Scorpion, the 1980 widebody offering from Williams, stands as a distinct relic of the early solid-state era, bearing the fingerprints of designer Barry Oursler and the technical prowess of Larry DeMar. This fantasy-themed machine sprawls across an expansive playfield, utilizing its extra real estate to house a complex layout of drop target banks—a five-bank and two three-banks—that demand precision shooting. With four flippers at your disposal, the game encourages a tactical approach to ball control, particularly by utilizing the upper playfield to mitigate the risks inherent in the more chaotic lower section.
The gameplay experience revolves around strategic target completion and lane management. By knocking out the 1-2-3 or 4-5-6 sequences, players can energize the pop bumpers and eventually ignite the upper-left spinner for massive point potential. A clever bit of tournament-ready tech involves the plunger: if you have the spinner lit and manage to lock a ball, a forceful launch can send the ball screaming directly into the spinner, maximizing your scoring efficiency. The two-ball multiball is the crown jewel of the rule set, but experienced players know that raw speed isn’t the key; maintaining controlled, deliberate switch hits is the only way to capitalize on the bonus accumulation that defines a high-scoring run on this widebody classic.
Visually brought to life by artists Constantino Mitchell and Tony Ramunni, Scorpion captures that quintessential 80s fantasy aesthetic that feels both haunting and nostalgic. It is a machine that rewards the patient player who understands the geometry of the table—specifically the ability to trap the ball with the upper-left flipper to backhand the spinner. With only 2,000 units produced, finding a well-maintained Scorpion is a treat for any collector who appreciates the deliberate, mechanical challenge of a Williams widebody that refuses to play fast and loose with your ball.