guymontag451's ratings
Pinsider guymontag451 has rated 120 machines.
This page shows all all these ratings, and forms guymontag451's personal top 120.
Rating comments
8.822/10
3 years ago
Portland, OR
One of my all time favorite wedgeheads, designed by the venerable Wayne Neyens. An INSANE layout, that is unlike anything else, and the ball action is superb. This game is the essence of pinball, and having to spell "SLICK" and "CHICK" sequentially is a major achievement in the development of scoring rules in the history of pinball. An absolute blast, and brutal (but all wedgeheads are). If you see it, play it.
7.735/10
3 years ago
Jurassic Park (Pro) Stern, 2019
Just a few things, since I know that I am in the minority on this one. 1) I love the rules and the depth of purpose and thought that went into them, there is always something to shoot for. Very situational, very cool, I love the wrinkles. 2) I love the theme, the music is great as well as the animations. I don't care at all about it being a unique story in the JP universe.
However, I don't believe the shots are all that great. They are novel, they are unique. Kudos on that front. I am happy that others enjoy it so much. But I feel like there is a lot missing shots and then they hit three things on the way back down to the flipper. It's full of medium to hard shots, that aren't super satisfying when hit. No real great payoffs with light or sound. They only become satisfying once you understand the rules and how close you were to something. My main gripe is this game has tight and mostly difficult shots, but you can miss them all day long and it doesn't punish you for it. I prefer the opposite approach. Easier shots (and usually backhandable) but BRUTAL when you miss them. WH20, Iron Man, Black Knight Pro, T2 as examples.
Still a great game. Still a fresh approach. But I personally will stick to my Black Knight Pro and my TNA when playing modern pinball.
However, I don't believe the shots are all that great. They are novel, they are unique. Kudos on that front. I am happy that others enjoy it so much. But I feel like there is a lot missing shots and then they hit three things on the way back down to the flipper. It's full of medium to hard shots, that aren't super satisfying when hit. No real great payoffs with light or sound. They only become satisfying once you understand the rules and how close you were to something. My main gripe is this game has tight and mostly difficult shots, but you can miss them all day long and it doesn't punish you for it. I prefer the opposite approach. Easier shots (and usually backhandable) but BRUTAL when you miss them. WH20, Iron Man, Black Knight Pro, T2 as examples.
Still a great game. Still a fresh approach. But I personally will stick to my Black Knight Pro and my TNA when playing modern pinball.
9.060/10
3 years ago
Total Nuclear Annihilation Spooky Pinball, 2017
Pretty much as good as pinball gets. Easy to learn, hard to master game. Sound, music, and lightshow absolutely mesmerize, and really bring the player into the game. A masterclass in the importance of light and sound in pinball. Love playing this game, one of my absolute favorites
3.476/10
3 years ago
Houdini American Pinball, 2017
Trying not to be mean, but I hate everything about this game. The art sucks, and the animations are laughable. The layout is clunky as hell and the inserts are poorly labeled and badly colored. The game also does a very bad job of showing you what to hit. At any given point, almost every shot on the playfield is lit making it hard to suss out what your goals should be. The voice for Houdini and the callouts make me cringe. No shot FEELS good, even after you clunk your way through it, and the choreography and fanfare is below subpar. I also had to give my first terrible rating ever to "lighting" category for this one. Having lights mounted SIDEWAYS and AWAY? from the flippers?? WTF?
8.724/10
3 years ago
Deadpool (Pro) Stern, 2018
A game that I had mostly dismissed when it launched, saw it as clunky and boring. But it has changed for me. The battles/teamups are simple and easy to understand, but fun and they add strategy. Art is phenomenal (All hail YETI), and the callouts are great. Gomez took some chance on this layout, and I think that overall the unique shots make it fun. Clunky as all hell, but still fun somehow. Katana ramp rules!
8.036/10
3 years ago
Munsters (Premium) Stern, 2019
This machine is next level gorgeous, especially with Franchi's Black and White art package. Kudos to Stern for taking the risk. Also the lower playfield is actually fun and really elevates the overall gameplay far above the pro and makes Grandpa's mode much better defined. Munster madness with both the upper and lower playfield multiballs is epic and a crazy/frenetic good time. The Paul Lind soundalike callouts are hilarious and the lightshow is fantastic. Classic Borg layout that shoots SUPER smooth. Don't mind the "shallow" code, just don't personally like Dwight's reliance on playfield multipliers in general. I also dislike the code in Star Wars, Ghostbusters, and GoT for the same reason. Even though all of those games have great moments in them. Dwight's code is a mixed bag for me. He is the best "moments" coder (lightsaber duel, storage facility multiball), but I HATE that playfield multipliers are the only path to scoring well in his recent games. Makes the games feel a bit broken in the scoring logic to me.
9.880/10
4 years ago
Black Knight Sword of Rage (Pro) Stern, 2019
So much better than the previous two Black Knight games! So fast! So smooth! The king is back, and his new Black Knight is the best that it has ever been. The RGB lightshow in this game is absolutely epic and well choreographed, the modes are differentiated well, and even the early code is set up very nicely. Easy to understand objectives, hard to complete. It's pinball at its best. The LCD is so well done, and I agree with Tim Sexton, definitely the best animations in a pinball machine ever. Steve's taunts as the black knight are hilarious, absolutely LOVE everything about this game! Can't wait to see 1.0 code, Stern really nailed it with this one. This is a perfect example of a '...just one more game' pinball. So much damn fun.
8.730/10
4 years ago
Target Alpha Gottlieb, 1976
The most iconic drop target game of all time. The game so good, Gottlieb re-skinned it 8x. Love the art package. Nice classic Sci-fi sillyness. Beautifully ingenious asymmetrical layout from the master of design Ed Krynski. This is a glorious example of what design genius in pinball looks like. If you like drop targets, you can't do much better.
