Machine Description

Gottlieb's 'Cheetah' pinball machine, released in 1980, represented the company's continued exploration of wildlife themes during the solid-state era. The machine captured the essence of speed and agility associated with its namesake, featuring sleek artwork of the world's fastest land animal set against African savanna backdrops.

The playfield design emphasized fast-paced action with multiple ramps and quick-scoring opportunities, mirroring the cheetah's renowned velocity. As one of Gottlieb's early solid-state machines, it incorporated modern electronic sounds and displays while maintaining the company's reputation for well-balanced gameplay mechanics. The machine featured a multi-ball system and various scoring lanes that required precise timing and skill.

While not as widely produced as some of Gottlieb's other titles from this period, 'Cheetah' has maintained a following among collectors who appreciate its unique theme and characteristic early solid-state era design elements. The machine represents an important transition period in pinball history, as manufacturers were still exploring the possibilities offered by solid-state technology while maintaining traditional pinball elements that appealed to their established player base.