Machine Description

Williams Electronics' 'Jokerz!' released in 1988, represents a distinctive entry in the late solid-state era of pinball manufacturing. The game embraced a carnival/circus theme with a comedic twist, featuring colorful artwork and playful jester characters that captured the lighthearted spirit of the era's arcade entertainment.

The machine's design incorporated several innovative features for its time, including a rotating disc in the center of the playfield (similar to 'Whirlwind'), multiple ramps, and a unique 'juggling' mechanism where balls could be locked and released in sequence. The gameplay focused on hitting various targets to spell out 'JOKERZ' while accumulating points through skillful shot combinations and multi-ball modes.

Technically, Jokerz! utilized Williams' System 11 hardware platform, which was known for its reliability and sophisticated scoring capabilities. The game's sound package included digital samples and electronic music that enhanced the carnival atmosphere, while the alphanumeric display showed scores and game status in the characteristic amber LED format of the era.

While not as widely recognized as some of Williams' other titles from the same period like 'High Speed' or 'Pin*Bot', Jokerz! has maintained a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts. Approximately 9,000 units were manufactured, making it a moderately successful production run for its time.