Hurricane, Williams, 1991, from the creative mind of designer Barry Oursler, plunges players into the joyous chaos of a classic carnival fair. Adorned with the distinctive, whimsical art of John Youssi and Python Anghelo, this early DMD-era gem is a vibrant celebration of happiness and midway thrills. The machine’s mechanical centerpiece is undoubtedly its elaborate backbox animation, featuring a twirling topper that sets the stage for the kinetic energy within. On the playfield, two iconic rotating Ferris wheels dominate the upper reaches, serving not just as eye-catching spectacles but also as key entry points for ramp shots. Two flippers command the action, guiding the ball through a bustling layout populated by three pop bumpers and various standup targets, all designed to evoke the lively atmosphere of a bustling amusement park.
The gameplay loop of Hurricane is built around a series of engaging objectives. Players aim to complete the “PALACE” sequence, spotting letters via the right ramp before collecting a significant jackpot at the central “Juggler” ball popper arch—a strategic goal that carries over between players, making it a critical focus in competitive play. Another primary path to big points involves repeatedly hitting the three-bank drop targets, affectionately known as the “Ducks,” to lock balls in the Juggler, which then initiates a thrilling three-ball multiball. During multiball, precise shots up the right ramp cycle through escalating millions, rewarding accuracy under pressure. Beyond these, lighting all the “Clown” features across the playfield, by hitting targets like the left loop, Hurricane ramp, “Dunk the Dummy” twice for the nose, and the “Ducks” and “Cats” targets for the cheeks, culminates in a shot up the middle ramp to light the mouth and trigger “Clown Time,” a frenzied scoring mode with its own dedicated high score entry.
Tournament strategy on Hurricane often revolves around efficient progression towards multiball and the “PALACE” jackpot. The skill shot, a full plunge directly into the right ramp, offers increasing rewards with each successful execution, providing an early advantage. Smart players also prioritize the “Dunk the Dummy” target, hitting it twice to maximize the bonus multiplier, which can significantly boost end-of-ball scores. The persistence of the “PALACE” letters across players adds a layer of shared strategy or competitive urgency. With its lively Paul Heitsch soundtrack and Mark Penacho’s software tying together Gerald Hedberg’s mechanical ingenuity, Hurricane remains a beloved Williams classic, offering an accessible yet deep experience that perfectly captures the enduring fun of the carnival.