Ever since I was a young boy, I played...
The Silver Ball
(Pinball Wizard, The Who)
17th October 2008

Nostalgia: Centaur (Bally, 1981)

posted in nostalgia |

There’s no denying that Centaur had presence. Clad in black and chrome, he dominated the Games Room from the moment he arrived. His American accent - pronouncing his name “CentAR” instead of the British “CentOR” - made him seem even more exotic.

Yes, he had presence. What he didn’t have was class. His five ball attract mode was impressive at first but the showing off got old quickly. His constant demands that someone “Challenge Centaur” revealed his true nature as a macho bully.

Basically, he wasn’t very nice. I tried to get to know him yet really couldn’t get along with him. Maybe it’s because I was looking to have an enjoyable evening rather than a testosterone fuelled fight.

Yet despite that I couldn’t stay away from him. For all his faults, Centaur had a fascination and an ability to draw you in. Every time he treated me badly and humiliated me I swore it would be the last opportunity he got. Yet somehow I always managed to convince myself that I was the one at fault and that I should give him another chance.

Today I’d know better and walk away. Back then I’d never even heard the term “codependency”.

When Centaur finally left the Games Room, my emotions were a mixture of sadness and relief. For better or worse his presence had certainly made an impact on my life.

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There are currently 2 responses to “Nostalgia: Centaur (Bally, 1981)”

Join in the discussion, add your point of view below.

  1. 1 On October 18th, 2008, Nick said:

    Nice blog Trevor, found it after I followed a comment you’d made on my blog back here. I’m mostly a fan of the more ‘modern’ dot-matrix machines, but there are 2 Centaurs in my workshop - and one day the best bits from each will be used to make one really nice example.
    I’ve added your blog to my ‘blogs I read’ section, but I’m quite new to all this technology malarkey so hope I’ve done it right!
    Best Wishes
    Nick

  2. 2 On October 19th, 2008, trevor said:

    Thanks Nick. One day I intend to have a machine of my own - even a Centaur would do!

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