Sky Rocket
About This Machine
Sky Rocket is an electro-mechanical shooting gallery game manufactured by Genco Manufacturing Company in May 1955, not a pinball machine — players use a rifle-style gun rather than flippers. Its outer-space theme, featuring aliens, spaceships, and space travel, reflects the science-fiction fascination of the era.
Gameplay is fast-paced: each round consists of 10 shots, with players choosing 20 shots for 10 cents or 30 shots for 10 cents (operator adjustable). Moving targets double their speed and increase in point value with each round, and holding the rifle trigger allows rapid fire. A time bonus rewards fast, accurate shooting after each round, and knocking down all the targets earns a 100-point bonus. A match feature at the end of the game can award a free replay.
Sky Rocket was announced in The Billboard on May 7, 1955 as shipping that week, placing it squarely among Genco's mid-1950s output. Little else is documented about its design credits, but its combination of speed-based scoring and rifle gameplay makes it a notable example of 1950s shooting gallery amusements.
Images (2)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Aliens - Fantasy - Outer Space - Spaceships - Space Travel
- Notable Features:
- 20 shots for 10 cents per player, or 30 shots for 10 cents per player (operator adjustable). A "round" consist of 10 shots. Moving targets double their speed and increase point values with each round. A time bonus awards points for fast, accurate shooting after each round. Holding the rifle trigger fires it rapidly. Bonus of 100 points is awarded for knocking down all the targets. Match feature awards replay at end of game.