Star Action
About This Machine
The Star Action, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams Electronics in December 1973, is a show business-themed, add-a-ball electromechanical machine. 1,155 units were produced. Interestingly, Williams' production logs suggest the game may have been renamed from a working title of 'Tripoli' around the time of its approval, possibly to avoid confusion with its replay counterpart, Williams' 'Triple Action'.
Star Action's gameplay is built around four drop targets, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, and two flippers, with spinning posts and an end-of-ball bonus for three or five balls. The backglass features five silkscreened stars above the word "STAR" that stay hidden until illuminated from behind. The game offers convertible Add-a-Ball or Novelty play, plus USA/Italy mode options that adjust high-score thresholds -- giving operators flexibility across different markets.
The Star Action's design and art play up its show-business theme, with the concealed backglass stars serving as a clever visual touch. A curious detail: the small print on the backglass references "Triple Action," the replay version of this game, while the playfield correctly shows the name "Star Action." With its blend of configurable play modes and show-business flair, the Star Action is a notable entry in Williams' early-1970s EM lineup.
Images (48)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Show Business
- Model Number:
- 435
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (3), Slingshots (2), Drop targets (4), Spinning posts. End-of-ball bonus. 3 or 5 balls. Backglass has five silkscreened stars above the word 'STAR'. They are not visible to the player unless illuminated from behind. The small print on the backglass showing the manufacturer name and copyright date also shows the name 'Triple Action' which is the replay version of this game. The small print on the playfield shows the correct name 'Star Action'. Maximum displayed point score: 1,999,990 points. Sounds: 3 chimes, knocker. The knocker operates once for each added ball. Mode of Play Options: USA or Italy - affects high score thresholds: USA setting adds balls for high point scores. Italy setting does not add balls for high point scores. Add- a-Ball or Novelty - affects drop target awards: Add-a-ball setting adds a ball every other time all drop targets down. Novelty setting awards 100,000 points every time all drop targets down. To eliminate awards for USA high scores in this setting, operator must disconnect all plugs from high score adjustment jack. Star Adjustment - affects how added balls are displayed on the backglass: On = Balls To Play Counter steps to 5, then Star Counter steps from 1 to 5. Off = Balls To Play Counter steps to 10, Star Counter does not operate.
Credits
- Designer:
- Steve Kordek
- Artist:
- Christian Marche
Documentation
- DownloadSchematic Diagram (continuous)734 KB