Grande Domino

The Grande Domino, designed by Ed Krynski and manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in 1968, is a gem of electro-mechanical pinball history with an unusual backstory: it was made exclusively for the Italian market as an add-a-ball game. Its USA counterpart is Gottlieb's 1968 'Domino', the replay version of the same design. With 4,000 units confirmed produced, the Grande Domino showcases the craftsmanship of Gottlieb's designers during the height of the electro-mechanical era.

The gameplay is characterized by a robust feature set: two flippers, four pop bumpers, two slingshots, two roto-targets, two kick-out holes, and seven standup targets offering a variety of scoring opportunities. A notable aspect of the design is the outhole, which can kick the ball back into play between the flippers — giving players a second chance and making it a standout among machines of the era.

The art and design, by Art Stenholm, are classic representations of 1960s pinball aesthetics, with colorful domino-themed artwork that adds to the game's nostalgic charm. Its historical footnote as an Italian-market exclusive, combined with its engaging gameplay features, makes it a fascinating addition to any serious pinball collection or exhibition.