North Star

Released in September 1964 by D. Gottlieb & Co., North Star is an iconic single-player electro-mechanical pinball machine designed by Wayne Neyens with winter survival and ice-themed artwork by Art Stenholm and Roy Parker. The backglass and playfield displays hunters playing guitars, freezing temperatures, and arctic animals, which provides something of a contrast to the flashy, neon aesthetics of later arcade eras.

The playfield layout of North Star relies heavily on classic Gottlieb wedgehead design philosophies, famously lacking a center post or the ability to trap and cradle balls. It features two short flippers and five active pop bumpers. The primary objective is to light up specific bumpers using the top lanes, followed by making targeted shots into the side saucers for higher point values.

Because of its open layout and aggressive drain channels, North Star is a notoriously challenging game that heavily punishes uncalculated shots. Nudging the machine is a crucial skill for players to master. Carefully timed shakes and bumps can arc the ball away from the dangerous side drains and redirect it toward the flippers or lucrative scoring saucers.

Only 2,525 units of North Star were ever produced, making it a sought-after gem within the pinball community. The game is celebrated for encapsulating the golden era of Gottlieb's mechanical craftsmanship and design.