Take the leap — Bally’s 1974 Sky Kings is an electromechanical single-player that captures the daredevil thrill of skydiving and parachuting, designed by the prolific Jim Patla with art by Dick White. With reel scoring and a confirmed run of 2,000, it’s a handsome woodrail-era piece with a fun, adventurous theme and a charming cabinet detail — the wood framing the backglass is wider at the bottom than at the top.
The layout is a solid, engaging spread with a nice mix of shots: two flippers, two pop bumpers, a pair of mushroom bumpers, two slingshots, four standup targets, two messenger balls, a kick-out hole, and a spinning target, all crowned by an end-of-ball bonus. Those messenger balls are an interesting mechanical touch, adding a bit of extra kinetic character to the playfield, while the spinning target offers satisfying, high-value shots and the four standups give clear objectives to work through. The end-of-ball bonus is the strategic heart of the game, rewarding a player who builds up value across the playfield before the ball drains.
Sky Kings is a fine example of Jim Patla’s dependable design and Bally’s mid-’70s craft, pairing an exciting skydiving theme with a satisfying, feature-rich playfield. The parachuting motif captured the era’s taste for high-flying adventure and daring feats, and this machine wears it with real charm. For the collector who loves the golden age of EM pinball and its colorful themes, it’s a rewarding find. Work that spinner and the messenger balls, build your bonus, and take the plunge. Some machines capture the thrill of the leap, and this one drops you right into the wild blue yonder. Pull the ripcord and enjoy the ride.