Honey, a 1972 release from Williams, stands as a quintessential example of Steve Kordek’s mastery over the electromechanical era. With its charming, romance-inspired aesthetic and classic reel-based scoring, the game captures the straightforward, high-stakes spirit of 70s arcade culture. Despite its seemingly gentle theme, the playfield is a dense network of twelve rollover buttons and three strategic kick-out holes, demanding precision and rhythmic control. The inclusion of five pop bumpers creates a chaotic, unpredictable ball path that forces players to stay alert, contrasting sharply with the more calculated shots required for the drop target bank.
The machine’s mechanical personality is defined by its clever use of vertical space and ball-saving features. A center up-post serves as your primary defense against the dreaded middle drain; however, the game keeps you on your toes by linking this safety net to the side rails beneath the saucers, while a single rollover button in the lower playfield acts as a trap, instantly retracting the post when you least expect it. Savvy players will prioritize hitting the “A” and “B” targets tucked into the upper corners of the board, as these are the keys to opening the gate on the right outlane—a vital lifeline that turns a potential drain into a second chance at glory.
With over 6,000 units produced, Honey remains a staple for collectors who appreciate the tactile feedback and “just one more game” allure of Kordek’s designs. It is a game of constant trade-offs; every saucer hit that builds your score brings you closer to the risk of losing your center-post protection. Mastering Honey is less about brute force and more about managing these delicate mechanical toggles, turning a simple game of romance into a tense, high-stakes dance of survival.