If you are going to look at SS machines, you cannot go past Ballys - especially in their heyday 1977-79. Williams games of the same era are not even close, and the best from that era "Flash" is a GOOD playing game but not in the same class as Paragon, Space Invaders, Star Trek, Mata Hari, Harlem Globetrotters, Eight Ball and Playboy. If you stretch out the years into the early 80's, you have Medusa, Fathom, Viking and Flash Gordon. None of the Williams or Gottliebs were even close. Don't forget the Sterns of this era, arguably the fastest SS ever made - Galaxy and Meteor leave most other SS machines behind. If you like Drop Targets, the "ultimate" is Meteor. Flight 2000 is a "player's" game and a great art package as well.
If you are going to own the "Quintiessential" SS from 1977-82, then look no further than Paragon. Unfortunately, they are hard to track down. A Stern "Meteor" would be the next pick.
If you "have to have" a Williams - "Firepower" or "Flash".
If you "have to have" a GTB - "Joker Poker" or "Spirit". "Genie" is also a very good playing game.
Most of the Williams games mentioned are under $2000. Phoenix would be the cheapest, you should get one for around $1200-$1300.
Keep in mind, if you want a "collector quality" SS, it won't come cheap and you would have to buy it from someone who knows what they are doing (like another member). Dealers have "no idea" how to prepare, recondition or restore SS machines. So you may have to either buy one already done, or buy a project and have Andrew restore it for you. Unless you want to do it yourself.
Sounds on SS machines
1977 - Chimes. All character. Just love the sound of chimes - especially on Strkies and Spares !
1978 - "beep" "Beep" !! Ballys sounded better than SYS1 and SYS6. Sterns were woeful !
1979 - Advanced "beep" and background sounds - Gorgar was the first "speech" game.
1980 - 82 - All manufacturers sounded great and had speech on some models.
The thing about this era - GAMEPLAY. As we advance through the 80s and 90s, sounds and visuals were used to mask the gameplay. SS are "meat and potatoes" machines and EVERY "younger" DMD player I've introduced an SS to, has warmed to them immediately. There is more choice, they are cheaper, and most of my generation LOVE the character - and a part of that character is the sounds.
Ironically, of all the periods of machines I get asked about - 1975 to 1982 is the era I have the most requests for. Might be the agegroup of the people I talk to ?
Every collection should have at least one EM, one SS and one DMD.
