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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