Williams Electronic Games introduced Big Guns to the pinball world in October 1987, a machine that quickly carved out a distinct identity with its ambitious design and unconventional theme. The game emerged from the creative minds within Williams during a period of significant innovation for the company's System 11 platform.

The vision for Big Guns was primarily shaped by designer Mark Ritchie and artist Python Anghelo. Anghelo, known for his distinctive and elaborate artistic style, was instrumental in defining the machine's "space medieval" aesthetic. This imaginative blend of futuristic elements with classic fantasy tropes set Big Guns apart from its contemporaries. The deep, rich color palette and intricate details on the playfield and backglass are hallmarks of Anghelo's work. A notable anecdote from the development process highlights Anghelo's influence: the backbox was intentionally designed to be four inches taller than standard Williams cabinets of the era, specifically to accommodate the expansive "castle" artwork he envisioned for the game.

The sound design, critical to immersing players in the game's theme, was handled by Chris Granner and Brian Schmidt, while Bill Pfutzenreuter was responsible for the software. Callouts for the game were provided by Mark Ritchie himself, alongside his brother Steve Ritchie, who lent his voice to the commanding role of the King, further solidifying the machine’s thematic presentation.

Big Guns entered production on September 28, 1987, with 5,250 units confirmed to have been manufactured. It utilized the Williams System 11B MPU, though some early production units may feature the 11A board, as the transition occurred during its run. The machine was marketed with the slogan "Feel the Power!" and introduced players to a unique blend of gameplay and spectacle. Interestingly, a small number of playfields were produced with yellow triangle markings below the flippers, a rare variation that collectors occasionally seek.

Signature Features and Design

Big Guns is defined by several standout mechanical features and a bold aesthetic that collectively create a memorable experience. Foremost among these are the two "cannons" or catapults, positioned strategically on the playfield. These innovative mechanisms are not mere targets; they physically launch the pinball airborne across the playfield, propelling it into dedicated habitrails. This dramatic ballistic trajectory provides a sense of raw power and spectacle, a truly novel concept for its time that immediately captivated players and differentiated Big Guns from other machines.

Complementing the cannons is the oversized backbox, a direct result of Python Anghelo's artistic ambition. This tall backbox houses a unique interactive feature: the "King's Chamber." Here, a mini-ball is launched from a center cannon into a vertical bagatelle-style maze with pins and five scoring slots. This backbox animation provides an engaging visual spectacle and serves as a bonus accumulation mechanism, rewarding players with points or Extra Balls.

The machine's playfield features four flippers—two at the traditional lower position and two additional, more widely spaced flippers higher up on the playfield. This four-flipper layout facilitates shots to the upper playfield and supports continuous looping strategies. Accompanying these are a left outlane kickback and a right outlane detour gate, offering defensive measures and additional strategic depth. A center up-post between the lower flippers provides a temporary ball save or shot block, adding another layer of control and risk. The machine notably does not include traditional pop bumpers, a design choice that contributes to its distinct playfield flow.

Python Anghelo’s artwork is a central pillar of Big Guns' identity. The "space medieval" theme is rendered with vibrant colors, intricate details, and a distinct, almost fantastical style. The backglass, in particular, is often cited for its stunning composition and visual impact, reinforcing the machine’s thematic narrative of heroic battles against alien invaders in a futuristic, castle-like setting.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of Big Guns presents a symmetrical, albeit sometimes narrow, layout designed to encourage precise shots and strategic ball movement. At the lower half, players navigate standard left and right slingshots flanking the two main flippers. Above these, the game introduces its core targets. On both the left and right sides, there are three-bank drop targets that, when cleared, reveal single "Troll Targets" behind them. Hitting a lit Troll Target before a timer expires is crucial for scoring and progression, with three successful Troll hits lighting an Inlane for an Extra Ball.

Further up the playfield, accessible via the upper flippers, are the "Bonus Loops." These U-shaped paths behind the Troll Targets feed the ball directly to the opposite side's upper flipper, enabling players to chain shots in a figure-8 pattern. Completing loops contributes to a Bonus X multiplier and can light an Outlane Special. The "Left" and "Right Cannon Load" saucers are strategically placed between sets of "Guards" – five targets on each side that, when collectively cleared, advance a Guard Value and activate defensive features like the left outlane kickback and the right outlane gate. These saucers are essential for loading the cannons, which then propel the ball via the Left and Right Habitrails. The right habitrail guides the ball to the left inlane, and the left habitrail directs it to the right inlane, allowing for rapid flipper action.

The upper playfield also features a single green "Center Target" at the top-center, which, when hit, raises the Center Post between the lower flippers for a limited time. The Skill Shot on Big Guns is notoriously challenging; launching the ball with the manual plunger requires a precise touch to land it in a raised horseshoe-shaped path at the top, scoring a progressive "Tower Bonus" and feeding the Right Cannon Load saucer. Overshooting leads directly to the Right Cannon Load, while undershooting returns the ball to the plunger.

