Ballsofsteel's ratings
Pinsider Ballsofsteel has rated 81 machines.
This page shows all all these ratings, and forms Ballsofsteel's personal top 81.
Rating comments
9.436/10
6 years ago
Riverton, WY
for once, i think the premium/le is substantially better than the pro model. you take the hyper drive metal ball loops off, and add plastic ramps on the pro and it just doesn't have the 'it' factor anymore. I enjoy the pro model more than recent sterns (aerosmith, ghostbuster, and batman), but it doesn't stack up to the premium.
the hyper loop toy is one of the most fun implemented toys stern has had recently, that actually matches the theme well. you take that away from the game, and it just isn't as exciting. don't knock this model until you have played it, it is going to gain fans once they get over what theyhad originally expected of the machine.
the premium is just solid, plays well, rules are great, code (.89) is horrible but shows promise.
the hyper loop toy is one of the most fun implemented toys stern has had recently, that actually matches the theme well. you take that away from the game, and it just isn't as exciting. don't knock this model until you have played it, it is going to gain fans once they get over what theyhad originally expected of the machine.
the premium is just solid, plays well, rules are great, code (.89) is horrible but shows promise.
8.600/10
6 years ago
Star Wars (Pro) Stern, 2017
only 10 games or so played.
1. early code vers .87 or something?
2. good looking machine, it isn't Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, or Metallica by any means.
3. playfield was ok, not bad, not good.
4. i like the non typical plunge into either the 3 bank, or try for the 5 drops.
5. i enjoy the option of selecting a character for different strategies.
6. i enjoy selecting play bonuses/options each ball for that character.
7. gameplay. This machine feels like a super fast SS. with the inner horseshoe looops and orbits, the ball doesn't leave the playfield much unless you start comboing ramps.
8. rules. well, there's a bunch. this game is GOT pro model on steriods, options for stacking 2 modes, stacking abilities for 9? multi balls.
overall feel? i think it is a fast challenging game, but not as tough as some others like TWD or GB. all of the shots are deep, i enjoy that. I don't really enjoy the 3 bank target area, i feel that is was an afterthought or something. They missed an opertunity for something more there to make the game more interactive.
overall, i really enjoyed the game. you get so immersed in the gameplay that you really don't have time to look up and see the pf or the display on the backbox, just the shots you are trying to make and combo.
i'll have to play more, and hopefully on updated/newer software. I would say it is equally as fun as GOT, but with more depth and lightening gameplay.
1. early code vers .87 or something?
2. good looking machine, it isn't Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, or Metallica by any means.
3. playfield was ok, not bad, not good.
4. i like the non typical plunge into either the 3 bank, or try for the 5 drops.
5. i enjoy the option of selecting a character for different strategies.
6. i enjoy selecting play bonuses/options each ball for that character.
7. gameplay. This machine feels like a super fast SS. with the inner horseshoe looops and orbits, the ball doesn't leave the playfield much unless you start comboing ramps.
8. rules. well, there's a bunch. this game is GOT pro model on steriods, options for stacking 2 modes, stacking abilities for 9? multi balls.
overall feel? i think it is a fast challenging game, but not as tough as some others like TWD or GB. all of the shots are deep, i enjoy that. I don't really enjoy the 3 bank target area, i feel that is was an afterthought or something. They missed an opertunity for something more there to make the game more interactive.
overall, i really enjoyed the game. you get so immersed in the gameplay that you really don't have time to look up and see the pf or the display on the backbox, just the shots you are trying to make and combo.
i'll have to play more, and hopefully on updated/newer software. I would say it is equally as fun as GOT, but with more depth and lightening gameplay.
8.856/10
7 years ago
The Walking Dead (Pro) Stern, 2014
One of sterns toughest playing modern machines imo. I'm not baised that i own a pro, i honestly feel that it is one of sterns best modern efferts. the code, the dots, and the refreshing change in playfield layout makes it a winner. The outer lane drains and SDTM can be frustrating, but that's why this game is so tough to play. Shoot the drops, get em, or maybe the ball goes down outer lanes....maybe you get lucky and stack everything and the weapons for mode. Still haven't gotten close to 115 kills for last man standing, or siege, or terminus. I have gotten to horde often enough it is doable, and crossbow wizard mode only a couple time.
I find that the tunnel shot is extremely tight, and the riot shot is right up there. The only gimmie shots on the machine are well walker and the left ramp imo.
I'd recommend adding Clelands show callout code to the machine, great upgrade!
I find that the tunnel shot is extremely tight, and the riot shot is right up there. The only gimmie shots on the machine are well walker and the left ramp imo.
I'd recommend adding Clelands show callout code to the machine, great upgrade!
