The autumn of 1979 saw the release of a pinball machine that brought the exuberant energy of an entertainment phenomenon to the arcade floor: Harlem Globetrotters On Tour. Manufactured by Bally Manufacturing Co., this solid-state electronic (SS) title, model number 1161-E, arrived with a considerable production run of 14,550 units. Its theme, based on the world-renowned basketball exhibition team, leveraged a licensed property to create a visually appealing and engaging play experience.

The machine’s design was a collaborative effort by some of Bally’s prominent talents. Greg Kmiec, a designer known for creating many memorable pinball layouts, was responsible for the playfield’s intricate geometry and shot architecture. The vibrant visual identity, from the backglass to the playfield, was crafted by artist Greg Freres. Freres' signature appears on the backglass, and a subtle nod to Margaret Hudson, who likely contributed to the production effort by cutting screens, can be found on the playfield itself. This attention to detail in its artistic execution captured the spirit of the Harlem Globetrotters, making the machine instantly recognizable. While the initial manufacturer's flyer showed some insert colors differently, most production games featured a green, yellow, white, and red sequence for the 2X-3X-5X-Special bonus inserts, with some variation in the 'GLOBE' letter colors as well. This subtle difference in production runs speaks to the dynamic nature of pinball manufacturing during this prolific era.

Signature Features and Design

Harlem Globetrotters On Tour distinguishes itself with a set of classic pinball features expertly integrated into its design. The playfield is equipped with three flippers, three pop bumpers, and two slingshots, forming the core elements of the game's high-energy flow. Six standup targets, including one strategically recessed for a more challenging shot, are distributed across the layout. Three spinning targets offer high-scoring opportunities, while two kick-out holes serve as destination points for specific shots, rewarding players with bonus points or ball-launching effects. A notable element is the bank of four in-line drop targets, a staple of late 1970s solid-state design, which requires precision to clear and activate rewards.

Perhaps the most talked-about feature of Harlem Globetrotters On Tour is its unique flipper configuration on the left side. Unlike a traditional single flipper or stacked pair, the machine presents what many describe as "double flippers" positioned close together. This arrangement demands precise timing and a keen understanding of ball physics, enhancing both the challenge and the potential for creative shot opportunities. The right outlane detour gate provides a last-chance save mechanism, allowing skilled players to divert a draining ball back into play, adding a layer of strategic depth and encouraging nudging. These features, combined with Greg Freres' spirited artwork, evoke the high-flying, agile nature of the Globetrotters themselves, aiming to immerse players in the excitement of a basketball exhibition. The colorful cabinet and backglass art, featuring caricatures of the team in action, contribute significantly to the machine's visual appeal and its enduring nostalgic quality.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield layout of Harlem Globetrotters On Tour reflects Greg Kmiec's approach to creating a fast-paced and engaging experience. At the bottom, the three flippers are strategically placed, with the unique dual-flipper setup on the left providing a distinct challenge and opening up unique shot angles. Directly above the flippers, two slingshots on either side propel the ball back into play with force, increasing the game’s tempo.

Major shots include targets leading to the three pop bumpers at the top-center of the playfield, which are vital for accumulating points and keeping the ball in motion. The four in-line drop targets, typically located centrally, are a primary objective, offering significant points upon completion and often activating bonus multipliers or special modes. Three spinning targets are placed to allow for continuous hitting, rewarding repeated accurate shots with rapidly accumulating scores. Two kick-out holes are integrated into the design, serving as collection points for specific shots, leading to awards or ball re-launches onto the playfield. A recessed standup target adds an extra layer of difficulty, requiring a precise and powerful shot to register. The right outlane is equipped with a detour gate, offering a chance to save a ball that would otherwise drain, a feature that players learn to appreciate for its potential to extend game time.

