Gottlieb's "Gladiators," released in December 1993, emerges from an intriguing development lineage. Manufactured by D. Gottlieb & Co. under their Premier Technology banner, this solid-state electronic (SS) pinball machine leveraged the robust Gottlieb System 3 platform, known for its dependability. The machine's journey to its final "futuristic fantasy" theme was a winding one, initially conceived as a tie-in with Nintendo's Legend of Zelda, then pivoting to American Gladiators, before finally settling on the original concept of "Gladiators." This evolutionary path speaks to the creative challenges and market considerations prevalent in the early 1990s pinball industry, ultimately resulting in a unique and distinct vision.

The creative team behind "Gladiators" brought together experienced talent. Jon Norris, a designer recognized for his innovative layouts, crafted the game's blueprint. The visual identity was shaped by artists Constantino Mitchell, David Moore, and Jeanine Mitchell, whose work contributed to its distinctive aesthetic. Duane Decker provided the driving musical score, while Craig Beierwaltes engineered the sound design. Rand Paulin was responsible for the software and display animations, bringing the digital elements to life. With a production run of 1,995 units, "Gladiators" carved out its niche, presenting a fresh alternative to the increasingly popular licensed themes of the era. Its marketing tagline, "Gladiators: Gottliebs Fun-Filled Futuristic Fantasy Game," encapsulated its ambition to deliver an original, captivating experience.

Signature Features and Design

"Gladiators" distinguishes itself with several key features that enhance its playability and unique identity. Foremost among these is the "Catapult," a dynamic, moving rail ramp. This mechanism requires precise timing and skill from the player to shoot the ball into the Catapult Hole, a feat rewarded with a substantial 50,000,000 points. While some players find its execution somewhat limited, the Catapult represents a bold attempt at integrating interactive physical toys into the playfield, demanding more than a static ramp shot.

Another defining characteristic is the machine's four-flipper setup. Unlike many designs that dedicate separate buttons for upper flippers, "Gladiators" ingeniously integrates them with the lower flipper controls. A light press on the flipper switches activates only the lower flippers, providing standard control. However, a heavier, more deliberate press simultaneously activates both the lower and upper flippers, offering an expanded range of shot options and strategic depth. This dual-action flipper mechanism adds a layer of nuance to player control, inviting mastery of its specific timing.

The "Gladiators" experience is further amplified by a powerful shaker motor, a feature that was not universal in pinball machines of its time. This tactile feedback system engages players beyond visual and auditory cues, adding a visceral punch to significant gameplay moments, such as scoring jackpots or entering critical modes. Visually, the machine boasts a "cybergladiators" theme, blending sci-fi and fantasy elements. The artwork, particularly on the backglass, has generated discussion within the community; some find it a charmingly kitschy representation of late 80s/early 90s heavy metal album art, while others perceive it as less refined. Regardless, the machine's vibrant purple cabinet is instantly recognizable, setting it apart visually from its contemporaries. Notably, the game utilizes unique "kicking targets" in place of traditional slingshots, a subtle yet distinctive design choice contributing to its unique playfield dynamics.

Playfield and Mechanics

The "Gladiators" playfield is a carefully constructed arena, divided into distinct upper and lower sections that promote a sense of fluid, interconnected gameplay. The overall layout is often praised for its smooth flow, allowing for satisfying shot combinations and rapid ball movement.

On the left side of the lower playfield, players encounter the "MB Target," a crucial shot for initiating multiball. Positioned centrally are the three "Drop Targets O'death," which advance the "Attack Mode" and, true to their name, can send a ball directly down the middle if not struck accurately. Above these, the "M Ramp" on the far left of the playfield leads to an elevated habitrail "crane" and provides access to the upper playfield.

The upper playfield is where much of the machine's unique character shines. Here, two additional flippers are strategically placed, enabling shots not possible from the lower playfield. To the right of the M ramp, a loop features distinct left (U shot) and right (L shot) entries. Directly in front of the post separating these loop shots is the "Catapult Saucer," the target for the celebrated moving Catapult ramp. Further into the upper area, the "T Ramp" curves gracefully, its habitrail exit feeding balls back to the lower flippers. Enclosed behind the T ramp are three pop bumpers, creating a high-energy zone for increasing scores and ball agitation.

The right side of the playfield features the "I Shot," a long lane containing a spinner, which leads to the "Mystery Saucer." The I lane also provides a path to the "Abyss Saucer," a significant target that can also be accessed by a precise or lucky shot from the upper right flipper. Finally, positioned above the right inlane, the "Mode Saucer" serves as the primary entry point for the machine's pyramid battle rounds. The artwork on the playfield reinforces the "cybergladiators" theme, with detailed illustrations that, while sometimes debated in their style, consistently contribute to the game's distinctive atmosphere, complemented by vibrant lighting that guides players through objectives.

