Gottlieb’s Target Alpha, released in 1976, is a drop-target lover’s dream wrapped in a space-fantasy theme. The playfield is dominated by an enormous ten-bank of drop targets paired with a second five-bank — a wall of switches that makes this one of the most target-rich layouts of its day. With four flippers to work the field, it belongs to a family of multi-bank Gottlieb machines that shared this ambitious design and became favorites among players who love methodically clearing targets.
The scoring rewards accuracy and light-watching. Each drop is worth 500 points, but a lit drop pays a full 5,000 — and the center rollover and lower-left standup shuffle which rollover is lit, so the mantra is simple: shoot the lit one. The deeper strategy lives in completing the upper drop banks to light hold bonus, and clearing the upper drops twice to light an extra ball at the lower bank. Plunging for the upper-right lanes can net a few quick bonus advances, though you’ll want to watch the feed at the bottom.
Generous with targets and satisfying to clear, Target Alpha is a fine example of Gottlieb’s mid-70s ambition. For collectors who love big drop-target banks and a space-age theme, it’s an engaging and rewarding electromechanical workout.