Hobbies And Interests
Golf
There are two popular golf games from 1964. Williams manufactured Mini Golf while Southland Engineering offered Little Pro. The companies were in direct competition until Williams' purchase of Southland Engineering. Mini Golf consists of nine holes and allows two players to participate. The Little Pro game can only accommodate one player at a time. Free games were available at the time for any player who made it through the nine holes in 18 strokes or less.
Basketball And Baseball
In 1964, Midway produced a dome-covered basketball game called Midway Basketball. Players on opposite ends of the court attempt to shoot the ball first by pushing numbered buttons on a control panel. The game has a mode to allow just one player to compete against the game as well. Williams introduced the baseball-themed game Tenth Inning. In the game, players hit balls using a flipper that resembles a bat. The back glass holds characters to keep track of the player's progress. Extra innings are awarded for hitting all targets or grand slams. The company also manufactured Grand Slam baseball. Gameplay was similar to the Tenth Inning except home run letters light up when a grand slam occurs.
Pinball
Pinball was a popular arcade game in 1964. At the time, Midway made the Flying Turns pinball machine. Its racing theme includes two cars in a back area track that move around through the use of magnets. Winner was another Midway pinball game from the same year. Players move cars in the back area of the game by pitching and hitting, similar to baseball. Several machines carry themes based on popular television series. One such game was based on the series Bonanza and manufactured by D. Gottlieb and Company.
Shooting Games
Championship Fast Draw was introduced by Southland Engineering in 1964. The game allows players to participate in an old west gun fight. The replica guns are held in holsters on each side of the game cabinet. A light came on signaling players to draw and fire their guns. If just one player is participating, he fires against the game's speed monitor. Midway also featured a shooting game called Rifle Champ, which replaces pistols with rifles. Players gain points by firing at targets during three periods.