This electromechanical game blends elements of traditional pinball with a unique “stop and go” feature, where the player controls flippers to propel the ball upward, aiming for targets and scoring points. Unlike conventional pinball, the ball’s movement is punctuated by pauses, demanding precise timing and strategic shot selection. A classic example integrates a rotating wheel or a series of progressively challenging targets that must be hit in sequence.
The punctuated gameplay introduces a strategic layer absent in continuous-motion pinball. This enhances the challenge and encourages players to develop advanced aiming techniques. Historically, these games emerged during a transitional period in pinball technology, bridging the gap between simpler, score-driven machines and the more complex, narrative-driven games of later eras. Their distinctive gameplay and accessible design made them popular in arcades and amusement parks.