The overall flow of the playfield is designed to encourage continuous action. Shots often ricochet from the pop bumpers into the path of the flippers, allowing for rapid-fire play. The design philosophy leans towards rewarding accuracy and risk-taking. Players must master the nuanced control required by the left-side flippers to navigate the layout effectively. The artwork on the playfield is bright and dynamic, featuring the Globetrotters in various poses, reinforcing the basketball theme. Despite some player feedback indicating that the gameplay itself doesn't directly mimic basketball skills, the visual aesthetic and the game's high-energy pace successfully convey the spirit of the team. The lighting scheme, typical of late 1970s solid-state machines, effectively highlights key targets and scoring opportunities, guiding the player's focus during gameplay.

Gameplay Dynamics

The gameplay of Harlem Globetrotters On Tour is characterized by its blend of straightforward rules and demanding execution, creating an experience that keeps players returning for "one more game." The scoring system revolves around a core objective: spelling "GLOBE." As players hit specific targets or sequences, the letters G-L-O-B-E illuminate, typically leading to a significant bonus or the activation of a special mode once completed. This objective provides a clear progression path throughout the game.

Beyond spelling GLOBE, accumulating points is driven by hitting the pop bumpers, standup targets, and particularly the spinning targets, which can yield high scores when continuously struck. The four in-line drop targets are another crucial element; clearing them often activates or advances bonus multipliers, enhancing the value of subsequent scores. Bonus multipliers (2X, 3X, 5X, and Special) are earned through specific playfield actions, adding a layer of strategic decision-making. Players must weigh the risk of going for high-value shots against simply keeping the ball in play.

The unique double flippers on the left side are central to the game's dynamic. While they offer a challenging new way to direct the ball, they can also lead to unpredictable drains, contributing to the machine’s reputation for being "brutal" at times. Mastering these flippers is a key strategy for high scores, allowing for precision shots to the top of the playfield or through tight lanes. Effective nudging, a skill often overlooked, is particularly useful in Harlem Globetrotters On Tour, especially for capitalizing on the right outlane detour gate to save a draining ball. The game’s simple yet challenging rules, coupled with various risk/reward decisions, make it well-suited for competitive play, testing players' shot accuracy, flipper control, and ability to manage the game’s sometimes unforgiving nature.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release and in the decades since, Harlem Globetrotters On Tour has garnered a largely positive reception within the pinball community. Its strengths are frequently cited as its engaging and fast-paced gameplay, which many find to be both challenging and addictive. The strategic depth, born from its straightforward rules and the execution required for its various shots, contributes to its enduring appeal. Players appreciate the machine's classic features, such as the responsive spinners, the satisfying challenge of the in-line drop targets, the strategic utility of the kickout holes, and the tension-relieving outlane save.

The theme and artwork, while not universally praised for deeply integrating basketball skills into the gameplay mechanics, are generally well-received for their visual appeal and ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. The vibrant backglass and cabinet art are often highlighted as standout elements that capture the spirit of the Harlem Globetrotters. The game's scoring system, with its bonus multipliers and the "GLOBE" feature, is seen as simple enough to grasp quickly but deep enough to offer various short-term and long-term scoring strategies. Its suitability for competitive play is also a frequent positive comment, as it rewards skill and calculated risk.

However, Harlem Globetrotters On Tour is not without its noted weaknesses. Some players find the gameplay can become repetitive over extended sessions. The most common point of contention is often the double flippers on the left side of the playfield. While providing a unique challenge, their unconventional arrangement can lead to unpredictable ball drains, frustrating some players. The sound effects and music, typical of early solid-state machines, are sometimes perceived as basic or dated compared to later designs. Additionally, as noted earlier, some feedback suggests the integration of the basketball theme into the actual gameplay mechanics could have been deeper. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. Harlem Globetrotters On Tour is widely regarded as a classic solid-state pinball machine, celebrated for its engaging gameplay, vibrant aesthetics, and the enduring challenge it presents. Its high production numbers ensured widespread availability, making it a familiar and fondly remembered title for many players who grew up with pinball in the late 1970s and beyond. Its continued presence in collections and arcades speaks to its lasting appeal and its place in Bally's prolific solid-state era.