Bacardi Cuba Libre

The Bacardi Cuba Libre, manufactured by Heighway Pinball Ltd. in May 2014, is a rare and intriguing novelty pinball machine - notably the first pin game produced by this manufacturer, better known for its later digital pinball titles. Rather than being an old-era holdover, this electro-mechanical, coinless, and flipperless machine was a deliberate retro-style design, built as a special order for placement in clubs and bars worldwide, with 251 units confirmed produced.

The gameplay of the Cuba Libre is simple yet engaging: two players manually retrieve balls from trays and drop them into play through a hole in the playfield. The objective is to be the first player to successfully deliver five balls into the opponent's center ring (a circular trap hole with a bell), at which point the winner is meant to shout "Cuba Libre!" The machine's unique "Figure 8" playfield layout, combined with its gobble holes and trap holes, creates an unpredictable and challenging experience for players. The sound of two bells ringing out as a player scores adds to the game's charm, and because all moving parts are non-electric, the game can be fully played even with its battery pack removed for recharging, since the battery only powers illumination.

The Bacardi Cuba Libre stands out not only for its gameplay but also for its distinctive design elements. The solid oak cabinet features curved openings on either side, allowing the game to be easily carried by two people, and legs that detach for shipping. Brass-trimmed cup holders and foam-board images of rum bottles adorning the overhead marquee add a branding flourish to this novelty machine. As Heighway Pinball's first product, and an unusual coinless head-to-head throwback design, the Cuba Libre remains a fascinating curiosity for collectors and enthusiasts.