1977 Gottlieb Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1977
Players : 4
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Outer Space - licensed theme
Production : 470 units
Status : Sold
Gottlieb’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) is a 4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine released alongside the blockbuster Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison, it captures the sci-fi excitement of the era while marking the transition period between EM and early solid-state games. With its colorful alien-themed playfield, strategic drop targets, and bonus-focused gameplay, it offers a balanced mix of approachable rules and skill-driven scoring.
Game Features
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4-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine
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Sci-fi / UFO theme based on Close Encounters of the Third Kind
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Central 5-bank drop target system tied to bonus progression
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Color-coded targets (green, yellow, blue, white, red) for scoring strategy
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Bonus system requiring alignment of rollover lanes and drop targets
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Double Bonus feature activated via kick-out holes
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Hidden stand-up target behind drop targets (5,000 points)
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2 flippers, 3 pop bumpers, 2 slingshots, and 2 kick-out holes
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Traditional chime sound package
Overview
Close Encounters of the Third Kind revolves around completing the central 5-bank drop targets while coordinating shots to corresponding rollover lanes. This alignment system builds and collects bonus, creating a satisfying progression loop that rewards accurate shooting and planning.
The game’s standout feature is its layered bonus structure. Players must not only knock down targets but also match them with lit lanes to maximize end-of-ball scoring. The addition of a hidden target behind the drop bank and a Double Bonus opportunity via kick-out holes adds depth and risk-reward decision-making.
Fast gameplay, combined with relatively open outlanes and classic EM flow, makes this a challenging yet addictive machine. With its strong theme integration, vibrant artwork, and transitional-era significance, Close Encounters remains a favorite among collectors looking for a late-era EM with solid gameplay depth and sci-fi appeal.
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View Restoration Details Playfield (Top Side) • Fully disassembled, cleaned, waxed, and conditioned • New rubbers, lane guides, posts, bulbs, and pinball • New flipper bats • Standup switches and rollover switches polished and adjusted • Plastics cleaned and conditioned Playfield (Underside) • Complete flipper rebuilds (coils, stops, switches, links, springs) • Pop bumper assemblies rebuilt • All relays cleaned, filed, and properly adjusted • Stepper units fully disassembled, cleaned, and calibrated Cabinet & Bottom Board • New power cord and fuse holders • Bottom board fully disassembled and cleaned • Relays, step units, and score motor serviced and adjusted • Jones plugs cleaned for solid connections • Cabinet cleaned inside and out Backbox / Head • Scoring reels disassembled, cleaned, and properly adjusted • Stepper units and relays serviced • New bulbs installed Additional Work • Weak or burned coils replaced as needed • Coin door fully disassembled, cleaned, and polished with new coin entry plates • Chime box cleaned, polished, and rebuilt • Shooter assembly polished with new springs installed • Metal trim, side rails, and legs polished • New locks, bolts, and leg levelers/castors installed • New sheet of playfield glass installed • New bulbs installed throughout entire game Warranty ✔ 1-Year Warranty (local sales) ✔ One service visit included within first year (includes playfield waxing, rubber replacement if needed, and full function check)