Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box is a popular, circus-themed electro-mechanical pinball machine released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in February 1973. Designed by Ed Krynski with vibrant, eye-catching artwork by Gordon Morison, the machine is highly regarded by collectors for its fast-paced, target-centric gameplay. It is the 4-player version of Gottlieb's 2-player machine, Jumping Jack. Gottlieb produced 4,975 units of Jumping Jack, and 8,300 units of Jack in the Box.

The defining feature of Jack in the Box's playfield is its massive bank of 10 drop targets spanning horizontally across the top. Knocking down the drop targets is the primary goal. If a player successfully clears all 10 targets, the game awards an extra ball or a replay (dependent on the score motor orientation) and boosts subsequent target values from 50 to 500 points.

Jack in the Box is considered to be something of a "drain-monster". The pop bumpers are located unusually close to the lower flippers. This design creates chaotic, unpredictable ball trajectories that can easily lead to center drains if players don't employ careful nudging.

The game is famous in the arcade community for its provocative backglass art. Gordon Morison's design contrasts cartoonish, large-nosed circus clowns with highly stylized, voluptuous women, a hallmark of 1970s pinball marketing.