Argosy

The Argosy, designed by Chris Otis and manufactured by Williams Electronics, is a solid state electronic pinball machine circa 1977 that showcases nautical theming and challenging gameplay. It is an electronic prototype of the earlier EM game of the same name; the sole known example uses cabinet artwork from Williams' 1976 'Aztec', likely a cabinet reused from that production run.

At its core, the Argosy offers a standard complement of flippers, pop bumpers, slingshots, and a 4-bank drop target. What sets it apart are its kick-out hole and spinning target, which require precise timing and aim to activate, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game's overall flow. Meanwhile, the left outlane detour gate provides a novel way for balls to escape, creating an element of unpredictability that keeps players engaged.

As a rare, one-off prototype that used the so-called "System 2" MPU (shared only with the prototype solid-state Aztec), the Argosy occupies a unique place in Williams' transition from electro-mechanical to solid-state pinball, making it a notable curiosity for collectors and historians of early solid-state design.