Ship-Mates pinball rules and strategy

Raise the Roto value with a top rollover or side target, taking 100x only when the feed is safe. Read the exposed Roto number and hit it if that 1, 2, or 3 spot is still missing. If it is already lit, use an eject hole or the center rollunder to spin another number into view. Complete 1-2-3 to earn Same Player Shoots Again.

The goal

Raise the Roto multiplier, spin to a missing 1-2-3 number, hit it, and complete the set for Same Player Shoots Again.

  1. Use a safely available top rollover or side target to raise the Roto multiplier; take 100x when its harder selector is available without giving up control.

  2. Read the exposed Roto number and the lit 1-2-3 spots before choosing the next shot.

  3. If the exposed number is still missing, hit the Roto to score it at the current multiplier and light that numbered spot.

  4. If the exposed number is already lit, use an eject hole or the center rollunder to spin the Roto, then reassess the newly exposed number.

  5. Repeat the value, spin, and Roto sequence until 1-2-3 are lit and Same Player Shoots Again is earned.

Need to know
Roto value
The targets and top rollovers set the Roto multiplier to 1x, 10x, or 100x.
Exposed number
The single Roto face shows 1, 2, or 3; a hit scores that number at the selected multiplier and lights its spot.
Roto spin
An eject hole or the center rollunder rotates the Roto when a different number is needed.

Machine setup

  • Confirm Gottlieb Ship-Mates model 205, OPDB exact variant G4jvD-MJKjd, the February 1964 four-player EM and sole catalog rules edition. Do not transfer this guide to a similarly named naval game or a virtual recreation.
  • Check ball count, replay or credit handling, Same Player Shoots Again behavior, tilt response, and the installed replay-wheel maximum; known 15- and 26-replay wheels are hardware or setup variation, not separate rules editions.
  • Test all six value targets, six value rollovers, the 1x-10x-100x indication, Roto rotation and 1-2-3 registration, both eject holes, the center rollunder, pop-bumper on-off values, lower alternating lamps, flippers, slingshots, and scoring reels before competition play.
Sources and references
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