Ice Show (Italy)
About This Machine
The Ice Show (Italy) pinball machine, manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in 1966, is the Italian add-a-ball export version of the USA game 'Ice Show', sharing an identical playfield. Designer Ed Krynski's ice-skating-themed machine has become a favorite among collectors of Gottlieb's export models.
Gameplay is both challenging and engaging thanks to its features. Ice Show (Italy) boasts two flippers, five pop bumpers, two slingshots, six standup targets, two kick-out holes, and triple outlanes. One of the most interesting aspects of this machine is its "Bumper Spotting Adjustment" option, an operator setting that determines how many pop bumpers remain lit after their first completion, adding an extra layer of strategy and showcasing Gottlieb's attention to configurable gameplay.
The Ice Show (Italy)'s design and art, by Roy Parker, are equally distinctive, with a backglass featuring six ice skaters. Unlike the USA add-a-ball version, these skaters are not tied to the playfield's kick-out hole values; instead, five of them individually illuminate to show up to five extra balls, counted by the backbox's "Spot Lite Unit." As a distinct Italian-market variant of a classic Gottlieb design, this machine is a notable piece for collectors of export-market pinball.
Images (36)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Sports - Ice Skating
- Model Number:
- 234 IT
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (5), Slingshots (2), Standup targets (6), Kick-out holes (2), Triple outlanes. Backglass has a 'Last Ball in Play' light. Wedge head. Unlike the USA add-a-ball version, the six ice skaters in the background on the backglass are not related to the playfield kick-out hole values therefore they do not rotate illumination in response to the lit hole values. Instead, five of these six skaters individually illuminate on the backglass to collectively show up to five extra balls. These five skaters are not wired from the factory with sockets to hold flashing bulbs although the holes in the insert for them are present. The sixth skater is wired from the factory only to flash a bulb at Game Over; two nearby holes in the insert for this skater are not wired. After all five pop bumpers are lit by the player for their first completion, an operator option called the " Bumper Spotting Adjustment" allows one, two, or three pop bumpers, or none, to remain lit for their next completion. The backbox has a "Spot Lite Unit" to count the extra balls. This unit is known in subsequent Gottlieb games as the "Lightbox Advance Unit". Maximum displayed point score is 9,999 points. Sound: 3 bells, knocker Tilt Penalty: game over, or ball in play plus 1 ball (operator option)
Credits
- Designer:
- Ed Krynski
- Artist:
- Roy Parker