Machine Description

Big Shot, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1973, emerged during a vibrant period in pinball history when electro-mechanical machines were reaching their technological peak. The game represented one of the last waves of classic EM pinball machines before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics in the late 1970s.

The machine featured a pool/billiards theme, which was a popular motif in 1970s pinball design. Its playfield incorporated traditional elements like pop bumpers, drop targets, and kickout holes, arranged to simulate the strategic positioning of pool shots. The artwork and imagery celebrated the culture of pool halls and billiards clubs that were prominent in American entertainment during this era.

As an electro-mechanical machine, Big Shot relied on relay switches, stepper units, and mechanical score reels to track player progress. The game's scoring system rewarded precise shot-making and tactical play, with various combinations and sequences that could lead to special scores and bonus features. While not as well-known as some other Gottlieb titles of the period, Big Shot represented the solid engineering and reliable gameplay that made Gottlieb one of the leading manufacturers of the electro-mechanical era.