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Meteor

gameactive55 mentionsFirst seen May 7, 2008Last seen Mar 12, 2026

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Meteor is a pinball game with multiple documented versions spanning from 1979 to 1980. The 1979 Williams solid-state version is noted for epic gameplay and timing-based mechanics, appearing in collections owned by enthusiasts like Colin MacAlpine and Paul Jones. A 1980 Stern version exists, with at least one custom all-white variant produced for the Lake Placid Winter Olympics. The game has been actively used in recent pinball restoration and modification projects.

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Claims (2)

  • factualhigh

    Meteor by Stern Electronics introduced the idea of using software to control risk and reward gameplay in pinball

    Source: Tim SextonTop 10 Best Pinball Machines of the 1970s
  • opinionhigh

    Meteor should not have tough rules settings (sneeze tilt, outlane post gone, center post removed) at tournaments

    Source: Raymond DavidsonEpisode 2 - SPL

Recent Mentions (55)

  • Pinball playfield from which Mike sourced carriage bolts and other parts for the Alaska restoration

    Part 8: 1978 Interflip Alaska 4 Player EM. Playfield Done & Head Installed!Mar 12, 2026
  • Stern classic EM game; Ray Davidson recently achieved first solid stay; spinner-heavy gameplay with strategy

    Episode 88 – Cluster VUK, The Guests Take OverApr 26, 2018
  • Ranked #6 on Tim Sexton's top 10 list; described as good game but gets boring quickly

    #131 Time TunnelAug 24, 2025
  • Stern Electronics pinball with complex bonus and special mechanics, discussed extensively for tournament play

    Episode 2 - SPLApr 15, 2019
  • Classic pinball game, hole one in pin golf tournament; setup very steep and bouncy, target score 200,000

    Episode 8 - Northwest Pinball and Arcade ShowJun 3, 2019
  • Drew's restoration project; recently reassembled with playfield, posts, glow-in-the-dark rubbers; awaiting powder coat before returning home

    Episode 72: JJP Rumor, Deeproot, Top 5 all LIVE!Sep 15, 2020

Contradictions

  • Existing: Meteor is a 1979 Williams solid-state spinner gamevsConflicting: Meteor is a 1980 Stern machine (per mention 5)
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026
  • Existing: Meteor is a specific pinball game with gameplay characteristicsvsConflicting: Mentions 2, 3, 4 reference 'Meteor' as a source of playfield parts and component harvesting, suggesting either multiple machines or misidentification
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

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