Rocket

The Rocket, designed by Harry Williams (with art by George Molentin) and manufactured by Williams Electronic Manufacturing Corporation in 1959, is an Outer Space-themed electro-mechanical pinball machine. It offered 5 balls for 5 cents, a generous ratio for its era.

The machine's layout boasts an array of features: two flippers, four pop bumpers, five passive bumpers, two slingshots, and seven kick-out holes that challenge players to navigate the playing field. It also features left and right dual outlanes, providing multiple ways for the ball to exit the playfield.

Collectors note some interesting production variations on this game: examples exist with a deep purple backglass instead of the more typical light blue, and some early units have flippers that came from the factory in a dark red color rather than white. These details help enthusiasts identify early production examples of this classic space-age machine.