Mad Planets

Mad Planets is an arcade game released by Gottlieb in 1983. It is a unique combination of a shoot ’em up and a pinball game, set in outer space. Players control a spaceship tasked with destroying planets, asteroids, and other cosmic obstacles while avoiding enemy ships and projectiles. The game features colorful graphics and innovative gameplay, requiring quick reflexes and precise aiming to succeed.

Mad Planets was developed by Gottlieb, a renowned arcade game manufacturer known for titles such as Qbert* and *Time Pilot*. It was conceptualized during the early 1980s arcade boom, aiming to capitalize on the popularity of space-themed games. The development team sought to create a game that combined elements of traditional shoot ’em ups with the physics and mechanics of pinball, resulting in a unique and challenging gaming experience.

Upon its release, Mad Planets received generally positive reviews from players and critics alike. Its innovative gameplay and vibrant visuals garnered praise, with many lauding its addictive nature and high level of difficulty. The game’s combination of shooting and pinball mechanics set it apart from other arcade titles of the time, earning it a dedicated fan base.

Mad Planets was released as a standalone arcade cabinet and did not receive any official sequels or direct spin-offs. However, its unique gameplay mechanics have inspired similar games in the years since its release, with titles such as Smash TV and Geometry Wars drawing inspiration from its blend of shooting and arcade elements.

Due to its limited production run and popularity among collectors, Mad Planets is considered a rare arcade cabinet. It is estimated that only a few hundred units were produced, further contributing to its scarcity. As a result, fully functional cabinets in good condition can command high prices on the collector’s market, with values ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

Mad Planets utilizes standard arcade hardware typical of games from its era. It features a CRT monitor for displaying graphics, a joystick and buttons for player input, and various electronic components for gameplay logic and sound generation. Common repair parts include replacement joysticks, buttons, and power supplies, which can often be sourced from specialty arcade parts suppliers or salvaged from other arcade cabinets of similar vintage. Additionally, replacement CRT monitors or conversion kits may be available for restoring or upgrading original cabinets.