Stern
Pirates of the Caribbean Pinside Rating
This game received 534 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.958 /10
Pirates of the Caribbean
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 8.098
Artwork: 7.777
Sounds/Music: 7.435
Other Aspects: 8.074
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 8 of us have rated this game.
Found 309 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 309 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 5 of 13.
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Oakland, CA
Melbourne
8.400/10
8 years ago
I personally own this one so I am a little biased. I really enjoy the theme and do not find the stand in voiceover callouts objectionable at all. game play is fun, but you really need to work to hit the wizard mode (complete the compass) a task I have yet to complete.
8.136/10
8 years ago
I Didn't think I was going to like this one but my wife loved it so i gave it a try.
I have to admit she was right! ( Don't let her know I said that! )
Sinking the ship is a great effect and ties to the theme very well.
Would I buy it? Yes
Update: After owning this machine for several years now and with the introduction of the JJP version of Pirates of the Caribbean, I thought it was time to give it a well-deserved update to my rating.
Over the years, my admiration for Stern's PoTC has only grown stronger. It has proven to be a true go-to in my collection, standing up to the test of time and providing countless hours of entertainment without losing its charm. The longevity and reliability of this machine have certainly contributed to my appreciation for it, as it continues to be a go-to option for myself and friends.
The JJP "Glitter Bomb" version undoubtedly brings its own unique flair and impressive technology, I found myself gravitating to the original Stern release with a new well deserved appreciation.
What sets the Stern's Pirates of the Caribbean apart for me is the balance it strikes between challenging gameplay, smooth flow, and an immersive theme. While the JJP version boasts stunning visuals and innovative mechanisms, there's something about the gameplay experience of the Stern's version that keeps me coming back for more.
As I reflect on my experiences with both machines, my updated rating for Stern's Pirates of the Caribbean is:
Updated Rating: 9.4/10
The JJP version is undeniably impressive and might be an excellent addition for fans of cutting-edge technology and visual extravagance. However, the Stern's version remains a standout choice in my collection due to its timeless appeal, reliable performance, and the sheer joy it brings to each play session.
In the end, personal preferences play a significant role in pinball machine appreciation, and I can confidently say that Stern's Pirates of the Caribbean has earned its place as one of my all-time favorite pinball experiences. Whether you're a seasoned pinball enthusiast or a casual player, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this machine to your collection for a swashbuckling good time.
I have to admit she was right! ( Don't let her know I said that! )
Sinking the ship is a great effect and ties to the theme very well.
Would I buy it? Yes
Update: After owning this machine for several years now and with the introduction of the JJP version of Pirates of the Caribbean, I thought it was time to give it a well-deserved update to my rating.
Over the years, my admiration for Stern's PoTC has only grown stronger. It has proven to be a true go-to in my collection, standing up to the test of time and providing countless hours of entertainment without losing its charm. The longevity and reliability of this machine have certainly contributed to my appreciation for it, as it continues to be a go-to option for myself and friends.
The JJP "Glitter Bomb" version undoubtedly brings its own unique flair and impressive technology, I found myself gravitating to the original Stern release with a new well deserved appreciation.
What sets the Stern's Pirates of the Caribbean apart for me is the balance it strikes between challenging gameplay, smooth flow, and an immersive theme. While the JJP version boasts stunning visuals and innovative mechanisms, there's something about the gameplay experience of the Stern's version that keeps me coming back for more.
As I reflect on my experiences with both machines, my updated rating for Stern's Pirates of the Caribbean is:
Updated Rating: 9.4/10
The JJP version is undeniably impressive and might be an excellent addition for fans of cutting-edge technology and visual extravagance. However, the Stern's version remains a standout choice in my collection due to its timeless appeal, reliable performance, and the sheer joy it brings to each play session.
In the end, personal preferences play a significant role in pinball machine appreciation, and I can confidently say that Stern's Pirates of the Caribbean has earned its place as one of my all-time favorite pinball experiences. Whether you're a seasoned pinball enthusiast or a casual player, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this machine to your collection for a swashbuckling good time.
6.998/10
8 years ago
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of those games that feels like the lower playfield is too bare and the upper playfield is too crowded. I liked the game play (sinking ships and attacking the Kraken is fun), but the shots seems like I was shooting longshots at wide open Swiss cheese.
The theme fits Pirates well, and I liked the DMD animations and I liked the call-outs. However, I just couldn't get in to the game. I'll bet this game could be fun for others who don't mind the barren playfield, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
I'd recommend playing Pirates, but not owning it.
