Metro

Metro, released by Williams in 1961, represents one of the last electro-mechanical pinball machines produced during the transitional period before the solid-state revolution. The machine captures the urban zeitgeist of the era, featuring artwork and themes celebrating city life and public transportation systems that were modernizing across America's major metropolitan areas.

The gameplay design of Metro emphasizes classic pinball fundamentals with a four-player configuration typical of the late EM era. It features the characteristic sounds of mechanical chimes and bells, with gameplay focused on hitting drop targets and rollover switches to advance subway-themed bonuses. The playfield layout includes traditional elements like pop bumpers, slingshots, and a center shooter lane, all designed to create an engaging player experience without the complexity that would come with later solid-state games.

As one of the last electro-mechanical machines produced before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics, Metro holds historical significance as a bridge between eras. Its release coincided with a period when pinball manufacturers were preparing to embrace electronic scoring and sound systems, making it a notable milestone in pinball evolution. While production numbers aren't definitively known, Metro represents the end of an era in pinball manufacturing, as most manufacturers had begun transitioning to solid-state systems by 1978.