Klondike, released by Williams in 1971, is a quintessential slice of the Canadian West, brought to life through the distinct, energetic vision of designer Norm Clark and artist Christian Marche. This single-player EM machine captures the spirit of the gold rush with a layout that demands precision and tactical ball control. With five pop bumpers clustered to create a chaotic, high-scoring center and a trio of kick-out holes providing strategic relief, the playfield feels busy and rewarding. The inclusion of a center up-post adds a layer of defensive utility, allowing a savvy player to save a drain and keep the dream of that big payout alive.
The core objective of the game revolves around the pursuit of the Yukon Bars. By utilizing the skill shot buttons, stand-up targets, and rollovers, players attempt to advance the reels toward that elusive triple-bar combination. Once achieved, the game grants a “Special” or extra ball, which can be collected by hitting either of the side saucers or the primary center stand-up target. It is a classic high-stakes loop that forces you to balance the temptation of the 10,000-point upper rollovers and outlanes against the safer, albeit less lucrative, 5,000-point saucer shots.
Marche’s artwork, characterized by his signature bold lines and vibrant, stylized figures, turns the backglass into a vivid period piece that feels right at home in any classic arcade. While it lacks the digital complexity of modern tables, Klondike’s charm lies in its simplicity and the tactile satisfaction of its electromechanical scoring. To master this machine, keep a close watch on the side rollovers; activating them is the key to lighting up the 100-point pop bumpers, turning a standard scoring run into a gold-mining frenzy.