Carnival

Carnival, manufactured by Playmatic of Barcelona, Spain, in May 1977, is an intriguing example of late electro-mechanical (EM) pinball design from one of Spain's most prolific manufacturers. Produced near the end of the EM era, this two-player game reflects the mature state of electro-mechanical design just as the industry was transitioning to solid-state electronics, making it an interesting piece for collectors exploring European pinball of the 1970s.

Gameplay features of Carnival include three flippers, two pop bumpers, two slingshots, nine standup targets, and a kick-out hole. The captive ball mechanism is especially notable: the captive ball moves from target to target, creating an engaging challenge for players. An end-of-ball bonus system rewards skillful play with extra points. Notably, Playmatic also released a four-player version of this same game in 1977 under the name 'Rio'.

The machine's theme celebrates carnival, festivity, dancing, and happiness, in keeping with 1970s pinball styling. While little information is known about the machine's designer, its combination of features makes it an appealing example of Playmatic's work during this period.