Ratings

An overview of the latest machine ratings and reviews placed on the Pinside.

44 new ratings were added to the Pinside, in the past 24 hours!

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Found 55040 ratings (with comment)

There are 55,040 ratings (that include a comment).
Currently showing results page 5 of 2,202.

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9.600/10
8 days ago
Greatest Pinball I have ever played. I absolutely love it. Its a keeper for me.
9.500/10
8 days ago
So much fun! I highly recommend watching the original Jaws movie from 1975 first, then play the game. Great clips from the movie!
8.845/10
8 days ago
One of the most iconic games of the 70s. These demand a larger price than most games of the period. There's a reason common games like this are expensive and rare games are sometimes not. This game deserves it.
It looks great. Not Paul Faris' best art but good.
Sounds are fun. This is very early solid state so making it play a tune was big. My wife loves the tunes from these early games.
And now, the playfield and actual play. This game is simple enough to have its EM version, but there were many solid state games that didn't have this much to do for a few years afterward. This game was really ahead of its time. Just an absolute total package. It's quite difficult, but not unfair - you'll know you missed the shot. You have to learn the playfield.
Absolute blast.

*wife approval* She asked me to get it. 10/10.
7.015/10
8 days ago
First off, theme itself may annoy some, it did not turn me away. A bbq competition idea, I could go there. The strong points were the music, mushroom targets, ball lock switch target (cool) and the lighting including fire LEDs on the pops which were all creative. The gameplay was ok when the flippers were strong to complete ramp shots with the spinner. And that’s the rub, game is o-k, with very little else feeling really new or fresh. The Barry O touches from his greatest pins were probably well intended, but together didn’t add up to a better experience. Artwork and animations all around poor -not inspired, and mechanically the flippers were often weak, a step back from a solid game like Hotwheels. Maybe some of this will improve over time. Overall, appreciate the tribute, don’t mind the theme, disappointed it was not more fun.
7.746/10
8 days ago
Underrated pin, probably because it was surrounded by so many great ones from this period and it's just not going to stand out. This is a great choice for a budget buyer. Actually if you want one game, this is a great choice, but even if you have a lot this isn't bad. The left rollover shot is fun. I like this game more than many others from the time period.

*Wife approval* We're lucky to have a great example of this game at an arcade not too far away. She plays it once or twice each time we go there. I'll play it 3 or 4 times. She's a huge fan of early Bally SSs so I'm a bit surprised she doesn't play it more but it's ok, she gravitates to others.
10.000/10
9 days ago
Beautiful machine excellent build quality and fun to play
9.422/10
9 days ago
I made the bet to order the Jaws premium before trying it. I have to say I absolutely regret nothing, just like the movie, Jaws pinball is an instant classic!

The gameplay is simply superb, easy to enjoy no matter your skill level. Without being too complicated, the code remains deep, the modes, and the layout of the playfield fit the theme very well. With Bruce, the bash toy under the boat, and the motorized shark fin, the experience is simply mind-blowing. The idea of bounty hunters spreading blood in the water to attract prey is excellent.

Almost perfection, definitely a keeper and hard not to replay it again and again...
9.140/10
9 days ago
The Pros:
An original layout with lots to shoot for. Original and interesting placements of posts, walls and drop targets make this 3 flipper layout an original layout from a new designer AND a new company. I can play this game for hours and not care about the score on the screen. That's pinball fun right there! If I would give it a relational experience. Black Rose? But maybe with a bit more flow.

Wow!

I can't remember the last time this perfect storm of pinball has happened.

That and it's a Jim (muthafuckin') Henson theme! If he can pull off the original muppets in a pinball game... There's a new sheriff in town!

The Cons:
Some people won't like the licensed theme. A new company always has to deal with being the new kid on the block. Some of the shots that ramp from the third flipper (esp. that upper middle of shot) have a bit of clunk. I have only had the chance to play one copy of this game, so we will see what happens when I get to play another copy.

