Blast Off

Released by Bally Manufacturing Corporation in December 1963, Star-Jet (marketed with the sensational Blast-Off extra balls feature) is an outer space fantasy-themed electro-mechanical pinball machine designed by Ted Zale with artwork by George Molentin. Bally produced 1,050 units of this two-player game as model number 733, featuring a project date of October 1963.

The playfield features two flippers, three pop bumpers, two passive bumpers, two slingshots, five standup targets, and two kick-out holes supporting 2-ball or 3-ball multiball gameplay. The machine displays a maximum score of 1,999 points per player with a replay wheel maximum of 25. The game offers both 2-ball and 3-ball play options, utilizing three chimes and a knocker for audio feedback.

Star-Jet achieved historic significance as the first pinball machine to feature 3-ball multiball, a groundbreaking innovation that would become standard in modern pinball design. The machine also debuted a universal transformer and motor that functioned for both domestic and export machines. With a fun rating of 7.6/10, Star-Jet represents Ballys innovation during the Space Race era when space themes dominated popular culture.