Machine Description

Gottlieb's 'Cleopatra' pinball machine, released in 1977, represented one of the company's final electro-mechanical offerings before the industry-wide transition to solid-state electronics. The machine captured the mystique and grandeur of ancient Egypt through its artfully designed backglass and playfield artwork, featuring the iconic Egyptian queen amid pyramids, sphinxes, and hieroglyphics.

The gameplay incorporated classic pinball elements with a four-player design, featuring drop targets, pop bumpers, and spinning targets arranged in an Egyptian-themed layout. The machine's scoring system was built around completing various Egyptian-themed combinations, with players working to light special features and bonus multipliers. The art package, created by Gordon Morison, became particularly noteworthy for its detailed representation of the period and its bold use of colors typical of the late 1970s aesthetic.

Cleopatra emerged during a pivotal period in pinball history, as manufacturers were preparing to make the leap from electro-mechanical systems to solid-state electronics. While not as widely produced as some of Gottlieb's other titles from this era, it maintained a steady presence in arcades and entertainment venues through the late 1970s. Today, it is considered a collectible piece that represents the end of the electro-mechanical era, particularly valued for its historical significance and artistic design.

While exact production numbers are not widely documented, the machine is remembered for its reliability and durability, characteristic of Gottlieb's engineering standards of the period. Its theme would later inspire several other Egyptian-themed pinball machines from various manufacturers, though many consider the original Cleopatra to be among the most authentic interpretations of the subject matter.