Temptation, released by Chicago Coin in 1970, serves as a colorful, mid-century snapshot of leisure-time aesthetics. Eschewing the complex mechanical density that would define the following decade, this single-player EM machine leans into a refreshing, breezy theme centered on swimming and water skiing. With a production run of only 900 units, it remains a rare, charming relic for collectors who appreciate the tactile simplicity of the era’s design.
The playfield layout is defined by a surprisingly generous array of four flippers, encouraging players to experiment with unconventional ball control to navigate the eight tower bumpers scattered across the board. These bumpers act as the game’s primary scoring engine, creating a chaotic, percussive rhythm as the ball ricocheted through the water-themed playfield. A single kick-out hole provides a crucial focal point for accuracy, while the inclusion of a rollover button rewards precise navigation through the mid-playfield lanes.
Strategy on a machine like Temptation is less about chasing deep rulesets and more about mastering the geometry of the four flippers. Because the game relies on the classic, high-tension bounce of EM hardware, success hinges on using the lower flippers to set up shots toward the tower bumpers, while utilizing the upper flippers to save the ball from the outlanes. It is a quintessential “just one more game” experience—a lighthearted, high-energy trip back to a time when pinball was all about reflexes, bright colors, and the pure joy of keeping the ball in play.