Circus

The D. Gottlieb & Company's 1980 Circus pinball machine is a distinctive entry in the company's System 80 solid-state lineup. It is an extended wide-body machine - Gottlieb's first of only two extra wide-body games in the System 80 series (the other being 1980's Star Race) - with a playfield three inches wider than the rest of Gottlieb's wide-body games of the era. With confirmed production of 1,700 units, it is a relatively uncommon four-player game today.

Circus boasts an array of features that fill its oversized playfield. Five flippers provide an increased level of control for players, while two pop bumpers, one slingshot, four drop targets, three roto-targets, three standup targets, a spinning target, and a kick-out hole create a rich tapestry of gameplay opportunities. A free ball return lane adds an element of strategy, as players must carefully manage their shots to maximize their chances of achieving high scores.

The machine pairs Ed Krynski's design with vibrant artwork by Gordon Morison that captures the essence of a colorful carnival atmosphere. The layout and artistry work in harmony to create an immersive experience that draws players into the big-top world of the game, making Circus a memorable example of Gottlieb's early-1980s output.