Machine Description

Gottlieb's 'Dimension' pinball machine, released in 1987, represented the company's continued exploration of science fiction and spatial themes during the late solid-state era. The machine emerged during a pivotal time when pinball manufacturers were competing intensely with the growing video game market, leading to more sophisticated and conceptually ambitious designs.

The game's design centered around an abstract dimensional travel concept, featuring artwork and playfield elements that created an illusion of depth and space. The playfield layout incorporated multiple levels and ramps, which was becoming increasingly common in late 1980s pinball designs. The machine utilized Gottlieb's System 80B hardware platform, which offered improved sound capabilities and more complex rule sets compared to earlier solid-state machines.

While 'Dimension' wasn't one of Gottlieb's highest-production games, it represented an important transition period in pinball history. The late 1980s marked the final years before the revolution of dot-matrix displays would transform pinball presentation, making 'Dimension' one of the last examples of traditional alphanumeric display technology. The game has become a notable collector's piece, particularly appreciated for its unique theme and artwork that captured the aesthetic sensibilities of late 1980s science fiction.