Jungle

The Jungle pinball machine, manufactured by Genco in 1938, holds a special place in pinball history as one of the earliest examples of electro-mechanical (EM) design. Produced during the golden age of pinball, when machines were still in their infancy, Jungle showcases the innovative and experimental spirit of early manufacturers. Its unique features and gameplay mechanics demonstrate the industry's efforts to captivate players with increasingly complex and engaging experiences.

One of the most notable aspects of Jungle is its extensive use of spring bumpers – a total of 12 – which provided a thrilling way for players to interact with the machine. The inclusion of rollovers between each pair of playfield bumpers adds an extra layer of excitement, as completing these sequences would light up segments of the backglass picture. This interactive approach was ahead of its time and laid the groundwork for future pinball designs.

The Jungle's reclined backbox and intricate art on the backglass are also noteworthy features that demonstrate Genco's attention to detail and aesthetic sensibilities. The fantasy theme, though generic by today's standards, would have been a departure from more traditional pinball themes at the time of its release. Unfortunately, little is known about the machine's designer or any specific design inspirations, leaving Jungle as an enigmatic piece in the history of pinball machinery.