Knockout, the 1975 Bally classic designed by Greg Kmiec, is a quintessential piece of EM-era sports history that captures the grit and tension of the boxing ring. Featuring vibrant, punchy cabinet art by Dick White, the playfield is a dense grid of twelve star rollovers and two spinning targets that simulate the frantic pace of a title fight. Unlike the wide-open playfields of the modern era, Knockout demands precision; you are tasked with navigating a complex web of rollovers to build your score while avoiding the bottom standup targets, which offer little reward for the risk involved.
The heart of the game’s strategy lies in managing your bonus, which can be climbed to a maximum of 15,000 points. A savvy player will prioritize the center lane, which acts as the game’s tactical switchboard, lighting up various rollovers for 1,000-point bonuses or the coveted double bonus multiplier. If you find yourself in a rhythm, the kick-out hole can be an incredibly lucrative target; repeatedly hitting this saucer while the double bonus is active allows for rapid point accumulation that can quickly tilt the match in your favor.
As you push toward that 15,000-point ceiling, the game shifts gears, alternating between Extra Ball and Special awards on the inner lanes. While it may lack the high-tech toys of its successors, the satisfaction of perfectly timing a shot through the chicane lane to light a feature remains a highlight of the Bally golden age. For those looking to master this machine, patience is the best defense; keep your eyes on the rollover management and resist the urge to bash the lower targets, and you’ll find that Knockout still packs a heavy punch.