The premium Hercules Tower high striker is the timeless test-of-strength hammer game — swing, hit the anvil, and send your score climbing the illuminated tower to the digital displays. Robustly built at 285 kg and plug-and-play out of the box, it draws crowds and holds them at fairs, tradeshows, parties and brand activations. Runs free play, tokens, coins or scoring mode, with personalisation available as an option.
The Hercules Tower high striker is the classic test of strength — swing the hammer, hit the anvil, and watch the lights climb the tower. It is one of those rare attractions everybody understands on sight, and almost nobody can walk past without trying.
This is the premium version of the game — built around strength, precision and control. Hit the anvil as hard as you can and your score races up the illuminated tower, then lands on the digital displays so the whole crowd can see who really is the “King of the Hammer.” It has been a crowd favourite at fairs, carnivals, tradeshows and events for generations, and it is robust enough to take the beating, day after day.
Why it works on the floor
A high striker is a magnet for foot traffic. The challenge is instant, the payoff is public, and the lights and digital score turn every swing into a spectacle that pulls the next person in. It is competitive, it is shareable, and it holds a crowd — visitors line up to beat each other’s numbers, which keeps people on your stand longer and gives your team the dwell time to talk, qualify and capture leads. Rated 3 out of 10 for ease of use, it is genuinely plug-and-play: it arrives prebuilt, runs straight from a standard 100/220 V outlet, and anyone can operate it. Buy it once and it becomes a reusable asset across every fair, brand activation and party on your calendar.
Built to take a beating
At 285 kg and standing 215 / 240 cm tall on a 60 × 90 cm footprint, this is a seriously robust machine designed for the abuse of a busy event. Automated lights run up the blue tower, the score shows digitally, and the sound has adjustable volume with personalised sound options. Run it in free play to maximise queues, or switch to tokens, coins or scoring/ticket mode when you want it to earn. Personalisation is available as an option, so you can put it to work carrying your brand or a sponsor’s.
Also known as the “Tower of Power,” “Jack in the Box,” “Hau den Lucas,” “Tête de Turc,” “Head of Jut,” “Column of Hercules” and “King of the Hammer” — one game, many names, the same irresistible challenge.
Supplied prebuilt and plug-and-play. Free play, token, coin and scoring/ticket modes; personalised sound and branding available as options.
This EC Declaration of Conformity (Annex II.1.A, Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC) confirms that the Hercules tower high striker premium - hammer strenght meter game, manufactured by Made for Arcade B.V., Besterdstraat 9a, 5051HH Goirle, Nederland, complies with the relevant provisions of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.
Harmonised standards applied: EN ISO 12100:2010, EN IEC 61000-6-1, EN IEC 61000-6-3, EN IEC 63000. The technical file is held by the manufacturer at the address above.
The King of the Hammer (high striker) measures the force and speed of a hammer blow on the anvil and shows the result in light, sound and a score. This manual covers safe installation (the machine is top-heavy and must be anchored), set-up, operation, the coin acceptor and the controller settings.
Caution: this machine is top-heavy and subjects the floor to large forces — it MUST be placed on a flat, stable surface and anchored before use. Never leave it running unattended.
Disclaimer
Made for Arcade makes no representations or warranties with respect to this manual and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, expressly limits its liability for any failure to conform to any warranty resulting from the replacement of this manual with another. In addition, Made for Arcade reserves the right to revise this publication at any time without obligation to notify any person of the revision.
The information in this documentation contains general descriptions and/or technical characteristics of the performance of the machine mentioned in this documentation. This documentation is not intended as a substitute for, and should not be used to determine, the suitability or reliability of this machine for specific user applications.
It is the duty of such user or system integrator to carry out — in relation to the relevant specific application or use of the product — an adequate and complete risk analysis, evaluation and testing of the products.
Please note: all images used in this manual are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product. This is because the colours, dimensions and other properties of the actual product may differ from the image.
Made for Arcade and/or its affiliates or subsidiaries are not responsible or liable for any misuse of the information contained in this document. If you have any suggestions for improvements or changes, or have found any errors in this documentation, please let us know.
