Bally’s Future Spa, released in 1979 and designed by George Christian, is a delightfully of-its-moment solid-state machine — a disco-era fantasy of a high-tech health resort, all chrome and neon optimism. With five pop bumpers keeping the ball lively, twin spinners, and a four-in-line drop bank, it’s a fast, bonus-driven table that leans into its sleek, futuristic theme.
The scoring revolves around lighting letters and stacking multipliers. Spelling FUTURE SPA adds bonus and lights escalating super-bonus values — 18K for the first completion, 36K for the second — and unlike many games of the era, the letters stay lit once collected, so there’s no frantic rush to finish before draining. The first drop target lights the spinners while subsequent drops climb the bonus multiplier, and the real fortunes come from those multipliers, with a target behind the drops worth 25K or even 50K a shot depending on settings. Getting the gate open at the left outlane (via the middle top lanes) provides valuable insurance.
Brisk, breezy, and bursting with late-70s futurism, Future Spa is a fun and underrated Christian design. For collectors who enjoy a multiplier-driven solid-state game wrapped in irresistible disco-age styling, it’s a relaxing — and rewarding — trip to the spa of tomorrow.