Army Navy

by Williams Manufacturing Company
Ranking
450
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Rating:
3.61 / 5
Average Prices: USD $600 to $2,400
Produced: October, 1953
Machine Type: Electro-mechanical
Players: 1
Design by: Harry Williams
Art by: George Molentin

In October 1953, Williams Manufacturing Company introduced "Army Navy," an electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine that captured the spirit of a classic American athletic contest. Designed by Harry Williams, who also conceptualized the machine, directed its animation, and engineered its mechanics, "Army Navy" arrived during a period of innovation in pinball. The artistic vision for the machine was brought to life by George Molentin, whose work defined its thematic presentation. This single-player machine, known by its model number 95, quickly carved out a place in pinball history, not just for its engaging theme, but for a technical advancement that would become a standard for the manufacturer.

"Army Navy" marked a significant shift for Williams: it was the company's inaugural machine to incorporate score reel totalizers in the backbox. Prior to this, Williams machines typically used lights to indicate a player's accumulated score. While other manufacturers like Bally with their 1933 "Airway" and Shyvers (Chicago) with "Round 'n' Round in 1936 had experimented with totalizers, Williams' adoption in "Army Navy" signaled a pivotal moment for the company's approach to score display. This move offered players a clear, quantitative representation of their progress, enhancing the competitive aspect of the game. Despite this innovation, the backbox featured four dummy reels, a design choice that created the visual impression of a more complex scoring system than was functionally present.

Signature Features and Design

"Army Navy" distinguished itself through several design elements that contributed to its unique identity and gameplay experience. The most visually striking aspect was the playfield artwork, lauded by some as one of the best renditions of a football field in pinball. George Molentin’s artwork effectively depicted a full football field, stretching across the entire play surface and delineated by two plexiglass goal posts. This intricate detailing, combined with lighted goal posts, immersed players in the game's theme, visually reinforcing their progress down the virtual gridiron.

Beyond the aesthetics, the machine featured two flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, and two kick-out holes. A defining characteristic of Williams machines from this era, including "Army Navy," were its "impulse flippers." These flippers operated differently from later designs; they could not be held in an upward position, and both activated simultaneously with a single button press. This design required a distinct timing and precision from players, influencing shot execution and overall gameplay flow. The impulse flipper mechanism, common in Williams games before 1955, provided a direct, forceful flip, demanding quick reflexes rather than strategic holding.

The integration of score reel totalizers was a functional and visual feature. Instead of merely lighting up segments in the backbox, players could watch their score tally up on mechanical reels, adding a tactile satisfaction to each point earned. This clear numerical display made tracking individual scores and competing for high scores more intuitive and engaging than light-based systems.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Army Navy" was meticulously laid out to reflect its football theme, guiding players through a simulated game. The full football field artwork visually divided the playfield, with players aiming to advance the ball, represented by a pinball, towards the opposing goal. Key elements on the playfield included the two flippers at the bottom, serving as the primary means of ball control and shot execution. Above the flippers, two slingshots provided dynamic rebounds, sending the ball ricocheting into the upper playfield.

Three pop bumpers were strategically placed to create chaotic, unpredictable deflections, contributing to point accumulation and varying the ball's trajectory. Two kick-out holes offered targets for players to aim for, rewarding successful shots with points or triggering specific game features. The plexiglass goal posts at either end of the playfield served not only as thematic elements but also likely acted as physical boundaries or targets, reinforcing the football objective. The overall aesthetic of the playfield, with its vibrant artwork and integrated lighting, was designed to immerse the player in the contest, transforming the pinball into a football on its journey down the field.

However, a notable design aspect that significantly impacted playfield flow was the configuration of the outlanes. "Army Navy" featured three distinct outlanes on each side of the flippers, all of which led directly to a ball drain. This generous number of drain paths presented a considerable challenge, making ball retention difficult and contributing to a demanding gameplay experience. Even with new rubber installed, the inherent design often resulted in rapid ball loss, influencing player strategy and overall game enjoyment.

Gameplay Dynamics

The gameplay of "Army Navy" centered on simulating a football match through pinball mechanics, providing clear objectives and a progressive scoring system. The primary goal was to score points and, more importantly, to advance the "football" (the pinball) down the field. This progression was visually represented by lights illuminating in 10-yard increments on the playfield, giving players a clear indication of their progress towards a touchdown.

Achieving a touchdown was a significant objective, accomplished by successfully advancing the ball across the entire virtual goal line. Beyond touchdowns, players could aim for a "field goal" by hitting a specific 20-yard switch, adding another layer of strategic depth and rewarding precise shots. The game also featured "specials," which players could earn by spelling out either A-R-M-Y or N-A-V-Y through a series of targets or rollovers. Successfully spelling these words would grant special bonuses, often extra points or replays, adding an additional objective beyond simply advancing the ball.

The scoring system, displayed on the mechanical reels, provided immediate feedback on performance. While the audio elements were basic, consisting of two distinct bells, they were loud and clear, providing auditory cues for points scored and other game events. The game's tilt mechanism was straightforward: triggering a tilt resulted in an immediate game over, enforcing careful play. Despite the challenging playfield layout, the clear objectives, progressive lights, and the satisfaction of achieving touchdowns or spelling out bonus words created an engaging and, for some players, an addictive experience. The strategy revolved around hitting the right targets to move the football and managing the ball to avoid the multiple drain paths.

Reception and Legacy

"Army Navy" garnered a mixed reception within the pinball community, primarily due to a central design element that significantly impacted gameplay. Its strengths were consistently recognized: the historical significance as the first Williams machine to incorporate score reel totalizers was a notable achievement, setting a precedent for future designs. The machine's theme was well-executed, with its classic Army-Navy game concept and exceptional artwork on both the cabinet and playfield, depicting a full football field complete with lighted goal posts. Players appreciated the interactive lights that tracked touchdowns and field goals, adding a dynamic visual layer to the experience. For some, the gameplay was engaging and addictive, highlighting its structured rules and clear objectives. The basic yet distinguishable bell sounds contributed to the overall sensory experience of scoring points.

However, the machine faced considerable criticism regarding its gameplay difficulty, specifically concerning ball drainage. The design featured three outlanes on each side of the flippers, all leading directly to a drain. This configuration meant that the ball frequently exited the playfield down the sides, regardless of new rubbers or careful maintenance, leading to short game times and frustration for some players. This fundamental design choice, though likely intended to create challenge, often overshadowed its positive attributes, contributing to the "terrible play" sentiment expressed by some enthusiasts. The impulse flippers, while characteristic of the era, also contributed to a play style that could feel unforgiving to those accustomed to more modern flipper mechanics.

Despite these gameplay criticisms, "Army Navy" holds a unique position in pinball history. Its legacy is primarily rooted in its pioneering role for Williams with the adoption of score reel totalizers, a feature that would become a standard for the company and influence the wider industry. This innovation alone makes it a collectible piece for those interested in the evolution of pinball technology. While some players might prioritize machines with more forgiving or expansive gameplay, "Army Navy" remains a significant electro-mechanical pinball machine, embodying the design philosophies and technical advancements of its time. Its importance lies not just in its playability, but in its contribution to the narrative of pinball’s ongoing development.


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