Machine Description

The Criss Cross Pop-up pinball machine, released by D. Gottlieb & Co. in 1958, represents a classic example of innovative electro-mechanical pinball design from the golden age of mechanical pinball. The machine's name hints at its primary gameplay feature: a unique pop-up target mechanism that created crossing shot patterns on the playfield.

The game featured six pop-up targets that would emerge from the playfield in various patterns, challenging players to hit specific combinations for scoring. This mechanical innovation was groundbreaking for its time, as most pinball machines of the 1950s relied on static targets and simple bumpers. The pop-up mechanism added an entirely new dimension to gameplay, requiring players to adapt their shooting strategy as targets appeared and disappeared.

Criss Cross Pop-up was designed during a period when pinball manufacturers were competing to create new and exciting mechanical features to attract players. The game's playfield layout was deliberately designed to be clean and approachable, while the pop-up mechanism provided the technical sophistication that appealed to experienced players. The cabinet artwork featured bold geometric patterns and striking typography typical of the late 1950s aesthetic.

While exact production numbers are not well-documented, Criss Cross Pop-up was a moderate success for Gottlieb, helping to establish pop-up targets as a standard feature in future pinball designs. Today, the machine is considered a collector's item, particularly valued for its historical significance in introducing innovative mechanical elements to pinball gameplay.