Spooksville

Spooksville, a 1973 electro-mechanical pinball masterpiece from Allied Leisure Industries, is a rare and fascinating example of early game design. As one of Ron Halliburton's notable creations, Spooksville brings to life a haunted cemetery theme, replete with ghosts, zombies, and other supernatural entities. Its inclusion in the Allied Leisure catalog for 1973 makes it an important piece of pinball history, showcasing the company's innovative approach to gameplay mechanics during this era.

Spooksville boasts several unique features that set it apart from its contemporaries. The absence of a plunger is notable, as the ball instead rolls along a launch track at the top of the playfield before being dropped into play by pressing either flipper button. This clever design also incorporates two joysticks with flipper buttons on top, allowing players to manually nudge the playfield upwards in a jolting "Shaker Ball" action. The risk of tilting the ball in play is ever-present when using these controls, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement.

The game's design and art are equally captivating, with standup targets and kick-out holes that reward players for precision and skill. The maximum displayed point score of 99,990 points is a testament to the competitive spirit of pinball enthusiasts, while the 3 chimes and knocker provide an immersive audio experience. Though limited information is available on Spooksville's history, its presence in the pinball community is undeniable, making it a highly sought-after collector's item for those who value early electro-mechanical games with unique gameplay mechanics.