"Big Valley," released in May 1970 by Bally Manufacturing Corporation, stands as a pivotal electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine, distinguished by features uncommon for its era and manufacturer. Produced in a run of 2,500 units, this four-player game quickly established a reputation for innovative design and engaging play.

History and Background

Bally Manufacturing Corporation, a prominent name in the amusement machine industry, brought "Big Valley" to market at a time when EM machines were still the standard, yet solid-state technology was on the horizon. The machine's theme evokes the rugged expanse of the American West, a popular motif that lent itself to visually striking artwork and a sense of adventure.

The conceptualization, design, and mechanical engineering of "Big Valley" were the work of Ted Zale, a designer known for his inventive approaches to pinball playfields. Zale's vision for "Big Valley" pushed the boundaries of what was expected from an EM game. Complementing Zale's mechanical ingenuity was the distinctive artwork of Christian Marche, whose style, characterized by its "pointy artwork" aesthetic, captured the early 1970s visual trends and brought the Western theme to life on the playfield and backglass. Bally produced backglasses for "Big Valley" in both crystal glass and Plexiglas, an interesting production detail. A unique aspect of its production was a special version released for the German market, sharing the same project number and release date, though with distinct schematic part numbers (W-1042-81a for the US and W-1042-82a for Germany), reflecting localized adaptations.

One of the most notable facts surrounding "Big Valley" is its unique status within Bally's EM catalog: it is the only Bally electro-mechanical pinball machine to incorporate both a multiball feature and three-inch flippers. This combination was a significant departure from typical EM design practices of the period, setting "Big Valley" apart upon its release and contributing to its enduring appeal.

Signature Features and Design

"Big Valley" distinguishes itself through a set of features that redefine expectations for an EM machine. The primary standout element is its three-ball multiball play, an innovation that dramatically elevates the gameplay experience. For a machine from 1970, the ability to have multiple balls simultaneously active on the playfield created a level of chaos and excitement rarely seen in EM designs. This feature transforms strategic single-ball play into a dynamic, multi-faceted challenge, requiring players to manage several balls at once.

Equally significant are the machine's three-inch flippers. While longer flippers became standard on later solid-state games, their presence on an early 1970s Bally EM was uncommon. These longer flippers provide players with greater control and allow for more precise shot placement across the playfield, enhancing the strategic depth, particularly when attempting to manage multiple balls.

The artwork, crafted by Christian Marche, utilizes a vibrant palette and a stylized approach consistent with the early 1970s. The "pointy artwork" style presents characters and scenery evocative of the American West, from rugged landscapes to thematic elements like a "Fox or Gopher hole." While overall appreciated for its era-specific charm, some minor critiques occasionally surfaced regarding specific elements, such as the depiction of a tiger. Beyond these defining traits, the playfield incorporates four pop bumpers, two slingshots, and two kick-out holes, all standard EM mechanisms, yet integrated into a design that supports the game's unique multiball dynamic. An up-post positioned between the flippers offers a chance to save a draining ball or reset a play sequence.

Playfield and Mechanics

The "Big Valley" playfield, at first glance, might appear uncluttered, yet its design unfolds into a busy and engaging experience once the game is underway. The layout reflects Ted Zale’s philosophy of creating a dynamic play environment, particularly centered around activating and sustaining multiball.

Major shots include the "Fox or Gopher hole," a kick-out hole that, when hit, can reward players with extra balls or contribute to unlocking the multiball sequence. Another key objective is the "Big Pine Pass," a shot whose completion similarly leads to rewarding outcomes, such as additional balls or advancing towards multiball. These shots are strategically placed to encourage skillful aiming and precision.

The playfield features a left kicker lane and a right ball return lane, the latter equipped with upper and lower gates. These lanes, in conjunction with the powerful pop bumpers and slingshots, dictate ball flow and create unpredictable bounces, maintaining player engagement. The four pop bumpers, especially when tuned correctly, provide energetic ball deflection, keeping the action lively. The two kick-out holes serve as both targets and re-entry points for balls, integrating them back into active play, which is particularly crucial during multiball.