The Takeaway:
David's lessons from working with Spooky have paid off. Barrels of Fun's choices with their technology, business partners and creative design have paid off. The FAST system works great in a professional operator's environment. This game is a joy to shoot and while it doesn't have the polish that we see from a company like Stern or Chicago Gaming, their games feel as good as the newest JJP games and they have that 90's solid feel down! This is their very first game. I am impressed!

I was not sure what to think with this game and I am glad to have kept an open mind. This game is good enough that I may have to save my pennies and get a copy. Pinball has entered a new era that we haven't seen since the late seventies with excellent high quality games pinball coming from multiple companies.

In the late 1970's we had:
Williams
Bally
Gottlieb
Stern v.1

Today in 2024 we have:
Stern
Chicago Coin
Jersey Jack
American Pinball
Spooky

And now Barrels of Fun

Each of these companies have their advantages and detriments. Just like they did in the late 70's.

Today is a good day to be alive and playing pinball.
8.476/10
9 days ago
This is my favorite Spooky game yet. Especially since the theme is one of the most iconic horror movies of all time.

I think the layout is very innovative and the shots actually feel pretty smooth. The door shot is by far my favorite. When the door is opened it feels similar to finishing off saucers on Attack from Mars. It is a shame though that the majority of shots isn't backhandable (at least on the exact machine I played).

The hook lock unfortunately did not work but the meat grinder did and I have to say it is one of the most interesting ways to divert a ball off a ramp I've seen so far.

What I didn't expect is that you would play as the Sawyer family within the game. It is an interesting idea and I think it works out pretty well. I liked the game's rules so far and the modes and so on represent the movie quite good. I especially like the little blackouts on the screen as you finish a mode.

In terms of artwork I think the game looks excellent. The backglass could maybe have been a little better but other than that I really like it.

All in all, this is a good machine with an innovative layout, excellent artwork and a great representation of the Texas Chainsaw theme.
10.000/10
9 days ago
Mon préféré et même plutôt le Premium avec options + Mods ;)
6.830/10
9 days ago
The most interesting and best feeling Spooky pin yet...

There is a lack of polish to this table that may be improved on over time; between the graphics, animations, and score breakdowns, things are too busy and just slightly too formulaic. It is missing a bit of magic and a real push to keep with it, but these are things I could I expect to see code updates fix.

If you look too closely at some of the details, its hard not to notice little things like fonts being low resolution on the pin or keyhole cutouts exposing plywood where the art doesn't meet up with it. Too many little things that honestly should price this pin lower than it is but it is right up there with the big boys. Not a huge detractor but if I were interested in owning this machine, I would definitely nitpick a little.

Spooky did a great job using clips from the old cartoons to start modes and fuel structure into the modes. The art package is very good and took great use of the art with the backglass, playfield and minatures. The voices are excellent and guide objectives very well. It FEELS like Looney Tunes and they utilized the license to the best of their abilities. Music in the modes I was exposed to are all ripped straight from these cartoons (imagine the old classical music) and I found the sounds and music to be really charming.

There are a ton of colored wireform ramps all over this pin and something about them really looks cheap and less than premium. Having (almost) every ball launch start in a concealed scoop is not very fun and seems to hitch up the game in my opinion, really strange choice. My previous experience with Spooky through Scooby and Halloween left my expecatations low, but I liked my time on this pin a lot more than those ones. Those two feature a ton of hidden ramps and lanes under giant upper playfields and that is not the case here. Everything is exposed and for the better, much more fun to understand how you are missing and improving aim. The shots are fun and numerous, and I especially like the multiball rocket and magnetized entry hatch underneath Taz. These are the premium type of features that are fun to see and added great character to the table.

