Big Guns (pinball)
| Manufacturer | Williams |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 1987 |
| System | Williams System 11B or 11A |
| Design | Mark Ritchie, Python Anghelo |
| Programming | Bill Pfutzenreuter |
| Artwork | Python Anghelo |
| Music | Chris Granner |
| Sound | Chris Granner, Brian Schmidt |
| Production run | 5,250 |
Big Guns is a 1987 pinball machine designed by Mark Ritchie and Python Anghelo and released by Williams.
Design
This is the first pinball machine to use catapults, which were invented by Mark Ritchie.[1] The game was designed around these catapults. To reduce potential technical issues the catapults have plastic covers which make them look like cannons. A patent for this mechanism was applied for,[2] but denied due to similar existing mechanisms.[3]
The backglass was drawn by Python Anghelo four inches taller than on other Williams machines of the time.[4] The backbox includes a bagatelle/pachinko style playfield.[5] The idea for this came from a 1967 Williams pinball machine called Apollo.[3] A version of Big Guns was created by Unidesa with a standard size backbox.[6]
A description below the score display reads:
"Here, in the deepest of space, inside this fortress, our noble Queen is held captive, kidnapped by King Tyrant and his warlords.
"So, once again, in the eternal struggle of good against evil, we, the brave and the free, must launch the greatest invasion in the known history of the universe, to fight and crush our enemies, for the future of our federation - and our fair lady's honor - rides on these big guns."[7]
The King Tyrant was inspired by the designers brother, Steve Ritchie, who also recorded the voice for the character.[5]
A June 1988 revision in the software increased takings at some locations by 20%.[8][9]
Layout
The game is mostly symmetrical, a design-choice because of the two catapults.[3]
Gameplay
The player has to rescue a queen from King Tyrant and his warlords. The game takes place in outer space, although it has a mix of medieval fantasy elements involved, such as trolls.
Reception
Play Meter found the game to be the best pinball machine at the 1987 AMOA show.[10] The November issue featured the game as its cover story.[7] Roger Sharpe reviewed the game in the February 1988 issue, praising the artwork, and the catapults eliminating the need for ramps. He awarded it 2.75/4, calling it an exciting but repetitive game.[11]
Electronic Game Player said while the playfield could appear sparse in some areas, that the game carries an original theme with flair.[12]
References
- ^ "The Flipside Profile: Mark Ritchie" (PDF). The Flipside. Vol. 2, no. 1. 1992. pp. 8–9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2025-07-11. Retrieved 2025-12-26.
- ^ EP 0294923, Ritchie, Mark D & Joos, Joseph, "Catapult play feature for a pinball machine.", published 1988-04-13, issued 1988-12-14
- ^ a b c Joosten, Jonathan (2016). "Big Guns". Pinball Magazine. No. 4. pp. 68–73. ISBN 978-90-816266-5-1.
- ^ Ciaravino, Joe (2024). "Cocaine Cats & Pinball Sex: Part II of The Unauthorized Hagiography of Python Anghelo". Nudge Magazine. Retrieved 2025-09-19.
- ^ a b Shalhoub, Michael (2012). The pinball compendium: 1982 to present (revised and expanded 2nd ed.). Atglen, Pa: Schiffer Publishing. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-7643-4107-6.
- ^ "Big Guns". IPDB.
- ^ a b "An inspiration of dedication". Play Meter. Vol. 13, no. 11. November 1987. pp. 1, 20–23.
- ^ "News - Williams revises Big Guns software". Play Meter. Vol. 14, no. 7. August 1988. p. 37.
- ^ "Big Guns software revision" (PDF). Williams Electronics Games. June 9, 1988.
- ^ Harris, Steve (December 1987). "Player's Picks". Play Meter. Vol. 13, no. 12. pp. 84–86, 127.
- ^ Sharpe, Roger C. (February 1988). "Critic's Corner". Play Meter. Vol. 14, no. 2. p. 79.
- ^ "Hot new games debut for the winter season" (PDF). Electronic Game Player. No. 1. January–February 1988. p. 25.
External links
- Big Guns at the Internet Pinball Database