Volcano, a 1981 widebody classic from Gottlieb, remains one of the most distinctive entries in the early solid-state era. Designed by John Osborne with evocative, prehistoric-themed artwork by David Moore and Terry Doerzaph, the machine invites players to navigate a volatile landscape of cavemen and dinosaurs. The sprawling widebody playfield provides plenty of room for its aggressive layout, featuring three flippers, four pop bumpers, and two substantial five-bank drop target arrays. Its mechanical heart is built around navigating a series of numbered “craters,” which serve as the primary engine for climbing the bonus ladder and ramping up your scoring multipliers.
Mastering Volcano requires a delicate balance of timing and cabinet manipulation. Uniquely, the machine incorporates green buttons on both sides of the cabinet that act as your primary tools for controlling the chaotic playfield; the right button allows you to pause rotating lights or freeze the moving rail in the plunger lane, giving you a tactical window to target specific drop targets for a precision skill shot. You can even use these buttons to lock balls into lit craters to trigger a multiball frenzy. Defensive play is equally vital, as players must prioritize hitting lit targets to activate the ball save at the left outlane or skillfully complete bank targets to trigger the gate that secures the right outlane.
For those looking to dominate the scoreboard, the crater progression is the key to victory. Advancing through the craters not only provides escalating point rewards but also unlocks essential multipliers and activates the spinner for explosive scoring potential. Between the moving shooter lane guide and the high-stakes management of the outlane gates, Volcano demands a thoughtful, strategic approach that rewards players who can keep their cool amidst the prehistoric pressure. It stands as a testament to Gottlieb’s experimental widebody era, offering a deep, multi-layered experience that feels just as intense today as it did decades ago.