Touchdown, released by Gottlieb in 1984, stands as a quintessential piece of early solid-state sports history. Designed by John Trudeau with classic, high-contrast aesthetics by Larry Day, this four-player machine captures the grit of the gridiron through a layout that prioritizes precision over spectacle. With a production run of only 711 units, it remains a sought-after rarity for collectors who appreciate the tactical, stop-and-go gameplay of the era rather than the ramp-heavy flow of modern machines.
The playfield is a dense grid of scoring opportunities, featuring nine standup targets and a pair of dual spinning targets that mimic the frantic movement of a stadium scrimmage. Trudeau’s design utilizes four pop bumpers and two strategic kick-out holes to keep the ball in constant motion, punishing players who don’t keep their eyes on the active lane. The inclusion of two kicking targets adds a level of unpredictability to the ball path, forcing players to master their flipper timing to keep the ball from draining down the sidelines.
For those looking to dominate the scoreboard, success on Touchdown relies on methodical target completion. Rather than relying on multiball chaos, the game demands that you systematically clear the standup banks to build your bonus multiplier. Because the scoring is heavily weighted toward hitting the kick-out holes and spinning targets in sequence, patience is your greatest asset; rushing your shots will almost certainly result in a quick turnover. It is a no-nonsense, hard-hitting tribute to football that rewards the disciplined player who treats every drain like a lost down.