Paratroops

Meet Paratroops, a historically significant pinball machine produced by P & S Machine Company in April 1943, converted from Genco's 1940 'Power House.' As one of the electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines produced during World War II, Paratroops offers a glimpse into the evolution of the game's early days, with a theme reflecting the wartime aviation and combat atmosphere of the period.

In terms of gameplay, Paratroops boasts 17 passive bumpers, a notable feature for an EM machine from this era. As a flipperless game, players relied on the ball's path through the bumpers and their skill at nudging the cabinet rather than flipper control, which had not yet been invented. The game's design is characterized by a simple yet effective layout typical of early pinball mechanics.

Paratroops' artwork and theme are particularly interesting, featuring military-inspired imagery befitting its aviation, combat, and World War II theme. Although details about its designer are unknown, the machine's aesthetic reflects the patriotic sensibilities of the time, and it remains a sought-after collector's item among pinball enthusiasts interested in this era.