Sky Jump

Average Prices: USD $300 to $1,000
Produced: May, 1974
Production Run: 4,200 units
Machine Type: Electro-mechanical
Players: 1

Design by: Ed Krynski
Art by: Gordon Morison
The pinball machine Sky Jump, produced by D. Gottlieb & Co. in May 1974, stands as a notable electro-mechanical (EM) era creation. With a production run of 4,200 units, this single-player machine invited players into the world of skydiving and parachuting, a theme skillfully brought to life through its artwork and gameplay. The machine's design was helmed by Ed Krynski, a prolific designer for Gottlieb, while the vibrant and distinctive artwork was the creation of Gordon Morison. This collaboration resulted in a machine that captured the spirit of its adventurous theme within the constraints and capabilities of EM technology. An interesting detail, a nod to the personal life of Gottlieb engineer Wayne Neyens, is hidden on the backglass: the airplane on the right side features the registration number N188PA, which was the registration of his son's airplane around that period. This personal touch, a small "lark" as Neyens described it, adds a layer of unique trivia to the machine's history. Sky Jump was also released in an add-a-ball version, known as 'Free Fall' domestically, and exported to Italy as 'Sky Dive', showcasing Gottlieb's practice of adapting popular designs for different market regulations. Priced at $705 FOB Chicago upon its release, the machine quickly entered full production, establishing its presence in arcades and locations.
Signature Features and Design
Sky Jump distinguished itself with a set of features that defined its gameplay and visual identity. Central to its playfield is a prominent bank of seven drop targets, which forms the primary objective and a constant source of strategic engagement. Complementing these are three pop bumpers strategically placed to create lively ball action, two responsive slingshots, and six standup targets. The two flippers provide the player with the fundamental control necessary to navigate the playfield. Visually, Gordon Morison’s artwork for Sky Jump utilizes a bright and utilitarian aesthetic on the playfield, ensuring clarity and appeal. The backglass depicts a dynamic scene of parachutists descending, with a vivid color palette that enhances the machine’s theme. This attractive backglass design contributes significantly to the machine's overall presentation, drawing players in with its adventurous imagery. These features, from the interactive targets to the evocative artwork, combine to create an immersive experience that aligns with the skydiving theme, where precise shots and strategic thinking are paramount.
Playfield and Mechanics
The playfield layout of Sky Jump is designed to promote thoughtful shot selection and provide a dynamic playing experience. At the heart of the playfield is the prominent 7-bank drop target setup, positioned centrally to challenge players directly. Successive hits on these targets are crucial for progression and scoring. Surrounding these are various opportunities for points and bonus multipliers. The upper playfield features three pop bumpers that create energetic rebounds, often redirecting the ball towards the upper lanes or back into the main play area. Two slingshots at the lower sides of the playfield provide additional deflections and contribute to the game's lively ball movement.
The playfield also incorporates six standup targets, strategically placed to offer alternative scoring opportunities and pathways. Specific rollover lanes, numbered 1-2-3, are present and require precise shots to activate, contributing to bonus multipliers or lighting special features. A key mechanical element is the center bumper, which dynamically influences the bonus target, adding a layer of strategic decision-making. The playfield's aesthetic is characterized by its bright, functional artwork, which clearly delineates scoring areas and targets. The lighting scheme, typical of EM machines, highlights active elements and achieved objectives, guiding the player's focus during gameplay. The overall design philosophy emphasizes a balance between direct target shooting and controlled nudging, making for an engaging and tactical play.
Gameplay Dynamics
Sky Jump offers a gameplay experience that balances rapid action with strategic depth, a hallmark of well-designed electro-mechanical machines. The core objective revolves around managing the 7-bank drop targets. Hitting these targets not only awards points but is integral to advancing the game's progression. The scoring system, displayed on mechanical reels, allows for a maximum score of 99,990 points.
A key element of Sky Jump's dynamic is the interaction with the central bumper. This feature is instrumental in changing the bonus target, compelling players to consider their shot placement carefully. Strategic choices become evident in deciding when to advance the bonus multiplier, when to focus on lighting the numbered rollovers, or when to concentrate on clearing the drop targets. For instance, successfully hitting all numbered rollovers illuminates the 'special' feature, a high-value objective that players aim to achieve. The game also incorporates a skill shot at the initial plunge, rewarding a controlled launch with immediate points or advantages. Gameplay often involves a satisfying rhythm of clearing drop targets, hitting the center bumper to adjust strategy, and skillfully navigating the upper playfield to activate rollovers. While some shots, like hitting the 1-2-3 lanes, present a significant challenge due to their placement, the overall flow encourages continuous engagement. The strategic nuances, from managing the risk of ball drains around the drop targets to calculating the best moment to go for the special, contribute to Sky Jump's reputation as a "thinker's game."
Reception and Legacy
Sky Jump has generally been met with a positive reception within the pinball community, often praised for its engaging and rewarding gameplay. Players frequently highlight its strategic depth, which encourages thoughtful shot selection and provides a gratifying experience. The machine's drop target-centric gameplay is particularly well-regarded, with many finding the pursuit of these targets to be both challenging and addictive. The rules are often cited as well-defined, pushing players to decide between advancing bonus multipliers, chasing specific numbers, or prioritizing target banks. The unique interaction of the center bumper, which influences bonus targets, is another feature that contributes to the game's tactical appeal. Its fast-paced nature and consistent flow are also positive aspects noted by players, many of whom describe it as an enjoyable electro-mechanical machine that provides a strong sense of replayability. The skydiving theme is seen as cool and effectively integrated into the gameplay mechanics, while the backglass art is generally considered attractive.
However, some critiques exist. A few players find the playfield layout to be somewhat cramped, and the placement of the drop targets in the middle can occasionally feel obstructive. The 1-2-3 rollover lanes are acknowledged as difficult shots to achieve consistently, and some express that the left flipper may offer fewer meaningful shot opportunities compared to the right. While many find the game challenging, a minority suggest it can be too easy to defeat. Additionally, while the playfield art is often described as utilitarian and bright, it does not resonate universally. The risk-versus-reward dynamic associated with the drop targets, where a missed shot can lead to a ball drain, is another point of discussion. Despite these minor criticisms, Sky Jump maintains a reputation as a well-regarded EM pinball machine. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of strategic depth, satisfying target action, and thematic execution, solidifying its place as a cherished example of Gottlieb's electro-mechanical era output.
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Cost | Location | Date |
---|---|---|
EUR €1,200 | ![]() |
28 June, 2025 |
AUD $1,200 | ![]() |
24 August, 2024 |
USD $1,000 | ![]() |
09 August, 2024 |
USD $350 | ![]() |
25 August, 2023 |
USD $700 | ![]() |
05 January, 2023 |
USD $305 | ![]() |
31 October, 2022 |
USD $600 | ![]() |
05 July, 2022 |
AUD $2,500 | ![]() |
16 June, 2022 |
GBP £1,500 | ![]() |
12 May, 2022 |
EUR €1,500 | ![]() |
01 February, 2022 |


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