! SKILLSHOT !

Future Queen (Bell Games, 1987)

Released by Bell Games in 1987, Future Queen is a rare Italian pinball machine that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy in a uniquely European style. Manufactured during a creative period for smaller European companies, Future Queen is remembered today more for its scarcity and distinctive visual flair than for complex mechanical innovations. It represents a snapshot of a different approach to pinball compared to the major American manufacturers of the era.

The playfield design is straightforward, featuring a standard two-flipper setup with a set of spinners, stand-up targets, and a central ramp shot. There are no elaborate mechanical toys or multiball modes like many contemporary games, but Future Queen focuses on fast gameplay and simple objectives. Players are tasked with advancing through score levels, achieving bonus multipliers, and lighting features tied to the "Queen" character and her futuristic realm. Its emphasis on quick ball movement and sharp shooting gives the game a lively, arcade-style rhythm.

The artwork is bold and colorful, blending medieval royal imagery with futuristic landscapes and sci-fi motifs. The backglass features the Queen prominently in a fantastical setting filled with planets, futuristic towers, and starry skies. The overall aesthetic reflects the 1980s fascination with blending traditional storytelling with science fiction futures, all captured in a bright, high-contrast color palette that defines many European pinball machines of the time.

Production numbers for Future Queen were very low, likely fewer than 500 units, and the machine saw limited distribution outside Italy. Its rarity today makes it highly desirable among collectors, especially those interested in unusual or lesser-known international pinball titles. Surviving examples are particularly prized for their distinctive artwork and relatively simple but fast gameplay style.

Today, Future Queen is appreciated as a rare gem from a smaller manufacturer that dared to explore creative, offbeat themes. It serves as a reminder of the diversity in pinball history, where even lesser-known companies contributed unique and memorable machines to the arcade landscape.