I really enjoyed the side kickouts and the animated figures in the ring. Game plays well and keeps you coming back. I was lucky enough to play this pin and it's one of the funnest games I've ever played. A must play for anyone who loves pinball.

It is an oldie but man what a goodie! The first time I ever played this game at Silverlake I could not believe the mechanical boxers in the ring actually moved and threw punches. I am not very technical but it seems like an amazing mechanical marvel seeing it in action!

This is one of those EM woodrails that stands out for its primary feature of the animated boxing ring in the upper middle of the playfield.
Yes, it is dominating, but actually focuses your attention on the playfield while you play.
The boxers are not distracting, and really add to gameplay along with the "bell 10 count".
It makes you WANT to play the game again.
The backglass is EXTREMELY colorful, and has even been reproduced since most are flaking beyond belief.

It was a VERY popular machine when it was released.
It is unfortunate so few exist now, as most have turned to dust.
Most are relegated to pinball museums, and a few hardcore EM collectors.
If you have the chance to play this machine, do so, as it is a part of pinball history.

If I have another chance to own one in good shape, I will certainly buy it, if for no other reason than nostalgia and good memories.

A fun old pin

Gottlieb Knock out is a woodrail from 1950 that is a great game to look at, but offers a much different "game" than most pinball players are used to.

The Pros:
This game looks AWESOME! Roy Parker takes an incredibly violent theme and injects a great deal of character and humor into it. From the nose crushing punch in the middle of the PF to the Giesel like mitt on the end of the bamboo pole to the grandma in the stands whacking some joker over the head with her umbrella... this game oozes light hearted hilarity that would be right at home in any 3 stooges movie. The boxer animation in the middle of the PF is way righteous. Scoring a knockdown is always a hoot.

The Cons:
I know this is the design of the game... but when that metal gate drops... your game goes away, real quick. There really isn't much to shoot for on this table. I have had the saucers barely loft the ball over flipper and into the outhole more times than I care for.

The Takeaway:
A great snapshot of the game of pinball from the year of 1950. Highly valued by collectors of pinball and nostalgia alike. The game is set to 5 balls, and it's over in around a minute's time. Find one if you can and play it!

Update:
I got to play a super nice copy at The VFW show in Ann Arbor. Get to 15 knockdowns if you can (I couldn't and I REALLY tried). I was able to raise the gate during gameplay, but I have no idea how I actually did it. This game is lots of fun. I can see why it was such a hit in 1950, it still plays great today!

This is one of my favorite EMs. It's got an amazing Rock 'em Sock 'em style toy in the center that animates when you hit certain triggers. The backglass art is wonderful, with lots of funny and charming details. It can be a little frustrating to actually play, but it's tons of fun for at least a little while.