Williams
Cyclone Pinside Rating
This game received 266 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.593 /10
Cyclone
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 7.69
Artwork: 7.673
Sounds/Music: 6.746
Other Aspects: 7.64
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 6 of us have rated this game.
Found 143 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 143 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 4 of 6.
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6.606/10
10 years ago
Cayce, SC
Cyclone is a classic. I remember it in arcades everywhere when I was a kid. The backglass with Ronald and Nancy Reagan is probably one of the most famous in pinball. Great Python artwork. This game has a lot going on with ramps, however it just doesn't come to life with out multiball. If this game had multiball it would be rated much higher. All the ramps are just screaming for 3 or 4 ball multiball. It would really make this game come to life. However there is only 1 lone ball. And it gets old shooting the same shots over and over. It's always fun for some nostalgia though.
Hornchurch
7.740/10
10 years ago
Great game, owned it thrice now. The gameplay can get old but the theme is great and the action is pinball in its purest form. Awesome game for a mid to large size collection, but could not keep it in my one or two pin lineup.
8.637/10
10 years ago
I think this game is a real pinball players machine. No multi ball, earlier solid state design and technology, obvious theme, great art for the day. Everybody raves about WPC and the latest Stern stuff, but putting up a good score on this game means you are a true pinball player. Playfield layout encourages careful shots, the "ruleset" is not so complicated that it distracts. Anyone can get a high score with 3 balls on the playfield. Try and find another game with playfield art this detailed. Not trying to take away from newer titles, but this game is a fine example of true pinball.
6.271/10
10 years ago
Overall a fairly decent and fun game. I have trouble with the music which makes it sound a bit on the childish side. The caller is fun though - “You sir and you mamâ€â€¦ “hey youâ€. The ball play is surprisingly fast and although the game rules are not very deep it's really pretty fun. Shots are pretty easy, probably a great game for the younger kids. But it was made in the era of multiball play and that sets it back. Enjoyed it for a few months but don't think I'll miss this one very much.
7.735/10
10 years ago
A very good game with a huge fun factor and great for all ages. If this had multiball it would be a top 25 game but still very challenging with a good scoring system.
8.996/10
10 years ago
Love this game, I think it represents all of what is pinball. A classic and a great game for beginner or pro. Probably my all time fav and a keeper!!
7.408/10
10 years ago
An awesome game by Python Angelo. I love the music and simple rules in this game, reminds me a lot of Taxi. The art is pretty good (your ball is part of the amusement park!). Despite the flow-breaking ferris wheel, I love the layout of the game too - nailing the Comet for million is awesome!
9.600/10
10 years ago
Cyclone to me is the perfect theme. It makes sense. You are in an amusement park and can go on different rides. There is no multiball, which I think helps keep things nice and simple. Its all about getting the high score.
7.274/10
10 years ago
We have a somewhat beat up Cyclone at my league's home bar and I play it quite often. This is a game that will make you a better pinball player. Simple rules, but brutally hard for the novice. Takes some serious nudging and finesse to keep the ball alive. Keep playing it until you learn to nail the jackpot and ferris wheel. I guarantee you will love the game once you do.
9.225/10
10 years ago
I have always loved this pin. It is the only pin I remember playing as a child. And Coney Island is like my birthright, as my parents are from Brooklyn.
Cyclone, as stated by others here, is pure pinball fun. The ramps, the toys, the sounds, all of it forms the perfect package. And, of course, my favorite artist, Python Angelo, in all his glory.
No multiball? Who cares! Fast and fun, Cyclone is a winner!
Cyclone, as stated by others here, is pure pinball fun. The ramps, the toys, the sounds, all of it forms the perfect package. And, of course, my favorite artist, Python Angelo, in all his glory.
No multiball? Who cares! Fast and fun, Cyclone is a winner!
7.656/10
11 years ago
played this machine a lot in the early 90's and when I went through those dry years of not seeing a pinball machine ever this was the one I would usually think about. a nice bridge of a game from the 70's era machines to where they would end up just a few short years later. a good game that's easy to fix when it's broke but far from the best that pinball has to offer
9.646/10
11 years ago
Best of the roller coaster trilogy by far and even after playing this on and off for nearly 25 years one of my favorites!
7.802/10
11 years ago
23 things I look for:
* Asymmetry: Good. Feels symmetrical, but the location of PF elements is actually not.
* Backhands: Very good. Left flipper CAN make Cyclone shot, can the right flipper make the Comet?
* Ball Control/Hazards: Excellent. It's almost too hard. Very challenging lower playfield post minefield.
* Ball Time: Short. Tough game.
* Drops (Sweepable): POOR. One drop that is a dead-center shot.
* Flasher Blinding: Very good. There are flashers, but they don't try to blind you.
* Flow/Stop n Go: OK. The ramps are VERY fast, but the Ferris wheel is your stop and take a drink shot. Same with Dracula.
* Fun/Lastability: Very good. It's a "just one more game" at 3 balls, and it looks so deceptively easy, it's hard to not try again.
* Inlane Flow: Very good, although mine sticks a bit on the left. I need to make sure I have the right sling rubbers installed.
