Riviera, the 1965 release from Chicago Coin, serves as a classic example of the mid-sixties EM aesthetic, brought to life by the design duo of Wendell McAdams and Jerry Koci. With vibrant, stylized cabinet art from the legendary Christian Marche, the machine transports players to a sun-drenched Mediterranean escape, leaning into the era’s fascination with international adventure. Unlike many of its contemporaries that relied on a tighter two-flipper layout, Riviera spreads its influence across the playfield with a quartet of flippers, encouraging a more expansive, tactical approach to navigating its vintage geometry.
The mechanical heart of the machine is built around a standard but satisfying array of three pop bumpers and two slingshots, providing the erratic, high-energy ball movement that defined the Chicago Coin experience. A singular kick-out hole acts as the primary focal point for scoring, while the inclusion of an up-post situated directly between the lower flipper set adds a layer of defensive utility, allowing players to trap the ball and reset their rhythm during intense sessions. A left-side outlane kickback provides a welcome safety net, offering a rare second chance in an era where drain-outs were often final.
For those looking to conquer this four-player classic, the key to high scores lies in mastering the relationship between the rollover buttons and the standup targets. Since the playfield lacks the complex toys of modern machines, success hinges on precision shooting to keep the ball away from the side drains and utilizing the up-post to control the pace of play. It is a quintessential “players’ game” that rewards steady nerves and a rhythmic touch, standing as a charming, relics-of-the-past tribute to the golden age of electromechanical design.