Spirit of 76

Spirit of 76, manufactured by Mirco Games and unveiled at the October 1975 Music Operators of America exposition in Chicago, is a significant addition to any serious pinball collection. It may be the first digital (non-relay based) pinball machine put into production, though that distinction may instead belong to Allied Leisure's 1975 Rock On. The transition from electromechanical (EM) machines to solid-state systems marked a major shift toward more complex and dynamic gameplay experiences.

In terms of gameplay, Spirit of 76 features two flippers, three pop bumpers positioned mid-playfield, two slingshots, and 12 standup targets. An Attract Mode operator option allows the flippers, pop bumpers, and slingshots to operate during Game Over, serving as a demo mode inviting play.

Spirit of 76's American Bicentennial theme anticipated the following year's celebrations. However, its playfield design - which had appeared previously on Gottlieb's 1972 Flying Carpet - was considered unattractive at the time, and as a result very few units were sold, making surviving examples relatively scarce today.