The basic purpose of pinball is to use the flippers to control the ball on the play field (table), while accumulating points by sending the ball to the appropriate places and by hitting certain targets. The goal of pinball is to attain the highest score possible in a single game.

Certain targets have certain values, and timing is crucial in obtaining the maximum value from the play field. By meeting certain conditions, it is possible to open up different modes of play allowing for multiple balls on the play field at a given time and higher scores. This is one of the most exciting facets of pinball.

A single game of pinball consists of three balls. The balls are played in consecutive order, and when the final ball has left the play field the game is over. Extra balls can be awarded to increase the number of balls for a single game. The max number of extra balls is limited to 3 per original ball. Thus the max number of playable balls in a perfect game would be 12.

MULTIBALL mode occurs when certain conditions are met, releasing multiple balls onto the play field as a single time. By keeping as many balls as possible from leaving the field, a player can accumulate a substantial number of points. Sending the ball up certain lanes and ramps during MULTIBALL mode, as well as into certain pits, awards the player a JACKPOT. By meeting certain criteria during MULTIBALL mode, a new MULTIBALL mode can be triggered, allowing the player a chance at the SUPER JACKPOT. The MULTIBALL modes and JACKPOT triggers vary from table to table. The dynamic difference of these modes is another reason behind pinball’s great attraction.

Each ROUND is essentially a kind of “mini-game”. There are many different ROUNDS, and different rules apply to each ROUND. Compared to MULTIBALL, ROUNDS are easier to start. While ROUNDS have a lower basic point value than MULTIBALL, it is important to remember that ROUNDS do have a greater point value than the basic point value of regular play field targets, thus making ROUNDS essential in obtaining a high score. There is a great variety in ROUNDS, such as some having timers, and most can trigger MULTIBALL while still in ROUND mode.

ROUND rules and conditions vary from table-to-table, so it is important to memorize each play field and utilize that knowledge accordingly. This will greatly increase your pleasure for pinball.

Each table in Necronomicon has a total of 6 ROUNDS, consisting of 5 normal ROUNDS, which once completed allow access to the SPECIAL ROUND.

It is important to note that after completing the same round twice, the player enters the SUPER ROUND where all scores are automatically doubled for the rest of the game.

A single game of pinball consists of three balls. However, a player can be awarded an EXTRABALL allowing the player another ball after the current ball has left the play field. It is possible to stock EXTRABALLS. EXTRABALLS are awarded for certain rounds and through MYSTERY AWARDS.

If all 3 extra balls per original ball are already earned, the EXTRABALL will be worth 30 Million points.

The MYSTERY AWARD gives the player a random bonus for the current ball. The order of the MYSTERY AWARD is purely random and can not be determined in advance, or controlled.

The MYSTERY AWARD is received when the ball enters the pit while the MYSTERY LITE is lit. There is no need to memorize the different MYSTERY AWARD bonuses as they are random and can not be controlled. Since most are self-explanatory in nature it is simply enough to shoot the appropriate pit when the MYSTERY LITE is lit.

Each table has a different name for the MYSTERY AWARD, yet all bonuses are in fact the same across the different tables.

Please view the Appendix section for detailed explanations of the different MYSTERY AWARD bonuses.

Necronomicon gives the player the power to select one of two features when a ball is shot into the play field. It is not necessary to memorize all of the POWER SELECT features, as most are self-explanatory. Simply remembering that each has its benefits is enough.

Please view the Appendix section for detailed explanations of the different POWER SELECT features.

Nudge is a very technical skill used by professional pinball players. It is possible to actually alter the course of the ball by physically pushing the table (this is called “nudging”). Professionals can masterfully control the course of the ball not only through the use of the flippers, but also by timed and skillful use of nudging.

However, excessive nudging will result in TILT. If the table is physically pushed beyond a certain limit, a sensor is activated causing the power to the play field to shut down (TILT) ultimately resulting in a lost ball (flippers are not active). The Out Hole bonus is also reset, giving no point bonus for the lost ball.

Necronomicon allows players to nudge the table just as in real pinball, and overuse of the NUDGE feature will result in TILT. Please be cautious in over using NUDGE. It is best to use this technique only in dire circumstances.