Robin Hood

Robin Hood, released by Sega Enterprises in 1972, is a significant addition to the world of pinball history. As one of the early electro-mechanical (EM) games from Sega's Tokyo factory, it showcases the manufacturer's growing influence on the industry during this period. EM machines like Robin Hood were crucial in bridging the gap between classic mechanical pinball and the advent of electronic pinball, paving the way for more complex and innovative designs.

Robin Hood boasts a range of engaging features that set it apart from its contemporaries. The game includes three flippers, a trio of pop bumpers, two slingshots, and stand-up targets. Its unique design incorporates a middle kicker lane and ball return gate on the right outlane. Perhaps most intriguing is the target scope device at the center playfield, which houses a small swinging arrow that influences gameplay. A well-placed shot into a kick-out hole can award players with either the green score or red score, depending on the arrow's direction.

The game's design and artwork are quintessentially 1970s pinball, reflecting the era's fascination with historical characters. Robin Hood is an excellent example of Sega's early efforts in theme integration and innovative gameplay mechanics. Little additional information has been uncovered about this machine's history or its designer. Nonetheless, as a piece of early electro-mechanical technology and a representative of Sega's emerging presence in the pinball market, Robin Hood remains an attractive find for collectors and historians alike.