Jungle, a 1972 release from Gottlieb, stands as a quintessential example of the golden age of electromechanical design. Penned by industry legend Ed Krynski with characteristically vibrant, lush artwork by Gordon Morison, this four-player title invites you deep into the wild with a layout that prioritizes precision over the chaotic clutter of modern machines. The playfield is defined by its elegant simplicity, utilizing a pair of flippers to navigate a dense thicket of ten star rollovers and a central spinning target that serves as the primary engine for building your score.
What sets Jungle apart from its contemporaries is the clever management of ball save mechanics. While many machines of the era were notoriously unforgiving, this table offers a lifeline: a dedicated kickback mechanism on the left outlane to rescue errant shots, paired with a gate on the right outlane that returns the ball to the plunger lane for a second chance. The inclusion of an “action ring” adds a layer of tactile satisfaction to the gameplay, rewarding players who can master the momentum of the spinning target while carefully navigating the standup targets.
For those looking to conquer this jungle, the strategy is rooted in the star rollovers. Because the game rewards completion of these patterns, high-level play requires a disciplined approach to nudging and shot selection to ensure you aren’t leaving points on the table. With nearly 6,000 units produced, Jungle remains a reliable, classic centerpiece for any collection, proving that even decades later, Krynski’s mastery of geometry and flow remains as engaging as a trek through the canopy itself.