The Getaway, released by Allied Leisure in 1977, is a quintessential slice of late-seventies solid-state design that leans heavily into the classic “cops and robbers” aesthetic. Engineered by Bob Betor, the machine captures the frantic energy of a high-speed pursuit, utilizing a layout that demands precision over brute force. With its trio of flippers, the playfield is tightly packed with a mix of drop targets and spinning posts, forcing players to navigate a narrow corridor of risk as they attempt to outrun the law.
The gameplay is defined by a modular approach to scoring, anchored by a symmetrical arrangement of star rollovers and a bank of drop targets that serve as the primary obstacles in your path. Unlike the cluttered, toy-heavy boards of later eras, The Getaway relies on the kinetic satisfaction of raw mechanical interaction. The two pop bumpers act as erratic obstacles that can either salvage a dying ball or send it careening toward the outlanes, keeping the tension high throughout the chase.
For those looking to master the table, the key lies in controlling the flow through the spinning posts. Savvy players will treat these not just as point generators, but as pivots to redirect the ball toward the drop target bank. Because the scoring is heavily reliant on clearing specific rollover sequences, the most effective strategy is to prioritize lane completion early, creating a multiplier foundation before aggressively attacking the standup targets. It’s a scrappy, no-nonsense machine that rewards the kind of disciplined shot-making required to successfully make your escape.