All relevant national, regional and local safety regulations must be followed when installing and using this machine. For safety reasons and to ensure compliance with the documented system data, the components may only be repaired by the manufacturer.
If machines are used for applications with technical safety regulations, the relevant instructions must be observed. Failure to observe this information may result in personal injury and/or damage to the machine.
This machine is intended for entertainment purposes only. It is not intended for use for profit, for the wagering or payout of money, or for gambling or games of chance. Made for Arcade makes no representation or warranty that the use, installation or operation of this machine is permitted or lawful in any particular region, country, jurisdiction or venue. It is the sole responsibility of the buyer and/or end-user to ensure that their use of the machine complies with all applicable laws, regulations and licensing or permit requirements (including any gambling, gaming or amusement regulations).
This is the English user manual (or an automatic translation thereof). Manuals in other languages may be available on request.
Power supply and surge protection
Arcade and entertainment machines are computer-controlled and contain sensitive electronics. Mains power at events, venues and even ordinary outlets is frequently unstable or “dirty” — voltage spikes, surges, sags and brown-outs, flicker, overloaded or shared circuits, generators, long extension runs and the switching of nearby equipment can all push the supply outside the machine’s safe operating range.
You must always connect the machine through a good-quality surge protector, and — wherever the supply is unreliable or the machine must not lose power unexpectedly — through an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). These sensitive machines cannot tolerate power spikes, surges, brown-outs or sudden cut-offs.
Damage, data loss or malfunction caused by power-supply problems is not covered by warranty. Failure to use adequate power protection can lead to machine malfunction and, in some cases, a risk of fire or bodily harm. If you are unsure about your power supply, consult a qualified electrician before use.
Support and service
For more information, service, technical support, ordering user manuals, or for any other questions, please contact: Made for Arcade Besterdstraat 9a, 5051HH Goirle, The Netherlands Email: [email protected] · Web: madeforarcade.com
Machine description
The “King of the Hammer” is intended for use as entertainment in the home and is not designed for commercial use. The minimum age for use is 12 years; underage players should only use the machine under the direct supervision of an adult. The game is based on the player’s agility and strength, and can be influenced by enabling and disabling options in the user menu.
Intended use
The “King of the Hammer” is intended for home entertainment use and is not designed or intended for commercial use. The minimum age for use is twelve; underage players should only use the machine under adult supervision. The machine and accessories such as the hammer are not suitable for players with a medical condition or who are not physically fit.
Unpacking and preparation
Follow the unpacking instructions carefully to avoid damage. The machine is top-heavy and can fall over if used incorrectly. Place it on a flat, stable surface that can support at least 1,500 kg per m² — the angular momentum of a hammer blow places large forces on the machine and the surface. Use side cutters or nail scissors to cut any tension straps (sometimes in hard-to-reach places); make sure machine parts cannot move while cutting and that electrical cables are not cut. Adjust the levelling feet so the machine is level in all directions and every foot sits flat on the surface. Then anchor the machine to the ground with at least 6 M10 bolts so it is completely fixed to the surface.
Risks when using the machine
Using this machine may involve risks that must be assessed by the owner, players, bystanders and those providing the equipment. The risks described in this manual are not a complete or exhaustive list.
Commissioning
The machine operates on 220 volts / 50 hertz. Inspect the outside and inside of the machine and the power cord for defects or damage — open all panels and doors and check for damage or loose connections. Do not connect the machine if anything is damaged. Close and lock all doors and panels with the enclosed keys, insert the connection cable into the back, plug into a proper socket, and switch on at the back. The machine starts up automatically.
Operation of the machine
By hitting the anvil with the supplied hammer, the machine measures the force and speed of the blow and shows the intensity through light, sound and a score — a harder hit gives a higher score. Scores can be influenced by settings in the user menu.
Taking the machine out of service
Turn off the switch on the back of the machine and remove the plug from the socket so the power supply is completely interrupted. Do not leave the machine unattended while connected to the power supply.
Coin acceptor training
The coin acceptor is either empty or already trained for Made for Arcade coins. If it is empty and the machine is not set to free play, place a sample coin first: push the “replace coin” slider up in the direction of the “remove backward” arrow and place a coin under the slider (see images). When a coin is inserted, the acceptor compares it with the sample; if they match, the coin goes to the cash drawer and a credit is added on the display. Only use coins 18–25 mm in diameter and 1.6–2 mm thick.
