Rack ’em up — 15 Pool is a billiards-themed electromechanical single-player from Playmec Flippers, one of the lesser-known European manufacturers whose machines are a fascinating footnote in pinball’s global story. With reel scoring and art by Michele “Mike” Martinelli, it’s an intriguing continental curiosity that brings the pool hall to the flippers with its own distinctly European flavor.
The layout is a clean, satisfying spread in the classic EM tradition: two flippers, three pop bumpers, a pair of slingshots, three standup targets, and two kick-out holes. The central objective ties neatly to the billiards theme — completing one through fifteen lights the rollover and holes for a “WOW” award, giving a player a clear, pool-inspired goal to work toward as they run the numbered “balls.” It’s a straightforward, target-focused design that rewards accurate shooting and keeps the reels ticking over, all wrapped in the timeless appeal of a game of pool. The community’s chatter about this one leans playful, a reminder that some shots are more makeable than others, so patience and precision pay off.
15 Pool is exactly the kind of off-the-beaten-path machine that makes pinball collecting so endlessly fascinating, a title from a manufacturer outside the usual American and even the major European pantheon, carrying its own quirks and character. The billiards theme translates nicely to its target-heavy playfield, and its rarity and unusual provenance make it a genuine conversation piece. For the collector who delights in the hobby’s forgotten and international corners, it’s a worthy pursuit. Run those numbered targets one through fifteen, light the WOW, and pocket a fine score. Sometimes the most interesting finds come from the least likely names, and this Playmec pool game is proof. Chalk up and break.