Visually, the playfield artwork extends the American West theme with depictions of rugged terrain and wildlife. The lighting, typical for an EM, uses incandescent bulbs to illuminate targets and scoring elements, contributing to the machine’s overall aesthetic and guiding player focus to various scoring opportunities. The combined mechanical layout and artistic presentation immerse the player in a frontier setting, where every shot counts towards mastering the "Big Valley."

Gameplay Dynamics

The gameplay dynamics of "Big Valley" are primarily defined by its innovative multiball feature and the strategic pursuit of high-value shots. The progression towards achieving multiball typically involves hitting a sequence of specific targets or advancing through designated playfield areas. Once multiball is activated, the game transforms, requiring players to manage three balls simultaneously, leading to a frantic yet satisfying experience.

Unique objectives within "Big Valley" include repeatedly hitting the "Fox or Gopher hole" and navigating the "Big Pine Pass." Successfully completing these shots is integral to game progression, often leading to immediate rewards such as extra balls, which extends play time, or contributing to the buildup of the multiball sequence. The interplay between managing active balls and aiming for these specific high-value targets forms the core of "Big Valley's" challenge.

Scoring in "Big Valley" adheres to typical EM principles, with points awarded for hitting various targets, pop bumpers, and slingshots. However, the true scoring potential lies within sustained multiball play and repeatedly hitting the bonus-awarding holes and lanes. The game’s design encourages a flow that keeps the ball in motion, often leading to rapid point accumulation. Players often employ strategies focused on maintaining control of at least one ball during multiball while letting the others create chaos and rack up points from random bounces. Despite the potential for quick drains, the ease of re-entering balls into play, especially during multiball, mitigates this challenge and keeps the action flowing. For optimal performance, players often fine-tune their machines, using specific rubber types like Superbands on flippers for improved control and black rubber for the middle drain to influence ball paths. Bulb types such as #44R or #55R also contribute to clear visibility and presentation.

Reception and Legacy

"Big Valley" has garnered a largely positive reception within the pinball community, often considered one of the era's most engaging EM machines. Its primary strength lies in its innovative multiball feature, which was a significant technical and gameplay achievement for a 1970 EM. Enthusiasts consistently highlight the deep satisfaction derived from managing multiple balls, particularly when the playfield becomes a whirlwind of activity. Despite what some might perceive as a sparse initial playfield layout, the game is recognized for its hidden depth and replayability, especially when properly maintained and tuned. Many consider it a game that, when rebuilt to specification, can compete with the engagement offered by later solid-state machines.

The artwork, with Christian Marche's distinctive early 1970s style, receives appreciation for its visual character. The sound experience, particularly the louder mechanical number counters compared to other manufacturers, is also noted as a positive. The presence of three-inch flippers, rare for a Bally EM, is another feature that contributes to its positive assessment, offering a different feel of control to players.

However, "Big Valley" is not without its minor points of criticism. Some players note the tendency for quick ball drains, although this is often balanced by the game's generosity in awarding new balls and multiball opportunities. As with many older machines, specific instances of wiring issues related to multiball have been reported, pointing to potential maintenance needs inherent with aging electro-mechanical systems. Furthermore, localized versions for the German market occasionally featured questionable translations and spelling errors on the playfield, and some of these German models lacked bells, impacting the auditory feedback unless manually added. Despite these minor observations, the overarching sentiment remains one of high regard.

"Big Valley" secures its legacy as a trailblazer in pinball history. Its pioneering integration of a three-ball multiball system on an EM platform demonstrated the potential for complex and exhilarating gameplay without relying on solid-state electronics. This achievement set a precedent, influencing future machine designs by proving that dynamic, multi-ball experiences were not confined to emerging technologies. "Big Valley" remains a sought-after machine, often described as a pivotal example of EM design, and a cornerstone in any collection for those who appreciate the ingenuity and playability of early pinball.