"Cheetah," a solid-state electronic pinball machine released by Stern Electronics, Inc. in June 1980, carved a distinct niche for itself during a pivotal era in pinball manufacturing. Designed by the industry veteran Harry Williams, "Cheetah" marked a significant offering from Stern, embodying the design philosophies and technological advancements of its time. Its development focused on leveraging the then-innovative widebody cabinet format to create a spacious and challenging playfield. With a production run of 1,223 units, "Cheetah" stands as a relatively rare machine, making it a sought-after piece for collectors who appreciate its unique gameplay and aesthetic.

A notable characteristic of "Cheetah" upon its release was its pioneering "Add-a-Balls" feature, which allowed players to accumulate multiple extra balls from a single play under specific game settings—a mechanic that was groundbreaking for its era. The machine's production spanned from June to November 1980, reflecting Stern’s structured manufacturing process. Interestingly, while most "Cheetah" machines featured a black cabinet, early production units were known to have a blue cabinet, accompanied by distinct sound ROMs, indicating variations during its initial rollout. This detail adds a layer of intrigue for enthusiasts tracking the machine’s history and evolution.

Signature Features and Design

"Cheetah" immediately distinguishes itself through its widebody cabinet, a design choice that profoundly impacts its playfield layout and gameplay. This expanded real estate allowed for a less cramped and more open playfield, offering longer shots and a distinct flow not typically found in standard body machines of the period. Central to its design philosophy are the multitude of drop targets and prominent spinning targets, which serve as the primary interactive elements on the playfield.

The machine's visual appeal is anchored by its backglass, which is frequently cited as a highlight. It features a striking and detailed depiction of a "gypsy jungle chick" alongside the titular cheetah, rendered in a style that many describe as a blend of 70s aesthetics and Art Deco influence. This artwork contributes significantly to the machine's exotic, fantasy jungle theme, drawing players into its world before the first ball is even plunged. While the backglass receives widespread acclaim, opinions on the playfield artwork are more varied, with some appreciating its cohesive thematic elements and others finding it somewhat sparse compared to other machines of the era. The cabinet art, however, generally complements the backglass well, contributing to a unified visual identity.

From a mechanical standpoint, "Cheetah" incorporates three flippers, including a strategically placed upper flipper. This additional flipper is designed to access specific targets in the upper playfield, adding a layer of precision and strategy to shot execution. The game also features three pop bumpers, which add chaotic pinball action to the upper sections of the playfield, propelling the ball unpredictably into various target areas.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Cheetah" is a testament to Harry Williams' design prowess, utilizing its widebody dimensions to create an open yet target-rich environment. The layout encourages long, precise shots, demanding player skill over pure luck. At the heart of the playfield are an impressive 14 drop targets, divided into multiple banks, each serving a distinct purpose within the game's scoring and progression.

A prominent feature is a main bank of five sequential drop targets, often tied directly to advancing the "cheetah" progression and unlocking various awards. Elsewhere, three additional three-bank drop target sets contribute to bonus multipliers and bonus additions. A particularly challenging element is a timed bank of drop targets located in the upper right section of the playfield. Successfully completing this bank when the correct color is highlighted rewards players with valuable bonuses, such as lit spinners or extra balls, making it a high-risk, high-reward objective.

Three spinning targets are strategically positioned throughout the playfield, offering satisfying feedback and significant points when struck, especially when lit. These spinners, when activated, can quickly accumulate points and contribute to the game's overall flow. The playfield also includes a horseshoe lane, a middle-right kickback lane, and dual inlanes on both the left and right sides, all contributing to the ball's movement and providing different pathways and scoring opportunities.

A crucial shot for high scores is the "Bonus Collect Shot," typically located on the left side of the playfield. This shot, often described as difficult to execute consistently, is essential for collecting the substantial bonus points accumulated throughout a ball. Mastering this shot becomes a central strategic element, as a well-timed bonus collect can dramatically increase a player's score. The upper flipper allows for sweeps of the middle drop targets, enabling specific shot strategies that leverage its unique position. The playfield’s overall aesthetic, while debated for its density, employs distinct lighting elements that guide players to active targets and provide visual cues for scoring opportunities, enhancing immersion into the jungle theme.

