Jive Time

Jive Time, designed by Norm Clark with artwork by Christian Marche, was released by Williams Electronics in April 1970. This single-player electro-mechanical game carries a music and singing theme, and about 2,100 units were produced. Its add-a-ball counterpart is Williams' 1970 'Rock 'N Roll'.

Gameplay-wise, Jive Time boasts an array of features for its era. Its two flippers and five pop bumpers provide ample opportunities for quick scoring, while slingshots, nine standup targets, two kick-out holes, and rollover buttons add complexity. The layout includes an up-post between the flippers, a left drop lane with a detour gate, a mini-post on the right outlane, and a plunger skill shot. The game's signature touch is its mechanical backbox animation, a spinning arrow: unusually, it is this backbox spinner, not the outhole, that scores the bonus ladder.

With its lively theme, distinctive backbox animation, and unusual bonus mechanism, Jive Time offers a blend of inventive features and nostalgic charm, making it an intriguing addition to any collection of early-1970s electro-mechanical games.