Mata Hari (EM) by Bally is an ultra-rare, mesmerizing relic from the twilight of the electromechanical era, combining a balanced design by Jim Patla with the famously provocative and detailed artwork of Dave Christensen. While its solid-state sibling went on to sell tens of thousands of units, this EM version is a true holy grail for collectors, with only 170 confirmed units ever rolling off the assembly line. The game wraps players in a classic WWI espionage theme, challenging them to navigate a symmetrical playfield that prioritizes clean, classic geometry over modern gimmicks. Two flippers guard a wide-open lower playfield, while a dense upper nest of four pop bumpers creates chaotic ball action, flanked by twin four-bank drop targets that demand precise lateral shooting.
At the heart of Mata Hari’s tournament strategy is the top kick-out hole, a high-value saucer that serves as the gateway to massive scoring. Expert players focus on lobbing soft, controlled shots into this top pocket; hitting it too hard will cause the ball to rattle out, but a gentle plunge advances your bonus multiplier and lights the coveted 50,000-point outlane inserts. If the table’s physics allow the ball to exit the saucer safely without threatening a drain straight down the middle, this shot should be exploited repeatedly.
While the top saucer builds your long-term endgame value, the twin drop target banks provide the instant gratification needed to catch up in a tight match. Sweeping either of the four-bank drop target sets clean immediately injects 50,000 points into your score reel. Balancing the risk of shooting the dangerous side targets against the rewarding, finesse-based saucer shots makes Mata Hari a masterclass in risk-reward layout design, preserving a legendary era of pinball history in a beautifully scarce package.