I will continue to monitor this table for the code updates that it likely needs, speeding up the animations and simplifiying some of the busy checklists/ heads up displays is sorely needed, but it is a good start and I am really happy to see Spooky making a more interesting and compelling table.
6.016/10
9 days ago
Again I have to compare this machine to other game from 1979 and older to make a fair comparison. It has a couple variations on the layout but nothing with a wow factor. Scoring is basic. To me there are many more much older games to play with more pizaaz.
Good for beginners though
5.825/10
9 days ago
Always hard to to adjust ny thoughts to how these machines were back in their era. Obviously the new games have all the bells and whistles.
So as far as 1977 games so it has a very basic layout with not a lot of thought in scoring. I bought this game for a buddy of mine and he loves it ...me I find other game of the era much more fun and challenging
9.480/10
10 days ago
One of my most favorite games and highly underrated since there aren’t many out there. I can play this game for hours on end. The endless tricks with this game I believe are better than Theatre of Magic.
6.382/10
10 days ago
Love the art, don't love the game. It's just not very good. I owned it in the past, and after about 5 plays I was ready to sell.
6.794/10
10 days ago
Currently own this game, really enjoyed it at first...got bored with it pretty quick. It's got some cool toys, and a nice video mode...but it just kinda feels like I'm doing the same 3 shots over and over and over.
6.574/10
10 days ago
I currently own the game, and live to look at it. The art is beautiful, especially the backglass. I wish I enjoyed playing it as much as I do looking at it. It's just OK. It's kinda fun, easy to explain to guests...but I don't think it's gonna last long here.
7.229/10
10 days ago
A surprisingly satisfying game. The shots are really great. The sounds are quite obviously first gen solid state and do leave a bit to be desired.

It’s very simple but unlike some other games of the time, you do get to keep working upwards towards a goal. I’ve played games where you’ve done everything and maxed your bonus and there really isn’t anything left to do, but Tri Zone has enough goals that you can keep going for a good long while. Basically spell TRI and ZONE, max bonus, max bonus multiplier, and rip the spinner.

I particularly like the feed from the right orbit, when timed just right you can send the ball right back up the spinner to the upper part of the playfield.

The theme is also kinda cool. Yellow skinned buxom retro futuristic racing I guess? No complaints about that.

All in all a solid game with fair rules and scoring. Seems like it’d be a good competition game.
10.000/10
10 days ago
I recently picked up a Dialed In in a trade and I am hooked! Every time I turn it on, I'm actually lose an hour. Imagine if you took a Jersey Jack sized budget and turned the entire theme budget into toys and mechs budget.

There's so much to do on this game without it feeling overcrowded or confusing. The theme is actually a tongue in cheek satire about societies dependence on technology and I've come to love it.

Every single shot in the game feels like a perfectly executed Pat Lawlor shot. Try not to listen to the internet's complaints about this game, they hate everything. Dialed In is phenomenal.
10.000/10
10 days ago
The first time I played Alien was a standard about a year ago. I couldn't stand the game. I thought it was poorly lit and not fun at all.

One of my homies just bought the Ripley version and WOW! I'm not sure how many code updates have happened between then and now, but this game is a masterpiece. I truly enjoyed every shot and was so sad when we had to walk away. The rules are a blast and really make you take a step back in how you're playing.

Also, massive improvements in lighting and playfield graphics.
8.576/10
10 days ago
Looking forward to Stern putting code updates in. Right now, my biggest gripe with the game is how often you have to watch a cutscene you can't skip.

Fantastic game that I love to shoot, looking forward to improvements
9.700/10
10 days ago
As I start rating games on Pinside, I'm going down the list of games I think are the greatest of all time.

While not the most popular game in the world, Space Station is certainly one that I'll camp on all night when I can. The lanes (or lack thereof) really force you to play this game different, and I love it. Lights are great, Multiball a blast, and the music is perfect. Ya like Swords of Vengeance? Have that music again lol

Simply put, I love this game and think it's an underrated gem and a must play.
8.976/10
10 days ago
Went to purchase a game and he had a PE that he let me play. I was not interested in the game due to the theme when it was announced but JJP knocked it out of the park. A week after playing it I had one. Game has amazing flow that rewards made shots by feeding the ball back to the flipper. Light show integration is the best of all time. You can feel the improvements they made to the flippers which felt weirdly disconnected while playing Toy Story. This makes Stern LE’s feel cheap and it comes with everything- topper, invisiglass, art blades, etc. as the base model.

Music can be a little slow at times but it’s playing a song in the background until you start something and just kind of falls into the background. Price is a little steep but compared to a stripped Stern where all the cool stuff got pulled due to budget, or American Pinball saving money on licensing which I have no doubt JJP had to pony up for I’d say it’s a better value. Wish there was a really cool toy besides the piano but I’m not sure where they would put it with all the ramps.

