Williams’ 1962 release, *Valiant*, stands as a quintessential artifact of the Steve Kordek era, capturing the mechanical charm of the early 1960s with a bold, chivalric theme. As a two-player electromechanical machine, *Valiant* eschews the digital complexity of modern tables in favor of a visceral, rhythmic experience driven by classic reel scoring. Kordek, a titan of pinball design, equipped this knightly quest with an unconventional four-flipper layout, providing players with distinct angles to navigate the playfield’s medieval obstacles and secure their glory.
The machine’s layout is defined by its quartet of kick-out holes and a pair of swinging targets that demand precision timing to master. The interplay between the active pop bumpers and the trio of passive bumpers creates a chaotic, unpredictable flow that keeps the ball dancing across the playfield. Because this is a pure EM experience, the game relies on the physical “clack” of the relays and the mechanical bounce of the ball, offering a tactile satisfaction that feels grounded in the grit of a tournament-era classic.
Mastering *Valiant* requires a tactical approach to the kick-out holes; these serve as both scoring opportunities and potential traps, forcing the player to balance aggressive shooting with defensive nudging. With only 1,050 units ever produced, *Valiant* is a rare find for the dedicated archivist, representing a time when pinball design was shifting toward the more interactive, multi-flipper layouts that would define the next decade of arcade history. It is a noble, stripped-back challenge that rewards those who can tame its mid-century mechanical heartbeat.