Forward Pass (Junior)

The Century Manufacturing Company's Forward Pass (Junior) pinball machine, released in 1934, holds a significant place in the early history of pinball. As one of the first commercial pinball machines to use electro-mechanical (EM) technology, it paved the way for the evolution of the game into its modern form. Its release coincided with a period of rapid growth and innovation in the pinball industry, which was still in its infancy at this time.

Gameplay features on Forward Pass include a skill hole that advances the balls when made, accompanied by a ringing bell. The machine's compact size, measuring 22 inches by 45 inches, makes it an intriguing example of early design constraints. While not much is known about the designer or specific gameplay objectives, the inclusion of these basic mechanics suggests a focus on simplicity and accessibility.

The Forward Pass (Junior) is notable for its sports theme, specifically football, which was a relatively rare topic at this time in pinball history. The machine's artwork and design likely reflected the sport's popularity during the 1930s, but detailed information about the aesthetic is scarce due to the lack of available resources.