Hollywood, a 1960s electromechanical classic from Chicago Coin, serves as a time capsule of mid-century Tinseltown glamour. Designed by the collaborative team of Albin Peters, Jerry Koci, and Wendell McAdams, this two-player cabinet leans into the glitz of the show business era with a playfield layout that demands precision. Rather than relying on modern gimmickry, the machine tests a player’s fundamentals through a tight configuration of two flippers, a pair of pop bumpers, and a set of slingshots that keep the ball moving with the frantic, unpredictable energy of a Hollywood premiere.
The mechanical heart of the game revolves around a strategic quartet of kick-out holes and a five-bank of drop targets that challenge the player to maintain control amidst the chaos. Because the scoring is tracked via traditional mechanical reels, the feedback is tactile and immediate, rewarding every successful sequence of targets hit. Navigating the playfield requires a disciplined approach; the drop targets serve as the primary gateway to building a high score, while the four kick-out holes act as both high-value targets and potential traps that can quickly end a ball if the player isn’t careful with their post-pass technique.
As an EM machine, Hollywood lacks the digital complexity of today’s titles, but it makes up for it with a pure, rhythmic flow that prioritizes accuracy over brute force. The design team successfully distilled the high-stakes atmosphere of the film industry into a mechanical format that feels as demanding as a casting call. For the vintage enthusiast, this machine is an essential study in the Chicago Coin aesthetic, offering a challenging, stripped-back experience that highlights the elegance of pure mechanical pinball design.