Cherokee

The Recreativos Franco's Cherokee, dating back to 1976, represents a notable entry among the Spanish-made electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machines of its period. Recreativos Franco is the name used for this Madrid manufacturer's domestic games; the same company made an export version as Interflip's 1978 'Cherokee.'

The gameplay experience on the Cherokee is characterized by its straightforward yet challenging design. Players navigate through three or five ball play, interacting with two flippers, two pop bumpers, and two slingshots that propel the balls across the playfield. The inclusion of three kick-out holes adds an element of strategy, requiring players to carefully manage their shots to maximize points. A notable feature is the "Match" scoring system, where the last three digits of the score are used for comparison.

The Cherokee's American West theme runs throughout the machine's design. Despite its relatively unknown origins, the Cherokee has drawn interest among pinball enthusiasts due to its scarcity in collections. This 1976 Recreativos Franco machine remains an intriguing piece of pinball history, offering a glimpse into a lesser-documented corner of European EM production.