Algar

Algar, designed by Tony Kraemer and released by Williams Electronics in September 1980, is a curious footnote in the solid-state era. A four-player widebody running on the Williams System 6A board (a System 6 variant with 7-segment displays), it had a confirmed production run of just 349 units, making it one of the scarcer Williams games of its day. Around the factory it was jokingly known as 'Gor's brother Al,' a nod to Williams' earlier hit Gorgar, though the family resemblance did not extend to earnings; designer Steve Ritchie later recalled bluntly that 'Algar didn't earn money. I think Al was just a dud of a game.'

The game's fantasy-themed playfield features two flippers, three pop bumpers, two 3-bank drop targets, three messenger balls, three standup targets, two spinning targets, a kick-out hole, an upper left kicker lane, and a right outlane ball return gate. Artwork was by Constantino and Jeanine Mitchell, with sound by Kristina Donofrio and software by Paul Dussault.

The game also has an interesting design history: in The Pinball Compendium 1970-1981, designer Claude Fernandez stated that he left Williams for Bally while the game was at the whitewood stage, after which the project passed to Tony Kraemer, leaving Fernandez without design credit. Its low production and unusual backstory make Algar an intriguing piece of Williams history for collectors.