Mardi Gras

The Mardi Gras, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams in 1962, is a notable electromechanical (EM) machine as the first Williams 4-player game to use metal flipper bats. Metal flipper bats offered more durability and consistent play than the earlier rubber-tipped wood bats, and this game was also the last Williams 4-player title to use the older, thinner-digit score reels before Williams updated its reel design.

The Mardi Gras boasts an array of distinctive features that set it apart from its contemporaries. Its lower playfield is equipped with two ball kickers, each capable of propelling the ball upward to a target whose value is determined by a rotating drum behind it. The machine's sound is generated by two bells and a knocker. Players can also take advantage of four standup targets and four pop bumpers, which add an extra layer of challenge and reward.

The Mardi Gras' theme is a vibrant celebration of Carnival culture, with its colorful artwork and lively music evoking the spirit of Mardi Gras celebrations. Interestingly, the machine's original flyer indicates that it was possible to award 2, 5, or 10 replay credits (at the operator's option) if both Players 1 and 3 matched their scores, or if Players 2 and 4 did so. This unique rule adds an extra layer of strategy and competition to gameplay, making the Mardi Gras an interesting piece of early-1960s pinball history.