Machine Description

Gottlieb's 'Caveman' pinball machine, released in 1982, arrived during a pivotal era in pinball history when solid-state electronics were revolutionizing the industry. This prehistoric-themed game captured the public's imagination by combining the growing popularity of electronic pinball with the enduring appeal of dinosaur and caveman motifs in pop culture.

The machine's playfield design featured cartoon-style artwork depicting cavemen, dinosaurs, and primitive scenes that appealed to both children and adults. Notable gameplay elements included innovative drop targets shaped like bones, cave-themed ramps, and special scoring features that incorporated prehistoric terminology. The backglass artwork typically showcased a comical caveman scene, following Gottlieb's characteristic family-friendly aesthetic of the early 1980s.

While not one of Gottlieb's most famous titles, 'Caveman' represented the company's efforts to diversify their thematic portfolio during a highly competitive period in pinball history. The game incorporated solid-state electronics for scoring and sound effects, though retained many classical pinball elements that made it accessible to players of all skill levels. It was produced during a time when arcade games were at their peak popularity, and pinball manufacturers were working to maintain market share against the rising tide of video games.