Machine Description

The Dragon pinball machine, released by Gottlieb in 1978, emerged during a pivotal transition period in pinball history as manufacturers were moving from electro-mechanical to solid-state electronics. This machine represents one of Gottlieb's early ventures into solid-state technology, helping establish the company's reputation in the modern era of pinball design.

The Dragon featured artwork and theming centered around medieval fantasy elements, capitalizing on the growing popularity of fantasy themes in late 1970s pop culture. The playfield design incorporated traditional elements like pop bumpers and drop targets, while introducing more complex rule sets made possible by the new solid-state system. The backglass artwork typically depicted a fearsome dragon in a dramatic pose, reflecting the artistic style characteristic of late 1970s pinball aesthetics.

While not as well-known as some other Gottlieb titles from this era, Dragon holds historical significance as part of the first wave of solid-state pinball machines. It helped demonstrate the potential of computerized scoring and game logic, paving the way for more sophisticated games in the 1980s. The machine represents a transitional period in pinball history, bridging the gap between the electro-mechanical games of the past and the more complex solid-state games that would follow.