Robot Bowl

Step up to the lanes in Robot Bowl, an unusual single-player sports game released by Exidy in 1977. Players view the bowling action from a top-down perspective, with scorecards displayed alongside the monochrome black and white playing field. A robotic bowler animates as he approaches the pins, creating a quirky visual effect reminiscent of a conveyor belt due to his oddly synchronized foot movements. Gameplay revolves around carefully timing your shot; you have just three seconds to manipulate controls before the ball automatically rolls down the alley. Five buttons allow for left and right adjustments, a direct forward roll, and unusual post-release hook maneuvers—a peculiar design choice that allows players to influence the ball's trajectory even after it leaves their control. While spares are often easily achieved due to this feature, frustrating splits like the 7-10 split can prove challenging. Robot Bowl was initially released in two cabinet styles: a standard upright model featuring a dark woodgrain finish and a robot illustration on the bezel, or a unique cocktail table design with controls positioned on its sides. The upright cabinets cleverly disguised an earlier hole intended for a gas pedal by silkscreening “Ball Return” over it – a resourceful solution born from Exidy’s acquisition of existing cabinet stock.