8.567/10
4 years ago
Prospector Segasa-Sonic, 1977
The fastest EM I have ever played. The ball SCREAMS across the playfield. Whatever sonic used to coat these playfields are the best clear ever used in a pinball machine. Rolls as fast as a modern game with an EM layout. The two spinners are great, super satisfying to rip. Double bonus ladder is great, always something to shoot. I love the cabinet art especially, backglass and playfield art is cool but in some places the scale of things is off. However, the pin is great fun. SUPER fast for the era, with modern flipper size and placement, you get a lot of control which isn't always the case with EMs.
8.200/10
4 years ago
The Incredible Hulk Gottlieb, 1979
Awesome system 1 gottlieb. The art is fantastic all around, very cool mirrored backglass. Cool first gen sounds, unique kickers in place of the traditional slingshots. Great simple, but hard to accomplish ruleset. Basically a brilliant EM layout, with modern flippers and inlanes and sound. Great fun, a challenge to build the bonus and multiply it 5x to collect. Always has you going back for another game.
8.375/10
4 years ago
Skateball Bally, 1980
Probably my favorite of the classic Bally SS games. Weirdly flow-y for a single level game. Play one in good condition, and just try to stop. The pringles of pinball. Just one...more...game...
8.899/10
4 years ago
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) Stern, 2018
Not a ton of toys, and the bulls-eye feature doesn't really matter or feel satisfying to hit dead center. But damn, is this pin a player! Excellent layout. Super flow. Beautiful art package. Killer sound. Always a next level to get to in the ruleset. An absolute blast to play.
It's too long of a player, and some of the shots off the upper flipper aren't that great. But I'm in love, theme of my dreams. Executed to perfection. Stern and Keith killed it. Thanks guys!
It's too long of a player, and some of the shots off the upper flipper aren't that great. But I'm in love, theme of my dreams. Executed to perfection. Stern and Keith killed it. Thanks guys!
7.697/10
6 years ago
Diner Williams, 1990
A system 11 Mark Ritchie classic! Cool theme tied in well with the gameplay. Art is great, and gameplay is fun and challenging. Nice all around package and one of the best designs of the system 11 era.
6.288/10
6 years ago
Cyclone Williams, 1988
A decent entry into system 11 pins. Fun for beginners, but loses its appeal as you better. A great location pin to play a few games on. Art/theme are solid, and the gimmicks are great for the era.
5.934/10
6 years ago
Rob Zombie's Spookshow International Spooky Pinball, 2016
A significant downgrade from their first pinball in gameplay. America's Most haunted plays better in every way. More shots, more modes, more toys than Rob Zombie. Although this one isn't nearly as ugly as America's most Haunted, so there's that I guess. Just a boring pin to play. The best of this whole pin is the backglass.
8.076/10
6 years ago
Bowling Queen Gottlieb, 1964
Fantastic golden era Gottlieb EM. Designed by the venerable Wayne Neyens, this game has a fantastic animated backglass gimmick, killer artwork, and a fun but challenging symmetrical layout.
7.194/10
6 years ago
Big Hurt Gottlieb, 1995
Very fun pin with some bad art. The glove is a fantastic toy, it will STUFF you hard on your attempts at hitting balls out of the park. I Love the pop up ramp, and the rules aren't bad. lot's of ways to score points on this one. This is like a world cup soccer, but much better.
7.181/10
6 years ago
Old Chicago Bally, 1976
Some great art on the backglass and playfield. Fun layout with that will kick your ass with sloppy play.
7.688/10
6 years ago
X-Men (Pro) Stern, 2012
Solid Stern Pin. Marked the first time Stern actually listened to the fans and put in Comic book art instead of low res pictures from the movie adaptations everywhere. Magneto is a very cool toy and multiball mode. The start of it is the best that I have seen since the bally williams golden era (theatre of magic, addams family, whitewater). Lots of very tight shots and fun to play.
5.148/10
6 years ago
F-14 Tomcat Williams, 1987
This game is just boring. No real shots to hit. Plays fast, but leaves you with an overall "who cares?" type of feeling.
7.932/10
6 years ago
Sorcerer Williams, 1985
Very challenging game with a beautiful rule set. I love the details on this pin like the sling covers. Has basically a beefed up EM style ruleset where the goals re-set each ball. But it is a blast to play. Very underrated game.
8.013/10
6 years ago
Haunted House Gottlieb, 1982
Classic Gottlieb solid state pin. Everything that black hole was, but better.
7.788/10
6 years ago
Embryon Bally, 1981
Probably my favorite Bally widebody game. I love the sci-fi art package all around. Even the stencils on the cabinet are cool. Game layout is very unique with lots to shoot for. I also feel like this is probably the only widebody game of its era to properly deal with the added space at the bottom of the game near the flippers. Most widebodies are just kinda floaty down there and the flippers are usually farther apart creating awkward shot geometry. But Embryon nails it. Only downside is that it might be a tad easy. Love this game.
7.296/10
6 years ago
Black Hole Gottlieb, 1981
A classic gottlieb pin. The animated backglass is stunning, and the crude sounds are great. The game is built around the under playfield gimmick and it serves to keep you coming back to it well enough. Although it's big brother Haunted House is a much better overall game. Black Hole feels like a warm-up for HH.
7.932/10
6 years ago
The Walking Dead (Pro) Stern, 2014
Solid pin all around. I could care less about the theme, but as with Game of Thrones, I can see why Stern chose it. Layout is unique and the shots are fun. John Borg only makes good pins. I prefer Iron Man, Tron, and Metallica over this Borg design, but it still a great effort. If you're a fan of the show, I am sure that it helps.
