Zodiac

The Zodiac pinball machine, designed by Steve Kordek and manufactured by Williams Electronics in 1971, holds a special place in the history of pinball. It is a widebody Electro-Mechanical (EM) game whose more complex mechanisms provided a smoother playing experience than earlier, simpler machines.

At its core, Zodiac is an astrology-themed game that rewards strategic play. Players can take advantage of four flippers to control the ball's trajectory, while four slingshots provide additional shooting options. The machine boasts eight hanging targets, two stop magnets, and a spinning post, all contributing to its challenging yet engaging gameplay. When the player hits either the sun or moon target, a magnet under the playfield freezes the ball in place until bonus points are counted down, adding an extra layer of strategy.

The Zodiac's design and artwork are equally noteworthy. The backglass features astrologers with "cufflinks" monogrammed with the initials "N.C." and "S.K.", a probable reference to Norm Clark and Steve Kordek; identical cufflink initials also appear on the backglass of Williams' 1966 '8 Ball'. Overall, the Zodiac is a notable piece of pinball history, showcasing the era's evolving gameplay mechanics and design.