Freshie
About This Machine
Freshie, manufactured by Williams in September 1949, is a single-player electro-mechanical game designed by Harry Williams and Sam Stern, with artwork by George Molentin. Its lighthearted College Life theme sits atop a surprisingly intricate rule set for its era.
Freshie's playfield features two flippers, two pop bumpers, a passive bumper, and five kick-out holes. Its most intriguing aspect is the "Progressive Special Handicaps" system, a feature that carries over from game to game: if five consecutive games are played without winning the center kick-out hole's Super Special, the 6th through 10th consecutive games progressively light additional Special awards, culminating in all three outlane Specials being lit for the entire 10th game. The Super Special itself lights on the fifth ball once the lit numbers 1 through 6 are put out, and collecting it awards five free games and restarts the counting sequence.
With its unusual carry-over mechanics, Freshie is an interesting example of the inventiveness of late-1940s Williams design, and a rewarding study for enthusiasts interested in how early flipper-era games experimented with rules that stretched across multiple plays.
Images (45)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- College Life - Girls
- Model Number:
- 31
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (2), Passive bumper (1), Kick-out holes (5). The "Progressive Special Handicaps" as identified in the manufacturer's flyer is a feature that progresses from game to game. If five consecutive games are played without getting the center kick-out hole Super Spe cial award, the 6th thru 10th consecutive games will light these Specials as follows: 6th game: the left side Special lights up on 5th ball. 7th game: both left and right side Specials light up on 5th ball. 8th game: the left outlane Special lights up on 5th ball. 9th game: the right outlane Special lights up on 5th ball. 10th game: all three outlane Specials light up for the entire game. The Super Special will light on 5th ball of any game, once the 1-6 lit numbers are put out. Getting the Super Spe cial awards 5 games and restarts the game counting sequence. Tilt penalty: ball in play.
Credits
- Designer:
- Harry Williams, Sam Stern
- Artist:
- George Molentin