Panama

The Panama pinball machine, manufactured by Bally in 1935, holds a special place in the history of the game. As one of the early electromechanical (EM) machines, it represents a transitional period between the mechanical and electronic eras of pinball. The Panama offers a glimpse into the evolution of pinball's early days.

In terms of gameplay, the Panama features a classic set of challenges common to early pinball machines. Players launched the ball with a plunger and it traveled through a field of pins and bumpers, with the objective of accumulating as many points as possible before the game ended. Player-controlled flippers and ramps had not yet been introduced to pinball in 1935 (flippers debuted in 1947), so scoring depended on gravity and the ball's path rather than paddle control.

Despite being one of the earlier EM games, the Panama doesn't have any notable design or art features that set it apart from other machines of its time. Its cabinet and artwork follow traditional designs of the period, showing a more straightforward aesthetic compared to later pinball machines.