The King Kong pinball machine

Released in 1982 by Bally, is a classic game that has become a beloved part of pinball history. It’s based on the famous 1933 film King Kong (and the general King Kong mythology), and it brings the excitement of the giant ape to the pinball world with fun features and gameplay.

Key Features

1.Theme and Gameplay:

1. • The King Kong pinball machine is inspired by the iconic King Kong character from movies and pop culture, particularly the 1933 film. It incorporates elements of the monster movie, with Kong wreaking havoc and climbing the Empire State Building.

   • Players are tasked with completing various missions to build up points, including capturing King Kong and rescuing Ann Darrow (the woman who Kong kidnaps in the movie).

2. Gameplay Mechanics:

   • The playfield includes ramps, spinners, and targets that represent different aspects of the King Kong movie, such as the Empire State Building and Kong’s lair.

   • Players need to shoot the ball into different areas to complete tasks, such as hitting targets that represent Kong or performing certain challenges.

3. King Kong Mechanism:

   • The most iconic feature of this machine is King Kong himself. The playfield features a giant mechanical King Kong head, which acts as both a target and an interactive element. The head moves and can “capture” the ball, adding to the gameplay’s fun and complexity.

   • A special King Kong Multiball mode is activated when certain objectives are completed, which adds extra excitement by launching multiple balls onto the playfield.

4. Empire State Building Feature:

   • The Empire State Building, a key part of the movie, is represented on the playfield with a ramp that leads to the top of the building. This is where players can score big points by shooting the ball into the building’s area or completing objectives tied to this structure.

5. Difficult Shots and Ramps:

   • Like many early 80s Bally machines, King Kong includes challenging ramps and targets that require precision shots. Players need to plan their shots carefully to achieve high scores.

6. Sound and Music:

   • The game includes thematic sound effects and music that reflect the atmosphere of the King Kong story. Expect dramatic sounds when Kong is near or when the Empire State Building feature is triggered.

7. Art and Design:

   • The artwork on the playfield and cabinet is a typical Bally design from the early 80s, featuring vibrant colors, detailed artwork, and stylized representations of King Kong and the iconic scenes from the movie.

   • The backglass is a standout, featuring a large image of King Kong standing on top of the Empire State Building with Ann Darrow in his hand. King Kong Pinball Machine