Overall I’d give the game a 9/10. If it was my dream theme with good integration like this I’d move it up to a 10/10. This will be a top 10 rated pinball of all time as of today.
10.000/10
10 days ago
Here it is... my first perfect score for a pin. I'm not particularly a fan of Elton John's music, though I do admit he has some certified bangers. I'm also not particularly a fan of Jersey Jack games, despite keeping 2 of them in my collection. So, to say I was not expecting much from Elton John would be an understatement.

But then I had a chance to play EJ, and watch better players play it, and I ended up ordering one for myself. It changed my mind after only a few games.

ADDENDUM: After a few games on this machine at home, I noticed some INCREDIBLE integration details that just left me stunned. Many may have noticed the callouts are in a hushed tone when the action is quiet, but when you play Pinball Wizard, there is astounding integration with the lyrics. On "blind," the machine goes completely dark for a fraction of a second. On "always gets a replay," the knocker taps lightly. And on "crazy flipper fingers," the flippers chatter.

If I could give the integration a 6 out of 5, I would.

Being a Jersey Jack game, I knew it would look pretty, but I don't think I was prepared for how this would look in person. I know it's a tired phrase at this point, but simply put, no photo or video equipment I'm aware of could accurately capture the lighting in person. In a word, it is stunning. It's bright, it's colorful, it's sparkly, it's dynamic... it's beautiful. And the LED panel wrapped around the piano is really cool, and when it does this sparkling effect, it's like a disco ball in your face. Crazy.

And the sound? In a word: incredible. It sounds like you're at a concert or listening to a live album on a great sound system. The music is bassy, clear, and seems to be at a quality sample rate. It's head and shoulders above prior music pins, and it's something Stern should take notice of, because it elevates the game.

But how does it play? Like the best of Steve Ritchie banged the very best of Steve Ritchie and had twins. As it has been noted, JJP finally addressed their weak flipper issues, and the flippers on Elton John are strong and snappy. They feel really excellent. The shots are flowy and satisfying, with a layout that is part Star Trek and part Spider-Man. That's not to say there isn't new stuff in this design. There's an interesting dead end shot that can capture the ball, an upper ramp that can divert to loop around, pop the ball into a physical lock in the piano, or drop the ball into the pops. There's a deadly bank of drop targets that unlock valuable rewards and complete hurry-ups. The upper flipper shots return the ball to the upper flipper to allow for repeat shots. There are several multiballs, combos to pick off, and rewards to collect. Even on early code, it's pretty feature-rich.

And perhaps most helpful at all are the callouts. Most of the callouts aren't Elton John, and are instead a rather non-descript British woman's voice. There's no apparent attempt at humor, and the delivery is more or less flat. Negative, right? Wrong. While I do wish there were more callouts from Elton John himself, the callouts are so clear and concise that they effectively help guide you to your next shot, while not detracting from the audiovisual madness playing out in front of you. Put another way, on a machine that overwhelms your senses, it's nice to have a voice of calm to latch onto.

If I had any gripes, it would be that I really dislike the spinner sound. It's an overpowering and cartoony fill-up sound, and I really hope JJP offers an update that allows you to replace it. Also, while most of the sculpts are nice, the dancer is a bit goofy looking.

I've only seen the Platiunum Edition in person, and have seen pics of the Collector's Edition. The topper for the CE looks incredible, with the laser lightshow and dual screens. I do, however, prefer the art and trim on the Platinum Edition. Were there a way to get the CE topper on the PE... best of both worlds. That's not to say the CE doesn't look nice, but it is a more understated cab design.

Jersey Jack has got a winner with Elton John. It is such a feast for the senses, and so fun and satisfying to flip, that it transcends its theme, offering something for everybody. This isn't just Jersey Jack's best game to date, but also Steve Ritchie's best game to date. Elton John is the first real threat to Godzilla for GOAT.
There are 55,040 ratings (that include a comment). Currently showing results page 5 of 2,202.

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