Queen of the Nile — this is Cleopatra from the Italian manufacturer Mondialmatic, an electromechanical single-player wrapped in a theme built around the legendary Egyptian ruler, with art by Michele “Mike” Martinelli — a name that appears across a number of continental machines. With reel scoring, it’s an intriguing European take on the enduring Cleopatra motif, with a distinctly Italian flavor.
The layout is a solid, target-rich spread: two flippers, two pop bumpers, a pair of slingshots, three standup targets, two big seven-bank drop-target arrays, and two star rollovers. Those dual seven-banks of drops are the machine’s calling card, giving a sharp-shooting player a formidable and satisfying set of objectives to clear — knocking down all fourteen drops is a real test of accuracy. The three standups and two star rollovers offer additional scoring, and the two pop bumpers keep the ball lively up top, all in service of the ancient-Egypt theme and its regal imagery. It’s a target-rich design that rewards precise shooting.
This Mondialmatic Cleopatra is a fine example of the broader, international sweep of pinball history beyond the familiar American names — and it’s worth noting that several manufacturers built machines named Cleopatra, including Gottlieb and Marvel, so collectors should mind which one they’re chasing. Mondialmatic built games with real character, and this Egyptian-themed title carries the European flipper tradition with its own distinctive flavor. For the collector who appreciates the global corners of the hobby, it’s a worthy find. Clear those dual seven-banks, ride the bumpers, and reign as queen of the Nile. The far corners of pinball history hold plenty of well-built surprises, and this Italian Cleopatra is one of them. Rule the ancient world and drop a coin.