This project is a game that combines concepts from both a pinball machine and a table football game. The gameplay consists of scoring goals in the opponent’s goal using two flippers similar to those found in a pinball machine.

Each player controls two flippers acting as if they were a football goalkeeper’s hands, trying to defend their own goal while also attempting to send the ball toward the rival side and score.

The goal is to create a simple, fun, and engaging experience based on reflexes, timing, and player interaction.

The main inspiration for this project comes from an arcade game I played when I was younger and that I have never seen again since then. Although pinball machines and table football games still exist today, that machine combined elements of both concepts in a different way and left a strong impression on me.

After deciding to develop this idea, I researched similar projects and found several examples of two-player pinball machines. However, I could not find any project combining a football field with two opposite goals and gameplay focused on defending and attacking using flippers.

Besides that initial inspiration, I also used references from existing pinball systems, football games, and different mechanical and electronic solutions discovered during the development process.

I will design all the main mechanical and electronic elements required for the project. This includes:

• Outer structure and chassis
• Playing field
• Goal detection system
• Game control logic
• Automatic ball return system
• Score display
• Lighting effects

I will also design the necessary PCBs, holders, and custom 3D printed parts required to integrate all the systems together.

Carboard model make on week 06

High quality video available on my YouTube channel ↗️.

During Week 16, I created a BOM (Bill of Materials) table where I listed all the materials and components used in the project, including their origin and estimated cost.

The main materials include wood and MDF for the structure, acrylic sheets for the playing field and decorative elements, electronic components such as microcontrollers, sensors, LEDs, servo motors, buttons, and several custom-made 3D printed parts.

The complete BOM table is reproduced below:

Several parts and systems will be designed and manufactured specifically for this project:

• Wooden outer box structure
• MDF top cover and ball return system
• Laser engraved and cut playing field
• 3D printed parts such as hand flippers and PCB holders
• Custom electronic system and PCBs
• Lighting system and score display
• Game control system and logic

Different fabrication processes learned during Fab Academy will be used throughout the project:

• CNC milling for manufacturing the wooden structure
• 2D design and laser cutting/engraving for the playing field
• Laser cutting on MDF for the top cover and additional parts
• 3D design and printing for custom components
• PCB design and CNC fabrication
• Embedded programming
• Mechanical and electronic system integration

The combination of all these techniques will allow me to fabricate most of the project instead of relying on external parts.

During the development process, several important questions still need to be answered:

• What is the optimal playing field angle to ensure smooth ball movement?
• Will the automatic ball return system work reliably after each goal?
• How should the flipper speed and force be adjusted to create balanced gameplay?
• Will the goal detection system work correctly in all situations?
• Are the selected materials strong and durable enough?
• Does the final experience feel fun, intuitive, and engaging for players?

The project will be evaluated by testing both its technical functionality and the overall user experience.

Some evaluation criteria will include:

• Correct operation and responsiveness of the flippers
• Accurate goal detection
• Reliable operation of the automatic ball return system
• Proper score display and lighting effects
• Successful integration of all mechanical and electronic systems
• Quality of assembly and final appearance
• Whether the game feels dynamic, balanced, and enjoyable for different users

Additionally, real user testing will be performed to identify possible improvements and detect any issues or areas that could be optimized.