1978 Gottlieb Gemini
Manufacturer : Gottlieb
Year : 1978
Players : 2
Type : Electro-mechanical
Theme : Astrology - Fantasy
Production : 300 units
Status : Sold
Gemini (1978) is a rare 2-player electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from Gottlieb, released at the very end of the EM era. Designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison, it’s known for its low production numbers and its focus on precision drop-target shooting and bonus management.
Game Features
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2-player EM machine
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Released October 1978
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Designed by Ed Krynski
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Artwork by Gordon Morison
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Extremely rare (~300 units produced)
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Two flippers
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Two pop bumpers
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Eight drop targets (arranged in 4 banks of 2)
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Stand-up targets
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Spinner (upper playfield)
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A-B-C / lane-style rollover features
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Bonus system up to 19,000 points
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Bonus multipliers up to 3X
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Color-based objective system (red, white, green, yellow)
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Extra ball and special opportunities
Overview
Gemini is a late-era Gottlieb EM that leans heavily into controlled, strategic gameplay rather than chaos. With only two pop bumpers and a fairly open layout, the game puts the emphasis squarely on accurate shot-making, especially when working the drop target banks.
The 8 drop targets are the heart of the game. Completing all targets once doubles your bonus, and repeating the feat pushes it to 3X, making risk/reward decisions a big part of gameplay—especially when the ball is in a dangerous position.
A standout feature is the color-coded objective system, where players collect red, white, green, and yellow through different shots:
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Completing certain lanes can award multiple colors at once
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A key stand-up target awards another color
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Completing all four boosts scoring and can light extra ball
The bonus system builds steadily through lanes, targets, and outlanes, and managing that bonus becomes critical—typical of late EM design where end-of-ball scoring can be huge.
Because of its rarity and its position as one of Gottlieb’s final EM designs, it’s both a collector’s piece and a rewarding, skill-based shooter
Have questions or interested in this game? Or have a particular pinball machine you are looking for? I can locate and restore one for you.
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)