Lariat, a rare 1960s gem from Gottlieb, stands as a testament to the golden age of electromechanical design. Masterminded by the legendary Ed Krynski and featuring the unmistakable aesthetic touch of artist Art Stenholm, this two-player Western-themed machine is an absolute rarity, with only 150 units ever produced. It eschews the typical replay-focused gameplay of its era in favor of an addictive “add-a-ball” mechanic, turning every session into a desperate, high-stakes shootout to extend your time on the range.
The playfield is a masterclass in Krynski’s minimalist precision, anchored by a pair of signature vari-targets that challenge players to manage their shot power for maximum point accumulation. Navigating the layout requires a sharp eye, as the ball must contend with a trio of pop bumpers and two strategically placed kick-out holes that can either save your bacon or spit the ball back into a dangerous drain lane. The backglass, adorned with Stenholm’s classic Western motifs, perfectly captures the grit of the frontier, making the hunt for high scores feel like a true high-noon showdown.
For those lucky enough to encounter this elusive piece of history, the strategy centers on mastering the timing of those vari-targets. Because the machine is built around the add-a-ball feature, the goal is to keep the ball in play as long as possible rather than chasing free games. The lack of complex modes or digital displays forces you to rely on pure, raw skill to keep the reels spinning. Lariat isn’t just a pinball machine; it is a mechanical relic that demands patience and steady nerves, serving as a reminder of a time when the West was wild and the pinball was strictly analog.