Flash is a Williams pinball machine released during the 1970s era that became a landmark title in pinball history. Designed by Steve Ritchie, it was his breakthrough game that achieved exceptional commercial success, selling approximately 20,000 units and setting an all-time sales record for its time. The game was notable for featuring innovative Flash lamp technology, establishing itself as a significant example of Williams' production quality during the period when Mark Ritchie entered the company.
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Flash was one of the most successful pinball machines ever made with over 19,500 units produced
Flash was designed by Steve Richie and programmed by Eugene Jarvis
Pinball didn't really have background music in the 1970s until Flash
Flash sold 19,505 units
Williams pinball game bringing dynamic, continuously changing sound; landmark in sound design innovation
Pinball game that pioneered dynamic audio with two tones (one static, one ascending), introduced shortly after Space Invaders
Pinball game designed by Steve Ritchie at Williams. Sold 19,000 units (capped by sales management). Featured flashlamp technology and continuous background sound (pioneered by Ritchie and Eugene Jarvis). Cocktail napkin design origin story.
Steve Ritchie design; ranked #5 on Tim Sexton's top 10 list; sold 19,500 units; noted as first game with background increasing sound feature
Williams pinball machine designed by Steve Richie after leaving Atari. First game where Richie achieved his design vision; featured background sound and flash lamps that defined the term 'flash lamps.'
1978 Williams pinball machine designed by Steve Ritchie, 19,000 units produced, featured triple sound option and 4-player capability
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Flash introduced flash bulbs—solenoid-driven high-voltage bulbs (24V) that became a standard component in modern pinball machines
The pinball component 'flasher' got its name from the Flash machine
Flash sold 19,000 units, significantly more than Phoenix
Three-ball solid state game; Raymond avoided it in Classics because it's feast-or-famine
Ron's pinball machine; initially planned to sell at Saratoga show but decided to keep after replaying it; considering rule adjustments with Scott
1979 pinball game; Ritchie's best-selling game with ~19,700 units; first to implement flasher lamps
Williams pinball game designed by Steve Ritchie; subject of debate about quality
Classic solid-state pinball machine owned by Ron; originally had Kahoot boards, upgraded with WPC flipper mechs; suffered voltage regulator issues resolved by replacing with LM323 from EZSBC.com; for sale
1979 Williams pinball game featuring cross-playfield shot design; referenced as precedent to High Speed's ramp innovation
Early Williams pinball; cited by Wiest for awesome speed and fun; commonly found in German market
Steve Ritchie's largest selling game; featured xenon flash tubes and flash lamp technology; took about one year to manufacture all units
Machine in main room at museum; part of chronologically organized collection
Classic Steve Ritchie game from 1979; included in Louisville tournament classics lineup
Early Steve Ritchie pinball game credited with setting a new trend in pinball machine design.
1979 Steve Ritchie design; host appreciates this design despite its age
Williams pinball game; Steve Ritchie established consistent Italian bottom design philosophy from this game onward
Williams pinball machine; Ritchie's best-selling game with ~19,000-20,000 units sold; invented continuous rising background sound; took one year to manufacture complete run
Ritchie's best-selling pinball game; sold approximately 19,755 units; featured xenon flash tube innovation.
Pinball machine designed by Steve Ritchie at Williams; revitalized the company's fortunes and sold more than the preceding three titles combined.
1978 Williams pinball machine; Steve Ritchie's first game with Williams; pioneered dynamic background sound and flasher bulbs; sold 19,505 units.
Williams pinball; Steve Ritchie's first design after leaving Atari
Steve Ritchie's classic Williams pinball game; sold 20,000 units; established Ritchie's design signature
Williams machine ranked #5; one of most successful pinball machines ever with 19,500+ units produced; designed by Steve Richie, programmed by Eugene Jarvis; featured early loop shot and roving lit targets.
Pinball game designed by Steve Ritchie with programmer Randy Pfeiffer at Williams; featured background sound tension system that rose as ball play continued
Steve Ritchie design that sold 19,000 units, far exceeding Barry Osler's Phoenix sales
Williams pinball game from the era Mark Richie started; cited as example of games Williams was producing
Ritchie's breakthrough Williams game that sold 20,000 units, set all-time sales record at time, featured innovative Flash lamp technology
Machine used for Colin Urban vs Escher Lefkoff tiebreaker; mentioned as dramatic competition