Stampede, released by Chicago Coin in 1977, is a gritty, high-noon romp through the American West that captures the frantic energy of a cattle drive on a classic EM platform. Designed by the collaborative team of Albin Peters, Jerry Koci, and Wendell McAdams, the game eschews the complex electronics of the era for the tactile, rhythmic satisfaction of mechanical score reels. Featuring the distinct, stylized artwork of Christian Marche, the cabinet feels like a dusty relic pulled straight from a frontier saloon, challenging players to wrangle the playfield with nothing but two flippers and a steady eye.
The layout is compact and aggressive, centered around a captive ball and a spinning target that keep the gameplay moving at a breakneck pace. Players must navigate two pop bumpers and a pair of kick-out holes that serve as both point boosters and potential traps. The inclusion of five standup targets provides a reliable way to build your score, but the real test lies in managing the ball’s rebound off the spinning target, which can quickly turn a controlled shot into a chaotic ricochet. With only 1,100 units produced, this two-player machine is a rare find for collectors who appreciate the raw, unvarnished charm of late-70s Chicago Coin craftsmanship.