Poly-Play (ZRE)

Poly-Play is a unique compilation arcade game released in 1986 by VEB Polytechnik from Karl-Marx-Stadt. This single-player machine offered a diverse selection of ten distinct games within one cabinet, showcasing the capabilities of its U880 processor and custom sound chip. Players navigate each mini-game using an eight-way joystick and a single button to control their actions. The included titles range from "Hase und Wolf," a chase game reminiscent of Pac-Man, to “Hirschjagd,” which presents a challenge similar to Robotron 2084. Other games include simple diversions like "Schmetterlinge" (Butterflies) and "Autorennen" (Car Race), alongside more action-oriented options such as "Schiessbude" (Shooting Hut). While originally eight of the ten available games could be selected for use, later versions allowed all ten to be deployed. Poly-Play held a notable position within East Germany, appearing in locations like holiday resorts and youth hostels, and was reportedly among the few arcade machines approved for production there. Though relatively scarce—estimated production between 1000 and 1500 units—some examples were recovered after a post-Berlin Wall recall, ensuring this unusual artifact of GDR gaming history survives today.