7.219/10
6 years ago
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Stern, 2004
Ugly pin, regrettable theme, but a blast to play. Deep and satisfying ruleset, it is probably Lawlor's best Stern pin.
8.728/10
6 years ago
Spider-Man VE Stern, 2016
Obviously this is a re-skin of a classic Stern pin. The gameplay is basically the same, the difference is the art upgrade package and some better quality pieces for the toys. Unfortunately, I love the sound package from the original game better. Basically a pick your poison, this one looks better, the original sounds better. Otherwise basically the same.
6.606/10
6 years ago
AC/DC (Pro) Stern, 2012
Some shots are very fun. Good Flow, and fast. Ambivalent about the theme, but don't care for the art package or the ruleset. Metallica is really the cream of the crop of Stern's Music pins.
6.643/10
6 years ago
Game Of Thrones (Pro) Stern, 2015
The ruleset just kills this for me. They fixed some of it with the first code update, but that launch code was garbage. The multiple multiplier thing is just convoluted. I don't care about the theme, but the layout is great, and the shots are fun to hit. Rulesets matter, and this really just bums me out. Potentially a very good design just ruined for me. And just to be clear, I have played this one with the new code, and I still think that it is murky and unnecessarily complicated.
8.069/10
6 years ago
Eight Ball Deluxe Bally, 1981
Classic Bally Pin, great speech and a fantastic layout. Redefined the classic pool theme.
8.212/10
6 years ago
No Good Gofers Williams, 1997
Very fun pin. Scoring seems to be a little unbalanced maybe? But I love the theme and toys. Pat Lawlor always had a unique design streak in him, and this is just another great example of that.
9.281/10
6 years ago
Frontier Bally, 1980
Finally have found one of these on location. This game is a forgotten Bally Gem. The artwork if fantastic all around and I love the Bob Seger as Jeremiah Johnson Theme. Nice layout and a blast to play. Simple but difficult rules to complete as the bonuses, extra balls, and specials are reset between balls. Wonderful pin, I love all the details on this one. Great drop target placement, both a 3-bank and a 4 in line . Pops give a ton of action, and the spinner up to upper lanes is greatly satisfying.
7.798/10
6 years ago
Banzai Run Williams, 1988
Crazy first effort from the legend Pat Lawlor. Although this isn't his finest design (but to be fair, he has 10 pins that made the top 100), this is great fun built around a very unique gimmick. The vertical playfield, whilst a nightmare to keep running, brings an entirely new dimension to pinball. Super fun. Great Pin.
7.023/10
6 years ago
Taxi Williams, 1988
Taxi is an alright system 11 pin. Not nearly as good as Diner or Sorcerer, Mark Ritchie's other pins from the 80s, but not bad.
7.504/10
6 years ago
The Hobbit Jersey Jack, 2016
Much better than Wizard of Oz. Still just a mediocre pin to me. Main features include four pop-up trolls like from MM, but they are WAY more active. I'm not sure that was a good thing. Ends up playing more like Whack-a-mole than pinball. The two ramps are just like the boat ramps in Fish Tales. I don't think this pin is anywhere near those two, but certainly better than Jersey Jack's first effort.
7.869/10
6 years ago
Ghostbusters (Pro) Stern, 2016
Amazing Sound and Art package all around. I have defended Stern for years for making great pins whilst acknowledging that they were generally hideous. Not so with GhostBusters. I love the return to hand-drawn artwork. All the animations and sound calls are all topnotch. The lightshow is spectacular, and the gameplay is fast. Wish the ruleset was clearer from the get-go, seems a little muddy for no good reason, although many modern Stern's suffer from this ailment. Just missing the fun factor to me. It is an ass-kicker too.
8.364/10
6 years ago
Apollo 13 Sega, 1995
Got to play a working version of this pin at the PHOF on my last visit there. As it is always a blur when I'm there, I usually only play pins that I either haven't played before, or don't see outside of there. I also usually keep a strict 2 games per table max so as to properly experience as much as possible. But i ended up playing about 10 games on this one. It is a game based pretty much entirely on the 13 ball gimmick, but man is it a rush to set it up and then play it out. Very nice sound and light package makes it feel intense. I surprisingly really like this pin.
6.283/10
6 years ago
Wizard of Oz Jersey Jack, 2013
Feels like a smoke and mirrors game. Tons of new advanced features for a pin and lots of toys and doohickeys littering the playfield(s). So you think that it's gonna be great, dozens of plays later, you realize you've been duped. Has everything except the fun.
9.192/10
6 years ago
The Flintstones Williams, 1994
Another underrated gem from DR Flash. Man this game is just fun. Pure and simple, gets hated for being a license of a bad film but like Congo, I'm sure this will come around eventually and get its due respect. Different theme and art package and this is an undisputed all time classic pin. Although I happen to like the theme, and all the pastel rocks. AND JOHN GOODMAN?! C'mon this game is great!
8.394/10
6 years ago
Metallica (Pro) Stern, 2013
John Borg nailed this one. Great pin, very challenging as it makes you make all the shots on the playfield. FAST, FAST, FAST
8.820/10
6 years ago
Star Trek (LE) Stern, 2013
Excellent modern Stern, the LE package is gorgeous. Gameplay is tight and fast. Really enjoy playing this one
7.154/10
11 years ago
Stargate Gottlieb, 1995
A surprisingly pretty sweet game. The ruleset is kinda strange and the scoring seems kinda random and unbalanced, but the gameplay is fast and fun with a nice variety of ramp/loop/toy shots. Sound can get a little annoying like all gottliebs from this era, but this is easily the best dmd gottlieb game that I have ever played. Not a classic by any means, but fun.
