Multi-Level Playfield

A playfield design incorporating two or more distinct playing levels stacked vertically, each with its own features, targets, and sometimes its own set of Flippers. Williams’ Black Knight (1980) introduced the concept with an upper playfield accessible via a ramp, and the design became a hallmark of ambitious games that wanted to pack more features into a standard-width cabinet. Multi-level playfields add physical depth and shot variety, creating distinct zones of play that the ball transitions between — though they also increase manufacturing complexity and can make the lower playfield feel cramped.