Chinatown

Chinatown, designed by Wayne Neyens with artwork by Roy Parker, was manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Company in October 1952, with a confirmed production run of 1,500 units. This electro-mechanical (EM) single-player game offers a fascinating glimpse into pinball design during the post-war era, featuring a variety of gameplay elements from one of Gottlieb's most celebrated design and art teams.

The machine's blend of two flippers, two pop bumpers, three passive bumpers, two slingshots, nine trap holes, two rollunders, and a rollover button creates a challenging yet rewarding experience. The clever hole configuration drives the strategy: landing five balls in holes 1 through 5 scores a replay, as does landing five balls in holes 5 through 9. Players must balance short-term shots with these longer-term objectives, making each game a test of skill and adaptability.

Chinatown's Roy Parker artwork is a quintessential example of the mid-century aesthetic that defined American pinball machines during this period, while its trap-hole gameplay and precise mechanical action demonstrate the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of Gottlieb's work in the early 1950s.