Kismet

Gottlieb's 'Kismet' was released in 1968 during the golden age of electro-mechanical pinball machines, representing a classic example of the era's design philosophy and mechanical ingenuity. The name 'Kismet,' meaning fate or destiny in Turkish and Persian, perfectly embodied the game's blend of chance and skill that made it appealing to players of the period.

The machine featured a traditional fan-style layout typical of late 1960s pinball design, with three pop bumpers arranged in a triangle formation and several standup targets. Its scoring system was straightforward but engaging, utilizing the mechanical reels and chimes that were characteristic of electro-mechanical machines. The playfield artwork incorporated Middle Eastern themes and mystical elements that tied into the 'Kismet' theme, making it visually distinctive among its contemporaries.

Production numbers for Kismet were solid, though exact figures are not widely documented. The machine found success in various locations from arcades to bars, and represented Gottlieb's consistent ability to produce reliable and entertaining pinball machines during this period. Today, Kismet is considered a collectible piece that exemplifies the craftsmanship and mechanical precision of the electro-mechanical era, particularly appreciated for its clean design and reliable mechanics.

The game's legacy lives on among pinball enthusiasts and collectors, who value it as a pure example of electro-mechanical pinball engineering before the advent of solid-state electronics. Its straightforward yet challenging gameplay continues to demonstrate why these machines remained popular even as more complex games were being developed.