Williams’ 1959 classic Crossword is a masterclass in mid-century mechanical minimalism from the legendary Harry Williams. Eschewing the complex ramp structures and multi-ball madness of the modern era, this EM machine captures the cerebral charm of a Sunday morning puzzle. George Molentin’s art package complements the theme perfectly, grounding the experience in the tactile, satisfying aesthetic of the era’s favorite pastime. With two flippers and a playfield dominated by a grid of nine gobble holes, the game demands precision rather than raw power.
The mechanical layout is deceptively simple, centered around the interaction between three active pop bumpers and six passive bumpers that act as traffic directors. The primary objective relies on navigating the ball into the correct gobble holes to complete your “word” or score sequence. Unlike the high-speed flow of contemporary pins, Crossword forces a slower, more deliberate style of play; you aren’t just shooting for high scores, you are hunting for specific targets. A well-placed kick-out hole provides the occasional lifeline, keeping the ball in play just long enough to keep your frustration in check.
For the tournament-minded player, the strategy here is all about geometry and patience. Because the gobble holes act as potential drains for your ball, you must treat the playfield like a tactical map, using the bumpers to nudge your trajectory toward the desired hole while avoiding the ones that have already been cleared. It is a game of risk management—mastering the nudge and timing your flipper shots is essential to controlling the ball’s erratic path through the bumper maze. Crossword remains a vital piece of pinball history, proving that even a half-century later, a well-designed board can offer a challenge that is as addictive as a completed crossword puzzle.