Saturn
About This Machine
The Nordamatic Saturn, produced in Verona, Italy in 1977, is a single-player electro-mechanical machine built around an outer-space theme. Gameplay includes two flippers, two pop bumpers, three kick-out holes, three standup targets, and a spinning target, all set in a wedge-head cabinet with electronic sound and an EM knocker.
The Saturn's standout feature is its backglass, which displays a randomly selected high-score threshold (one of eight). Reaching that score earns the player a replay or extra ball — occasionally two extra balls, announced by a trumpet-like sound — after which a new threshold appears. This adds an element of unpredictability that keeps gameplay fresh across sessions, with a maximum displayed score of 19,999,000 points.
Specific information about the Saturn's designer is not documented, but its inventive scoring mechanic makes it a notable piece of mid-1970s Italian EM pinball for collectors and historians alike.
Images (15)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Outer Space
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (2), Kick-out holes (3), Standup targets (3), Spinning target (1). The backglass displays a random high score to beat, one of eight point thresholds. Players reaching this high score are awarded a replay or extra ball (operator option on the sound board) and then a new high score threshold is displayed. Randomly, the player can win two extra balls instead of just one and this award is announced by a sound similar to a trumpet. Wedge head. Maximum displayed point score is 19,999,000 points. Sound: electronic, EM knocker