Now, a 1968 release from Gottlieb, serves as a quintessential time capsule of the late-sixties psychedelic aesthetic. Designed by the legendary Ed Krynski with vibrant, mind-bending artwork by Gordon Morison, the machine captures the era’s experimental spirit through its bold visual language. While it lacks the flashy gimmicks of modern machines, its mechanical foundation is pure Gottlieb, utilizing two snappy flippers to navigate a playfield populated by three pop bumpers and two distinct four-bank drop target clusters that demand precision and patience.
The gameplay is defined by its classic EM architecture, relying on mechanical reels to track scoring for up to four players. The layout is deceptively straightforward, featuring six strategic standup targets and two ball kickers that keep the action flowing, while a right-side free ball lane offers a small mercy for wayward shots. It is a game that rewards rhythm and accuracy; players must balance clearing the drop target banks with navigating the bumpers to rack up high scores.
With only 1,125 units produced, this machine remains a rare gem for collectors who appreciate the tactile satisfaction of vintage relay-logic gaming. It isn’t a machine that overwhelms the senses with digital screens or complex toys, but rather one that invites the player to engage with the physics of the ball. For those who enjoy the “less is more” philosophy of late-sixties design, Now stands as a colorful, challenging monument to a time when pinball was measured in clicks, clacks, and the steady hum of a score motor.