December 1988 marked the debut of Williams' Jokerz!, a solid-state electronic pinball machine that brought a playful casino theme to arcades and homes. Manufactured by Williams Electronic Games, Inc., this machine quickly established itself with its distinctive blend of approachable gameplay and engaging mechanics. At its core, Jokerz! was conceived to capture the excitement of card games and gambling, translated into a dynamic pinball experience.

The creation of Jokerz! involved a collaborative team of designers and artists who shaped its unique identity. Design was spearheaded by Barry Oursler and Python Anghelo, two figures known for their creative approaches to pinball layout and thematic integration. John Youssi provided the vibrant artwork for the machine, establishing a visual style that blended classic casino aesthetics with a whimsical touch. Youssi’s influence extended to the backglass, where he even depicted himself as a servant. The machine's soundscape, including its music and effects, was crafted by Chris Granner and Jon Hey, with Granner specifically handling the sound design. Notably, Jokerz! utilized a unique stereo version of the soundboard, providing a richer audio experience for its time. Software development was managed by Bill Pfutzenreuter, while Joe Joos Jr. handled the mechanical engineering. With a production run of 5,403 units from December 1988 to March 1989, Jokerz! made a substantial impact, contributing to the strong legacy of Williams’ System 11B era. The machine’s release solidified Williams' reputation for producing innovative and entertaining titles, appealing to a broad audience with its inviting theme and intuitive gameplay.

Signature Features and Design

Jokerz! stands out with a collection of signature features that contribute to its distinctive identity and engaging gameplay. The most prominent mechanical innovation is the motorized center ramp, a dynamic element that physically raises and lowers during gameplay. This ramp serves as the crucial gateway for ball locks, directly leading into the game’s two-ball multiball mode. The visual spectacle of the ramp elevating on demand is a mechanical highlight, adding both strategic depth and a sense of progression to the game.

Another standout feature, directly tying into the machine’s card theme, is the spinning poker wheel housed within the backbox. This animated display works in conjunction with the "Draw Poker" saucer on the playfield. When activated, the wheel spins, randomly landing on various poker hands or special awards. This external component not only adds a compelling visual flourish but also integrates the gambling theme directly into player rewards, creating moments of anticipation and surprise.

The playfield design incorporates a small, elevated upper playfield, accessible via the left and right ramps. This multi-level design adds verticality and complexity to the shot layout, offering distinct targets and objectives separate from the main playfield. The artwork, primarily by John Youssi, wraps the entire machine in a cohesive casino and card theme. From the vibrant backglass depicting a jester and card-game elements, to the playfield populated with card suits, chips, and animated characters, the visual presentation is lively and inviting. The cabinet art reinforces this theme, making Jokerz! instantly recognizable. The integration of these features—the raising ramp, the spinning backbox wheel, and the multi-level playfield—along with the thematic artwork, creates a cohesive and immersive experience that defines Jokerz! as a memorable pinball machine.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of Jokerz! presents a thoughtful and engaging layout, characterized by its symmetrical design and a clear emphasis on shot variety. Two flippers at the bottom provide primary control, directing the ball towards a series of strategic targets and ramps. At the upper section of the main playfield, three pop bumpers provide lively action, propelling the ball unpredictably and contributing to score accumulation.

Central to the playfield’s design are its three ramps: a left ramp, a right ramp, and a unique motorized center ramp. Both the left and right ramps ascend to a small, elevated upper playfield. This upper level features five rollover lanes, designed to represent cards from Ace down to Ten. Successfully rolling over these lanes progresses a player’s poker hand, a fundamental objective. The left ramp often awards a "ramp award," which can then be collected by shooting the right ramp, encouraging players to hit both sides of the playfield.

Below the upper playfield, an easily accessible "Draw Poker" saucer provides a satisfying kick-out, which in turn spins the animated poker wheel in the backbox, awarding points, specials, or extra balls. Strategic shot-making involves aiming for three distinct banks of three drop targets, for a total of nine across the playfield. These drop targets are crucial, as completing all three banks lights the "Millions" mode, turning subsequent hits on these targets into significant million-point awards. An additional gate shot, located above the upper left drop targets, provides a high-scoring opportunity for players who can consistently hit it. The B-E-T rollovers strategically placed on the playfield contribute to the bonus multiplier, increasing end-of-ball scores and offering opportunities for extra balls.