The lighting throughout the playfield is effective for its era, utilizing flashers and general illumination to highlight active targets and modes, contributing to the overall aesthetic and guiding player focus. The artwork, a vibrant tapestry of "space medieval" motifs, is integrated seamlessly with the playfield elements, creating a cohesive visual experience that reinforces the unique theme.

Gameplay Dynamics

Big Guns centers its gameplay around a clear, albeit challenging, objective: to "Save the Queen." This is primarily achieved by engaging with the machine's signature features and progressing through a series of tactical shots. The game's scoring system is straightforward, with a maximum displayable score of 9,999,990 points before it rolls over.

The core of the game’s progression involves loading the Left and Right Cannons. Hitting the "Cannon Load" saucers on each side loads the respective cannon and delivers a fresh ball to the plunger. Once both the Left and Right Cannons are loaded, the "Center Cannon" becomes active. Successfully launching a ball into the Center Cannon initiates the game's frantic 3-ball multiball mode, where all scores, except for the "Queen's Rescue," are doubled.

During multiball, Big Guns introduces its most climactic sequence: "INVINCIBLE/Queen's Rescue." A "Load Cannon" light will travel between the Left and Right Cannons. Loading the currently lit cannon triggers "INVINCIBLE" mode, providing approximately 15 seconds of enhanced play. During this critical period, the left outlane kickback, the right outlane gate, and the center post between the flippers all become active and remain non-expirable, offering crucial ball protection. The primary goal during "INVINCIBLE" is to hit six specific "Guards" targets. Successfully hitting all six awards a "Queen's Rescue" jackpot, starting at 300,000 points and increasing with subsequent rescues, potentially reaching up to 3,000,000 points within a single multiball. Multiple Queen's Rescues are possible if a player can maintain the multiball and hit the required targets.

Beyond the main objective, players can accumulate points and bonuses through various sub-objectives. The difficult Skill Shot, when executed, awards a progressive "Tower Bonus." Engaging the "Drop Targets" and subsequently hitting the "Troll Targets" provides substantial points and can lead to an Extra Ball. Chaining shots through the "Bonus Loops" increases the Bonus Multiplier, potentially lighting an Outlane Special. The "King's Chamber" in the backbox also plays a role; each time the Center Cannon loads a ball, a mini-ball is fired into the chamber's bagatelle, lighting shields. Players can steer these shields with the flippers, and lighting all five shields makes the next King's Chamber shot light an Extra Ball.

The gameplay on Big Guns can be fast-paced, especially during multiball sequences. While the ruleset is relatively simple for a System 11 game, some players find the shot variety limited, leading to a sense of repetitiveness over extended play sessions. Strategies often revolve around consistently loading the cannons and maximizing "INVINCIBLE" time during multiball.

Reception and Legacy

Big Guns elicits a range of opinions within the pinball community, often described as a polarizing machine, yet generally seen in a positive light for its unique attributes. Its "space medieval" theme, a blend of science fiction and fantasy, is frequently cited. Some find this thematic fusion creative and distinct, while others perceive it as quirky or even confusing. Regardless, the machine's aesthetic, particularly Python Anghelo's artwork, is consistently praised as stunning and a significant highlight, with the backglass often singled out for its visual impact.

The innovative cannons or catapults are universally acknowledged as the game's defining and most celebrated feature. Players describe them as "cool," "awesome," and a true innovation that significantly enhances the game's identity. The exciting "INVINCIBLE" mode, coupled with the frantic multiball, is another strong positive, delivering high-energy moments and rewarding play. The interactive King's Chamber in the backbox is also generally well-regarded as a fun, unique addition that contributes to the game's overall charm. For a System 11 machine of its era, the sound design and light shows are often commended for their effectiveness and ability to create an engaging atmosphere. Big Guns also has a reputation for being a well-built and reliable machine, a testament to Williams' manufacturing quality.

However, Big Guns is not without its criticisms. A common point of feedback is the perceived repetitiveness of the gameplay due to a relatively limited shot variety and a somewhat symmetrical playfield layout. This can lead to the game feeling less appealing as a sole machine in a collection. The absence of pop bumpers, a staple in many pinball designs, is also noted by some players. Additionally, the oversized backbox, while artistically driven, can pose a logistical challenge for home placement. The skill shot is frequently cited as exceptionally difficult, requiring extreme precision. Some players report issues with the mini-ball not consistently launching in the King's Chamber, and the game can be unforgiving with drains if not played carefully.

Despite these points, Big Guns holds a unique place in pinball history. It is often regarded as an underrated gem from the System 11 era, offering significant value for its cost. Its willingness to experiment with unique mechanical features, such as the airborne cannons, showcased Williams' innovative design approach. Python Anghelo's distinctive and often bold art style found a prominent canvas in Big Guns, further cementing his influence in pinball aesthetics. The machine's fast-paced nature and distinct character continue to earn it a loyal following, cementing its status as a memorable and often surprising experience for players discovering it for the first time.