials SA-218 and SA-218C, and AtariMania also lists a release in Thailand by Tythm Softwares.
