Gottlieb’s "Big Indian," released in February 1974, stands as a notable electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from a prolific era for the manufacturer. Designed by Ed Krynski and featuring artwork by Gordon Morison, this four-player game quickly garnered attention. Its development involved an interesting pause in production. Initially conceptualized as "Chief" and then briefly named "Big Injun," the latter title led to concerns from Native American employees at Gottlieb’s wiring and assembly plant in South Dakota. This feedback prompted a name change to "Big Indian," delaying the production run by three months. The machine, model number 356, was ultimately produced in 8,030 units, selling to operators at a price of $975 FOB Chicago. "Big Indian" also has a two-player counterpart, Gottlieb’s 1974 "Big Brave," sharing much of its design DNA.

Signature Features and Design

"Big Indian" distinguishes itself through a blend of mechanical ingenuity and visual appeal. The artwork, particularly on the backglass and playfield, showcases Gordon Morison’s characteristic style, often highlighted for its vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and the use of gold and purple inserts that enhance the visual experience. The cabinet art, while fitting for the period, serves as a complementary element to the more striking playfield and backglass. Mechanically, the game’s core appeal centers around its unique vari-target and a prominent 5-bank drop target setup. The vari-target, a simple yet effective mechanism, presents players with a shifting challenge. The chime box sound, characteristic of Gottlieb EM games, provides auditory feedback, though opinions vary on its contribution to the overall experience. Rebuilding internal components can reduce ambient noise, allowing the chimes to stand out more clearly.

Playfield and Mechanics

The "Big Indian" playfield layout is characterized by its open, fast design, allowing for dynamic ball movement. This openness, coupled with diagonal angles in certain areas, necessitates a degree of nudging skill from the player to guide the ball effectively. Central to the playfield are two flippers positioned at the bottom, controlling the primary avenues for scoring. Two pop bumpers animate the upper playfield, along with two slingshots situated above the flippers, redirecting errant shots.

A key strategic element is the 5-bank drop target array. These targets are designed to be challenging, often requiring precise shots to clear the bank. Once all five targets are knocked down, they reset, offering a repeatable objective. Above these targets, three star rollovers contribute to bonus progression and light the "BIG" lanes. Two standup targets are also integrated into the layout, offering additional scoring opportunities.

The standout feature, the vari-target, is strategically placed, inviting players to risk a shot for significant rewards. Hitting the 5000-point target on the vari-target is a high-value shot, yet it often presents a direct path to the outlanes if not executed with control. The artistic details on the playfield, including the bonus ladder, are not merely decorative but also serve to guide the player's eye and enhance the thematic immersion. The lighting, while typical for an EM machine of its era, effectively highlights critical scoring areas and progression.

Gameplay Dynamics

Gameplay on "Big Indian" is a balance of precision, strategy, and risk assessment. The primary objective often revolves around advancing the end-of-ball bonus and aiming for the special. Players typically attempt to send the ball into the upper playfield to collect points and activate the "BIG" lanes. Lighting the letters in "BIG" is crucial for multiplying the end-of-ball bonus. Once the "BIG" letters are lit, the focus shifts to clearing the 5-bank drop targets, which, when completed, can light the special, granting a free game. This creates a compelling dilemma: whether to prioritize hitting the vari-target for immediate high points or to focus on lighting "BIG" and clearing drop targets for bonus accumulation and the special.

The vari-target, while offering a substantial 5000 points, is a shot that carries inherent risk, frequently leading to quick drains if not controlled. This high-risk, high-reward dynamic keeps players engaged, pushing them to weigh immediate gain against potential ball loss. The end-of-ball bonus is a significant scoring component, topping out at 15,000 points, which can be doubled on the last ball for a potential 30,000 points, often turning the tide of a close game. The game’s challenging nature means that accurate shots and nudging skills are essential for success, especially given the tendency for the ball to find the outlanes.

Reception and Legacy

"Big Indian" generally holds a positive standing within the pinball community, often described as an addictive machine that encourages "one more game." It is considered a strong example of a Gottlieb EM, appealing to players who appreciate a challenging yet rewarding experience. Many consider it a player's game, demanding skill and precision rather than relying on complex rulesets.

The artwork, especially the backglass and playfield, consistently receives praise for its beauty, detail, and vibrant use of color, often cited as a highlight of the machine. The vari-target is universally recognized as a unique and engaging feature, providing a focal point for strategic play and a significant scoring opportunity. The resetting 5-bank drop targets are also noted as an interesting mechanical feature for its era, adding depth to the objectives. The bonus structure, particularly the substantial double bonus on the final ball, is another element that contributes to the game's appeal, offering a dramatic comeback potential.

However, "Big Indian" is not without its observed characteristics. It is frequently referred to as a "drain monster," with outlanes that can be particularly unforgiving, often catching balls that bounce unpredictably from various areas of the playfield. The gap between the flippers is also noted as potentially wide, contributing to unrecoverable drains. Flipper strength is a common discussion point; while some find the stock flippers to be underpowered, a rebuild often significantly enhances playability and shot accuracy. Some players perceive the playfield as somewhat sparse, lacking the density of features found in other machines, which can lead to the game feeling routine after extensive play. The left flipper’s shot options are occasionally debated, with some finding it limited, though others identify backhand opportunities. The theme, while generally accepted, has been noted by some as potentially insensitive, and a few critiques describe the cabinet artwork as uninspired. Despite these observations, "Big Indian" retains its reputation as a well-designed, challenging, and captivating EM pinball machine, with a compelling scoring system centered around its vari-target and bonus mechanics. Its widespread production number solidifies its presence among classic EM titles.