Stern Electronics’ Dracula, released in 1979 and designed by the legendary industry pioneer Harry Williams, brings gothic horror to a fast three-flipper solid-state playfield. With a four-bank and a three-bank of drop targets, five star rollovers, a spinner, and a horseshoe lane, it’s a target-rich machine with the clean, skill-rewarding feel of the best early Stern designs — and a spooky theme to match.
The scoring rewards a player who chases the double bonus. Completing the left target bank twice (or looping it three times) lights double bonus, and on the last ball that double bonus can randomly become a hugely valuable 5X. Completing the upper bank twice lights the inlanes for an extra ball or special, while the spinner lights at certain bonus thresholds — including the 20K max — so you milk it when you can, mindful of the rollovers. The left kickout collects your bonus, though it’s really only worth detouring for once your bonus is maxed.
Atmospheric, fast, and backed by the pedigree of one of pinball’s founding fathers, Dracula is a likeable and underrated early Stern machine. For collectors who enjoy a great drop-target-and-spinner game with a deliciously dark theme, it’s a satisfying solid-state classic that still bites.