Hit the Deck

Hit the Deck, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1973, represents a classic example of nautical-themed electro-mechanical pinball machines from the early 1970s. The machine captured the excitement of naval warfare and maritime adventure during a period when military and action themes were particularly popular in arcade entertainment.

The playfield design featured naval imagery including battleships, aircraft carriers, and maritime symbols. As an electro-mechanical machine, it utilized the traditional scoring reels and chimes that characterized pinball machines of this era. The gameplay focused on hitting various targets representing different naval vessels and defensive positions, with sailors and combat scenarios depicted in the artwork.

While not necessarily one of Gottlieb's most famous titles, Hit the Deck exemplified the solid engineering and reliability that made Gottlieb machines popular with operators. The naval theme helped it find placement in arcades and locations near military bases, where its maritime motif resonated with service members and civilians alike. The machine represented the tail end of the electro-mechanical era, just a few years before solid-state electronics would revolutionize the pinball industry.