Derby, a classic EM machine from A.M.I., captures the high-stakes tension of the racetrack within a vintage, single-player cabinet. Featuring artwork by the legendary Michele “Mike” Martinelli, the game leans into the mid-century aesthetic of sports-themed pinball, stripping away modern complexity in favor of pure, rhythmic precision. With a straightforward two-flipper layout, the playfield is anchored by three pop bumpers and a pair of slingshots that keep the ball moving with the unpredictable energy of a thoroughbred sprint.
The mechanical heart of the experience is its “Add-A-Ball” specialty, which challenges players to keep their momentum going by hitting key targets to extend their session. The board is peppered with five distinct standup targets and two star rollovers that demand accuracy to rack up the points necessary for a top-tier finish. A clever up-post positioned between the flippers provides a critical safety net, offering a moment of relief for those skilled enough to time their shots and prevent an early drain. It is a quintessential example of era-specific design—unpretentious, fast-paced, and focused entirely on the thrill of the chase.