The coin acceptor.
Push the slider up and place a sample coin under it.
Periodic maintenance
Follow the periodic maintenance instructions carefully to prevent damage. Service the machine every 4 hours of use, or at least once a week for light use.
Visual inspection of cabling and mechanisms
Check all internal parts for damage, breakage and abnormal behaviour — the forces involved can loosen or jam parts, or pull on cables and mechanisms. Check the levelling feet so all feet sit flat and in contact with the surface, and that the machine is level in all directions. Always switch off and unplug before working inside.
Access to the controller
To reach the user menu, open the long front door with the score counters: first remove the 2 locking screws (circled in the photo), then open the door with the enclosed key. Inside you will find the controller with a few operating buttons.
Remove the two locking screws (circled), then open the door with the key.
Setting the controller
Master volume
On the controller, adjust the volume by carefully turning the potentiometer left or right with a small screwdriver (circled in the photo).
Settings menu
Turn on the machine and, after 3 to 5 seconds, press button #1 once — the machine is now in programming mode and the settings are shown on the scoreboard. The leftmost digit of the bottom-left counter (1st) shows the menu-option number; the rightmost digit of the bottom-right counter (2nd) shows its value. Press button #1 until you see the menu option you want in the left counter, then use button #2 or #3 to change its value.
The controller: volume potentiometer (circled) and buttons #1–#3.
The scoreboard — menu option (1st counter) and value (2nd counter).
Menu #
Description
Value
1
Number of coins needed to play a game (0 = play for free)
0 to 9
2
Not applicable (used for tickets)
—
3
Difficulty of the game — the higher the number, the more difficult
1–5
4
Total number of coins inserted
(counter)
5
Total number of tickets issued
(counter)
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn the music off completely? Lower the master volume on the controller potentiometer; set it to minimum for silent operation.
Can the machine be set to “play for free”? Yes — set menu option 1 to 0.
My machine looks different — do I have the correct manual? Made for Arcade hammer machines use the same controller, so this manual applies; minor naming differences are possible due to version differences.
Precautionary measures
Anchor the machine (6 × M10 bolts) on a flat surface rated for at least 1,500 kg/m² before use — it is top-heavy.
Do not let players with a medical condition or who are not physically fit use the machine.
Supervise the machine at all times with a competent adult who can intervene.
Never run it more than 10 hours continuously; rest it at least one hour (unplugged) afterwards.
Switch off and unplug before any maintenance to avoid electric shock or short circuit.
Do not disassemble, alter or modify the machine without our permission.
Custom-brandable , free or paid play, sound, lights
Contains
hammer
Reference
MFA-hercules-tower-1
Specifications may vary or change over time. Verify all specifications prior to purchase. No rights can be derived from this information.
Questions
Can it be branded with our design?
Yes — most machines can be branded by our design department per your specifications. Simply send your artwork and our team will go to work for you, delivering a turn-key custom-branded solution.
Do you provide warranty on your machines?
Absolutely! Each machine comes standard with a 1-year full service and parts warranty at any of our service centers, no questions asked. You can extend warranty to a full 2 years by clicking the option box above (highly recommended). See our T&C for details.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes — for sales we ship worldwide; for rentals we prefer to limit shipping to Western Europe. And if you have your own carrier account (FedEx, DHL, etc.) you can always arrange to have your order picked up from our service centers.
How are products packed?
For trucking, train or air cargo, crating is needed — check the option box above to add the custom wooden protective crating the carrier requires. If you arrange your own pickup, crating is optional and may save you the cost of having a custom frame built.
Can you pre-load our prizes, tokens or content?
Yes — we can pre-load prizes, capsules, tokens or your own media so the machine arrives play-ready for your event.
Is it plug-and-play, or do we need a technician?
Most machines arrive pre-programmed and plug-and-play; setup takes minutes. For live events you can opt to have tech support as back-up per WhatsApp if you ever need a hand — see our service contract for expedited on-call assistance.