* Lateral movement/Nudging: Excellent. Best lower nudge solid state I have other than perhaps Seawitch.
* Multiball: POOR. No multiball.
* Orbit Shots: POOR. no orbit shots.
* Originality: Excellent. While there was a "cyclone" EM game, there's nothing like this one.
* Outlane save-ability: Very good, but for some reason the outlane posts being a bit LOW, means saves are really tough. My dream would be posts about 1/4" up higher in the lanes.
* Ramp/Orbit Re-entry Speed: Fair. Entry to ramps is 100% fast, but there is a deliberate slow-down on the return. This is no Taxi.
* Pop bumpers: Very good. They are 95% helpful, and score the VERY important 1-2-3 lanes for you for the 20-second double scoring.
* Scoring Balance: POOR. BIG jackpot (can) ruin the balance of the game. If you are serious about your scores, drain that jackpot once before starting a game.
* Skill shot: Excellent. It's all about a great release in the right spot.
* Sound/Callouts/Voice: Excellent. Love those callouts and the music is great.
* Spinners: POOR. None in the game.
* Theme/Art/Lights: Very good. Pleasing lights. Fun theme. Feels warm and inviting. Stick with 44s.
* Toys/Gimmicks: Very good. First scoop in a game, and ferris wheel never gets old. Just relax and enjoy.
SUMMARY
Cyclone is a darling. The music is endearing. The sound effects and callouts are memorable and classic. Beautiful art work and lights. Has a solid tight feel. Both ramp shots feel very good. It's a little stop n go for my taste with the Ferris Wheel, and Cellar Shot taking 10 seconds to complete. I like how challenging the lower PF lateral bounce is. You really have to pay attention on this pin, it is deceivingly difficult with frequent outlane drains. Forces you to become a nudge-master. Upper PF pops are rewarding and powerful. Cyclone is very good. It has a few posts that get in the way of "great" flow, and so it's just "decent" flow. Outlanes drain too easily with no remorse. Keep an eye open. Better yet, keep both eyes open. You'll need 'em both.
* Asymmetry: Good. Feels symmetrical, but the location of PF elements is actually not.
* Backhands: Very good. Left flipper CAN make Cyclone shot, can the right flipper make the Comet?
* Ball Control/Hazards: Excellent. It's almost too hard. Very challenging lower playfield post minefield.
* Ball Time: Short. Tough game.
* Drops (Sweepable): POOR. One drop that is a dead-center shot.
* Flasher Blinding: Very good. There are flashers, but they don't try to blind you.
* Flow/Stop n Go: OK. The ramps are VERY fast, but the Ferris wheel is your stop and take a drink shot. Same with Dracula.
* Fun/Lastability: Very good. It's a "just one more game" at 3 balls, and it looks so deceptively easy, it's hard to not try again.
* Inlane Flow: Very good, although mine sticks a bit on the left. I need to make sure I have the right sling rubbers installed.
* Lateral movement/Nudging: Excellent. Best lower nudge solid state I have other than perhaps Seawitch.
* Multiball: POOR. No multiball.
* Orbit Shots: POOR. no orbit shots.
* Originality: Excellent. While there was a "cyclone" EM game, there's nothing like this one.
* Outlane save-ability: Very good, but for some reason the outlane posts being a bit LOW, means saves are really tough. My dream would be posts about 1/4" up higher in the lanes.
* Ramp/Orbit Re-entry Speed: Fair. Entry to ramps is 100% fast, but there is a deliberate slow-down on the return. This is no Taxi.
* Pop bumpers: Very good. They are 95% helpful, and score the VERY important 1-2-3 lanes for you for the 20-second double scoring.
* Scoring Balance: POOR. BIG jackpot (can) ruin the balance of the game. If you are serious about your scores, drain that jackpot once before starting a game.
* Skill shot: Excellent. It's all about a great release in the right spot.
* Sound/Callouts/Voice: Excellent. Love those callouts and the music is great.
* Spinners: POOR. None in the game.
* Theme/Art/Lights: Very good. Pleasing lights. Fun theme. Feels warm and inviting. Stick with 44s.
* Toys/Gimmicks: Very good. First scoop in a game, and ferris wheel never gets old. Just relax and enjoy.
SUMMARY
Cyclone is a darling. The music is endearing. The sound effects and callouts are memorable and classic. Beautiful art work and lights. Has a solid tight feel. Both ramp shots feel very good. It's a little stop n go for my taste with the Ferris Wheel, and Cellar Shot taking 10 seconds to complete. I like how challenging the lower PF lateral bounce is. You really have to pay attention on this pin, it is deceivingly difficult with frequent outlane drains. Forces you to become a nudge-master. Upper PF pops are rewarding and powerful. Cyclone is very good. It has a few posts that get in the way of "great" flow, and so it's just "decent" flow. Outlanes drain too easily with no remorse. Keep an eye open. Better yet, keep both eyes open. You'll need 'em both.
9.558/10
11 years ago
How is this not ranked higher? Probably one of the most playable pins ever. The ramps are all achievable, but still challenging. The Ferris Wheel is a great addition not scene often. The sound sometimes gets a little overplayed, but it is in tune with the theme. You can play this 30 times in a row and still want to come back.
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