Fly High, released by Komplett as a rare solid-state conversion kit, remains one of the more elusive footnotes in late-era arcade history. With a total production run confirmed at just 150 units, this title is a true “find” for the dedicated collector. Designed with an aesthetic flair by Michele “Mike” Martinelli, the machine leans into a fictional cinematic theme that captures the high-stakes, adventurous spirit of 1980s action films. As a conversion kit, it was engineered to breathe new life into existing cabinets, offering a distinct alphanumeric display experience that prioritizes fast-paced, traditional scoring over the complex rule sets that would later dominate the industry.
The gameplay on Fly High is characterized by the tight, responsive mechanics typical of the solid-state transition era. Because it was designed as a conversion, the layout is remarkably efficient, forcing players to master precision shots to keep their ball in play across the four-player competitive format. While it lacks the flashy, multi-layered toy sets of modern pins, the game relies on sharp geometry and classic target sequences to deliver its thrills. It is a quintessential “player’s machine”—a title that rewards consistency and careful aim, standing as a testament to the era when arcade operators sought to maximize the utility and longevity of their floor space through clever modular design.