Watch the skies — this is the electromechanical version of Gottlieb’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, based on Steven Spielberg’s landmark science-fiction film, and it comes from the legendary team of designer Ed Krynski and artist Gordon Morison. With reel scoring and a scarce confirmed run of just 470, this EM edition is considerably rarer than its solid-state sibling, making it a genuine find for the collector.
The layout is a busy, engaging spread with a distinctive helping of hardware: two flippers, two pop bumpers, a slingshot, three roto-targets, three standup targets, a five-bank of drop targets, and a spinning target. Those three roto-targets, the spinning drum targets, add unique mechanical variety, while the five-bank of drops gives a sharp-shooting player a satisfying objective to clear and the spinning target offers high-value shots. The three standups round out a well-appointed field, all in service of the awe-and-wonder theme of alien contact. It’s a target-rich design that rewards accurate shooting and keeping the ball moving.
This EM Close Encounters is a fine showcase of the celebrated Krynski-and-Morison team’s craft, pairing a beloved sci-fi film license with a satisfying, feature-rich playfield and Morison’s warm artwork. Gottlieb produced both electromechanical and solid-state versions of the game, and with only 470 of this EM edition built, it’s the scarcer and more collectible of the two. For the collector who loves the golden age of EM pinball and its greatest creative teams, it’s a rewarding pursuit. Work those roto-targets and the five-bank, rip the spinner, and watch the skies. Some machines are treasured for their rarity and their beloved license alike, and this Gottlieb sci-fi gem is one of them. Make contact and drop a coin.