Mystery Score (Extra Ball Model)
About This Machine
Mystery Score (Extra Ball Model) from 1965 is a variant of Midway's electro-mechanical bat game, notable for implementing an extra-ball/replay system without an Add-A-Ball mechanism, instead using scoring thresholds and target hits to award additional balls. By achieving specific score levels or hitting predetermined targets, players can earn extra chances to play, adding a layer of strategy to the game.
Mystery Score's gameplay features a minimum of 13 balls per game, with flyaway targets (9) and knock-down targets (2), all while navigating two sets of scoring reels, red and green. Players must carefully balance their efforts between advancing Red and Green Scores, with the Center target awarding the coveted Mystery Score. The Extra Ball model's scoring system is governed by operator-adjustable settings that determine the conditions for awarding replays, though unlike the standard Replay model, replays here are only indicated by an illuminated "CREDIT" word rather than a visible replay mechanism on the backglass.
The Hollywood Monsters theme, characteristic of Midway's flair for whimsy, comes alive through the cabinet's artwork and center insert. This Extra Ball variant's playfield layout differs substantially from the standard Replay model released around the same time, making it a notable example of Midway's inventive scoring mechanisms during its mid-1960s heyday in Chicago.
Images (19)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Hollywood Monsters
- Notable Features:
- Minimum of 13 balls per game. Extra balls and replays are awarded for reaching point score thresholds. Flyaway targets (9), Knock-down targets (2). This is a 1-player game with two sets of scoring reels, red and green. Hitting red targets advances Red Score. Hitting green targets advances Green Score. Center target awards Mystery Score. Each set of score reels also has a single reel that counts how many times a red or green target was hit. Player is allowed one swing of the bat for each pitch of the ball. This Extra Ball model is not an actual Add-A-Ball game because it does score replays by achieving certain score levels, by hitting a set number of red or green targets, by hitting all four of the red or green targets, or by hitting a red or green ball when that corresponding colored light is lit (all are operator adjustable). Replays are not displayed by a visible replay mechanism on the backglass. Instead, the player is provided only the illuminated word "CREDIT". Pressing the left button starts the game when Credit light is lit.