Pla-Rite

The Pla-Rite, manufactured by Better Games Company of Flint, Michigan in 1933, marks one of the earliest examples of a pinball machine. As an electro-mechanical (EM) device, it represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the game from its mechanical roots to more sophisticated electromechanical innovations. The Pla-Rite emerged in the same period as other pioneering early-1930s pinball games.

The gameplay of the Pla-Rite is straightforward, yet intriguing for its time. Players insert 5 cents to receive a set of 10 marbles, which they then aim at various targets on the playfield. The inclusion of light bulbs on the playfield adds an element of visual interaction that was novel in 1933. What sets the Pla-Rite apart from earlier mechanical games is its use of electromechanical components, paving the way for more complex and engaging gameplay in future pinball machines. Its playfield layout is similar to Better Games Company's own 'Pop-Em,' with the addition of two Free Play gobble holes in the lower playfield and score pockets with varying point values.

Unfortunately, due to the rarity and age of the Pla-Rite, very little information about its design, art, or theme has been documented. It's also worth noting that, at this early stage in pinball history, themes were not yet a standard aspect of game design. Given its status as an historical artifact and a piece in the development of pinball, the Pla-Rite remains an item of interest for collectors and historians alike to study and appreciate.