Black Hole

Black Hole, released by Gottlieb in 1981, stands as one of the most innovative and influential pinball machines of the early solid-state era. It made history as the first pinball machine to feature a lower playfield beneath the main playing surface, effectively creating a 'black hole' that players could shoot their balls into, revolutionizing the concept of multi-level pinball play.

The machine's design was groundbreaking for its time, featuring a remarkable art package with a space theme that captured the public's imagination during the height of the space exploration era. The lower playfield was viewed through a semi-transparent panel, creating an ethereal effect that enhanced the space theme. This secondary playfield operated in reverse, with the balls rolling uphill against gravity, adding a unique challenge and visual spectacle that had never been seen before in pinball.

Gameplay on Black Hole was notably challenging, requiring players to master both the upper and lower playfields to achieve high scores. The machine featured innovative mechanics including the 'Event Horizon' shot, multiple multiball modes, and a unique scoring system that helped establish new standards for pinball complexity. The game's sound package was equally revolutionary, utilizing early solid-state technology to create atmospheric space-themed effects.