Hearts

Hearts, produced by Genco Manufacturing Company in 1935, stands as an early example of electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines. In the early days of pinball's development, these machines laid the groundwork for the modern games we know and love today, relying on electromechanical scoring and target mechanisms rather than the flippers of later eras (which would not be introduced until 1947).

Gameplay on Hearts is surprisingly straightforward, with players launching the ball via a spring plunger and aiming for various targets to score points. Its unique feature lies in its simplicity; unlike later machines with elaborate themes and rulesets, Hearts relies on basic gameplay principles, with players navigating the ball through a relatively simple layout without the benefit of electronic wizardry or complex mechanisms.

The design and artwork on Hearts are typical of early EM pinball machines, characterized by straightforward, utilitarian aesthetics. The machine's name, "Hearts," is emblazoned in bold letters across its backglass, but no further thematic elements can be discerned. Little information is available about this particular machine, making it an enigmatic piece in the history of pinball.