Zodiac, released by Williams in 1971, stands as a fascinating, widebody curiosity from the mind of legendary designer Steve Kordek. With a production run of just over 700 units, this electromechanical title is a true collector’s rarity that trades the frantic speed of modern pins for a deliberate, spacious experience. The art package by Louis Raynaud leans heavily into the mystical aesthetic of the era, surrounding the player with celestial motifs that feel plucked straight from a 1970s horoscope column.
The playfield layout is defined by its expansive real estate, allowing Kordek to experiment with a unique geometry featuring four flippers and four slingshots. Instead of traditional drop targets, the game utilizes eight hanging targets that sway with every impact, adding a tactile, kinetic element to your scoring runs. The mechanical complexity is further elevated by the inclusion of two stop magnets and a center spinning post, which serve to unpredictably redirect the ball, turning what could have been a static game into a test of reactive timing and patience.
Because of its widebody dimensions and lack of traditional ramps, Zodiac rewards players who focus on controlled shots and lane management rather than raw power. Success on this machine requires mastering the rhythm of the spinning post; timing your flips to navigate the ball around the magnets is essential to keeping it in play. While it may not possess the high-octane modes of modern machines, Zodiac offers a unique, rhythmic flow that stands as a testament to Kordek’s willingness to push the boundaries of EM engineering.