2.780/10
11 years ago
Popeye Saves the Earth Bally, 1994
This is a great example of a terrible pinball machine. This is also a great game to use as an example for those close minded people with a DMD bias that tend to say that "any dmd is better than and EM or early SS game." Not a bad idea for a family themed pin here, but GOD is this awful. No shots, huge wasted and view obstructed bottom playfield. Pointless launch/"skill" shot. Multiball sucks, and no ramps? What the hell? Sometimes a game is unfairly dogged, and sometimes the game really just sucks, as is the case with Popeye Saves the Earth.
7.932/10
11 years ago
Xenon Bally, 1980
One of the all time great art/sound packages from the early solid state pinball era. A good simple mix of drops, stand-ups, one ramp, and rollover shot. The audio features a very suggestive moaning female robot voice, and has some awesome sci-fi sound FX as well. There is not a ton of variety, but for it's generation it is top notch. The gameplay is nice and simple fun, but not really easy. There isn't a ton to do, but damn if it isn't fun for a few quick games! And have I said it's f**ing beautiful?!
8.071/10
11 years ago
Mata Hari Bally, 1978
A beautiful game to look at, and a nice albeit very simple game to play.
8.973/10
11 years ago
The Amazing Spider-Man Gottlieb, 1980
Definitely my favorite widebody game. And I prefer it to the later Stern title. The art is AWESOME, and the layout of shots is great, varied, and unique. A brilliant pin from its generation.
9.395/10
11 years ago
Count-Down Gottlieb, 1979
A classic early Solid State pin. Great art, four sets of drops, four flippers, and plays fast as hell for its generation. I fell in love with this one at the PHOF.
7.345/10
11 years ago
Transformers (Pro) Stern, 2011
After weeks of playing the Pro model I gotta say that I am impressed. Wanted to wait to make sure to rate this one accurately, and now I have. The best from this game is great good old fashioned gomez fan style flow ala MB, kickass soundbites and music, deep gameplay and some sweet multiball madness. And the big surprise? The art doesn't suck! And there are no lame actor mugshots all over the playfield, slings, or backglass. Just giant space robots, the way it should be.
Of course, I like everyone else, wish it were from the original series instead of the craptastic Michael Bay films. But for business reasons, I understand, and am glad that Gomez fought to keep it just about the robots. Stern is on a roll lately with three of their last four (IM,Tron, and now TF) making my top 20. Overall it feels solid, and is some great fun. Still like Tron and IM a little more, but kudos to George and his team for bringing the heat on this one.
Note: This review is only for the Pro version, I have no idea what changes will be made for the LE version of the game, and how they would potentially affect my rating.
Of course, I like everyone else, wish it were from the original series instead of the craptastic Michael Bay films. But for business reasons, I understand, and am glad that Gomez fought to keep it just about the robots. Stern is on a roll lately with three of their last four (IM,Tron, and now TF) making my top 20. Overall it feels solid, and is some great fun. Still like Tron and IM a little more, but kudos to George and his team for bringing the heat on this one.
Note: This review is only for the Pro version, I have no idea what changes will be made for the LE version of the game, and how they would potentially affect my rating.
8.076/10
11 years ago
Pinball Magic Capcom, 1995
This game really makes you wish that capcom could've made it work for the long run. Got into the game a little too late and had to compete with Williams/Bally and the strong licenses of Data East. This game is mechanically and from a design point amazing. The wand, the trunk lock, the theatre door/pop bumper, the skill shot and corkscrew habitrail are all amazing. Shots are fun, and layout is nice and deceptively fast. Sturdy construction, and some cool modes as well. The total art/sound package lacks especially when compared (inevitably ) to TOM, and TOM has much more staying power. But damn is this a great first effort for a company I wish we would have seen more from.
6.971/10
11 years ago
The Bally Game Show Bally, 1990
Thoroughly average in every respect. Kinda quirky cool theme, some decent humor, and the gameplay is kinda fun for a little while. Nobody will ever mistake it for great, or maybe even real good. But hey, it's alright.
8.130/10
11 years ago
Big Game Stern Electronics, 1980
There's something about these early 80s pins for me. A truer ruleset than the EMs of before, better sounds, and the artwork is the best from any pin era IMO. Big Game is a well designed widebody from the first Stern company incarnation. The backglass is a showstopper, and the game has double stacked flippers on each side giving the illusion of claws while you play. Designed by Harry Williams (the founder of Williams), this game is a great piece of pinball history, as well as a lot of fun.
7.807/10
11 years ago
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Stern, 2003
Where's the love for this game? Definitely superior to T2 in almost every way. More shots, CRAZZZZY flow, cool gimmicky back glass, more audio, all metal ramps. The definition of a hidden gem. FAST, FUN, FLOW FLOW FLOW. Proof that you shouldn't just listen to the majority's bias, and make your own calls. Have been playing it a lot, can't really see what's not to like? Hmm, it might be shallow, but most of Ritchie's other classics are... damn is it fun!
5.097/10
11 years ago
Jack*Bot Williams, 1995
The worst of the series, very kitschy gameplay being able to gamble for your score. Being a fan of the first two just kinda makes you ask "why?". Its an unnecessary game, that was poorly conceptualized. Not a ton of fun, artwork is a step down from its predecessors, and the whole gambling aspect just comes off as a lame gimmick. Too bad, a good example of how the dmd isn't always an upgrade.
9.700/10
11 years ago
The Getaway: High Speed II Williams, 1992
One of the greatest games of all time. Shallow ruleset, but maybe the most perfect layout of all time. Excellent theme integration, with a strong sound/light show. This game just rules, can play it a million times over, it never gets old.
