Playtime

The Playtime is a rare and intriguing addition to the world of solid-state electronic (SS) pinball machines. Manufactured by Irmacor of Porto, Portugal, it is actually a conversion of Recel's (or possibly Petaco's) 1978 'Fair Fight.' Reportedly, strict 1970s Portuguese laws on importing gambling devices extended to pinball machines, so Irmacor would import Spanish-made games, modify them, and market them as Portuguese-made in order to sell them legally in Portugal.

The machine's gameplay is characterized by its array of targets and interactive elements. Players can take aim at eight standup targets, two spinning targets that require precise timing to hit, and two swivel targets that rotate on a central axis, demanding adaptability and strategy. Additionally, the presence of pop bumpers and slingshots adds an extra layer of complexity, while the dual flippers provide a sense of balance and control. The game runs on the Recel System III MPU.

Playtime carries a Historical - Knights - Medieval theme, though specific details about its artwork are not documented. Without more information about its exact production year or the original 'Fair Fight' design credits, much about the creative vision behind this fascinating machine remains unknown. Nonetheless, Playtime remains an enigmatic but collectible curiosity, illustrating how manufacturers in some markets worked around import restrictions to bring pinball to local operators.