Eclipse is a distinctive solid-state electronic pinball machine from D. Gottlieb & Co., introduced in August 1982. This wide-body game, a product of the Gottlieb System 80 era, represents a unique chapter in pinball design, characterized by its striking visuals and a playfield layout that draws clear inspiration from a popular predecessor.

History and Background

The creation of Eclipse began with a clear intent to offer a new experience using a familiar foundation. Designed by Adolf Seitz Jr. and John Buras, Eclipse inherited its fundamental playfield blueprint from Gottlieb’s 1981 machine, Black Hole. However, rather than being a direct sequel or a minor variant, Eclipse was a singular, single-level interpretation of that design. This decision meant removing Black Hole's signature lower playfield, transforming what was once a multi-tiered journey into a focused, upper-level experience.

The production of Eclipse was notably limited, with only 193 complete machines manufactured. This scarcity contributes significantly to its standing among collectors today. A substantial number of "kits" were also produced (Model 671, compared to the complete games designated Model 671A). These kits, comprising a new backglass, playfield, and game ROMs, allowed operators to convert existing Gottlieb cabinets, most commonly "James Bond 007" and "Time Line" machines, into Eclipse. This practice of offering conversion kits was a common strategy in the early 1980s, designed to extend the life of existing hardware and provide new game experiences without the cost of entirely new cabinet manufacturing. This dual production approach, with full games and conversion kits, is a key piece of its history, directly impacting its market presence and subsequent rarity.

The thematic inspiration for Eclipse leaned into cosmic and celestial imagery, often featuring female figures, a popular artistic motif of the era. This visual direction, coupled with its mechanical lineage from Black Hole, positioned Eclipse as a machine that combined new artistic flair with a proven playfield architecture, albeit one that was carefully re-imagined for a distinct gameplay feel.

Signature Features and Design

Eclipse stands out through its visual presentation and its distinctive playfield modifications. As a wide-body machine, it offers a spacious playfield, which Gottlieb utilized to place its various targets and mechanisms without feeling cramped. The artwork, particularly the backglass, is often highlighted for its captivating depiction of space and abstract figures, drawing players into its cosmic theme before a single ball is launched. The playfield art complements this, with a palette that evokes nebulas and distant stars, enhancing the game’s atmosphere.

Mechanically, the most significant feature of Eclipse is its single-level playfield, a deliberate departure from Black Hole’s two-tier design. What would have been the entry point to Black Hole's lower playfield is instead a critical captive hole in Eclipse, essential for triggering its two-ball multiball. Similarly, a kicker target occupies the space where a re-entry gate was on Black Hole, offering a different dynamic for ball redirection. These alterations are not mere omissions but carefully considered design choices that reshape the game’s flow and challenge, transforming a multi-level experience into a tightly focused singular plane of play. The game also features four flippers, four pop bumpers, and two slingshots, all standard elements of the era but strategically placed within the wide-body format. The sound package, shared with the export version of Black Hole, contributes to the game's identity, providing a recognizable audio backdrop for its celestial theme.

Playfield and Mechanics

The Eclipse playfield layout, while derived from Black Hole, features critical modifications that define its distinct gameplay. The expansive wide-body playfield is dominated by its array of drop targets, which are central to its design philosophy. Players encounter a total of 16 drop targets, strategically arranged in banks: one 5-bank, one 4-bank, and one 3-bank, along with other scattered targets. These are not merely obstacles but form the primary objectives for advancing through the game.

The flow of Eclipse is characterized by the need for precision. The central area, where Black Hole’s lower playfield entrance would have been, is replaced by a captive hole that serves as the entry point for multiball. This demands accurate shooting to secure the second ball. Furthermore, the playfield features a spinning target and a kicking target, adding variety to shot opportunities. A particularly challenging aspect of the playfield design is the "thread the needle" shot, where players must skillfully navigate the ball between walls of drop targets to hit specific targets located at the top of the playfield. This shot exemplifies the precision demanded by the game, rewarding accurate play. The lighting scheme on the playfield, while characteristic of the System 80 generation, uses the wider canvas to accentuate the various targets and lanes, guiding the player’s eye through the celestial landscape depicted in the artwork.

Gameplay Dynamics

Gameplay on Eclipse revolves around strategic target progression and precise shots. The primary objective is to activate the two-ball multiball, which is achieved by hitting specific drop targets in a predetermined sequence. This requires consistent accuracy and a methodical approach, as failing to hit the correct targets delays the activation of this high-scoring mode. The 16 drop targets are instrumental in building score and bonus, with each bank clearing offering points and contributing to the overall game progression.

During multiball, the game intensifies, offering opportunities for rapid scoring as two balls are in play simultaneously. Managing both balls, while attempting to hit the high-value targets, becomes the central challenge. The game’s scoring system emphasizes bonus accumulation, which can be significantly multiplied through strategic play. However, a tilt penalty in Eclipse is particularly punishing: it results in the loss of the current ball in play, all accumulated bonus, and bonus multipliers, underscoring the importance of careful nudging. Additional features include a manual plunger for skill shots, and the limitation of only one extra ball awarded per ball in play, which adds a layer of strategy to managing game resources. The "thread the needle" shot is not just a visual highlight but a critical gameplay element, rewarding players for mastering complex trajectories and providing a high-risk, high-reward objective within the game’s progression.

Reception and Legacy

Eclipse holds a particular standing within the pinball community, primarily due to its striking visuals and extreme rarity. Feedback often highlights its artistic merit, with the backglass and playfield art consistently praised as visually compelling and among the best from its era. This aesthetic appeal is a significant factor in its desirability among collectors.

Beyond its appearance, the playfield design, directly inherited yet carefully adapted from Black Hole, receives considerable appreciation. Many players find the single-level execution, with its meticulously placed drop targets and the multiball captive hole, to offer a challenging and engaging experience. The "thread the needle" shot is frequently cited as a testament to the game's demand for precise flipper control, contributing to its replayability for those seeking a true test of skill. The 2-ball multiball, while not as complex as later designs, is noted for delivering exciting moments of high-scoring potential.

However, as a product of the System 80 generation, some perceive its core gameplay mechanics as representative of the era, without introducing radically new concepts beyond its unique adaptation of an existing layout. This perspective acknowledges its strengths in art and layout while placing its fundamental mechanics within the context of early 1980s solid-state design.

Eclipse's most enduring legacy stems from its limited production run, particularly of complete machines. This scarcity has elevated its status to that of a highly sought-after collectible. Its unique origin story as a successful kit conversion and a single-level reinterpretation of a celebrated design further solidifies its place in pinball history. It stands as an example of Gottlieb’s willingness to iterate on successful concepts and adapt to market demands through conversion kits, ultimately becoming a machine admired for its beauty, challenging play, and elusive nature.