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Big Game

gameactive21 mentionsFirst seen Dec 1, 2016Last seen Jan 12, 2026

Profile

Big Game is a classic pinball machine with dual origins in the historical record. It was released by Stern in March 1980 as a wide-body solid-state game designed by Harry Williams, featuring grid-based bingo-card rules and four flippers. A separate vintage electromechanical version was acquired by Ron at a South Dayton, Ohio farmhouse auction for $1,000 and is available at the Wedgehead venue, where it serves as a reference baseline machine despite requiring rubber replacement and maintenance.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • designedHarry WilliamsHarry Williams designed Big Gamemedium

Facts

No facts recorded

Claims (2)

  • factualhigh

    Big Game custom ROM code modification increases bonus multiplier from standard 2X/3X to achievable 5X combination

    Source: Bruce NightingaleEpisode 143 – Daniel Wants Stars
  • factualhigh

    Big Game has extensive acid damage to CPU and lamp driver boards from old battery leak

    Source: Ron HallettEpisode 34 – The Die Has Been Cast

Recent Mentions (21)

  • Gottlieb game owned by Keith; has light plate issues similar to Cheetah and Nine Ball with aftermarket board solutions available

    Episode 79 – We Enter The MatrixMar 1, 2018
  • Electromechanical game with problematic wiring, two flipper switches, restoration in progress

    Episode 29 – An Unexpected SaleFeb 2, 2017
  • EM pinball machine owned by Ron; underwent troubleshooting for boot/light failure issues resolved via solenoid board replacement

    Episode 43 – Pinball PoetryMay 18, 2017
  • Early solid-state game Ron is bringing to Silver Ball Saloon for next couple weeks

    Episode 103 – Another Quick OneAug 16, 2018
  • Classic Stern pinball game, George considers it 'no slouch' but not at the level of Stargazer

    #90.6 STARGAZER revisited - The Classic Pinball PodcastAug 30, 2022
  • Classic Stern pinball machine; Tommy discovered what appears to be the only known prototype with plastic-layered playfield and unique artwork

    Indiana Tommy, Raider of the Lost ArtOct 2, 2024

Contradictions

  • Existing: Big Game is a Stern wide-body solid-state release from March 1980 designed by Harry WilliamsvsConflicting: Multiple mentions describe Big Game as a vintage/classic EM (electromechanical) pinball machine
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

  • Vintage wide-body solid-state pinball with oversized components; discussed by Gamer Chris

    Stream 541: Rush (LE) SternMar 15, 2022
  • 36-year-old wide body Stern machine; Ron's restoration project; lockdown receiver rusted; confirmed compatible with newer Stern machines; shared component design

    Episode 21 – Into The MatrixDec 1, 2016
  • Ron's major restoration project; extensive acid damage to CPU/lamp driver boards; flipper wiring hacks discovered; recently booted successfully after lamp socket repair

    Episode 34 – The Die Has Been CastMar 9, 2017
  • Classic pinball machine; Ed Owens created a Greyhounds re-theme of this game

    Homebrew Showcase: Ghost in the Shell by Ed OwensNov 7, 2025
  • Vintage Stern pinball game for which Bruce created custom ROM code modifications improving bonus attainability

    Episode 143 – Daniel Wants StarsApr 8, 2020
  • Stern wide-body game; Zach Sharpe Meny considers it 'best wide body ever'; housed at Cameron Silver Ball Saloon

    Episode 112 – Almost LiveOct 17, 2018
  • Classic pinball machine; Jermaine won tiebreaker match on this game by 7,000 points to advance to semifinals

    INDISC 2023 Classics I Playoffs - SemifinalsOct 23, 2023
  • 1980 Sam Stern pinball with bonus-heavy mechanics; Jon Hey owns one and discusses tight tilt requirements

    SDTM: Chuckwurt and Genie Pinball! TutorialFeb 2, 2018
  • Stern pinball game; sister to Galaxy; predates Flight 2000; lacks voice feature

    #91 Stern Flight 2000 - The Classic Pinball PodcastSep 13, 2022
  • Pinball machine released same month as Ali (March 1980); contemporary competitor in the market

    #92 Stern Ali - The Classic Pinball PodcastSep 27, 2022
  • Early Stern game by Jerry Stellenberg (art) with Doug Watson; Dave owns this machine

    Episode 6: The Classic Pinball Podcast - Star GazerAug 5, 2019
  • Classic pinball used by host as baseline easy reference; available at Wedgehead venue

    Episode 87 - Pinball is Supposed to be HARD!Jun 16, 2025
  • Classic pinball Megan loved until Wedgehead acquired one; she stopped playing it after ownership changed dynamic

    Episode 109 - A Casual Look Back at 2025 w/ Megan the WatergirlJan 12, 2026
  • Vintage EM pinball machine; Ron purchased at South Dayton, Ohio farmhouse auction for $1,000; needs rubber replacement and cleaning; displays slightly wonky

    Episode 177 – Listener’s ChoiceDec 8, 2021
  • March 1980 Stern wide-body release by Harry Williams; Alan's favorite solid-state machine and inspiration for Wedgehead; grid-based rules with bingo cards and collect mechanic; features four flippers with metal guides

    Episode 32 - Stern's 'Miracle' YearMay 27, 2024