Papillon
About This Machine
Papillon, manufactured by Video Dens, S.A. of Madrid, Spain in 1986, is a solid state electronic pinball machine with an outer space fantasy theme. Its playfield is notable for being covered with a clear plastic sheet approximately 1/8 inch thick, secured to the wood playfield by rivets to prevent bowing - an unusual construction choice. The main circuit boards are housed in the lower cabinet, leaving the backbox empty.
Gameplay features two flippers, two pop bumpers, two 4-bank drop targets, one 5-bank drop target, three standup targets, a kicker lane, and dual inlanes on both sides - notably, the machine has no slingshots. This combination creates a layout distinct from many of its contemporaries.
A game with a similar backglass, Jeutel's 1984 'Papillon,' exists, though its playfield is very different from this Video Dens machine ('Papillon' is French for 'butterfly'). Little else is documented about Video Dens as a manufacturer, but Papillon stands as an interesting example of 1980s Spanish pinball production.
Images (45)
Technical Details
- Theme:
- Outer Space - Space Fantasy
- Notable Features:
- Flippers (2), Pop bumpers (2), 4-bank drop targets (2), 5-bank drop targets (1), Standup targets (3), Kicker lane (1), Left and right dual inlanes. No slingshots. The playfield is covered with a clear plastic sheet of approximately 1/8 inch thick. A rivet in the middle of the playfield secures this sheet to the wood playfield to prevent bowing. Another rivet is located between the pop bumpers. The main circuit boards are located in the lower cabinet, leaving the backbox vacant.