Kick Off

This Kick Off unit is a solid-state prototype of Bally's 1977 'Kick Off,' designed by Jim Patla with art by Paul Faris. One of the circuit boards pictured bears the label "Dave Nutting and Assoc.," tying it to the well-known design consultancy that worked with Bally during this period. As a prototype rather than the final production release, it offers a rare glimpse into the development process behind one of Bally's solid-state soccer-themed machines.

Gameplay specifics for this prototype are not documented, but as an early solid-state Bally title it would have used microprocessor-driven scoring and effects, distinguishing it from the electromechanical machines that preceded it. Its soccer theme reflects the sport's international popularity during the era.

As a surviving prototype rather than a mass-produced unit, this Kick Off holds particular interest for collectors and historians studying Bally's transition to solid-state technology and the development process behind its released games.