Gottlieb's "Hearts and Spades," an electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine from April 1969, stands as a distinctive entry in the company's long lineage of coin-operated games. Designed by Ed Krynski, with artwork by Art Stenholm, this 1-player add-a-ball title captivated players with its card-themed presentation and engaging gameplay mechanics. Produced in a limited run of 615 units, "Hearts and Spades" was a counterpart to the replay version, "Spin-A-Card," a common practice for Gottlieb in that era, offering operators choice based on their market's preference for extra balls or free games. The machine emerged during a transitional period for pinball design, pushing boundaries with both its aesthetic and its approach to player engagement. Notable for its unique backbox construction, featuring beaded side panels, a design element sparingly used on Gottlieb games from 1969, "Hearts and Spades" presented an intriguing visual departure from the typical wedgehead silhouette.

Signature Features and Design

"Hearts and Spades" distinguishes itself through a combination of thoughtful design and innovative features that enhance its appeal. Central to its visual identity is the striking card and gambling theme, brought to life by Art Stenholm's artwork. The bright colors, particularly on the cabinet, which utilizes stencils mimicking navy and aqua diamonds, contribute to an inviting aesthetic. The backglass, beyond its thematic depiction, incorporates a series of ten spinning lights, an eye-catching element that provides dynamic visual feedback during play.

Beyond the artwork, the machine features a unique backbox design often described as a "non-wedgehead wedgehead." While an experimental design from Gottlieb that did not become a standard, it lends "Hearts and Spades" a peculiar charm and rarity. Further enhancing its distinctive look are the cabinet's crown molding sides, a very unusual and elegant feature for a pinball machine. Mechanically, the game is equipped with two flippers, four pop bumpers, and two slingshots, all standard elements of the era that facilitate lively ball action. The inclusion of two kick-out holes is particularly notable, as both are designed to return the ball to the upper playfield, often feeding directly into the spinner, thus making that feature more active than in many other EM games. The most significant and captivating feature, however, is the "WOW When Lit" mechanic, a groundbreaking innovation for Gottlieb's add-a-ball games. This feature initiated a new era for how extra balls were awarded, turning a common bonus into a highly anticipated and thrilling objective.

Playfield and Mechanics

The playfield of "Hearts and Spades" is meticulously laid out to support its add-a-ball focus and card theme, encouraging a variety of shots and strategic progression. At the lower end, the two flippers guard the outlanes and allow for shots upfield. The central area is dominated by four pop bumpers, ensuring chaotic and unpredictable ball movement, often feeding the ball into scoring lanes or towards the key targets. On either side of the flippers, two slingshots provide reactive deflection, further adding to the ball's kinetic energy.

A defining characteristic of the playfield layout is the strategic placement of the two kick-out holes. Unlike designs that simply return the ball to the lower flipper area, these kick-out holes propel the ball back into the upper reaches of the playfield. This design choice often sends the ball directly through the spinner, maximizing its utility and making it a more integral part of the scoring strategy. The playfield integrates various targets and rollovers that align with the card theme, challenging players to complete specific sequences. For instance, the "HI" and "LO" sequences are critical for unlocking the "WOW" feature, requiring precision and control to light up corresponding targets. While the overall playfield art is bright and colorful, one perspective notes an abundance of turquoise paint, though this does not detract from the clear delineation of targets and pathways. The lighting system, while characteristic of EM machines, effectively highlights lit targets and scoring opportunities, guiding the player's attention through the evolving game state. The flow of "Hearts and Spades" is designed to be active and engaging, offering a "nice array of shots to try in every direction," which contributes to a dynamic and immersive experience.

Gameplay Dynamics

"Hearts and Spades" leverages its add-a-ball specialty to create a gameplay experience that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The core progression revolves around completing card-themed objectives and, crucially, earning additional balls. Unlike some add-a-ball games that might limit extra ball awards, "Hearts and Spades" allows for winning multiple extra balls, a feature that can significantly extend game times and heighten the player's excitement.

The "WOW When Lit" feature is the heart of this machine's gameplay dynamics. Achieving specific targets or rollovers on the playfield will light the "WOW" feature, making it available to collect. The thrill intensifies with the possibility of earning two "WOWs" by successfully completing both the "HI" and "LO" sequences. This multi-layered objective adds depth and strategy, as players must decide whether to focus on completing one sequence for a single "WOW" or push for both for an even greater reward. The game offers "tons of great shots to make," ensuring that players are constantly engaged in active gameplay rather than passively waiting for the ball to return to the flippers. Scoring is based on hitting various targets and rollovers, with points accumulating as players progress through the card sequences. Achieving a high score, such as 100,000 points, is a significant challenge, requiring skillful play and a streak of "WOW" awards. One particular challenge noted by players is the difficulty in hitting the "10-Ace" targets, adding another layer of skill requirement. The bells, providing the machine's primary auditory feedback, are remarkably "noisy," described by owners as the "loudest," adding to the game's vibrant and energetic atmosphere. This blend of strategic objectives, rewarding extra ball mechanics, and active playfield elements ensures that each game of "Hearts and Spades" is filled with anticipation and the potential for an extended, high-scoring session.

Reception and Legacy

"Hearts and Spades" has garnered overwhelmingly positive sentiment within the pinball community, with many enthusiasts considering it a favorite and highly desirable machine to play or own. Its rarity contributes to its allure, making it a sought-after title for collectors. The game is frequently praised for its addictive qualities, often described as "thrilling" and a "great game" that elicits fond memories, particularly for those who encountered it in their youth.

A significant strength of "Hearts and Spades" is its add-a-ball (AAB) system, widely regarded as one of the better implementations of its kind. The ability to win multiple extra balls, rather than being limited to just one, is a key draw, enabling the long game times that pinball players often crave. The "WOW When Lit" feature is consistently highlighted as a major positive, marking a notable evolution for Gottlieb's AAB games and providing a substantial thrill with each successful activation. Reviewers appreciate the numerous enjoyable shots available on the playfield, contributing to dynamic and active gameplay. The unique backbox design, despite being an experimental and ultimately non-standard Gottlieb feature, adds to the machine's distinctive character without detracting from its playability. Similarly, the crown molding sides on the cabinet are recognized as a very unique aesthetic touch. The bright and colorful artwork, particularly on the cabinet, receives positive comments, though some note that the playfield art, while functional, uses what they perceive as too much turquoise paint. Another point of discussion among players pertains to the play speed, with one observation noting it could be "kind of slow" and occasionally resulted in the ball hanging at the top of the playfield. However, these minor critiques are largely overshadowed by the machine's overall engaging gameplay and high replayability. The challenging rule set, especially the "10-Ace" objective and the pursuit of high scores, ensures that players remain invested. "Hearts and Spades" holds a solid reputation as a compelling and enjoyable EM pinball machine, influencing future Gottlieb AAB designs by demonstrating the power of a deeply integrated and rewarding extra ball mechanic.