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Contact

Manufacturer: Williams Electronics, Incorporated (1967-1985) [Trade Name: Williams]
Year: 1978
Date: May 31, 1978
Type: Solid State Electronic (SS)
Players: 4
Production: 2,502 units (confirmed)

About This Machine

Contact, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams Electronics in 1978, is a solid-state electronic pinball machine that stands out for its unique blend of space-age theme and innovative gameplay features. This game marks an important milestone in pinball history as one of the first to incorporate dual-action flippers, allowing players to control either the inner or all four flippers with varying levels of button pressure. This pioneering design element not only enhanced player engagement but also set a new standard for flipper control in future games.

One of the key attractions of Contact is its variety of challenging and rewarding gameplay features, including three pop bumpers, two ball kickers, and a swinging target that adds an extra layer of difficulty to maintaining momentum. The machine's four-standup targets and 4-bank drop targets provide multiple scoring opportunities, while the horseshoe lane offers a unique way to control ball movement. Additionally, the Rollover button allows for strategic gameplay and rewards players with bonus points.

The Contact machine boasts an otherworldly theme, transporting players to an alien world filled with extraterrestrial life forms. The artwork and design elements are characteristic of Williams' signature style during this period, featuring a combination of space-age visuals and futuristic typography. While limited information is available on the game's history, its innovative features and unique theme make it a fascinating addition to any pinball enthusiast's collection, offering hours of challenging and entertaining gameplay.

Images (22)

Technical Details

Theme:
Aliens - Fantasy - Outer Space
Model Number:
482
MPU:
Williams System 3
Notable Features:
Flippers (4), Pop bumpers (3), Standup targets (4), Kick-out holes (2), Ball kickers (2), 4-bank drop targets (1), Swinging target (1), Horseshoe lane (1), Rollover button (1), Up-post between flippers. This game has Dual Action Flippers which allows the inner flippers to operate first, or all four flippers to operate, depending on how far the flipper buttons are pressed. Sound: electronic, knocker

Credits

Designer:
Steve Kordek
Artist:
Christian Marche
Software:
Ron Crouse
Sound:
Randy Pfeiffer

ROM Files

Documentation

  • Backbox Connector Schematics
    9 MB
    Download
  • CPU Board Schematics
    18 MB
    Download
  • Display Board Schematics
    25 MB
    Download
  • Driver Board Schematics
    25 MB
    Download
  • English Manual (July 1978)
    28 MB
    Download
  • Instruction Cards
    5 MB
    Download
  • Manual Amendment (16P-482-110, September 1978, CPU Board changes)
    3 MB
    Download
  • Power Supply Schematics
    7 MB
    Download
  • Sound Board Schematics
    19 MB
    Download

Other Files