Flipper Pool

Flipper Pool, designed by Ed Krynski and manufactured by Gottlieb in October 1965, is a gem from the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball. This single-player add-a-ball game had a modest confirmed production run of 700 units. It is closely related to two sibling games: Gottlieb's 1965 'Bank-A-Ball', the replay version of the same design, and 'Electra-Pool', the Italian model.

The machine boasts two flippers, three pop bumpers, and two slingshots, providing players with a dynamic experience that's both challenging and rewarding. The seven standup targets on the playfield are particularly noteworthy thanks to the game's clever dual backbox animations: at the start of a game, the billiard table in the backglass shows all balls lit while the mechanical balls above it are reset out of view, and hitting a lit numbered target on the playfield turns off the corresponding lit ball in the backglass and mechanically drops that ball into view. This creates an immersive experience, as players carefully aim to "pocket" each ball. The maximum displayed score of 9,999 points adds a layer of excitement, while the three bells and knocker create an authentic, nostalgic sound.

The artwork on Flipper Pool by Roy Parker is quintessential of its era, with a backglass depicting a lively billiard table scene. Ed Krynski's design vision shines through in every aspect of the machine, from the clever target-and-backglass system to the charming theme, making it an intriguing find for pinball enthusiasts.