Machine Guides

Game History

Total Nuclear Annihilation (TNA) is a pinball machine designed by Scott Danesi and released by Spooky Pinball in September 2017. Originally conceived as an independent homebrew project by Danesi, the design was picked up by Spooky Pinball in 2016 for wider production, with manufacturing beginning in September 2017. A total of 550 machines were produced in the initial run.

The game was specifically designed to pay homage to early 1980s Bally pinball machines while incorporating modern technology, creating what Danesi described as a "retro-futuristic feel." Its presentation is heavily influenced by 1980s aesthetic, featuring neon visuals and a synthwave soundtrack. The game runs on a custom Linux-based operating system called Pinix and utilizes the P3-ROC boardset.

In September 2022, Spooky announced an updated re-release called Total Nuclear Annihilation 2.0, with a limited production run of 250 units featuring upgrades including "nuclear green" plastic protectors and a topper signed by Scott Danesi. The game has developed a passionate community and ranks #75 in the Pinside Pinball Top 100 as of the available data.

How to Play

Objective

The main goal of Total Nuclear Annihilation is to start, heat up, and destroy nuclear reactors by completing specific sequences of shots. You must progress through reactor destruction phases while maintaining control of the ball. The ultimate objective is to achieve the titular Total Nuclear Annihilation by destroying all reactors, resulting in the game's explosive finale.

Controls

• Flippers: Use the left and right flippers to hit the ball and keep it in play
• Launch Button: Press to launch the ball into play
• Start Button: Press to begin a new game
• Plunger: Use to launch the ball into play (if present on the machine)

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your nuclear destruction mission.

• Ball Launch: Launch the ball into play using the plunger or launch button.

• Reactor Activation: Shoot the scoop to activate reactors, beginning the destruction sequence.

• Target Heating: Hit the grid drop targets to heat up the activated reactors, progressing them toward meltdown.

• Reactor Overload: Shoot the pop bumper to explosively overload heated reactors, destroying them completely.

• Destruction Sequence: Repeat the activation, heating, and overload sequence to destroy additional reactors.

• Multi-Ball: Hit specific targets or complete certain sequences to activate multi-ball play with multiple balls in play simultaneously.

• Scoring System: Earn points for completing shots, destroying reactors, and achieving special sequences.

• Game Completion: Successfully destroy all reactors to achieve Total Nuclear Annihilation, which results in the game's explosive finale and high score entry.