Joker

The 'Joker' 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 represented one of Gottlieb's early ventures into solid-state technology, helping establish new standards for modern pinball gameplay.

The theme capitalized on the enduring popularity of the classic playing card Joker character, featuring vibrant artwork with a traditional court jester design. The playfield layout was characteristic of late 1970s Gottlieb designs, with a traditional fan-style arrangement of drop targets, pop bumpers, and shooting lanes. The machine likely included multiple sets of drop targets and several key scoring features that rewarded precise shooting skills.

While not as widely known as some other Gottlieb titles from this era, 'Joker' represents an important historical example of early solid-state pinball design. The game helped bridge the gap between classic electro-mechanical machines and the more complex electronic games that would follow in the 1980s. Production numbers are estimated to be moderate for the era, though exact figures aren't well documented.