The allure of the pinball machine often stems from its blend of mechanical ingenuity, artistic flair, and engaging gameplay. Among the diverse offerings from manufacturers worldwide, Zaccaria's "Devil Riders" stands out as a unique entry from the early 1980s, presenting a distinct vision of pinball entertainment.

History and Background

Zaccaria, an Italian manufacturer, launched "Devil Riders" in January 1984. This machine emerged from a period of innovation for Zaccaria, specifically within their Generation 2 MPU era, known for pushing boundaries in solid-state electronic pinball design. With a production run of 2,216 units, "Devil Riders" represented a significant release for the company, establishing its presence in a market often dominated by American manufacturers.

The theme of "Devil Riders" immerses players in a world of carnival stunt performances and motorcycle daring, drawing inspiration from daredevil acts. The cabinet artwork, silk-screened with vibrant depictions of riders and circus motifs, sets the stage for the action within. Lorenzo Rimondini is credited with the machine's distinctive artwork, contributing to its visual identity. This theme is reinforced by the machine's marketing slogan: "When challenge makes men feel alive…" — a direct invitation to engage with the risks and rewards of the game. A noteworthy aspect of its design is the inclusion of a mechanical backbox animation, a feature that distinguishes it from many contemporaries and contributes to its thematic immersion. This backbox element, combined with a neon tube that illuminates the inner backbox artwork, showcases Zaccaria's commitment to visual spectacle.

Signature Features and Design

"Devil Riders" is defined by several standout elements that elevate its gameplay and visual appeal. Foremost among these is the transparent upper playfield, a design choice that offers a clear view of the lower playfield action and the pop bumpers positioned beneath. This not only creates an open, dynamic playing space but also allows for a unique ball trajectory experience.

Complementing this, the machine features a total of six flippers: two on the main playfield, two on the transparent upper playfield, and two "React" flippers strategically placed in the outlanes. These "React" flippers are a ball-save mechanism, offering a last-chance opportunity to return the ball to play, demanding precise timing and quick reflexes from the player. This feature transforms what would typically be a lost ball into a potential save, extending gameplay and intensifying the challenge.

The mechanical backbox animation is another signature feature. A small motorcycle performs loops behind the backglass, activating each time the ball successfully enters the upper playfield. This not only serves as a visual reward for reaching the upper area but also reinforces the daredevil theme. Further enhancing the visual presentation, a neon tube illuminates the perimeter of the backglass, casting a distinct glow that separates the outer backglass from the inner molded artwork, adding depth and atmosphere to the machine’s display.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Devil Riders" is laid out with a deliberate flow, designed to guide the player through a progression of objectives. The lower main playfield features an elevated ball shooter lane, setting the tone for a game that emphasizes verticality. Central to the gameplay are six drop targets. These targets are strategically positioned to guard access to the two ramps that lead to the upper playfield. When these drop targets are successfully knocked down, the ramps, which are initially elevated above ball level, physically fall into place, allowing the ball to enter the upper transparent playfield. This "drawbridge" mechanism is a unique interactive element, creating a tangible sense of progression and reward.

Once on the upper playfield, the ball navigates an area populated by four pop bumpers. The transparent nature of this upper level provides an unobstructed view of the ball's chaotic movement among these bumpers before it returns to the main playfield, often through the same ramps it ascended. The overall aesthetic of the playfield, with its vibrant colors and circus-themed artwork by Lorenzo Rimondini, integrates seamlessly with the mechanical features. The lighting, particularly the neon in the backbox, contributes to the machine's overall atmosphere, creating an engaging visual environment that underscores the stunt motorcycle theme.

Gameplay Dynamics

"Devil Riders" establishes a clear gameplay objective centered on accessing its distinctive upper playfield. The primary progression involves hitting the six drop targets on the main playfield. Each successful hit contributes to lowering the ramps, creating a visible and tactile achievement for the player. Once both ramps are lowered, the path to the transparent upper playfield is open, leading to a different scoring environment centered around the four pop bumpers. This creates a two-tiered gameplay experience, where success on the lower playfield unlocks higher scoring opportunities.

The "React" flippers in the outlanes introduce a unique challenge and ball-saving mechanic. Unlike traditional pinball machines where an outlane drain is typically final, "Devil Riders" provides a chance to recover the ball. Players must time their flipper presses precisely to propel the ball back into play, transforming a potential loss into a moment of heightened tension and reward. While the game's core rules may appear straightforward—clearing targets to access the upper playfield—the inclusion of the "React" flippers and the dynamic ramp system ensures a demanding and engaging experience. The constant pursuit of opening the upper playfield, coupled with the last-ditch efforts to save the ball, provides a gameplay loop that often prompts players to attempt "just one more game."

Reception and Legacy

"Devil Riders" has carved out a distinct reputation within the pinball community, largely due to its unconventional design and Zaccaria's manufacturing approach. Its strengths are frequently cited as the bold and colorful artwork, including the silk-screened cabinet and the molded 3D backbox art, which provide a captivating visual presence. The clear upper playfield is consistently praised for its unique aesthetic and for allowing players to observe the ball's movement through the pop bumpers beneath. The neon lighting in the backbox and the animated motorcycle feature are also noted as appealing visual enhancements that set the machine apart.

The "React" flippers in the outlanes are often highlighted as a clever and satisfying feature, providing a challenging yet rewarding ball-save mechanism that distinguishes the gameplay. Zaccaria's build quality is frequently commended, with collectors noting the robust cabinets, durable playfields (even in the absence of mylar, a protective coating), and reliable internal components. Despite some players finding the sound effects unusual or the speech quality less refined than American counterparts, the game's overall "addictiveness" is frequently mentioned, with many finding themselves drawn back to the challenge of reaching the upper playfield. While some feedback points to the gameplay depth as being somewhat limited or repetitive, the unique mechanics and visual flair often outweigh these critiques, securing its place as a desirable machine for those seeking something distinct from the dominant pinball designs of the era. Its multi-level playfield and innovative ball-save solutions demonstrate Zaccaria's inventive spirit, leaving a legacy of unique design contributions to pinball history.