Time Line, released by Gottlieb in 1980, stands as a quintessential artifact of the widebody era. Designed by Allen Edwall with evocative fantasy-themed art by Gerry Simkus, this four-player solid-state machine makes an immediate impression with its sprawling, spacious playfield. It is a game defined by its architectural density, utilizing a four-flipper layout to navigate a complex network of drop targets and a unique, high-stakes upper playfield that serves as the centerpiece for scoring breakthroughs.
The core gameplay loop centers on managing the board’s expansive target banks, which include a challenging five-bank drop sequence. Strategic play rewards those who prioritize the drop targets, as completing these banks not only carries over a 5,000-point bonus between balls but also unlocks the right outlane ball return gate. This gate is your lifeline, providing a crucial path back to the upper playfield. Mastering the board requires a tactical approach to the tic-tac-toe style bonus system; players should aim to build their bonus to 10,000 before navigating the center shot, as this “wins” the upper playfield game and maximizes your scoring potential.
With its left kickback lane and dual right inlanes, Time Line demands precise ball control to navigate its wide, unforgiving expanse. It is a classic example of Gottlieb’s late-70s and early-80s engineering, where the sheer physical footprint of the machine forces players to think several shots ahead. Whether you are hunting for that elusive three-in-a-row multiplier or carefully managing your return gates to keep the ball in play, Time Line remains a cerebral, rewarding challenge that captures the ambitious spirit of the golden age of widebody design.