Unearth the pharaoh’s treasure — Bally’s 1969 King Tut is an electromechanical single-player that ventures into ancient Egypt with a theme of Egyptology and history, designed by the prolific Ted Zale with art by Dick White. With reel scoring and a confirmed run of 800, it’s a scarce and handsome woodrail-era piece that captures the era’s fascination with the mysteries of the tomb.
The layout is a lively spread with some welcoming ball-saving touches: two flippers, four pop bumpers, a pair of mushroom bumpers, two slingshots, five standup targets, a left-outlane kickback, a right-outlane ball return gate, and a center up-post. That combination of a kickback, a return gate, and the center up-post gives a player real tools to fend off the drain and keep the ball alive — a genuinely player-friendly design that rewards an alert, active approach. The four pop bumpers and pair of mushroom bumpers promise a bouncy, energetic ball up top, while the five standups give a clear objective to work through in service of the Egyptian theme.
King Tut is a fine example of Ted Zale’s electromechanical craft and Bally’s knack for pairing a colorful theme with a satisfying, defensive-minded layout. The ancient-Egypt setting was an evergreen source of intrigue, full of treasure, mystery, and adventure, and this machine wears it with real period charm. With only 800 built, it’s a scarce find for the collector who loves the golden age of EM pinball. Ride those bumpers, use the kickback and up-post to survive, and work the standups toward the pharaoh’s riches. Some machines make their theme come alive, and this Egyptian treasure hunt does it with real style. Enter the tomb and claim your gold.