In a word, "Meh." This game has only two things going for it - it's pirate theme and name, Jolly Roger, which is the same name as a fabulous amusement park in Ocean City, Maryland.

The backglass is dull and there are a total of three shots to hit on the playfield. The goal is to advance the reel and then hit and collect the value. If you're looking for boring, look no further. The only reason I'm rating it as high as I am is because it's an EM.

I bought this game because it was a good price, I had just gotten started working on EM games, and we were having a Pirate themed party for our son. I thought I would fix it up and sell, but this will now be the last game I ever get rid of!

The 2" flippers are a challenge if you are not used to them, and their layout here makes cradling the ball a real skill, but they have the power to make some real rewarding shots. The reward for advancing the "cannon ball" at the way to the top is great, I am all about trying to win the extra ball in that left lane. Fun game for multiplayer since the cannon ball position carries over, and the "skill shot" of attempting to advance position using the 3 rollover buttons at top, or avoiding them when needed is invaluable. I prefer this setup to the other "collect the letters" EM games. The rotating value shot in the top middle is more of an afterthought for me though, pretty risky once you have things lit up.

Weakest part of the art package is the Backglass. I am sure some people love it, I have warmed up to it, but still isn't my favorite, but the playfield art is nice. I am all about the gameplay on this, looks basic at first, but once you learn a few tricks and give it a few games it is addicting.

I like Williams pins. This is a good 2-inch game.

Jolly Roger is a solid late 60's pin from Williams.

The Pros:
A great layout and a really nice PF art package. Clark and Marche doing what they do best. Good flow and a solid risk reward for shots. Nudging at the top lanes for the 100 point rollover is always nice as it is spread across the PF with 4 lanes. That top standup is a tough shot from eeeeti beeety fleeepers. The action is all about the pops on this deck.

The Cons:
I really am not a big fan of the BG. I'm a huge Marche fan... but this one does not do it for me.

The Takeaway:
This is a good game. Find one if you can.