Pleasure Isle, the 1966 release from Gottlieb, serves as a quintessential time capsule of the mid-century “Add-a-ball” era. Designed by the legendary Ed Krynski and featuring the unmistakable, vibrant aesthetic of artist Roy Parker, this two-player EM machine transports players to a stylized Hawaiian paradise. With only 235 units ever produced, it remains a rare, high-value find for collectors who appreciate the tactile satisfaction of reel-based scoring and the frantic, rewarding gameplay loop that defined Gottlieb’s specialty machines of the period.
The playfield layout is a masterclass in classic geometry, centered on four strategically placed relay kick-out holes that keep the action unpredictable and fast-paced. Krynski’s design relies on a symmetrical arrangement of four pop bumpers and two slingshots, demanding precise flipper control to navigate the five standup targets. Unlike modern machines that focus on deep rulesets, Pleasure Isle thrives on the simple, addictive pursuit of extending your session. By hitting specific targets to trigger the Add-a-ball feature, players shift their focus from high scores to survival, striving to keep the ball in play as long as the mechanical relays allow.
Mastering this machine requires a disciplined approach to the kick-out holes, which act as both your greatest obstacle and your primary gateway to point accumulation. Because the game lacks the complex ball-save logic of the digital age, seasoned players will find that success hinges on identifying the “sweet spot” for each kick-out recovery. It is a game of rhythm and reaction; once you find the flow between the bumpers and the targets, the machine’s vintage charm truly shines. Pleasure Isle is a beautiful, demanding relic of the golden age of pinball that rewards patience and precise aim over sheer brute force.