The Willis aftermarket overlay for Atari’s Asteroids is possibly the largest overlay Willis produced. At a whopping 23-5/8 x 26-1/4, it would wrap around and cover the entire metal panel on the now classic B&W game. Perhaps it was made full size to keep players from picking at the edges? Seems reasonable considering the condition of some of the control panels I’ve come across. Produced in 1981, a few years after the release of Asteroids, this overlay was meant to freshen up the worn metal panel and squeeze a little more life out of the games earning potential by making it more visually appealing. While not the most exciting overlay, it was produced with quality 3M materials and button die cuts for a clean installation. With a simple geometric pattern and five colors it isn’t a favorite of current arcade enthusiasts, though I have seen a few installed on games. This design is likely the first appearance of the “Willis P1 and P2 men”. A character design that is carried out in many of the more basic overlays they produced. Love it or leave it? I prefer the original Atari control panel art over this particular Willis piece, so I would remove it if I found one on a game. Funny thing is that the original Atari art was quite possibly screen printed by Willis, as they did many of the 70’s era games for Atari. Even if you’re not a fan, this overlay is still a cool piece of arcade history and a welcome addition to the Willis Gallery.
From the original Tokens Only post dated 05-26-2011
Willis Asteroids UR cpo
Way back in 1979, Atari released the soon-to-be-a-hit game Asteroids to the coin-operated world. I love its simple yet addictive game play, beautiful side art and huge, easy to use control panel. Big enough to set a drink on if you dared. This popular, money making game took lots of abuse on location. Worn, crappy looking games didn’t make as much money as newer looking ones, so what did operators do? When the artwork has been worn away by scores of eager gamers, it’s time to paint or replace.
Operators were notorious tight wads and didn’t like to spend money on OEM parts, often turning to Willis for their more cost effective products. While not always the best looking, they were better than a worn or ratty original (in the ops eyes at least). So here we have the Willis Asteroids cpo, released in 1981, and measuring in at a whopping 26-1/4″ x 23-1/3″. This thing will completely cover the original metal control panel.
Now with every Willis overlay the production quality is excellent, and this overlay is no exception. 3M backer paper and adhesive, artwork screen printed on lexan, and die cut button holes. This particular example still has the majority of the die cut outs in place. My favorite little Willis men adorn the p1 and p2 buttons, but there isn’t much more to say about this one. Very simplistic, kinda boring, and lacking in color variety. I’ll add it to the archive anyway.
My thoughts remain the same on this particular overlay after all these years. It is certainly a quality piece, not so easy to find in good condition and even harder to find with the die cuts intact. I still have my Asteroids cab and love the game, but prefer the original art that’s screened directly to the panel. I’ve scanned the images above and they aren’t perfect, but you get the idea. If you happen to have this overlay installed on your game, let me know, I’d love to see it.
