I was searching for first habitrail. While Firepower II does have the wireform over the playfield thing, it's not "exactly" what I'd call a habitrail, perhaps since the ball doesn't really change direction with it, and there aren't the rings that we are used to seeing that create the illusion of a tube.

Wouldn't the hard-line answer on first habitrail be Big Guns?
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First banked shot? (Not accessible directly from flippers)
Nine Ball ?
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First ramp only shootable via playfield flipper?
High Speed ?
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Q: What was the first game to trap a ball for multi-ball behind a line of inline targets (like in Fathom) ?
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Q: What is the first game that requires accomplishing a set of goals on the playfield on a single ball, which leads to a jackpot mode? (like in Taxi)

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Q: What is the first game to have a solenoid fire the ball to an upper playfield or bagatelle? (like in Space Station)

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Q: What is the first game to have a cellar with a kick back? (like in Cyclone)

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Q: What is the first game to sometimes lock a ball for multiball via diverter after making a ramp shot? (like in Whirlwind)

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Q: What is the first game to return a ramp shot safely to an inlane? (like in Cyclone)

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Q: What pin is the first to have variable length Magna Save? (like in Grand Lizard)

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Q: What pin is the first to have a topper triggered only by certain achievements in the game (like in Whirlwind)

(My GF came up with this one!)

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Q: What pin is the first to have a moving 3D toy that has a function in the game? (like in Space Station)

(My GF came up with this one!)

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I agree with this sentiment. I think a useful outcome for this thread would be to create a timeline of innovation and show which pins/designers brought this forth. I respect the request to not include EMs in SS/DMD/Moden threads where people are trying to "find that next pin to buy, where they know they don't want an EM" -- but this thread isn't about shopping help. This thread is about compiling history. EMs and their designers deserve credit...

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Q: What was the first game to taunt you for not making an achievement quickly? (like in Diner, "You are too slow")

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Motordome.

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There are 70+ unanswered questions in this quiz. I'm surprised more haven't been solved yet...
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I would greatly appreciate if you marked your updates here, so we can know what the delta changes are.
thanks!
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One of the best threads on Pinside -- hope we continue to grow it.
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1. When is the first "single-resettable" drop target like we see in 1981 with Barracora (must hit the drops in order or it pops back up)

2. When is the first "programmed middle of the PF drop target" like we see in 1982 Defender (and used later in games like NGG and MM as bash toys)

3. When is the first "droppable" set of targets via a button. Defender ?

4. When is the first manual kick-save. Defender?

5. When is the first manual center post save? Fireball II? -- is this a copy from an EM?

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Cyclone Firsts ?

1. First scoop with kickback ?
2. First ball returned to inlane via ramp ?
3. First game with total playfield choreography (every shot makes a sound integrated into the game) -- or does High Speed earn that?
4. First under PF subway ?
5. First mystery award ? NO. See Black Knight.

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Fathom First?

Trapped multiball saucer behind set of inline targets?

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Nine Ball

First multiball ball lock that can't be made without a bank shot ?

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Sorcerer

First curved wall of stand up targets in the middle of the playfield? (Likely an EM had done this previously)

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Space Station, 1987
1. First toy that moved?
2. First VUK?
3. first game with TWO sets of lights !
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Whirlwind, 1990
First shot progression with lights (that are not strictly a single bank of 1-2-3-4-5 targets)?
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Funhouse, 1990
first trap door?
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use of a lane diverter (not at playfield bottom), space shuttle? 1984
use of a ramp diverter, high speed? 1986
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^^^ I'd appreciate some agreement/disagreement/corrections to my most recent posts from some of you pinball experts! ^^^
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ty!

Good call on black knight.
I see your point it's "technically" pinbot on the inlane thing, even though I don't think of that as one fluid "ramp motion to inlane" in my memory bank -- I guess it actually is. Can the ball exit in another way, or does it always exit to inlane?

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First figure-8 shaped dual-entry orbit (not-squared off on the edges like High Speed)
Seawitch
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This is one of the best threads ever. I wish O-din would start one up for just EMs... since so much pinball invention happens on EMs first...

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