Space Game (1 card)

Here's the Space Game pinball machine, from Recel S. A., a lesser-known Spanish manufacturer (Madrid) that produced pinball and bingo machines from 1974 to 1986. This 1979 Solid State Electronic (SS) title is a single-card bingo machine with a space-fantasy theme, one of two "Space Game" bingo machines Recel produced -- the other being a seven-card backglass version. IPDB notes it is uncertain which version came first, though it is suspected the seven-card version's miniaturized image of this one-card backglass was made to capitalize on the earlier game's recognition.

The Space Game's gameplay revolves around its 25 trap holes, which add an extra layer of challenge to the typical scoring mechanisms. Players must navigate their ball through the playfield, which uses red numbers inside blue boxes, while aiming for these trap holes, making each shot a calculated risk. The machine's electronic design and space-fantasy theme were characteristic of the late 1970s pinball era, with many titles from this period embracing sci-fi and futuristic concepts.

While little is known about the designer behind this title, the same company also produced a domestic Spanish version of the game under the Petaco name. Unfortunately, as with most Recel machines from this era, specific production figures or notable tournaments won by the Space Game are not readily available. Nonetheless, its unique combination of gameplay features and its history as one of a pair of similarly named bingo machines make it an intriguing addition to any pinball enthusiast's collection.