Kick Off

Kick Off, designed by Jim Patla and manufactured by Bally in 1977, is a significant addition to any pinball collection. As one of the few electro-mechanical (EM) soccer-themed games from this era, it stands out for its unique blend of sports action and arcade-style gameplay. In terms of significance, Kick Off represents an important transitional period in pinball history, as EM machines began giving way to solid-state technology around this time.

Key features that make Kick Off appealing include its four flippers, three pop bumpers, and a variety of challenging targets, including a spinning target and stand-up targets. The game's design encourages strategic play, particularly with the end-of-ball bonus and bounce-back outlanes allowing players to nudge a draining ball back into play. What sets Kick Off apart from other EM machines is its use of a 7-bank drop target, which requires precise timing and aiming.

The artwork on Kick Off features colorful illustrations of soccer players in action, giving the machine a dynamic and energetic feel. The design's emphasis on motion and movement reflects the fast-paced nature of the sport it represents. With only limited information available about this game, its rarity and relative obscurity only add to its allure for pinball enthusiasts seeking unique and lesser-known additions to their collections.