Gameplay Dynamics

"Cheetah" offers a gameplay experience focused on precision, target completion, and strategic bonus management. The game's scoring system encourages players to methodically work through the numerous drop target banks to build up their bonus and achieve objectives. Maximum displayed point score for each player is 9,999,990 points, providing ample room for competitive play.

Progression in "Cheetah" is primarily driven by hitting the various drop targets. Each completed bank contributes to the player’s score and opens up further opportunities. For instance, successfully clearing specific drop target banks can illuminate the spinning targets, making them worth significantly more points, or contribute to increasing the end-of-ball bonus multiplier. The timed drop target bank in the upper right adds a layer of urgency and skill, demanding quick and accurate shots to claim its valuable rewards.

The innovative "Add-a-Balls" feature stands out in "Cheetah's" gameplay. Unlike games where extra balls are simply awarded and immediately added, "Cheetah" can stack multiple extra balls if the game settings are configured to award extra balls through both the "Special" feature and specific "Score Thresholds." This stacking mechanism provides a tangible reward for skilled play, offering players an extended game when they perform well.

Strategy in "Cheetah" often revolves around efficiently clearing drop targets, accumulating bonus points, and then attempting the challenging "Bonus Collect Shot" to cash in. Players must weigh the risks and rewards of going for difficult shots versus playing safer to keep the ball in play. The three spinners, when lit, become a primary source of points, encouraging players to hit them repeatedly for high scores. Despite the absence of a multiball mode, common in later designs, "Cheetah" maintains an engaging pace and depth through its varied objectives and the constant tension of building and collecting a high bonus. The game's design ensures that high scores are earned through strategic execution and precise flipper control, rather than chaotic flailing.

Reception and Legacy

"Cheetah" is widely regarded within the pinball community as a robust and engaging classic Stern solid-state machine, often referred to as a "sleeper classic." Its widebody design, though a characteristic of its era, is frequently lauded for being well-utilized, providing a unique and expansive playfield that prevents the cramped feeling sometimes associated with more conventional layouts. Players often praise its high replayability, with many finding themselves compelled to play "one more game" due to its challenging yet rewarding nature. The numerous shots, particularly the challenging long shots and the array of drop targets and spinners, contribute to a deep strategic experience that keeps enthusiasts coming back. The bonus collect shot, while difficult, is a consistently cited highlight, offering a satisfying payoff for careful play. Furthermore, it is often noted for having fewer "cheap drains" than many games of its vintage, which contributes to a more equitable and less frustrating gameplay experience.

However, "Cheetah" is not without its criticisms. A consistent point of contention among players is its sound design. The sounds are frequently described as uninteresting, generic, or even thematically inconsistent, with jarring electronic laser blasts sometimes accompanying a jungle theme. While the deep bass thud of the spinners is occasionally appreciated, the overall sound package often falls short for many. The playfield artwork also receives mixed feedback; while some appreciate its clean lines and adherence to the theme, others find it somewhat dull or sparse compared to the vibrant detail seen in other machines of its time. The absence of a multiball feature, while characteristic of earlier designs, is sometimes noted as a limitation when compared to later games that embraced this mechanic. Additionally, "Cheetah" is often described as sensitive to its setup; precise leveling and strong flippers are crucial for optimal gameplay, as minor imperfections can lead to frustrating drains or missed shots.

Despite these critiques, "Cheetah" maintains a strong reputation. Its challenging gameplay, strategic depth, and distinct widebody layout solidify its position as a noteworthy machine from Stern Electronics. It represents a significant design by Harry Williams, showcasing his ability to craft engaging experiences within the solid-state era. Its influence is seen in the continued appreciation for well-designed widebody games that prioritize shot precision and strategic target completion over more chaotic play. Its relative rarity further enhances its appeal as a collectible, ensuring its place in pinball history as a unique and rewarding player experience.