The pinball machine "Ali-Baba," released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in June 1948, emerged during a pivotal era for electro-mechanical amusement devices. This single-player game drew its inspiration from the classic Arabic folk tale, "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," a story from "The Book of One Thousand and One Nights," more commonly known as "The Arabian Nights." This thematic choice was a common practice in the post-World War II period, as manufacturers sought to captivate players with familiar narratives and fantastical settings.

The creation of Ali-Baba was a concentrated effort, primarily spearheaded by Harry Mabs. Mabs was credited with the machine's design, overall concept, and even its animation, demonstrating a holistic involvement in shaping its core identity. His vision was complemented by the artistry of Roy Parker, who brought the "Arabian Nights" theme to life through the machine's visual elements. With a production run of 1,700 units, Ali-Baba became a notable entry in Gottlieb's extensive catalog, contributing to the burgeoning popularity of pinball in arcades and public spaces across America. Its release date firmly places it within the golden age of EM pinball, when innovative mechanical solutions and vibrant artwork defined the player experience.

Distinctive Characteristics

Ali-Baba distinguishes itself with several notable design choices, most prominently its unique six-flipper setup. While many pinball machines of the era featured two or occasionally four flippers, Ali-Baba distributed six across its playfield: a pair at the bottom, another set in the middle, and a final pair positioned towards the top. This configuration was an adventurous mechanical experiment, aiming to provide players with an expanded range of ball control and strategic shot opportunities.

Beyond the flippers, the machine incorporated a series of passive bumpers, six in total, which reacted to direct ball contact by scoring points. Two kick-out holes offered further opportunities for scoring and ball redirection, often launching the ball back into active play areas. A single rollover button completed the interactive elements, rewarding players for accurate shots that traversed its surface. The electro-mechanical nature of Ali-Baba meant that every action—from flipper activation to bumper hits—was accompanied by the satisfying clatter and chime of relays and solenoids, a hallmark sound that defined the pinball experience for decades. The backglass, illuminated from behind, showcased Roy Parker's artistic interpretation of the Ali Baba narrative, serving as a captivating focal point even when the machine was not in active play.

Playfield Architecture

The playfield of Ali-Baba is a testament to the design philosophies of the late 1940s, balancing open space for ball movement with strategically placed interactive elements. The placement of the six flippers dictates much of the playfield’s flow. The lowest pair of flippers at the bottom of the playfield serves as the primary means of preventing drains and initiating major shots. Moving upwards, the middle set of flippers provides an intermediate control point, allowing for intricate redirects or shots towards the upper playfield targets. The topmost pair of flippers, situated in the upper third of the playfield, offers direct control over shots aimed at the highest scoring elements and can be used for precise nudges or deflections.

The six passive bumpers are scattered across the playfield, often arranged to encourage a numerical sequence of hits. The two kick-out holes are typically found in recesses or corners, designed to capture the ball and then forcefully eject it, adding an unpredictable element to gameplay. The single rollover button is strategically placed to reward players who manage to guide the ball over it, often opening up new scoring opportunities or advancing game objectives. Roy Parker's artwork on the playfield reinforces the "Arabian Nights" theme with detailed illustrations of deserts, oases, treasure, and characters from the story, rendered in a vibrant palette typical of Gottlieb machines from this period. The lighting, primarily from the backglass and simple playfield lamps, enhances the visual depth and draws attention to key scoring areas.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay dynamics of Ali-Baba center around mastering the unusual six-flipper control scheme and achieving specific objectives. The core challenge, as noted by players, involves hitting the passive bumpers in a numerical sequence. This seemingly straightforward objective is complicated by the multiple flipper positions, requiring players to not only aim precisely but also to adapt their timing and control based on which flipper assembly is in play. Successfully hitting bumpers in order rewards higher scores and often unlocks bonus features or multipliers.

Players are encouraged to utilize all six flippers strategically. The lower flippers are crucial for saving the ball and setting up powerful shots. The middle flippers allow for mid-playfield manipulation, enabling players to redirect the ball without it falling back to the bottom. The upper flippers are vital for targeting the highest-value areas or for controlled nudges that can send the ball cascading through bumper arrays. The kick-out holes provide momentary respite and offer opportunities for skill shots upon ejection. The rollover button, when activated, could trigger special scoring or advance a specific game state. The progression in Ali-Baba is largely score-based, with players striving to maximize their points by completing sequences and making accurate shots within the confines of the five balls allotted for a single credit.

Community Feedback and Enduring Relevance

Ali-Baba has garnered a generally positive reception among pinball enthusiasts, particularly those with an appreciation for the mechanical intricacies and historical significance of early electro-mechanical machines. Its primary strength lies in its distinctive six-flipper layout, which many players find to be a genuinely unique and engaging challenge. This unconventional design provides a level of control and strategic depth rarely seen in machines of its era, contributing to its enduring appeal. Players who have spent decades with the machine consistently point to its ability to maintain interest, highlighting that the challenge of hitting bumpers in a numerical sequence remains satisfying even after extensive play. The electro-mechanical feedback—the audible clicks of relays and the feel of the flippers—is also a cherished aspect, providing a tactile and auditory experience that defines EM pinball.

While specific weaknesses are not frequently cited, the complexity of managing six flippers can present a steeper learning curve for new players accustomed to more traditional two or four-flipper layouts. The scoring system, typical of its time, is simpler compared to later solid-state machines with intricate rule sets and deep objectives. Nevertheless, Ali-Baba's reputation within the pinball community remains strong as a testament to Gottlieb's willingness to experiment with fundamental design elements. Its influence might not be seen in direct replication of its six-flipper design, which largely remained an anomaly, but rather in its spirit of innovation. Ali-Baba stands as an example of how designers in the post-war period pushed the boundaries of pinball mechanics to create unique and captivating play experiences, solidifying its place as a significant piece of pinball history.