Genie

The Genie, designed by Ed Krynski and released by Gottlieb in October 1979, is a standout example of the company's early solid-state era, running on the Gottlieb System 1 MPU. It is a widebody four-player game, and a substantial one at that - the machine weighs a measured 282 pounds with legs. With a confirmed production run of 6,800 units, it was one of Gottlieb's larger releases of the period.

Genie's playfield is unusually generous with player controls, featuring five flippers along with three pop bumpers, a slingshot, five star rollovers, four standup targets, a 7-bank of drop targets, a 4-bank of drop targets, a spinning target, a kick-out hole, and an upper ball return lane. The multiple target banks and varied scoring opportunities encourage strategy and quick reflexes, with a maximum displayed score of 999,990 points per player.

The Genie's design and artwork by Gordon Morison are characteristic of late-1970s Gottlieb style, with bright colors and intricate details in service of its fantasy theme. Released while Gottlieb was operating as a Columbia Pictures Industries company, Genie remains a fascinating piece of the widebody era of solid-state pinball.