Super-7

The Super-7, designed by Don Hooker, is a fascinating piece of pinball history that warrants closer inspection. As an electro-mechanical (EM) game from Bally Manufacturing Corporation, it represents one of the many innovations that defined the golden age of pinball in the mid-20th century. While its exact year of production remains unknown, this machine's presence on the market is a testament to the era's emphasis on creativity and experimentation.

One of the Super-7's most striking features is its extensive use of trap holes, with an impressive 20 strategically placed throughout the playfield. This design choice would have presented players with challenging shot-making requirements, adding depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the machine boasts Mystic Lines, Twin Numbers, and Special Game features that allow for a high degree of customization – the latter requiring players to press specific buttons at key moments in the game, such as before or after launching the fifth ball. These interactive elements would have been groundbreaking for their time.

Unfortunately, the Super-7's theme remains unspecified, leaving room for interpretation among enthusiasts. Its design and art, however, are undeniably noteworthy – particularly in how they utilize color and visual interest to guide players through the game. One intriguing aspect of this machine is its backglass artwork, which features a card with colored sections that can be rearranged by pressing specific buttons before shooting the fourth or fifth ball. This level of interactivity would have been rare even among later pinball machines, making the Super-7 an even more captivating relic from a bygone era.