5.017/10
7 years ago
Tales from the Crypt Data East, 1993
what a clunk monster. not much fun here, well it is a data east...soooo. great theme and artwork, goes to show art and theme don't always equal a great shooter.
8.012/10
7 years ago
The Hobbit Jersey Jack, 2016
One of the best looking pins out there, the LE is gorgeous. I really don't understand the reasoning behind the upper right flipper, honestly. You can hit those drop targets with the lower flippers, and no upper ramp is designed in the machine. Ball and game times can be very long, and i really have yet to fully understand the ruleset. By far Jersey Jacks best machine to date.
5.799/10
7 years ago
Ghostbusters (Premium) Stern, 2016
love the magna slings, hate all of the airballs. I don't think i've ever played a pinball machine ever that has so many airballs, and i've played maybe 5 different machines. Starting same modes as ladder style each game gets old fast. premium/le plays much better than the pro model. artwork and sound is great, too bad it doesn't play as great as it looks.
9.300/10
8 years ago
Game Of Thrones (Pro) Stern, 2015
this game is too much fun. the shot layout and code for the houses and strategies adds a new depth/dimension to gameplay. love 6 balls (still haven't seen all 6 on the pf), and the multi balls (wall, hand of the king, and blackwater) are all extremely fun. One of Steve Richies top 3 of all time imo. make the dragons wings flap!
7.055/10
8 years ago
Casanova Williams, 1966
this game will kick your butt. small flippers, rollovers on the playfield, and tough outer lanes. great artwork, theme, and playfield layout. a great 60's Williams machine imo
9.680/10
9 years ago
Metallica (Pro) Stern, 2013
the depth of this machine is crazy (1.51). I used to hold ac/dc above this machine, but not since the updates. the combos, all of the MB modes, crank it up...etc, etc. blah blah...top 5 all time for me.
6.882/10
11 years ago
X-Men (LE) Stern, 2012
just can't get into the flow. played over 100 games i think so far on wolverine. love the lights and toys, not so much the layout, gameplay, and rules.
9.660/10
11 years ago
AC/DC (Premium) Stern, 2012
top 5 machine imo. soo fun, great party machine.
edit 2015:
the depth and strategy you choose for gameplay makes this my fav stern machine of all time.
edit 2015:
the depth and strategy you choose for gameplay makes this my fav stern machine of all time.
7.616/10
12 years ago
Sharkey's Shootout Stern, 2000
a lot of annoying voice clips. i really like the difference of gameplay in this versus other stern pins though..the outer lane pop up bumpers (initiated by pressing the lower flipper buttons), and the middle 3ball imbetween the flippers is a great addition. sort of grows on you with the 4 flipper buttons (2 for outer lane saves, and combined they pop up the 3 ball stopper imbetween the flippers. really good ideas., but came a little short. i love the pool ball drop target shots, and jeannette lee's voice clips are as sexy as she was/is!! a market here for pool lovers around the world. i'm glad they actually made a pool themed machine to accomodate this new century
edit;
after playing this machine over 200 times, i've changed my rating and opinion. at first, this game seems dull, with not a whole lot to shoot or play for. well, after finally 'really' understanding the rules, i love this machine. such a great strategy 'shooting' for the drop target cue balls, to lite the 8 or 9 ball to close the 'charactor' and open the next. finally got to wizard mode, and was it ever epic! the sound, the dislpay, the gameplay, the shots...all was what i was waiting for. this truly is a 'shooters' game were you have to aim for the drop targets, then hit your 8 or 9 ball shots. if you can find this machine for 1500 or so get it, i dont' see too many of these around
edit;
after playing this machine over 200 times, i've changed my rating and opinion. at first, this game seems dull, with not a whole lot to shoot or play for. well, after finally 'really' understanding the rules, i love this machine. such a great strategy 'shooting' for the drop target cue balls, to lite the 8 or 9 ball to close the 'charactor' and open the next. finally got to wizard mode, and was it ever epic! the sound, the dislpay, the gameplay, the shots...all was what i was waiting for. this truly is a 'shooters' game were you have to aim for the drop targets, then hit your 8 or 9 ball shots. if you can find this machine for 1500 or so get it, i dont' see too many of these around
8.456/10
12 years ago
Demolition Man Williams, 1994
i really enjoy the combo's in this game. and the cryo claw feature adds a nice change of game flow from the super fast combo game. i may adjust my rating....adjusted my rating..this machine gets better and better.
6.802/10
12 years ago
South Park Sega, 1999
one of my favorite animated series.....too bad they botched the pinball machine. horrible rules, no flow, poor lighting. i really wanted to love south park pin, but sega blew this one. the game gets old after killing kenny the second time. not many modes offered.