Gameplay Dynamics

"Gladiators" immerses players in a quest to defeat a three-headed dragon, achieved by first conquering six pyramid battle rounds, culminating in the "Beasts Challenge." The game's scoring mechanics, while engaging, are sometimes noted for having certain opportunities for high scores that can overshadow other strategic plays.

Gameplay typically begins with a manual plunger skill shot, offering players a choice: to advance their weapon, advance multiball progress, or directly start a pyramid round. The primary objective centers around spelling M-U-L-T-I by hitting corresponding shots. Completing this initiates a thrilling multiball experience, with jackpots available on the M ramp (20,000,000 points) and the T ramp (Super Jackpot for 100,000,000 and Ultimate Jackpot for 200,000,000). The "Calm Before The Storm" round is a notable multiball mode, often leading into the climactic final challenge.

The core progression involves advancing through six "Pyramid Rounds," which are timed modes such as "Rain of Terror," "Catapult," "Fire and Ice," "Cataclysm," and "Blade Fight." These can be started via the skill shot, a mystery award, or the dedicated mode saucer. The pop bumpers strategically change the flashing round, adding a dynamic element to mode selection. A special "MB target" can even convert timed rounds into their two-ball multiball versions, escalating the intensity. Successfully navigating these rounds leads to the "Beast Challenge," an untimed one-ball finale where players must precisely hit the Mystery Saucer, Abyss, and Catapult Saucer to defeat the beast, earning a massive mega-bonus and a SPECIAL.

Beyond these main objectives, "Gladiators" offers several layers of engagement. The "Attack Mode" is triggered by activating specific blue and yellow lights from the drop targets. In this mode, the M ramp serves to lock balls, and a well-aimed shot to the Catapult Saucer yields a substantial bonus. Spelling D-O-U-B-L-E, advanced through the Catapult Saucer, is crucial as it doubles all scoring for the remainder of the ball, a game-wide multiplier that significantly impacts overall scores. The "Abyss" shot not only plays a role in the Beast Challenge but also advances a multiplier for subsequent pyramid rounds. Spelling W-E-A-P-O-N lights the Abyss for various awards, including multiball, points, or other modes. Combo shots, achieved by hitting sequential M-U-L-T-I shots, award increasing point bonuses and an extra ball after a certain number. The Mystery Saucer provides an array of awards when not in a mode or multiball, adding an element of surprise. Two additional extra ball opportunities exist: the "M-T Extra Ball," awarded after hitting the M ramp and T ramp four times each in a single ball, and "Acu-spin," a timed award based on spinner hits. The game's custom speech callouts guide players through objectives, though some find them to become repetitive over extended play.

Reception and Legacy

"Gladiators" holds a distinctive position within the pinball community, often celebrated as an underrated and surprisingly enjoyable machine. Its strengths are frequently cited as its smooth, fast, and satisfying gameplay flow, characterized by a unique layout and well-connected shots that promote an engaging experience. Players often praise the strategic depth added by the four flippers and the tactile immersion provided by the powerful shaker motor. The energetic music and sound design are also commonly highlighted as fitting the game's theme, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere. Furthermore, "Gladiators" is generally regarded as offering excellent value, making it an attractive option for collectors seeking a unique yet accessible title. Its challenge level is noted for catering to both beginners, with straightforward initial goals, and experienced players who seek to master its more complex modes and scoring opportunities.

However, "Gladiators" is not without its criticisms. The most significant point of contention often revolves around its scoring system, which some players find imbalanced, allowing for certain modes or shots to be exploited for disproportionately high points. This can detract from the strategic diversity and impact its viability in competitive play. The machine's artwork, particularly the backglass, is another frequent subject of debate; while some appreciate its distinctive, almost kitschy 80s aesthetic, others describe it as "cheesy" or aesthetically inconsistent. The Dot Matrix Display (DMD) animations are sometimes noted for their limited detail or lack of end-of-ball sequences, which can be less informative for new players. The moving Catapult toy, despite its ambition, occasionally falls short for some, viewed as a "middle-of-the-road gimmick" that doesn't always integrate seamlessly into the broader gameplay. Additionally, the pop bumper area can sometimes lead to prolonged ball dwell, and the callouts, while functional, may become repetitive over time.

Despite these critiques, "Gladiators" maintains a solid reputation as a reliable and entertaining Gottlieb System 3 machine. Its legacy lies in its bold attempt at an original sci-fi/fantasy theme, standing out in an era increasingly dominated by licensed properties. It exemplifies Gottlieb's commitment to robust build quality and innovative design, even as the company navigated a challenging market. "Gladiators" remains a unique and often rewarding experience, cherished by those who appreciate its distinctive gameplay, challenging objectives, and the unique blend of features it brought to the pinball arena.