Jake Mate

The Jake Mate, manufactured by Recel S. A. of Madrid, Spain in 1974, is a rare and intriguing electro-mechanical pinball machine that has largely flown under the radar in pinball history. As one of the earliest examples of an EM game with a chess theme, it represents a unique intersection of two worlds: the strategic complexity of chess and the fast-paced action of pinball. This machine's relative obscurity only adds to its allure, making it a fascinating discovery for collectors and enthusiasts.

The Jake Mate boasts several notable features that contribute to its playability and charm. Its flippers are well-designed, allowing players to expertly control the ball as it navigates through the game's winding paths. The presence of two pop bumpers, one 8-bank drop target, one 6-bank drop target, and a stand-up target all add to the machine's challenge and variety. Perhaps most interesting is the unique shooter trajectory that crosses mid-playfield to reach the upper playfield, creating an unusual and engaging play experience.

In terms of design and art, the Jake Mate features a wedge head, a distinctive styling element that was not uncommon in EM games of this era. While little information is available about the machine's designer or any notable anecdotes surrounding its creation, it remains an intriguing piece of pinball history waiting to be explored. The game was also released domestically in Spain by Petaco under the same name, and it spawned two related Recel titles, the 2-player 'Check' and the 4-player 'Check Mate,' making it part of a small family of chess-themed pinball machines.