Viking

The Viking, designed by Jim Patla and produced by Bally Manufacturing Corporation in 1980, is a well-regarded solid-state electronic (SS) pinball machine known for its striking Norse-themed artwork and satisfying playfield layout.

One of the most notable features of the Viking is its array of playfield elements, including two flippers, four pop bumpers, and a spinning target. The machine's design allows players to strategically navigate their ball through multiple lanes, using slingshots, kick-out holes, standup targets, and drop targets to rack up points. Its "bounce-back outlanes" let players nudge a draining ball back into play, adding an element of strategy and challenge.

The Viking's historical theme has a well-documented origin: artist Kevin O'Connor has said he designed the artwork, delivered to him as a whitewood, while reading Frans Gunnar Bengtsson's novel "The Long Ships," and the backglass depicts his vision of King Harald's Christmas feast. O'Connor also included a self-portrait among the fighters and a caricature of Brook Shields, a popular figure at the time, in the background. These personal touches, combined with the game's technical features, make Viking an attractive addition to any pinball enthusiast's collection.