Ten Stars is a quintessential piece of Zaccaria’s golden-era output, capturing the manufacturer’s signature approach to the space-fantasy aesthetic of the late 1970s. With art direction by the legendary Lorenzo Rimondini, the machine leans heavily into a cosmic theme that feels both nostalgic and distinctly European. Designed as a single-player electro-mechanical experience, it utilizes traditional score reels to track your progress as you navigate a playfield that prioritizes rhythm and precision over the frantic, multi-ball chaos of modern machines.
The mechanical layout is deceptively simple, centered around a classic two-flipper configuration that demands mastery of the ball’s trajectory. Players are tasked with clearing a bank of four drop targets and three standup targets to build their score, with a well-placed kick-out hole acting as the primary source of excitement and potential scoring spikes. Three pop bumpers and a pair of slingshots keep the action lively, providing the unpredictable, erratic movement that defines the charm of these vintage EM tables.
For those looking to dominate the high-score list, strategy on Ten Stars revolves around managing the drop target bank. Because the playfield is relatively uncluttered, the game rewards a methodical approach; rather than wild shots, focus on controlling the ball off the slingshots to set up clean, direct hits on the targets. It is a game of patience and steady nerves, standing as a testament to Zaccaria’s ability to create a compelling, high-stakes atmosphere within a streamlined, classic design.