8.245/10
12 years ago
TRON: Legacy (Pro) Stern, 2011
SOFTWARE VERSION 1.5
super fast, the engineering of the playfield design was brilliant. yes comparible to FH, but it has a different flow from the combo shots and multiball modes. i've loved tron since the original early 80's movie and arcade game. the artwork, daft punk, and theme are all up my personal preferences. MB's can be stacked, hard to score, fun and fast. finally stern has come back somewhat (think RS, or AVATAR). A SHOOTERS GAME
super fast, the engineering of the playfield design was brilliant. yes comparible to FH, but it has a different flow from the combo shots and multiball modes. i've loved tron since the original early 80's movie and arcade game. the artwork, daft punk, and theme are all up my personal preferences. MB's can be stacked, hard to score, fun and fast. finally stern has come back somewhat (think RS, or AVATAR). A SHOOTERS GAME
7.944/10
12 years ago
Indiana Jones Stern, 2008
i prefer this IJ to the 1993 machine. i guess i'm one of a few out there. the williams 93 seems to cluttered to me, shots to close to the flippers in the lower playfield.
6.885/10
12 years ago
Haunted House Gottlieb, 1982
a 'dark' pin to say the least. seems murky to me. i do love the gameplay in the lower playfield though, and the flipper play on regular playfield keeps you on your toes at all times.
7.340/10
12 years ago
Earthshaker Williams, 1989
an underated game. fun factor is there, artwork kind of cheesy.
7.532/10
12 years ago
Indianapolis 500 Bally, 1995
really fast game. don't like upper right flipper shots when ball comes around left outer lane shot. can't see ball, just have to go on timing and 'feel'.
8.404/10
12 years ago
Family Guy Stern, 2007
family guy..top 3 funniest animated shows ever (in my opinion). just not a huge fan of the stewie playfield (kind of repetitious). the depth is there to make it a keeper
5.955/10
12 years ago
Whirlwind Williams, 1990
what a flop. spinning discs that annoy, not that much of a 'fun factor'. can't believe they actually produced this machine @ 7300 units....amazing.
8.260/10
12 years ago
Batman (The Dark Knight) Stern, 2008
I really enjoy the pf layout, the mb modes, and the scoring system on this one. a good stern with long ball times to mix things up. love the theme and toys.
6.440/10
12 years ago
Space Jam Sega, 1996
for sega, this is a fun machine. mj and the looney tunes, how can you not have fun? only downside, when in mode, you can't start other modes. only hit and lock multi balls....uggg. updated rating, had to lower it in the larger schemes of better pins.
8.920/10
12 years ago
Attack from Mars Bally, 1995
one of the 'mecca's' of pin. at first seems simple, and 'boring' to the normal player. deep game really. big points, and big aliens!
8.463/10
12 years ago
Dirty Harry Williams, 1995
love this game. flow and modes are rad. final mode is the best. 'do you feel lucky'
8.940/10
12 years ago
Lord of the Rings Stern, 2003
great theme, great playfield layout. great depth. love destroy the ring. will never get to wizard mode...maybe?
6.260/10
12 years ago
Pirates of the Caribbean Stern, 2006
really wanted to like this machine....i can't stand the flow of gameplay. too bad, great art, sound, and theme.
8.303/10
12 years ago
FunHouse Williams, 1990
i've seen this machine thrashed out..to a complete playfield and rudy replacement. if you can find a well playing FH....this is one of williams classics (imo). never get tired of rudy getting 'sleepy'. love working for the multi ball and super jackpots on this machine...a real players game.
edit11/21/11;
after more gameplay, i've realized the great lasting and 'fun' factor this creative machine has to offer. more points to a 'crazed' and outstanding williams machine!!
edit11/21/11;
after more gameplay, i've realized the great lasting and 'fun' factor this creative machine has to offer. more points to a 'crazed' and outstanding williams machine!!
7.728/10
12 years ago
Fish Tales Williams, 1992
this machine is funny for me. i played the hell out of it 10 years ago and hated it. now i like it. funny. changed my ratings. i love the 3 mb modes and doubling your jackpots with the captive ball. fun williams for sure, great theme and lots of fun!
8.523/10
12 years ago
Revenge From Mars Bally, 1999
a nice sister machine to AFM. I really enjoy the pinball 2000 in game monitor, as it adds a lot of fun to the gameplay. It get old shooting the middle ramp, but hey i guess its the same shot as AFM saucer.
8.520/10
12 years ago
Iron Man Stern, 2010
this is one of the fastest, most challenging sterns to play. war machine kickback will make you love/hate this game for sure. great flow with ramps, great depth, geat toys.
8.311/10
12 years ago
Medieval Madness Williams, 1997
the holy grail of pinball? we shall see. once saw earnings on a machine on location for 10years..was 62,000$. not bad.