6.267/10
11 years ago
The Pinball Circus Bally, 1994
Plays like what it is, one big gimmick. Not horrific or anything, but the feeling of playing is just too strange to have a bunch of fun on. And considering it's just a prototype, the playfield art isn't finished, as well as the software. Worth a dollar or two if you ever find yourself at the PHOF in Vegas, but I, for one,am glad it never made it into real production.
5.017/10
11 years ago
Lost In Space Sega, 1998
There is really only one reason that you should ever play this game, and that is it's multiball. Especially the start of it with the spinning planet magnet that spits all the balls out of an orbit. Other than that, not worth a lot of time.
6.857/10
11 years ago
Jurassic Park Data East, 1993
Underwhelming overall, no shot feels remotely satisfying to hit, and the ruleset is weak, uninspired, and tedious at best. Game looks cool however and I admit that the T-Rex toy (when working) is pretty damn awesome. Layout feels like Whirlwind without Lawlor's touches of genius to elevate it.
7.736/10
11 years ago
Corvette Bally, 1994
The best racing theme pinball ever. Killer flow, super fast gameplay, cool engine block shaking lock shot, and an interactive dragstrip toy. This game is a major sleeper! It's not just for the corvette enthusiast. If you like racing themes, this one is at the top of the heap in my opinion. Great early Gomez design.
9.432/10
11 years ago
TRON: Legacy (Pro) Stern, 2011
Great game. Love the layout, love the recognizer, and love the music. With the EL wire on the ramps, this game is a real looker (for a Stern). Tons of fun on this game. The Skill Shot is a well designed and actually feels like a "skill shot". A top Stern effort in my opinion, great quick smash about game that packs a serious fun punch.
7.334/10
11 years ago
Star Wars Data East, 1992
I was surprised at how much fun this one played. That deathstar is SWEEEET. And the animations and sounds are awesome. The artwork too is amazing hand drawn and intricately detailed representation of the Star Wars universe. Some times it feels a little easy and I don't like the multiball being given to you, but this is a solid game and the best SW pin ever made.
5.316/10
11 years ago
Shrek Stern, 2008
No fun here in my experience. Not a fan of the theme and the hideous green all over "artwork", but that aside I really don't like the layout but being a re-skinned FGY I am not surprised. The mini pinball is a bad idea that has now corrupted TWO "different" games. Might be alright if you have kids, or enjoy the movies, but it's so darn easy that any remotely accomplished pinhead will be thoroughly bored before their third ball.
7.920/10
11 years ago
Star Trek: The Next Generation Williams, 1993
Really outstanding effort from Steve Ritchie and company on this one. The flow is outstanding (big surprise), the lights and sounds are fantastic as well as the dmd animations. Not really a Trek fan, but being a general sci-fi fan helps me enjoy the theme more. I am not a fan of widebodies in general, but I admit a great game when I see one. One of Ritchie's best in my opinion.
5.921/10
11 years ago
Atlantis Bally, 1989
Blah. Bland and boring gameplay, uninteresting shots, really plain playfield for its era, and there is a definite lack of sounds. Should be more to it. A cookie cutter table made with a crappy mold.
7.223/10
11 years ago
Johnny Mnemonic Williams, 1995
I love the playfield layout on this one. SUPER fast, crazy flow, killer wizard mode, cool glove toy are the good. What makes me hate this game? Video mode---it just sucks, and hard. It's hideous, its hard to control, it's too long, and being a random award (ha! award!), you can't avoid it or skip it. The videomode just always sucks me right out of the otherwise fantastic game play. Also, points are deducted because the glove is really cool, but almost never works, and the center shot becomes a drain monster without the glove. With a working glove and some luck (no videomode misfortune), this game is a-list material. Well, Keanu and Ice-T notwithstanding as well. Come to think of it, there's a lot of negative, but the pure gameplay is second to none. Play this pin!!!
7.907/10
11 years ago
Whirlwind Williams, 1990
Another great system 11 pin from Pat Lawlor's golden era. Cool layout, difficult shots, nice sounds, great art, and a great kitcshy theme make this an awesome game for all ages. The spinning disks bring a randomizing effect to the gameplay that wasn't seen before this game, and hitting that jackpot is satisfying to the max.
8.416/10
11 years ago
Road Show Williams, 1994
No thanks, this game just isn't my cup o' tea. Widebody with a strange layout (some call it unique, I call it half-baked), annoying sound and speech, country music, way too powerful shaker, hideous talking heads on the playfield, and no flow makes this a pin that I avoid at all costs. Update: Still not a favorite, but I've come to appreciate it a little more. There really are some great tight shots in this game, and is one of lawlor's more unique layouts (not best, unique). Still don't like the theme/art/widebody/sounds, but not as bad as my first 10 plays had me think.
7.824/10
11 years ago
Party Zone Bally, 1991
Almost criminally underrated because of it's theme. Great ramp, lots to shoot for, funny sounds and animations, and great comedic art from Greg Freres. Major knock is only a two ball multiball, and it's linear ruleset gets a little old for repeat plays, but for a fun and casual game it totally rocks!
6.218/10
11 years ago
Revenge From Mars Bally, 1999
Was really hoping for a second coming of AFM. Sadly this is not. The playfield is fairly similar but smaller, and with far fewer shots but with a ton more modes. Only problem is that they're all pretty much the same. Shoot the center. Shoot the center. Shoot the center. Really lame. And it's kinda really hard to see anything going on. After seeing the doc "Tilt" I have an incredible amount or respect for Gomez and the team for trying, but unfortunately gameplay trumps all that ingenuity. But the humor is great, and Greg Frere's art is always a treat. And it is actually playable, which is more than I can say for SWE:1.
