Gladiators, released by Gottlieb in 1995, captures the high-octane energy of the televised arena competition that defined 90s Saturday mornings. Designed by Jon Norris, this solid-state machine leans into its theme with a punchy, aggressive layout featuring four flippers and two distinct ramps. With art by the team of Constantino Mitchell, David Moore, and Jeanine Mitchell, the table serves as a vibrant, neon-soaked battlefield where the objective is to conquer the arena’s trials through a series of timed challenges.
The gameplay is anchored by the lower right saucer, which serves as the gateway to the machine’s various modes. Whether you are navigating standard trials or aiming for the “Calm Before the Storm” multiball, the game demands precision. A clever strategy for the latter involves trapping a ball on the lower left flipper, allowing you to use the upper right flipper to repeatedly hit the “L” shot, which provides a safe, repeatable bounce. Progression is key; by lighting the “Light MB” target, players can manipulate the game flow to trigger multiball modes, eventually building toward the ultimate “Beast Challenge” wizard mode, where the Mystery Saucer, Abyss, and Catapult must be conquered to emerge victorious.
Beyond the standard play, Gladiators utilizes its shaker motor to punctuate the intensity of the arena. As you spell “MULTI” to unlock the jackpot potential on the left ramp, the mechanical feedback keeps the stakes feeling high. With a total of six modes to complete before facing the final beast, the game offers a satisfying, linear progression that rewards players who can balance speed with tactical shot selection. It is a quintessential mid-90s experience that remains a cult favorite for those who enjoy the specific, demanding flow of Gottlieb’s later era.