Episode 53 - Pinball Metamorphosis: The System 11 Era Pt.1

Wedgehead explores System 11 era (1986-91), crediting Larry DeMar design and Python Anghelo iconic art.

Synopsis

Wedgehead Pinball Podcast deep-dive episode on the Williams System 11 era (1986-1991), hosted by Alan with co-host Alex and guest Ty Palmer. The hosts discuss the first 11-12 System 11 games chronologically, covering design innovations, mechanical features, sales figures, and cultural impact. Key themes include Larry DeMar architectural genius, Python Anghelo distinctive art style, emerging designer Pat Lawlor, and the era-defining features like alphanumeric displays, progressive jackpots, and synthesized sound.

Highlights

• System 11 was designed and developed by Larry DeMar, arguably the single most valuable employee at Williams during this era.
• High Speed sold 17,000 units and was the first System 11 game released in January 1986.
• High Speed was nicknamed 'High Cost' by many at Williams due to increased build materials.
• Steve Ritchie's High Speed backglass art was based on a true story of him driving his 1979 Porsche 928 at 149 mph through a cop speed trap.
• Grand Lizard was originally developed as a System 9 game, then pushed back and reconfigured as a System 11 game, causing a disjointed art package.
• Pat Lawlor built Banzai Run (originally titled Wrecking Ball) in his garage to earn a job at Williams.
• Banzai Run sold only 1,750 units, which is surprisingly low for a game that pioneered Pat Lawlor's career.
• PinBot sold 12,000 units and is considered one of the great pinball machines of the System 11 generation.
• Partyzone sold 9,400 units and was the fourth best-selling game of the System 11 era.
• Chris Granner composed the sound package for Grand Lizard, marking his first game work in the industry.

Entities

• Bally· company
• Williams· company
• Banzai Run· game
• Grand Lizard· game
• High Speed· game
• PinBot· game
• Pinside· organization
• Wedgehead· organization
• Alan· person
• Alex· person
• Barry Ousler· person
• Bill Futsenbuehrer· person
• Chris Granner· person
• Ed Boon· person
• Eugene Jarvis· person
• Jerry Armstrong· person
• John Krutsch· person
• Larry DeMar· person
• Mark Ritchie· person
• Pat Lawlor· person
• Python Anghelo· person
• Steve Kirk· person
• Steve Ritchie· person
• Tim Elliot· person
• Ty Palmer· person