Black Flag

Black Flag, from 1973 and crafted by Playmatic of Barcelona, Spain, is a rare electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine that delves into the world of pirates. As an early example of Spanish-made pinballs, it holds a place in the history of EM machines, with design and features that showcase Playmatic's engineering during this era.

Black Flag features two flippers, three pop bumpers, a single slingshot, five captive balls, two standup targets, a kick-out hole, and a right-side kicker lane. Players could choose 3 or 5 ball play, and the machine was convertible to an add-a-ball configuration — a common EM-era option where skilled play earns extra balls instead of free replays.

From a design perspective, Black Flag's Formica cabinet is a notable feature, providing a durable playing surface. The historical pirate theme is executed through the game's artwork and layout, immersing players in an era of swashbuckling adventure. A 4-player version of this game was released by Playmatic in 1975, also called 'Black Flag'. Specific information on the designer remains unknown.