I really like this game. The Stewie pinball machine is my favorite toy from any pin. The part that makes it a keeper in my collection is that it is instantly accessible to new players while also being deep enough to keep experienced players coming back for a challenge.
Non pin players are drawn to Family Guy first out of all of my pins. Most people enjoy the theme while others are caught by the mini pinball machine. Playing the pin brings a smirk to anyone that plays due to the many humorous and numerous call-outs with the newest code. A new player can just flip the ball aimlessly and still have a good time with the pin and usually make it to Stewie pinball at least once.
Now, the advanced player who understands the rules will get an entirely different experience from this machine, all while still smirking from time to time by the call-outs. The TV mode is obtained by a certain number of spinner rotations that progressively advance for each new mode. I believe this is a step up from TSPP's hit the spinner once to re-light TV. Now while TV modes can't be stacked with each other, they can individually be stacked with the various multiball modes and other scoring events (Evil Monkey, Happy Hour, etc.). Stacking the right events with each can lead to HUGE scoring.
Some do not like the death post save. However, this is another part that seperates new plays from advanced. A new player will just see the death post as a way of keeping the ball in play a bit longer. However, the advanced player knows that letting the ball drop and settle to the left or right of the post will allow for a guaranteed Louis or Chris shot.
As for the Stewie playfield, I really enjoy it. You can post pass and backhand shots, while certain shots are more dangerous than others. Not everything is perfect, though. The Louis ramp can rarely be made from the left flipper due to power issues, you can't bounce pass, and sometimes a made Louis ramp shot will bounce the ball off the pf and into the drain.
I do have several dislikes on the game, mainly being the beer can modes. It'd be nice to somehow choose which mode you were about to be awarded. Too often do I get Happy Hour and Beer Scoring at times when it won't amount to much. My next complaint is Stewie Pinball turns up too often, which will kill the TV mode start when lit. Award me both! Although, I do like that you can remove one ball and the rubber post between the two Newton balls, allowing for the loose ball to roll back and forth from the two shot paths. Unfortunately, doing this will keep beginner players from frequently obtaining much Stewie Pinball time.
Anyways, the game is funny, has plenty to do once you know what to do, has pretty tough wizard modes, a very hard to obtain final wizard mode, is funny, and, most importantly, fun.
Cypress, TX
Paisley
Knokke
Melbourne
Baie-comeau, QC
