Klondike

The Klondike pinball machine, designed by Norm Clark and released in 1971 by Williams Electronics, is a Canadian West-themed electromechanical (EM) machine with artwork by Christian Marche. By 1971, EM pinball was a mature and well-established format, and Klondike represents a solid, feature-rich example from Williams' catalog of that period.

In terms of gameplay, the Klondike boasts an impressive array of features for its era, including two flippers, five pop bumpers, two slingshots, and five standup targets. The addition of three kick-out holes adds a layer of strategy and risk-reward to the game, as players must balance their pursuit of high scores with the potential loss of balls. A unique aspect of the Klondike's design is its use of slot-machine-style reels near the top of the playfield, which award up to three replays for winning combinations.

The Klondike's Canadian West theme is reflected in its artwork and design. An add-a-ball version of the game was released as Williams' Yukon, and a four-player version was released as Jackpot, both also in 1971. With 3,302 units confirmed produced, Klondike remains a well-regarded single-player EM machine from Williams' early-1970s output.