King Pin

The King Pin, manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in November 1973, is a bowling-themed example of the mature era of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball design. Designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison, the game reflects the polished, feature-rich style Gottlieb had developed by the 1970s, including its use of four flippers to give players expanded control over the ball.

Gameplay on the King Pin is characterized by its intuitive controls and rewarding mechanics. Players navigate through various challenges, including pop bumpers, slingshots, kick-out holes, standup targets, and a 10-bank drop target - all working in harmony to create an immersive bowling-themed experience. The machine's scoring system allows players to reach an impressive maximum of 99,990 points, providing ample opportunities for high scores.

The King Pin's design is a testament to the era's flair for sports-inspired pinball machines. With 4,350 units confirmed produced, and companion add-a-ball versions released as Pin-Up (US) and Ten-Up (Italy export), King Pin was a well-distributed title that remains a solid find for collectors and enthusiasts interested in 1970s Gottlieb sports games.