Viza’s rare head-to-head pinball machine, WAR, an unusual 2-player pinball experience with iconic Frank Frazetta playfield graphics
Uncommon original WAR ‘solid state electronic’ two-player head-to-head pinball machine manufactured by Viza Mfg., and originally released in 1978 with a small production run of 100-200 units. The cocktail table machine measures 32? x 42? x 28? and functions as a rare head-to-head pinball machine, where two players at opposite ends of the playfield compete in simultaneous play. The game can also be played as a single player. Of particular interest is the playfield’s dramatic artwork graphics, which feature two close-up images of legendary artist Frank Frazetta’s iconic 1967 oil painting, ‘The Berserker,’ a wide-eyed barbarian with outstretched arms and a horned helmet. The playfield includes eight flippers, pop bumpers, and slingshots, and both player sides feature flipper buttons, game instructions, and a scoreboard. WAR is also known for being one of the first, if not the first, examples of LED digit segment displays being used instead of high-voltage glass segment displays. In fine condition, with scattered scuffs and marks to the cabinet. Accompanied by an ephemera group lot of items featuring Frazetta’s ‘The Berserker’ on its cover. With its rare head-to-head cocktail design, striking Frank Frazetta artwork, and incredibly low production run, WAR stands out as one of the more distinctive and collectible pinball machines of its era.
