Superman

The Superman pinball machine, designed by Steve Ritchie and released in March 1979 by Atari, is a widebody solid-state release from the height of the licensed-character pinball trend. Sound and software were handled by Eugene Jarvis. This SS design departed from the electromechanical games that came before it, introducing more complex and dynamic rules.

The gameplay experience centers on a mix of pop bumpers, targets, and flipper shots. The machine features four pop bumpers, two slingshots, five standup targets, five star rollovers, and two spinning targets, alongside Superman-themed artwork adorning the playfield. One of its most distinctive features is the long left lane that returns the ball to the top of the playfield via a U-turn, allowing for extended gameplay and strategic opportunities.

The machine's artwork, by George Opperman, evokes the visual style of the classic comic book character. Its combination of colorful playfield design and Metropolis-inspired imagery contributes to its enduring appeal among pinball enthusiasts and collectors of licensed titles from this era.