Sky Kings

Sky Kings was an electro-mechanical pinball machine released by D. Gottlieb & Co. during the mid-1970s, arriving during a pivotal period in pinball history just before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics. The machine captured the zeitgeist of the era with its aviation theme, reflecting America's continued fascination with flight and aerial adventure in the post-Apollo era.

The playfield design featured classic elements of 1970s electro-mechanical pinball, including drop targets, pop bumpers, and traditional scoring reels. The artwork and theme celebrated aerial achievements and dogfighting action, with dramatic depictions of aircraft that appealed to both aviation enthusiasts and casual players. The machine's sound effects were generated through mechanical bells and chimes characteristic of the electro-mechanical era.

While not among Gottlieb's most famous titles, Sky Kings represented the refined engineering and reliability that made Gottlieb machines popular with operators during this period. The game featured the company's trademark attention to detail and build quality, with mechanisms that were known to withstand heavy use in arcade environments. The straightforward yet engaging gameplay helped it maintain a presence in arcades and entertainment venues through the mid-1970s.