"Fan-Tas-Tic" by Williams Electronic Games, Inc. emerged in September 1972, a vibrant electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine that immediately distinguished itself amidst the era's offerings. Manufactured during a productive period for Williams, it represents a collaborative effort led by the prolific designer Norm Clark, who handled the machine's concept, animation, and mechanical design. Christian Marche, known for his distinctive artistic contributions to pinball, crafted the machine's visual identity. The theme of "Fan-Tas-Tic" evokes an exuberant sense of celebration, featuring elements of music and dancing. However, Marche’s artwork for this title is particularly noteworthy for its blend of classical, almost Renaissance-inspired figures with a bold, psychedelic color palette and stylized forms that were characteristic of the early 1970s. This juxtaposition of styles created an aesthetic that was both unusual and memorable, setting it apart from more conventional designs of the time. The machine entered production on June 8, 1972, with 5,680 units produced, making it a substantial release for Williams and indicating confidence in its appeal. Its arrival on location in the autumn of 1972 provided players with a fresh and unconventional gameplay experience.

Signature Features and Design

"Fan-Tas-Tic" incorporates several unique features that elevate its gameplay beyond typical EM designs. The most discussed and defining characteristic is the placement of a pop bumper directly between the two flippers. This unconventional "save bumper" introduces a dynamic element of chance and skill into the center drain area. A well-placed shot or a lucky bounce off this bumper can save a ball from draining, transforming what might otherwise be a swift loss into an unexpected reprieve or even a setup for a new shot. This feature not only provides a thrill but also demands a different kind of ball control, as players learn to anticipate or even intentionally use its rebound.

Another central element is the "roulette wheel" mechanism. This feature, activated by successfully hitting one of the playfield’s saucers, introduces a significant element of fortune. Once triggered, the wheel spins and lands on various outcomes, including bonus advances, score multipliers (1x, 2x, or 3x), and direct points. This adds a layer of suspense and unpredictability to each game, ensuring that every play-through feels distinct. The machine also includes a captive ball spinner located under the playfield, contributing to bonus scoring and multipliers when hit repeatedly. Further enhancing ball save opportunities are a kickback in the left outlane and a gate in the right outlane, which can feed the ball back to the plunger lane, giving players additional chances to continue their game. Notably, "Fan-Tas-Tic" lacks slingshots, contributing to a more controlled, less chaotic feel around the flippers compared to many other machines of its era.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield layout of "Fan-Tas-Tic" is deceptively simple, designed to promote a graceful and flowing ball movement while incorporating key scoring opportunities. At the core of the playfield are four pop bumpers, positioned strategically to create lively action in the upper and central areas. The distinctive pop bumper located centrally between the flippers dominates the lower playfield, serving as both a last-chance save and a target for ricochets. Three kick-out holes are primary targets, crucial for advancing bonus and activating the roulette wheel. Players also aim for six rollover buttons, distributed across the playfield, and five standup targets that contribute to point accumulation and bonus progression. The captive ball spinner, positioned to be hit repeatedly, is a high-reward target that can significantly impact a player's score through multiplier accumulation.

The design philosophy behind "Fan-Tas-Tic" emphasizes a balance between direct targeting and reactive play. Shots into the kick-out holes are satisfying and pivotal for game progression, while the various targets and rollovers encourage exploratory play across the wider playfield. The absence of slingshots around the flippers means that ball control relies more on precise flipper work and understanding the angles created by the pop bumpers. The artwork by Christian Marche defines the playfield's aesthetic, with its vivid colors and surreal imagery providing a backdrop that is both playful and visually arresting. The lighting design complements this, illuminating key targets and features, drawing the player's eye to scoring opportunities and the spectacle of the roulette wheel. The overall impression is one of a whimsical, energetic carnival, perfectly aligned with the machine’s "Fan-Tas-Tic" title.

Gameplay Dynamics

The gameplay dynamics of "Fan-Tas-Tic" are characterized by an engaging blend of player skill and an element of chance, primarily driven by its unique features. The core objective involves accumulating points and advancing the bonus multiplier through precise shots to targets and rollover buttons. However, the game's progression is intrinsically tied to the roulette wheel. Players must hit the kick-out holes to activate the wheel, which then determines whether collected bonuses are multiplied or advanced. This creates a high-stakes scenario, as accumulated bonuses must be cashed in via the wheel or risk being lost.

The central pop bumper introduces a unique strategic layer. Skilled players can attempt to control rebounds off this bumper to set up shots or save a ball from draining. For less experienced players, it acts as an unpredictable but often beneficial "save" feature, providing a thrill of unexpected continuation. This mechanism, along with the roulette wheel, makes "Fan-Tas-Tic" an exceptional machine for multi-player competition. The inherent luck of the roulette wheel can act as an equalizer, allowing players of varying skill levels to genuinely compete and enjoy the game together. A less experienced player might secure a crucial multiplier through a lucky spin, evening the odds against a more skilled opponent.

Gameplay highlights often revolve around the dramatic tension of the roulette wheel revealing a 3x multiplier or a timely kickback saving a critical ball. The satisfying chimes of the Williams EM system, coupled with the distinctive whirring of the spinner, provide a rich auditory experience that enhances the tactile feedback of each successful shot. While the game can be fast-paced when the ball is in motion, the pauses for the roulette wheel to spin introduce moments of anticipation and a slight change in rhythm. Strategies include prioritizing the kick-out holes to maximize bonus collection and attempting to control the ball around the center pop bumper for crucial saves or re-entries into play.

Reception and Legacy

"Fan-Tas-Tic" has garnered a largely positive reception within the pinball community, often celebrated as an "underrated" and "keeper" machine. Its strengths are consistently highlighted as its innovative gameplay features and its exceptional suitability for multi-player engagements. The center pop bumper is frequently praised for adding a unique skill shot and ball-save mechanic, distinguishing it from most other EM games. The roulette wheel, while introducing an element of luck that some competitive players might find unpredictable, is overwhelmingly viewed as a fun and exciting "equalizer," ensuring that games remain competitive and engaging for everyone involved, regardless of individual skill level. This balance of luck and skill is often cited as a key reason for its high replayability and its status as a social game. The distinct Williams EM chimes and the satisfying sound of the captive ball spinner also contribute to its enduring appeal. Many appreciate its robust build quality, noting that once properly tuned, it tends to be reliable.

However, "Fan-Tas-Tic" is not without its critical points. The most common feedback regarding its weaknesses often centers on Christian Marche's artwork and theme, which some find to be a disjointed blend of classical motifs and psychedelic 1970s aesthetics. While some appreciate its audacity and uniqueness, others perceive it as clashing or unusual. The reliance on the roulette wheel's luck factor, while contributing to multi-player fun, can sometimes be a source of frustration for players who prefer pure skill-based competition. Additionally, like many EM machines, it can be prone to quick drains if not set up optimally, though the outlane features and center pop bumper work to mitigate this.

Despite these minor criticisms, "Fan-Tas-Tic" holds a respected place in pinball history. Its legacy is primarily defined by its innovative mechanics, particularly the bold inclusion of the pop bumper between the flippers and the central role of the roulette wheel. These features demonstrated Williams' willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of EM design. It is considered a strong example of how EM games could offer deep, varied, and highly entertaining experiences that transcended simple score accumulation. Its continued appreciation underscores its success as a highly engaging and enduring pinball machine, influencing later designers to consider unconventional playfield elements and dynamic scoring systems.