2001

2001 (Gottlieb 1971) is a pinball machine produced by D. Gottlieb & Co., inspired by Stanley Kubrick's iconic science fiction film "2001: A Space Odyssey." This game captures the futuristic and mysterious atmosphere of the movie, offering players a cosmic pinball experience.

The playfield features a sleek, space-age design with a predominantly black and silver color scheme, accented by vibrant reds and blues. Various targets, bumpers, and lanes represent celestial bodies and spacecraft, creating an immersive space exploration theme. The centerpiece of the game is a large, illuminated disc representing the movie's famous monolith.

One of the main modes of the game is the Jupiter Mission, activated by hitting a specific sequence of targets. During this mode, players must guide their ball (representing the spacecraft) through a series of skillshots to reach Jupiter and earn substantial points.

Another key feature is the HAL 9000 mode, triggered by spelling out "HAL" using drop targets. In this mode, players must hit designated targets to "deactivate" HAL and prevent it from interfering with their mission, all while racking up bonus points.

Throughout the game, players can collect various "space tools" represented by standup targets. These include Oxygen Tanks, Space Suits, and Repair Kits, each providing different bonuses when activated.

2001 features an advanced (for its time) sound system that combines electromechanical chimes and bells with early solid-state sound effects, creating an eerie and atmospheric soundtrack reminiscent of the film's score.

The backglass artwork is a stunning representation of the film's most memorable visuals, featuring the Earth, the monolith, and the "Star Child" in a cosmic tableau. This artwork, combined with the playfield design, creates a truly immersive experience for fans of the movie and pinball enthusiasts alike.

Overall, 2001 is a challenging and engaging game that successfully translates the themes and atmosphere of the groundbreaking film into pinball form. With its unique space exploration theme, innovative gameplay elements, and immersive audiovisual design, it remains a highly sought-after machine among collectors and fans of both pinball and classic science fiction.