Williams’ Space Odyssey, released in 1976, blasts into the outer-space themes that were so popular as the nation looked skyward in the mid-1970s. It pairs the design of pinball pioneer Steve Kordek — one of the most influential figures the industry ever produced — with the artwork of Christian Marche, a combination that yields a fast, clean electromechanical table built around end-of-ball bonus collection and a couple of dynamic targets.

The scoring is a satisfying web of A-B-C collection. Gathering A, B, or C lights the center saucers for double bonus, while the amber swinging-target lights illuminate the spinner — and if A, B, or C is already lit, that also lights an Extra Ball in the top rollover. Lighting “B” boosts the value of the ball kickers by the flippers, and collecting all of A, B, and C lights the special in alternating outlanes. It’s a layout that rewards a player who keeps track of what’s lit and chains the collections together for the bigger awards.

Brisk, well-designed, and riding one of the era’s most beloved themes, Space Odyssey is a fine showcase of mid-70s Williams craftsmanship from a true master. For collectors who love space-age artwork and the elegant, interlocking scoring of the electromechanical age, it’s an enjoyable and handsome classic.