Jokerz!, a 1988 solid-state offering from Williams, stands as a vibrant testament to the creative synergy of designers Barry Oursler and Python Anghelo, with art by John Youssi. This card and gambling-themed machine, known for its distinctive alphanumeric display, plunges players into a high-stakes world where cunning shots are rewarded with big scores. The playfield is anchored by three prominent 3-bank drop target banks, which are not merely obstacles but critical activators for various scoring opportunities, complemented by two flippers, three pop bumpers, and a pair of kick-out holes that keep the action flowing.
At the heart of Jokerz!’s gameplay is the central target, which, when struck, elevates a ramp, allowing players to lock balls and initiate the exhilarating multiball sequence. During multiball, repeatedly hitting this ramp is the path to an eventual, lucrative jackpot. Beyond the central spectacle, the game offers a nuanced scoring system: the left ramp builds value for the right ramp, maxing out before a shot to the right ramp collects the accumulated points and resets the cycle. Clearing any of the three drop target banks activates the high-scoring “Million” mode, where each subsequent bank cleared awards a cool million points. Strategic use of the left gate is also key, as it can spot a card to complete hands via the top lanes, which themselves build bonus multipliers.
For tournament players, mastering the interplay of these features is paramount. Activating the “Million” mode by swiftly clearing drop target banks provides a significant score boost. During multiball, hitting a specific target behind the left gate enables a valuable 2X playfield multiplier, amplifying nearly all scoring except the central ramp jackpot. Maximizing bonus multipliers through the top lanes and leveraging the left kickout for bonus accumulation and collection are also crucial for high scores. A unique, high-risk, high-reward strategy on the final ball involves skillfully shooting both ramps to double the entire accumulated score, a gamble that can dramatically alter a player’s standing. Jokerz! remains a classic example of late 80s Williams design, blending straightforward objectives with layers of strategic depth for competitive play.