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Diner (Williams, 1990)

Released by Williams in 1990, Diner serves up a colorful and fast-paced experience inspired by classic American roadside eateries. Designed by Mark Ritchie, the game is known for its smooth flow, signature cross-playfield shots, and lighthearted theme. With its vibrant visuals, distinctive callouts, and clever layout, Diner stands as a strong example of early 1990s Williams design.

The playfield features two flippers, two main ramps, two banks of three drop targets, three pop bumpers, a spinner lane, a central saucer, and a prominent coffee cup-shaped whirlpool at the top center. The primary objective is to serve five unique customers—Haji, Babs, Boris, Pepe, and Buck—by completing their respective drop target banks. Once all customers are served, the "Dine Time" jackpot is lit and can be collected by shooting the central saucer, with the jackpot value corresponding to the position of the clock hands on the backglass, ranging from 1 to 12 million points. The right ramp leads to the coffee cup, where the ball's revolutions build up the "DINER" letters for increasing point values. Multiball is initiated by locking balls via the left ramp, and during multiball, completing "Rush 1" and "Rush 2" sequences lights both ramps for 500,000-point shots, adding a layer of excitement and strategy to the gameplay.

Artwork by Mark Sprenger captures the energy and nostalgia of a 1950s diner, with chrome accents, checkered floors, and caricatured patrons bringing charm to the playfield and backglass. The voice callouts—from exaggerated customer requests to the ringing of the order bell—add humor and help reinforce the setting. The soundtrack features upbeat rock ’n’ roll-style music that fits the era perfectly and keeps the pacing brisk and fun.

Approximately 3,552 units of Diner were produced. While it didn’t reach the widespread commercial success of some of its contemporaries, it became a favorite among pinball enthusiasts for its satisfying flow and polished design. Its approachable ruleset made it accessible to casual players, while its shot accuracy requirements and multiball timing appealed to skilled players as well.

Today, Diner is considered a classic of the System 11 era. Its lighthearted theme, strong shooting geometry, and immersive diner setting continue to make it a standout machine in both public locations and private collections.