Gamatron, released by Pinstar in 1985, stands as a fascinating relic of the conversion kit era. Designed by the legendary Harry Williams and Steve Kirk, this space-themed machine offered operators a way to breathe new life into aging cabinets. Despite its humble origins as a kit, the playfield is deceptively dense, featuring a wide array of targets—including a five-bank and a three-bank of drop targets—that demand precision shooting to clear the board and advance through the game’s cosmic objectives.
The mechanical layout is built for high-scoring chaos rather than finesse. With two spinning targets strategically placed to rack up points, the playfield rewards players who can maintain momentum. The game features three kick-out holes and a trio of bumpers to keep the ball moving unpredictably, all leading toward the centerpiece of the experience: a three-ball multiball mode that turns the playfield into a frantic, light-strewn battleground.
For those looking to dominate the leaderboards on this vintage kit, the strategy is refreshingly straightforward: hunt for the spinners. While the drop targets are essential for progression, the most efficient path to a high score involves keeping the ball moving through the spinning targets as aggressively as possible. It is a quintessential mid-80s arcade experience that proves even a conversion kit can deliver a fast, satisfying, and deeply competitive game of pinball.