Hot Tip

Hot Tip, designed by Tony Kraemer with artwork by Christian Marche, was released by Williams Electronics in 1977. It holds a genuine historical distinction: it is the last four-player electro-mechanical pinball machine Williams ever made, produced at the very moment the industry pivoted to solid-state technology. Fittingly, Williams also released a solid-state version of Hot Tip the same year, with the EM version's scoring mostly running at ten times the values of its solid-state twin.

The gameplay revolves around an extensive array of targets: two 3-bank drop target sets, standup targets, two kick-out holes, and a captive ball. A standout feature is the unique tilt rollover in the upper left lane. Two slingshots, a single pop bumper, and a spinning target contribute to the fast-paced action, while end-of-ball bonus rewards careful target work. The sound package is classic EM: three chimes and a knocker.

Hot Tip's artwork pays homage to the world of horse racing with Christian Marche's characteristic sleek, stylized aesthetic. Williams' records confirm a production run of 1,300 EM units, built in two runs between June and December 1977. As the final four-player EM from one of pinball's great manufacturers, Hot Tip offers a fascinating snapshot of the industry at its electro-mechanical sunset.