F-14 Tomcat (P-4)

Pinball published 37 years ago:

F-14 Tomcat (c) 1987 Williams Electronics Games, Incorporated.

- TECHNICAL -

Williams System 11A
Model Number : 554

Main CPU : M6808 (@ 1 MHz)
Sound CPU : Motorola M6809 (@ 2 MHz), OKI M6808 (@ 1 MHz)
Sound chips : Yamaha YM2151 (@ 3.579545 MHz), (2x) DAC, (2x) HC55516

This game has two 7-digit alphanumeric score displays and two 7-digit numeric-only score displays.

- TRIVIA -

F-14 had a first-ever kickback device that fired the ball straight back at the flippers at very high speed, called the Jagov Kicker. F-14 was the first game with 'Autosave', which meant the player could have the ball back if it drained prematurely (at the start of a ball), was shot down between the flippers by the Jagov Kicker, or drained during the onset of multiball, etc...

14,502 units were produced.

There were 10 prototype games made. The cabinet art design was deemed too plain and was changed for production. The clear flash lamp domes along the back wall of the playfield were too blinding during play, and all were changed to a red color. The beacons on top of the backbox also were too bright and so their domes were changed.

- TIPS AND TRICKS -

Before you plunge the ball into play, hit a flipper button several times. This makes some of the flashers flash and explosions are heard (This can be done at the start of each ball).

- STAFF -

Design & Concept : Steve Ritchie
Software : Eugene Jarvis
Graphic Design : Doug Watson
Sounds : Bill Parod, Chris Granner, Steve Ritchie
Effects : Ed Boon (EJB)
Mechanics : Craig Fitpold (CLF)