Argosy

The 1977 Williams Argosy is a four-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from the final years of the EM era, released just as the industry was transitioning to solid-state electronics. Designed by Chris Otis, it was produced in a confirmed run of 2,052 units, with production beginning in April 1977 and a second run finishing that October.

Argosy features a well-rounded blend of gameplay elements: two flippers, two pop bumpers, three slingshots, two rollover buttons, a four-bank of drop targets, a kick-out hole, a spinning target, and a left outlane detour gate. An end-of-ball bonus rewards careful playfield work, and the replay wheel reaches an impressive maximum of 37. Sound comes from three chimes and a knocker, the classic EM audio package.

The game's nautical theme of boats, ships, and water gives Argosy its name, which refers to a large merchant vessel. As one of the EM machines Williams built shortly before its landmark solid-state hits of the late 1970s, Argosy offers nostalgic charm and a varied feature set that make it an attractive consideration for collectors of late EM-era games.