6.864/10
11 years ago
24 Stern, 2009
Definitely has more toys than I expected, and what is there, I think is cool. But the layout is somewhat egregious, and the shots don't feel hard as much as just poorly laid out. The voice calls are borderline terrible, and the "art" pretty much speaks for itself. The production value on this Stern is still pretty good, but the overall gameplay lets it down.
7.962/10
11 years ago
Earthshaker Williams, 1989
Very under acknowledged game from Pat Lawlor's golden era. This game, while still very distinctly a lawlor design, flows much better than any of his other games. Still have skillful shots for the shooters, and has less ball holding for the flow monsters (more of my style). Love the sounds and the shaker motor on this game, although the art is a little cheesy. The splitting fault line is a nice touch, and I was really impressed with the balance of scoring on this game, and the variety of shots that it forces you to hit. Well played Pat, well played.
8.118/10
11 years ago
Fathom Bally, 1981
The best of it's generation. I love the difficulty of this game. It's a very simple layout and ruleset, but getting both balls locked in two different and difficult shots, keeps you real busy trying to do it. The art on this game is probably the best ever on any pinball game from any generation, and the tilt audio clip is legendary. Would love to own one.
7.734/10
12 years ago
Avatar (Pro) Stern, 2010
Pretty solid game effort from Stern, don't like it as much as IM, but was very happy with the gameplay overall. It's also a lot more forgiving than IM too. The animations and lights are fantastic, and that 3D backglass is a showstopper. Variety is a little limited, and I could see it getting old in a personal collection, but the multiballs are fast and furious fun everytime.
5.529/10
12 years ago
Star Wars Episode I Williams, 1999
Only Popadiuk game that I feel really missed the mark. It just doesn't play as a good pinball. It's very impressive from a design aspect, but it feels like three steps back from RFM when it really needed to elevate the platform by leaps and bounds. Playfield is super boring with only one worthwhile shot. Straight up the middle, wide as a house. Don't worry John and company, I still got love for ya, just not this one.
7.688/10
12 years ago
Indianapolis 500 Bally, 1995
This game is FAST. Like blink and you'll miss it fast. Great flow from Nordman again here, and even though I dislike the theme and art tremendously, this is a game worth every pin enthusiast's time.
8.345/10
12 years ago
FunHouse Williams, 1990
Okay, so I did not grow up on this pin playing it for countless hours and am now looking back with impossibly fond and fuzzy memories of the golden days. I instead have taken to playing this game every chance I can on location and have waited months to rate this game so that I wouldn't miss a thing. Verdict? Funhouse is HARD, those shots are long and tight, and you have Rudy harassing you all the while. Is it fun? I'm not sure that fun is the right word, but it does keep you coming back because it gets under your skin. Pat Lawlor is a genius pin designer and innovator, and this game is worth a little time from any pinhead. Not my favorite of his system 11's, but a very successful game from a legend. Flowjunkies beware, this game is a shooter's pin, and it punishes harshly for sloppy shots and ball handling.
8.849/10
12 years ago
Spider-Man Stern, 2007
First off, the obvious: the flow is ridiculous provided you hit your shots and combos. Great playfield layout. Animations and sounds are pretty cool, but not great. But to me the ruleset really lets the game down. Uninspired (hit this shot x times, then hit this shot x times, hit target light lock then lock repeat). This game is definitely good for a little fast flowing fun, but it doesn't have that "one more game quality" to me. I can tire very easily from it. The variety just isn't there, and although the combos are satisfying, there is only so much to be said about them without more shot variety. Just not an A-list game for me.
8.162/10
12 years ago
Terminator 2: Judgment Day Williams, 1991
The flow is RIDICULOUS. A fast and furious ride, and a total blast to play. Not deep and could have integrated the terminator theme a lot more effectively in my opinion (where's the t-1000 at?) But as far as fun goes, it's great for its era. Epic Steve Ritchie layout and great Chris Granner sound.
8.087/10
12 years ago
Bram Stoker's Dracula Williams, 1993
First off, at a steep angle and a polished play field, this game is nothing short of BRUTAL. It has malicious out-lanes, center targets designed to throw you ball SDTM, and shorter lightning flippers to widen the gap between themselves just in case you were starting to get cocky. Short ball times should be expected, and shots are hard, but this game is worth the time. It will really battle you, and you will probably walk away from it more than a few times cursing vehemently it's bloodsucking nature. But then again, that's the appeal. Not especially deep, but trust me it'll keep you occupied just trying to complete the few modes that is does have. Plus Mist multiball is just plain sweet. Period. And the video mode is done right (never thought that I would say that) and well balanced points-wise. Sounds and the few animations there are are very good.
7.763/10
12 years ago
The Machine: Bride of Pinbot Williams, 1991
Fun game, the best of its series. Lots of shots, fairly difficult table that will bring your skills up with repeat plays. Can be a drain monster though, but the shorter ball times make this one addicting. The rotating face/playfield is a great and crazy idea, and the skill shot and plinko upper right playfield are very well designed. Definetly a shooter's game as flow is scarce other that the two U-turns. But this is no doubt a wonderful piece of pinball history, that should get plays from all pinballers. Sound quality is subpar for '91 and limited, but the stuff that's there is good.
8.019/10
12 years ago
Cirqus Voltaire Bally, 1997
Great game from John Popadiuk, always pushing the limits of what a pinball machine could be. Flow is not as good as his others, TOM TOTAN WCS and the ball gets held up more often, but my god what a spectacular light show! The animations are top notch as well, and the art is different and detailed, even though I personally find the art a little repulsive, I respect it going out on a limb to stand out. I really love the slings in this game, very unique and fun new feeling to this odd-duck machine. The theme and art aren't my thing, but the gameplay is undeniable.
