Life at the top — Williams’ Big Daddy is an electromechanical single-player wrapped in a cheeky high-society theme, designed by the legendary Steve Kordek, one of the true titans of pinball history whose career helped shape the entire modern game. With reel scoring and a confirmed run of 1,850, it’s a handsome woodrail-era piece from a genuine master of the craft.
The layout is a lively, engaging spread: two flippers, four pop bumpers, a pair of passive bumpers, two slingshots, five rollover buttons, two kick-out holes, and a drop target. That combination of pop and passive bumpers promises a bouncy, unpredictable ball that demands active nudging, while the five rollover buttons give a player plenty of scoring opportunities to work through and the drop target and kick-out holes add variety to the shot selection. It’s a clean, well-balanced design in the classic Kordek mold, built to deliver the honest, chiming pleasures that made these EM machines such enduring favorites.
Big Daddy is a fine example of Steve Kordek’s design craft, pairing a playful, aspirational theme with a satisfying, bumper-and-rollover playfield. Kordek was a genuine legend whose innovations echoed across decades of pinball history, and playing one of his creations connects you to that deep legacy. For the collector who cherishes the golden age of EM pinball and its foundational figures, it’s a rewarding find. Ride those bumpers, work the five rollovers, and live the high life. Sometimes the simplest games are the most satisfying, and this Kordek classic delivers an enjoyable round every time. Some machines are treasured for the master behind them, and Big Daddy is one of them. Drop a coin and live large.