Disco

Stern Electronics' Disco, released in June 1977, is an early game from the newly formed Stern Electronics of Chicago - in fact, it carries model number 100. Arriving just as disco music was sweeping popular culture, this two-player electro-mechanical machine let operators capitalize on the dance craze of the moment. Its production run was brief and modest: just 815 units were built between June 9 and July 19, 1977, making it a relatively uncommon find today.

One of the standout aspects of Disco is its lively gameplay. Players are treated to two flippers, eight rollover buttons, and three slingshots that interact with six standup targets and two spinning targets. An end-of-ball bonus offers an exciting way for players to maximize their scores, and the maximum displayed point score is 999,900 points per player. The sound package is classic EM fare: three chimes and a knocker, with a replay wheel that registers up to 28 credits.

Disco's design and art are quintessential late-EM era work, featuring a colorful and playful aesthetic that captures the essence of the disco craze. While the machine's designer is not documented, it is clear this game was crafted to transport players into the vibrant world of disco dancing, and it remains an appealing snapshot of both a musical moment and the earliest days of Stern Electronics.