To the chariot race — Ben-Hur is a solid-state four-player from the Spanish manufacturer Staal, wrapped in an epic theme drawn from the classic tale of ancient Rome, 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, it’s an intriguing continental machine with a well-appointed playfield.
The layout is a busy, engaging spread: three flippers, a single pop bumper, a generous nine standup targets, four star rollovers, a five-bank of drop targets, and dual inlanes on both sides. That five-bank of drops gives a sharp-shooting player a satisfying objective to clear, while the nine standups offer a substantial set of targets to work through and the four star rollovers add scoring variety. The three flippers open up extra attacking angles, and the dual inlanes help feed controlled shots, all in service of the epic Roman theme. It’s a target-rich design that rewards accurate shooting and keeping the ball moving through that busy field.
Ben-Hur is a fine example of the broader, international sweep of pinball history beyond the familiar American names. Staal built machines with real character, and this epic-themed title carries the European flipper tradition with its own distinctive flavor, drawing on one of the most enduring tales of the ancient world. 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. Clear that five-bank, work the nine standups, and race your chariot to glory. The far corners of pinball history hold plenty of epic surprises, and this Spanish machine is one of them. To the arena, and drop a coin.