Out of Sight, released by Gottlieb in 1974, remains a quintessential example of Ed Krynski’s design mastery during the peak of the EM era. With vibrant, mind-bending psychedelic artwork by Gordon Morison, this two-player machine serves as a visual and mechanical trip back to the mid-seventies. Beneath the glass, the layout is dominated by two banks of five drop targets that define the game’s risk-reward flow. It’s a deceptively simple field, but it demands precise aim to navigate the shifting light logic—a feat made possible by the 100-point pop bumpers and center rollover that actively rotate your target selection.
The gameplay is defined by the strategic management of your drop target banks. The most effective path to high scores involves prioritizing the doubly-lit targets, which net a significant 5,000 points plus a 2,000-point bonus, whereas unlit targets offer little incentive and should be avoided to maintain board efficiency. Completing the banks is paramount, as this action triggers the double bonus multiplier. Players should also keep a keen eye on the lanes tucked behind the drop targets; hitting these is essential, as they operate the gates for the outlanes, providing a critical lifeline to keep the ball in play.
Rounding out the features is a left-side kickback lane that offers a rare second chance in an era where drains were usually permanent, paired with a right outlane return gate for added survivability. While only 1,750 units were produced, Out of Sight stands as a testament to the Gottlieb philosophy of “simple to learn, brutal to master.” It is a machine that forces you to balance aggressive shot-making against the need for defensive gate management, all while bathed in the groovy, kaleidoscopic aesthetic that defined a generation of arcade design.