Take your chances — Chance is a solid-state four-player from the Spanish manufacturer Playmatic, wrapped in a cheerful circus-and-carnival theme, one of the European makers whose machines form a fascinating chapter of pinball’s global story. With an alphanumeric display, it’s an intriguing continental machine with a satisfying, drop-heavy playfield and a distinctly European flavor.
The layout is a solid, engaging spread with a distinctive feature: two flippers, three pop bumpers, two big five-bank drop-target arrays, a kick-out hole, and a standup target. Those dual five-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 ten drops is a real test of accuracy. The three pop bumpers keep the ball lively up top, and the kick-out hole and standup round out the field, all in service of the festive carnival theme. It’s a target-rich design that rewards precise shooting and keeping the ball moving.
Chance is a fine example of the broader, international sweep of pinball history beyond the familiar American names. Playmatic built games with real character, and this carnival-themed title carries the European flipper tradition with its own distinctive flavor. 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 — a reminder that pinball’s story was always bigger than any one country. Clear those dual five-banks, ride the bumpers, and take your chances. The far corners of pinball history hold plenty of well-built surprises, and this Spanish carnival machine is one of them. Try your luck and drop a coin.