Big Kick

Big Kick, manufactured by Sega Enterprises Ltd. in January 1978, stands out for its unusual line-dancing and nightlife theme, a departure from more traditional pinball subjects of the era. This solid-state single-player machine reflects Sega's willingness to experiment with theme and mechanics during the late 1970s.

The unique features of Big Kick make it an attractive addition to any pinball enthusiast's collection. The machine boasts two flippers, two pop bumpers, five stand-up targets, and a spinning disc in the center playfield that can be manipulated by pressing a flipper button or hitting the stand-up targets. This mechanism lets players alter the direction of the disc's rotation, adding a layer of complexity. The disc's cloth covering slows ball speed, and a ball that stays on the disc for ten seconds earns a 100,000-point bonus — though because the disc itself has no sensors, the game actually just checks that the ball hasn't scored and the flippers haven't been used for ten seconds.

The machine's drop-down cabinet adds to its distinctive appearance, matching the carefree, nightlife-inspired theme. Some sources suggest Big Kick may have been the first game to use a second generation of Sega solid-state hardware with new sound and pop bumper styling, though this has not been independently confirmed. As one of the more offbeat examples of 1970s Sega pinball design, Big Kick remains an interesting piece for enthusiasts and collectors.