9.792/10
12 years ago
The Addams Family Bally, 1992
The key to really unlocking this pin's appeal is to play one in pristine condition. This is a game that really suffers from neglect and being a shooters game,everything needs to work like its supposed to, otherwise it will feel floaty and chunky and dark. But when you find a nice one, BOY is this game fun! And with the added sub, the sounds really kick. The start of multiball is mesmerizing, you really feel it. And the combination of the lightshow and the vibrating electricity SFX brings a very wide smile to my face. Lawlor killed it with this one. There's a reason they sold so many, and a reason why they are still out on location. Go find out why for yourself.
6.764/10
12 years ago
The Shadow Bally, 1994
This pin plays well for its value, but is not dramatically underrated as said by some. In fact, being in the top twenty is a huge overrating for this pin. The theme sucks, the art sucks, the sound sucks, and the flow is the saving grace (its real good). I also don't like the mini playfield. I really don't like the mini playfied. I also don't like the manual diverters on the ramps. But underneath all of that, it plays pretty darn good. Brian Eddy had a gift in that sense, but I just can't love this game like his later works AFM and MM. Certainly not in the same league as other top 20 pins, and I feel that if your looking for a cheap bang for your buck DMD machine, buy a World Cup Soccer instead.
8.640/10
12 years ago
Tales of the Arabian Nights Williams, 1996
Another brilliant table from the mind of John Popadiuk. This game is the most impressive and decorated fully fleshed tabled of the DMD era. So many toys, ramps, magnets, disappearing balls, ramps with early exits and so forth. It sounds overwhelming, but somehow its not. It's not too much at all, this is a game that will consistantly amaze you with its clever engineering every time you play it. Popadiuk really elevated the game on pinball design in my book, all of his tables are very distinctively his and only his. I like the flow of TOM better (no lamp interference) and play that one more often, but this table brings smiles to even the staunchest of non pin players.
6.041/10
12 years ago
Doctor Who Bally, 1992
Fun at first, won't even look at one now. This pin finds me bored by my second ball. Not that its too easy per se, rather that it drains unfairly, and I find the scoring uneven. Plus it's kinda really ugly. No replay value for me. Must be missing something...or maybe I have been making excuses for this one for too long now. Not for me. Pinbot is way more fun imo, and BoP blows them both away, and they all seem about the same price range so I can't find the point. Sound quality is embarassingly bad.
8.558/10
12 years ago
Lord of the Rings Stern, 2003
An overall solid game. Matches its theme well, great sounds and surprisingly good art considering it's a stern. Shots are plenty and laid out well enough to be fun and a little challenging, but with every made shot coming directly back to the flippers, gameplay is a little too easy with exceptionally long ball times. Exceptionally deep rule set, always something else to accomplish. Great music and call outs. Fantastic dot animations. Not my favorite theme, but I know that it's super popular. Great pin, a classic.
2.629/10
12 years ago
Road Kings Williams, 1986
Just a bad game. And a plain one for its generation. Should have more shots, or at least acouple of good ones. Major ball drainer, and a waste of a good theme idea. Art and sound are way below par, and I was embarrassed to learn that it is from 1986! There are deeper games from 1976! Design team just phoned this one in.
7.922/10
12 years ago
Guns N' Roses Data East, 1994
Gameplay is fast and fun with lots to shoot, plenty of variety, great multiballs, and killer music. The match sequence at the end without the family mod on is fantastic. Total rockstar status.
Objectives are a little convoluted at first and the lighting is bad. Ramps can be steep and hard to fully hit if the flippers are weak (common on this game) but if the game is in good condition, you will have a blast on it.
Objectives are a little convoluted at first and the lighting is bad. Ramps can be steep and hard to fully hit if the flippers are weak (common on this game) but if the game is in good condition, you will have a blast on it.
8.960/10
12 years ago
Scared Stiff Bally, 1996
SS is FUN FUN FUN. Sure it's easy, sure it's a little plain as far as variety goes, but the art and sounds are second to none. Great spooky theme, and the Elvira quotes are seductively hilarious. Stiff-o-Meter will keep you coming back indefinitely as it is an easy mode to start, but finishing it will really test your skills. Great for a quick no nonsense game. Love this one, wonderful simple but fun layout with a lot of cool design features and toys. Best backglass ever.
5.409/10
12 years ago
World Cup Soccer Bally, 1994
Yuck. Too many gimmicks, not enough fun. Seems to be a popular title, but i just pass on it when I see it now.
6.356/10
12 years ago
Batman (The Dark Knight) Stern, 2008
Hmmm. Not really sure what it is about the game that I don't like. The playfield setup feels good and well laid out. But no shots feel satisfying. I feel that the sound is lacking in that regard, and the artwork is terrible. It should be said that I love batman, and I love the movie the Dark Knight. I also love George Gomez games for the most part. This one just doesn't come together, and the combination of sound, art, and easy difficulty make this really disappointing to me. It just feels like a blank playfield that was themed batman after the fact. The crane is cool, but what does that have to do with anything? Only played a few games on the original DE machine, but liked that one more.
7.517/10
12 years ago
The Simpsons Pinball Party Stern, 2003
Great full bodied game from Stern. Rules are set to home owner collector crowd as you would go broke putting in all the quarters needed on location to really understand the rules to play it right. I do think that they did do enough that you can have enough fun the first couple of plays, to keep you coming back for more and more and more to make a chunk into that infamously deep ruleset. It is more successful than say TZ in that respect. The shots are HARD however, and laid out in a very tight fashion. It can get frustrating, but this game has enough carrots in front of your face to keep you hooked. A brilliantly designed game with very very long legs. Not the most fun game, but one that you will play indefinetly. The voice calls are the best in pinball.
