Reserve, a 1960 nautical-themed release from Williams, stands as a distinct relic of the mid-century era, bearing the unmistakable design sensibilities of industry titan Steve Kordek. With art by George Molentin, the machine transports players to a scuba-diving expedition, trading the high-speed ramps of the modern era for the deliberate, tactical pacing of a classic electromechanical build. Limited to a production run of just 750 units, this single-player table is a rare find that rewards precision over raw power, utilizing a playfield layout that feels both sparse and challenging.
The mechanical heart of the machine centers on its two flippers and a strategic array of four standup targets, supported by the erratic action of three pop bumpers and two passive bumpers. The layout is punctuated by a pair of kick-out holes and, true to the “GobbleHole” spirit, a singular gobble hole that serves as the ultimate high-stakes trap for the unwary player. The gameplay is entirely driven by reel-based scoring, demanding a steady hand to navigate the ball through the slingshots and into the scoring features without surrendering the ball to the bottom-center drain.
For the modern collector, Reserve represents a masterclass in minimalist design. Without the clutter of modern toys or magnets, success on this table relies on mastering the rebound angles off the passive bumpers and calculating the risk-versus-reward of aiming for the kick-out holes. It is a quintessential example of Kordek’s philosophy: building a game that is easy to understand but deceptively difficult to conquer, making it a prized specimen for those who appreciate the tactile, rhythmic charm of vintage Williams engineering.