Highways, a 1971 release from Williams, stands as a quintessential example of Steve Kordek’s mastery of the early electro-mechanical era. With a theme centered on the open road and automobile travel, the playfield is a study in classic, straightforward design, featuring a modest set of four standup targets and a quartet of pop bumpers that keep the action bouncing in true vintage fashion. George Molentin’s artwork captures the golden age of American road trips, grounding the frantic pace of the game in a nostalgic aesthetic that feels like a cross-country drive through mid-century Americana.
Mechanically, the game relies on the tactile satisfaction of two flippers and a pair of passive bumpers, requiring precise ball control rather than the multi-ball chaos of modern machines. The most punishing feature on the board is undoubtedly the gobble hole; in a game where every shot counts, the risk-versus-reward of navigating the playfield to avoid—or intentionally hit—this drain is the primary driver of tournament-style tension. With only 600 units produced, Highways remains a rare, focused experience that demands patience and a steady hand, proving that even a simple layout can offer a challenging journey for the dedicated collector.