Chart a course for the stars — Antares is a solid-state four-player from the Italian manufacturer Nordamatic, wrapped in an outer-space science-fiction theme, one of the European makers whose machines form a fascinating chapter of pinball’s global story. With an alphanumeric display and art by Michele “Mike” Martinelli — a name that appears across a number of continental machines — it’s an intriguing sci-fi machine with a distinctly European flavor.
The layout is a solid, engaging spread: three flippers, two pop bumpers, four standup targets, a four-bank of drop targets, a spinning target, a star rollover, and dual inlanes. That spinning target offers satisfying, high-value shots for a scoring-minded player, while the four-bank of drops gives a clear objective to clear and the four standups offer additional targets to work through. The three flippers open up extra attacking angles, and the dual inlanes help feed controlled shots, all in service of the machine’s cosmic theme. It’s a varied, well-appointed design that rewards accurate shooting and keeping the ball moving.
Antares is a fine example of the broader, international sweep of pinball history beyond the familiar American names. Nordamatic built machines with real character, and this space-themed title carries the European flipper tradition with its own distinctive flavor, named for one of the brightest stars in the night sky. For the collector who appreciates the global corners of the hobby and the makers who worked outside the usual pantheon, it’s a worthy find. Rip that spinner, clear the drop bank, and set a course for the stars. The far corners of pinball history hold plenty of cosmic surprises, and this Italian sci-fi machine is one of them. Engage the thrusters and drop a coin.