Devil Riders, Zaccaria’s high-octane 1984 release, stands as a masterclass in Italian engineering and mechanical spectacle. With a theme centered on the death-defying world of stunt motorcycles, the game showcases the artistic flair of Lorenzo Rimondini and features a rare, eye-catching mechanical animation in the backbox. The architecture is deceptively complex; while many games of the era relied on simple layouts, Devil Riders utilizes a dual-playfield design supported by a total of six flippers, creating a multi-tiered experience that demands precision across both the main floor and the elevated, transparent upper deck.
The machine’s mechanical personality is defined by its unconventional flipper arrangement. Beyond the standard main and upper playfield sets, Zaccaria included “React” flippers positioned near the outlanes, providing a daring chance to save a draining ball and zip it back into the action. To maximize your scoring potential, the playfield relies on a classic risk-reward loop: knocking down banks of drop targets lowers the ramps, granting access to the upper playfield where the big points live. However, experienced players often suggest a more conservative approach, noting that the 20,000-point targets on the upper level can be a trap; instead, focusing on ripping the orbits to build a consistent bonus is frequently the most reliable path to a high score.
Devil Riders is a quintessential “player’s game” that rewards those who can master its unique geometry. The transparent upper playfield creates a distinct visual rhythm, forcing you to track the ball across different elevations while the backbox animation keeps the energy high. It remains a standout piece in the Zaccaria catalog, proving that even in the mid-80s, European designers were willing to push the boundaries of what a pinball machine could look like and how it could challenge the player.