Hoe Down

The Allied Leisure Industries' 1978 release, Hoe Down, is a solid state pinball machine from the manufacturer's later years (the company operated from 1972 to 1979). It is actually a reworked version of Allied's earlier 'Roy Clark Super Picker', using the same backglass with Roy Clark's likeness removed from the man's face.

Hoe Down's key features include two flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, four drop targets, and three standup targets. The game's outlane detour gates route the ball back into the inlanes when open, adding an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay. Players can also enjoy 3-chime sound effects, which add a musical touch to the overall experience.

Interestingly, little is known about designer Bob Betor's process or inspiration behind Hoe Down. However, the game's colorful artwork and lively theme -- featuring dancing couples and country-style music -- evoke a nostalgic sense of 1970s Americana. As a lesser-known example of Allied Leisure Industries' solid-state output, Hoe Down remains an intriguing piece for historians and collectors to uncover.