Gladiator

Gottlieb's 'Gladiator' pinball machine, released in 1986, capitalized on the surge of sword-and-sandal entertainment popularized by films and television shows of the 1980s. The machine's theme drew inspiration from the ancient Roman gladiatorial contests, featuring detailed artwork of warriors, arena combat, and classical architecture.

The game's design incorporated multiple playfield features that simulated gladiatorial combat, including sword-shaped ramps, shield targets, and chariot-themed orbits. The solid-state technology allowed for dynamic sound effects and basic electronic scoring, creating an immersive experience that brought the intensity of arena combat to the pinball format. Players could progress through different 'ranks' of gladiatorial competition by completing specific shot combinations and reaching scoring thresholds.

While not as widely recognized as some of Gottlieb's other titles from this era, 'Gladiator' represented an interesting fusion of classical themes with modern pinball engineering. The machine demonstrated the company's ability to adapt popular cultural themes into engaging pinball experiences during the mid-1980s solid-state era. Production numbers were relatively modest, making this machine a noteworthy collector's item among pinball enthusiasts interested in themed machines from this period.