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A little history on Recel

Recel was a Spanish pinball manufacturer that operated primarily during the 1970s and early 1980s. The company was one of the leading producers of pinball machines in Spain, emerging during a period when the country had strict import restrictions that limited the availability of American-made games. This protectionist environment allowed Spanish companies like Recel to thrive by producing their own pinball machines, often inspired by the styles and mechanics of American manufacturers like Bally and Williams.

Recel became known for its electromechanical (EM) and early solid-state (SS) pinball machines, with popular titles such as Mr. Doom (1979), Fair Fight (1979), and Atleta (1978). Their machines often featured colorful artwork, innovative playfield designs, and gameplay that was competitive with American counterparts. As Spain’s import restrictions eased and competition from larger international manufacturers increased, Recel struggled to maintain its market share. By the early 1980s, the company had faded from the pinball industry, but its contributions remain a key part of Spain’s pinball history, reflecting the era when regional manufacturers flourished due to unique economic conditions.

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Pinballs:

Black Magic

Black Magic was manufactured by Recel and was released 1980-06-01

The Flipper Game

The Flipper Game was manufactured by Recel and was released 1980-06-01

Formula I

Formula I was manufactured by Recel and was released 1980-01-01

Don Quijote

Don Quijote was manufactured by Recel and was released 1979-01-01

Cavalier

Cavalier was manufactured by Recel and was released 1979-01-01

Swashbuckler

Swashbuckler was manufactured by Recel and was released 1979-01-01

Mr. Doom

Mr. Doom was manufactured by Recel and was released 1979-01-01

Fair Fight

Fair Fight was manufactured by Recel and was released 1978-05-01

Poker Plus

Poker Plus was manufactured by Recel and was released 1978-04-01

Crazy Race

Crazy Race was manufactured by Recel and was released 1978-01-08