Jolly Ride

The Jolly Ride, manufactured by Playmatic in 1974, is a single-player electromechanical (EM) pinball machine from the prominent Spanish manufacturer, which was active from 1968 to 1987. A four-player version of the same game was also produced.

The gameplay on Jolly Ride is centered around an amusement-park, roller-coaster theme, featuring two flippers that allow players to navigate the playfield. The inclusion of three pop bumpers, two slingshots, two standup targets, and a kick-out hole adds variety to the game. A distinctive feature is its three one-way gates, which let balls pass in and out of the pop bumper area, adding an extra layer of complexity to the gameplay. The machine also awards an end-of-ball bonus and uses a wedge-head cabinet design.

Jolly Ride has a somewhat unusual construction: its cabinet is formica, and the playfield itself is described as formica-like but harder than wood. The word "lites" is misspelled in several places on the playfield, a charming quirk of the era. The game can display scores up to 99,990 points and accommodates up to eight balls per game, offering enthusiasts a glimpse into Playmatic's approach to pinball design in the mid-1970s.