Vacation America, a 1979 home model from Chicago Coin, captures the quintessential spirit of a classic American road trip. Designed by the legendary duo of John Trudeau and Steve Kordek, this solid-state machine trades commercial complexity for a charming, nostalgic trek across the country. With cabinet art brought to life by Paul Faris, the game feels like a piece of late-seventies Americana, inviting players to hit the open road from the comfort of their own game room. While it lacks the dense mechanical gimmicks of a tournament-grade machine, its three-ball play offers a focused, pick-up-and-play experience that remains a staple for home collectors.
The gameplay loop is built around the “Vacation” theme, tasking the player with navigating various destinations. Progress is earned by spelling out “VACATION” through strategic hits on the playfield standup targets, which in turn advances your current location. To optimize your score, keep a sharp eye on the “M-A-P” top lanes; whether you catch them on the initial plunge or during standard play, completing these letters is the key to bumping up your playfield multiplier. The “DRIVE” lane adds another layer of depth, as finishing that sequence lights the center horseshoe “Super Lane,” providing a direct route to advancing your travel progress.
For those looking to master the machine, it is important to understand the role of multiball. Unlike modern machines that turn multiball into a frantic jackpot-hunting frenzy, this title treats it as a pure survival mechanic. It does not boost your scoring multipliers or offer specific jackpots, so use the chaos of multiple balls to your advantage to keep the game alive and continue chasing those destination milestones. It is a straightforward, rewarding challenge that prioritizes steady, methodical shot-making over the high-octane spectacle of its arcade-bound cousins.