Power Play

Power Play was released by Gottlieb in 1978, arriving at a pivotal moment in pinball history as manufacturers were transitioning from electro-mechanical to solid-state electronics. This timing made Power Play one of Gottlieb's early solid-state machines, representing the company's adaptation to the modernizing pinball industry.

The machine featured a sports theme, specifically focused on hockey, which was a popular theme choice during the late 1970s when sports-themed pinball machines were gaining traction. The playfield design incorporated hockey-themed elements including goals, players, and rink-inspired layouts. As one of Gottlieb's early solid-state games, it combined traditional pinball mechanics with new electronic scoring and sound capabilities.

Power Play helped establish some of the conventions for sports-themed pinball machines that would become common throughout the 1980s. The game's release coincided with a growing interest in professional hockey in North America, and its theme capitalized on this popularity. While not as widely remembered as some later sports-themed machines, Power Play represents an important transition period in pinball history, bridging the gap between classic electro-mechanical games and modern solid-state machines.