​Black Hole is a notable pinball machine

Released by Gottlieb in October 1981. Renowned for its innovative design, it features two distinct playfields:​

• Upper Playfield: A standard sloped playfield with conventional pinball elements.​

• Lower Playfield: An inverted playfield viewed through a window in the upper playfield, offering a unique gaming experience. ​

Key Features:

• Multiball Mode: Introduces a multiball feature, enhancing gameplay complexity and excitement. ​

• Speech Synthesis: Incorporates robotic speech generated by a Votrax SC-01 chip, providing auditory feedback during play. ​Wikipedia+1Pinside+1

• Rotating Disc Backglass: Equipped with a rotating disc in the backbox that simulates the visual of entering a black hole, adding a dynamic visual element. ​

Production and Reception:

• Production Run: A total of 8,774 units were produced, making it one of Gottlieb’s more successful releases. ​

• Gameplay Experience: Players navigate both playfields, aiming to achieve multiball and manage the challenges presented by the black hole’s gravitational pull. ​Wikipedia+1Pinside+1

Legacy:

“Black Hole” is celebrated for its creative approach to pinball design, offering a distinctive gameplay experience that set it apart from other machines of its era. Its innovative features have earned it a lasting place in the history of pinball machines.