The playfield artwork, by John Youssi, is rich with details that reinforce the card and casino theme. Bold colors and playful caricatures of jesters, kings, and queens adorn the surface, guiding the player's eye toward key shots. The lighting throughout the playfield is designed to highlight active targets and modes, creating a visual progression that keeps the player informed and engaged. The combination of well-placed shots, interactive mechanical features like the raising center ramp, and a cohesive aesthetic creates a fluid and immersive pinball experience.

Gameplay Dynamics

Jokerz! operates on a Williams System 11B platform, a robust system known for its blend of mechanical action and deeper electronic rulesets compared to earlier generations. The core gameplay revolves around a clear set of objectives, primarily focused on building poker hands, hitting drop targets, and achieving a high-scoring multiball.

The primary objective for players is to complete poker hands on the upper playfield. By consistently shooting the left and right ramps, players access the upper level and activate the five rollover lanes, each representing a card. Lighting all five cards completes a "hand," awarding 100,000 points plus the current bonus. Completing multiple hands advances the game, potentially lighting specials or awarding extra balls, providing a clear sense of progression.

Scoring big points often involves the three banks of drop targets located strategically across the playfield. Knocking down all three targets in any bank illuminates it, and completing all three banks initiates the "Millions" mode. During this timed mode, each subsequent hit on any drop target awards a substantial 1,000,000 points, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario where precision is paramount.

The two-ball multiball is a major highlight, initiated by hitting the center target to raise the motorized center ramp, then locking two balls behind it. Once multiball commences, the focus shifts to repeatedly shooting the now-raised center ramp to collect the jackpot. This shot is challenging due to its narrow entry but is the key to massive scores, adding an exhilarating layer of risk.

A unique, high-stakes feature on Jokerz! is the "Double Your Score" opportunity. Available only on the last ball, this mode is activated by successfully shooting both the left and right ramps within a limited timeframe. Succeeding in this challenge instantly doubles the player's accumulated score, providing a dramatic last-ditch effort to achieve a high score. Other gameplay elements include the "Draw Poker" saucer, which spins the backbox wheel to award various bonuses, including extra balls or points, and the B-E-T rollovers that advance the bonus multiplier, lighting extra ball opportunities. While the ruleset is direct, mastering the combination of these elements, particularly the difficult ramp shots and timing the "Double Your Score" feature, presents a considerable challenge for players seeking to maximize their scores.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release and in the years since, Jokerz! has garnered a varied but generally positive reception within the pinball community. Its strengths are frequently cited, starting with its undeniable fun factor. Many players find the game engaging and easy to pick up, making it an approachable machine for casual players and a solid entry point for newcomers. The straightforward ruleset, centered around collecting poker hands and hitting drop targets, contributes to its accessibility, often leading to the desire for "just one more game." The machine’s unique features, such as the motorized rising ramp, the spinning poker hand in the backbox, and the "Double Your Score" feature, are consistently praised for adding unique mechanical and strategic elements that elevate the gameplay experience. The card game theme is largely well-received, appreciated for its integration into the game’s mechanics and artwork. John Youssi’s backglass and cabinet art are often highlighted as visually appealing, enhancing the machine's overall aesthetic appeal. Some players also appreciate the machine's "quirky" music and fitting callouts, particularly the jester's giggling, which add character to the game.

However, Jokerz! is not without its criticisms. The most common feedback points to a perceived shallow ruleset. While easy to grasp, some experienced players find that the game lacks the depth and long-term engagement of more complex titles, potentially leading to repetitive gameplay over extended sessions. The scoring can be seen as unbalanced, with the jackpot in multiball and the "Double Your Score" feature on the last ball often dominating point accumulation, creating a "one-trick-pony" feel for some. Gameplay frustration can arise from the shots, particularly the ramps, which can be difficult to hit consistently, and the outlanes are often described as unforgiving, leading to abrupt ball drains. Some players find the playfield artwork to be less captivating than the cabinet and backglass. The music, while distinctive, is occasionally criticized for being repetitive or even annoying to some ears, with the jester’s laughter being a particular point of contention.

Despite these criticisms, Jokerz! has solidified its place in pinball history. It is often regarded as an underrated gem or a classic from the Williams System 11B era. Its appeal lies in its ability to deliver a fun, light-hearted experience without overwhelming players with overly complex rules. It served as a testament to Williams' capacity to blend innovative mechanical features with compelling themes, paving the way for more intricate designs that would follow. Its approachable nature and reasonable market value have made it a popular choice for collectors seeking a solid, entertaining machine that offers enduring replayability for its simplicity and direct challenges. The machine's legacy is tied to its role as a bridge between simpler, earlier solid-state games and the deeper, more complex designs that would define the next generation of pinball.