"Nine Sisters" emerged from the creative workshops of Williams Electronic Games, Inc. in December 1953, a distinctive electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine that immediately set itself apart. Bearing the model number 97, this single-player game was primarily conceived and brought to life by Harry Williams, who served as the designer, conceptualizer, animation lead, and mechanics innovator. The visual identity of the playfield was crafted by artist George Molentin, whose work contributed to the machine's overall aesthetic. "Nine Sisters" holds a notable position in Williams' history as one of six single-player machines produced between October and December 1953 that experimented with score reel scoring—a departure from the then-standard bulb scoring, which Williams would revert to in 1954 before re-adopting reels for multi-player games in 1955. This period of experimentation underscores Williams' drive to innovate, a characteristic embodied by Harry Williams himself, who continuously sought new ways to engage players and redefine pinball mechanics.

Signature Features and Design

"Nine Sisters" is defined by a collection of features that were groundbreaking for its era, demonstrating a forward-thinking design philosophy. Foremost among these is the single impulse flipper, a central element that dictates much of the game's unique rhythm and challenge. Unlike later machines with multiple flippers offering broad control, this lone flipper demands precision and strategic timing from the player, transforming every shot into a deliberate act of skill.

However, the machine’s most celebrated and visually striking innovation is the "Whirligig." This clever device consists of a circular ramp in the lower left playfield that propels the ball upwards to a second, hidden kicker. This kicker then launches the ball onto the upper playfield, creating a dynamic and unexpected ball trajectory. The Whirligig was a novel concept, a mechanical ballet that provided an element of surprise and verticality, largely unseen in pinball design for decades. Complementing this, a 360-degree looping shot allows the ball to return to the upper playfield, adding to the sense of continuous motion and engagement. The inclusion of three pop bumpers centrally located, a slingshot bumper at the bottom, four trap holes, and two kick-out holes further diversifies the playfield, creating numerous targets and pathways for the ball. The use of mechanical score reels, while briefly an experimental feature for Williams, provided clear, tactile scoring feedback, contributing to the game's distinct feel.

Playfield and Mechanics

The "Nine Sisters" playfield unfolds as a masterclass in focused design, optimized around its distinctive single-flipper mechanic. The layout is not sprawling but precisely engineered, demanding accurate shots rather than broad sweeps. The primary objective often centers on skillfully launching the ball via the impulse flipper towards the Whirligig entrance. A successful shot into this circular ramp initiates a rapid ascent, with the ball being spun and then propelled to the upper reaches of the playfield. Once there, the ball navigates through a series of rollovers and targets, often descending toward the three centrally located pop bumpers, which provide erratic yet exciting deflections.

Further down the playfield, players encounter four trap holes and two kick-out holes, each offering distinct scoring opportunities or leading to bonus features, including "specials." A shallow saucer also contributes to the game's objectives, providing yet another target for precise flipper work. Notably, a unique drop hole near the bottom of the playfield possesses an uncommon "draw-in" effect, adding a subtle layer of unpredictability to the ball's descent. The artistic vision of George Molentin brings the playfield to life, with hand-drawn elements typical of Williams' woodrail era machines. The artwork guides the player's eye, subtly highlighting key shots and scoring areas, while the lighting, though modest by modern standards, effectively illuminates targets and pathways, creating a cohesive and inviting aesthetic that aligns with the whimsical nature of 1950s pinball design. The single flipper necessitates a compact yet intricate layout, ensuring that every area of the playfield is within reach of a well-timed shot, fostering an immersive experience focused on precision and control.

Gameplay Dynamics

Gameplay in "Nine Sisters" revolves around mastering the single impulse flipper and understanding the intricate ball paths it creates. The scoring system, driven by the mechanical reels, awards points for hitting various targets, activating bumpers, and, most significantly, navigating the ball through the unique features. The core progression often involves repeatedly attempting the Whirligig shot, as it grants access to the upper playfield and its higher-value targets. Each successful loop through the 360-degree shot or the Whirligig's ascent generates excitement and builds momentum.

"Nine Sisters" distinguishes itself with objectives that encourage varied strategies. Players can aim for the four trap holes, the two kick-out holes, or the shallow saucer to earn "specials"—high-value awards that are not easily obtained, requiring both skill and an element of fortune. Two specific "skill shots" are also integrated into the layout, offering advanced players additional challenges and rewards for precise initial plunges. The single flipper inherently demands a high degree of control and nudging prowess, transforming the game into a test of a player’s ability to manipulate the machine’s physics. The combination of demanding shots, unique ball movement via the Whirligig, and multiple pathways to achieve significant scores creates a consistently engaging experience. The thrill of hitting the Whirligig just right, or dropping into a well-placed trap hole for a special, contributes to a captivating and often addictive play session.

Reception and Legacy

"Nine Sisters" is regarded with considerable enthusiasm within the pinball community, particularly by those who appreciate the ingenuity of early electro-mechanical designs. Its strengths are frequently highlighted: the machine is lauded for its brilliant and innovative design, especially considering its 1953 release. Harry Williams’ vision and willingness to experiment with unconventional features, such as the Whirligig and the single impulse flipper, are consistently praised as foundational to its enduring appeal. The Whirligig, in particular, stands out as a unique mechanism that showcased advanced ball movement capabilities, a concept that remained largely unrivaled for decades.

Players frequently describe the gameplay as exceptionally engaging and addictive, a testament to its ability to draw players back for "one more game." The challenging nature of the single flipper, while initially daunting for some, is ultimately seen as a core strength, requiring significant skill and precise nudging, which elevates the satisfaction derived from mastering its intricacies. The experimental use of score reels, though a brief detour for Williams at the time, is recognized as a forward-thinking design choice.

The primary challenge associated with "Nine Sisters" is its scarcity in good condition. As an early woodrail machine from a specific experimental period, finding a well-preserved unit is a significant hurdle for collectors. While the single flipper presents a learning curve, the community generally embraces it as integral to the machine's distinct identity rather than a true weakness. "Nine Sisters" stands as a significant marker in pinball history, embodying Williams' innovative spirit and Harry Williams' design acumen. Its unique features, particularly the Whirligig, demonstrated the potential for creative ball movement and dynamic playfield interaction, influencing future designers by expanding the conceptual boundaries of what a pinball machine could be, even with the technological constraints of the era.