Gemini

The Gemini, designed by Ed Krynski and manufactured by Gottlieb in October 1978, is a late entry in the company's electro-mechanical line, released at a time when the industry was rapidly shifting to solid-state electronics. With a confirmed production run of just 300 units, it is a scarce machine today. Its astrology and fantasy theme is rendered in artist Gordon Morison's characteristically bold, mystical style, evoking a sense of wonder.

This two-player game features two flippers, two pop bumpers, two slingshots, a stand-up target, and two 4-bank drop target assemblies. In an unusual construction detail, each 4-bank actually uses a 6-bank housing with the middle two target positions left vacant. An end-of-ball bonus rounds out the rules, with a maximum displayed score of 199,990 points per player and a three-chime sound package providing the audio.

As one of Gottlieb's final electro-mechanical designs, produced in tiny numbers on the eve of the solid-state era, Gemini offers pinball historians a snapshot of the end of an age - and its rarity makes it an intriguing find for any serious collection.