The theme fits Pirates well, and I liked the DMD animations and I liked the call-outs. However, I just couldn't get in to the game. I'll bet this game could be fun for others who don't mind the barren playfield, but this wasn't my cup of tea.
I'd recommend playing Pirates, but not owning it.
8.308/10
8 years ago
This is a really great game. I felt they could've made the artwork a lot cooler on all aspects. But it's a really fun fast paced game with good angle shots. I love shooting the ship and fighting the kraken. One of my favorite games to play.
9.264/10
8 years ago
Lincoln, Uk
Bought this game a month ago, nice looking game. First thing I took the huge hideous clear plastic shield off, the ship looks much better without it.
The ship is one of pinball's greatest toys, but it's a little too easy to hit.
It's a very stop and go game, the Tortuga spinning thing really slows the game down.
Completing the compass for 4 winds multiball I have yet to do but it does seem do-able, not sure I will accomplish this before I get bored of the game though!
The pirates theme is well done, but links to the films are tenuous. With such huge licence potential, it's a shame that most of the callouts are done by a Johnny Depp soundalike (although he is pretty good!), but where are all the other characters?
Overall a good game, fun for novices and challenging for pros. Could've been a lot better though, seems like a bit of a missed opportunity.
The ship is one of pinball's greatest toys, but it's a little too easy to hit.
It's a very stop and go game, the Tortuga spinning thing really slows the game down.
Completing the compass for 4 winds multiball I have yet to do but it does seem do-able, not sure I will accomplish this before I get bored of the game though!
The pirates theme is well done, but links to the films are tenuous. With such huge licence potential, it's a shame that most of the callouts are done by a Johnny Depp soundalike (although he is pretty good!), but where are all the other characters?
Overall a good game, fun for novices and challenging for pros. Could've been a lot better though, seems like a bit of a missed opportunity.
Genk
7.904/10
9 years ago
Richmond Hill, ON
Played this game at a friend's house and absolutely fell in love with the game. I just had to get it and can't stop playing it. It flows, has multiple shots. Theme is awesome. I love it and absolutely recommend it to anyone planning on putting it in their collection.
6.573/10
9 years ago
For me there is something about this game that I just GET. I am not a huge fan of the theme ( I like the movies just isn't on my list of pins that need made) but I like how they integrated it. The sinking ship is really cool and for me the game objectives are pretty easy to follow. I know for some people the game isn't deep enough but it's good for where I am at. Things are well spelled out, clear objectives, and a lot of fun.
8.440/10
9 years ago
i'm a big fan of Pirates, think it deserves more love as one of Stern's top 5 games (with LOTR, TSPP, SM and Sopranos). The machine is visually stunning with such a wonderful theme to work with, and all those blues and golden yellows from sea, sun and sand .... plus treasure, the Kraken, the Jolly Roger and old octopus-head Geoffrey Rush being spiteful and deliberate. bring it on!
i think Martin Ayub's review in Pinball News was pretty spot on about the gloriously haunting music and the terrific fun factor on offer here. there are plenty of shots to aim at, and three playfield toys - a chest, a spinning disc, and of course a spectacular rocking pirate ship that can actually be sunk below the playfield. the game has a nice clear easily-understood but at the same time deepish ruleset, where you just have to complete all the points of the compass, with a few easy ones and a few dastardly ones to offset these, all culminating in a Wizard Mode that feels satisfying.
some people bemoan the lack of lots of Johnny Depp soundbites as Captain Jack Sparrow, but i reckon that if there had been some, they probably woulda got repetitive unless they built in about 100 random quotes and noises. and you never know, some clever person may even create a new sound ROM with some in it one day. it would certainly sell well.
anyway, overall i think POTC is a fine package. it will be in my collection for a lot longer than many other more popular titles, that's for sure.
i think Martin Ayub's review in Pinball News was pretty spot on about the gloriously haunting music and the terrific fun factor on offer here. there are plenty of shots to aim at, and three playfield toys - a chest, a spinning disc, and of course a spectacular rocking pirate ship that can actually be sunk below the playfield. the game has a nice clear easily-understood but at the same time deepish ruleset, where you just have to complete all the points of the compass, with a few easy ones and a few dastardly ones to offset these, all culminating in a Wizard Mode that feels satisfying.
some people bemoan the lack of lots of Johnny Depp soundbites as Captain Jack Sparrow, but i reckon that if there had been some, they probably woulda got repetitive unless they built in about 100 random quotes and noises. and you never know, some clever person may even create a new sound ROM with some in it one day. it would certainly sell well.
anyway, overall i think POTC is a fine package. it will be in my collection for a lot longer than many other more popular titles, that's for sure.
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