Totem, released by Electromatic Brasil in 1979, serves as a fascinating relic of international pinball history, bringing the aesthetic of the American West to a classic four-player electromechanical platform. While it lacks the high-tech wizardry of modern machines, its charm lies in the tactile satisfaction of its drop target banks and the iconic mechanical score reels. Featuring a pair of flippers and a standard playfield layout, the game challenges players to navigate a series of star rollovers and standup targets that capture the spirit of the late-70s arcade era.
Mastering Totem is all about managing your bonus progression, which is the key to climbing the high score ranks. A standout strategy involves the vari-target positioned in the left orbit; driving it back as far as possible is essential for boosting your bonus multiplier. Additionally, players should prioritize cycling through the right orbit rollovers to build a base score, while simultaneously working to clear the two-bank drop target arrays. Completing these banks, along with their corresponding top lanes, creates a rewarding loop of point accumulation that separates the novices from the veterans.
The machine’s design is deceptively straightforward, utilizing dual inlanes on the left to keep the ball moving through the action-heavy playfield. With only two pop bumpers and a single kick-out hole to contend with, the flow of the game is dictated by your ability to maintain control on the flippers while accurately picking off the drop targets. For those who appreciate the raw, rhythmic clatter of an EM machine, Totem remains a quintessential test of precision and patience, proving that even a simple western-themed layout can offer a deep, strategic experience.