7.312/10
12 years ago
Judge Dredd Bally, 1993
Finally feel like I have given this pin enough chances already. Just a garbage pin really. Terrible idea with the "super credit". Start every ball with a multiball? LAME. Your game sucked and you knew it, better put in some cheap thrills to cover it up. The license wasn't a strong one, and when that happens you'd better bring it up a couple of notches in game play. That didn't happen here. Clunky, Clunky, Ugly, Clunky Pin. Coolest feature is the shotgun granny dmd animation during the match game sequence. Although you always hope that it never hits, so you won't have to play it again.
*Update- Man I was harsh on this pin. It's not terrible by any means. Has good flow for a widebody. All in all a pretty mediocre pin, not awful.
*Update- Man I was harsh on this pin. It's not terrible by any means. Has good flow for a widebody. All in all a pretty mediocre pin, not awful.
6.698/10
12 years ago
Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure Williams, 1993
Top Five? No way. Another clunky widebody machine with supertight shots and deep rules like TZ but doesn't really transcend the sum of its parts. Fun is definitely lacking. The machine is cool. Art awesome. Music, again, its Indiana Jones. Awesome. But I feel like the stern version is leaner and more fun. Sure the replay value and art are less, but it is much more fun to play. Also this is a very complicated pin and it is hard to find one where everything is functioning as it should. Love the theme, wish I loved this game.
5.575/10
12 years ago
The Rolling Stones Stern, 2011
Some fun at first but that is fleeting due to repetition. Art might be the worst of all time, music is great but the theme is lame and the center ramp is like 3 in wide and the easiest and most unsatisfying ramp probably in all of pinball. Mick shouldn't be prancing the whole time around the playfield. I think having him come out of the side like dracula in MB would have been a much better idea. It would have kept the concept of bashing the hell outta him novel, and more importantly, fun.
7.253/10
12 years ago
South Park Sega, 1999
The show is way better than this game is but I think that the easy difficulty was intentional to bring in quarters out on location with this theme. This game is fun though, especially when you get to hear the sounds and speech. Mr. Hanky is a great toy, and the giant kenny rocks as well. Fun for a night out, probably wouldn't want to actually own one. This is the game that all your non pin-playing friends will love.
8.132/10
12 years ago
Dirty Harry Williams, 1995
Good machine, don't feel that it's underrated more that it is just "underknown". Gun is cool, voice and sounds are great, artwork especially on the cabinent is rad, and well-paced gameplay. However the shots aren't really fine tuned, and it feels like balls just brick around rubbers and bumpers for alot of the gameplay. Challenging enough, but doesn't have infinite replay value (overall design lacking), but good fun though. My first Grand Champ score was on one of these and still stands at a very popular bar, so it holds a little special place in my heart.
4.342/10
12 years ago
Family Guy Stern, 2007
For once my dislike for a theme transfers equally into two mediums. Putting aside my utter disdain for the show (I did, I promise) I played this for about 20 Minutes and never want to see it again. Stewie pinball is garbage, so easy to hit, no fun at all, no challenge keeping it there, and an unoriginal concept to boot. The bar was loud so the sounds werent as irritating as they could've been, but I just couldn't get over the lackluster gameplay. Lawlor phoned this one in. It's trash, with none of the usual cool lawlor quirks to save it.
7.391/10
12 years ago
Pirates of the Caribbean Stern, 2006
Definetely a shooters game, but the stop and go in this one doesn't bother me at all, and that can be something of a dealbreaker for me. Shots are tight and a missed shot (often) sends the ball bouncing around the lower playfield but I feel that the outlanes are appropriately set so as to not be brutally malicious. Good design there. Hate if you want to, but this one is solid.
9.023/10
12 years ago
Elvira and the Party Monsters Bally, 1989
Fun late 80s games with great art and sound for the time. Greg Freres killed the art. I love the goofy theme, well executed system 11 pin. Play it when you see it! Not exceptionally challenging, but still a very good time.
6.821/10
12 years ago
Black Rose Bally, 1992
Some cool features like the cannon, however gameplay is too heavily weighted towards the cannon shot and with too many videomodes. Flow not as good as it seems like it should be with the obvious third flipper for a rather unsatisfying combo shot. All in all, a modestly fun decent overall game. POTC is better. If you're into pirate themes.
10.000/10
12 years ago
White Water Williams, 1993
Insanity falls is my favorite ramp in pinball! Beautiful machine, and a brilliantly laid out asymmetrical playfield that is both fun and challenging. Will be playing this one for many years to come. Music is awesome too and changes with the rafts!
Update: The more I play, the more I love. My favorite table of the moment. Fun from the get-go, and the fun grows with repeat plays. Love it love it love it. The rules are great and make for an ever changing strategic challenge, keeps me coming back again and again.
Update 2: Still my all-time favorite. Love how the machine rewards you and demands your ability to hit every shot in the game. Fantastic rule set. Getting vacation jackpot is so f-ing hard but satisfying. Just a perfect total package to me. Art, music, gameplay, rules, flow, theme. LOVE IT. NEED to OWN IT!
Update: The more I play, the more I love. My favorite table of the moment. Fun from the get-go, and the fun grows with repeat plays. Love it love it love it. The rules are great and make for an ever changing strategic challenge, keeps me coming back again and again.
Update 2: Still my all-time favorite. Love how the machine rewards you and demands your ability to hit every shot in the game. Fantastic rule set. Getting vacation jackpot is so f-ing hard but satisfying. Just a perfect total package to me. Art, music, gameplay, rules, flow, theme. LOVE IT. NEED to OWN IT!
7.789/10
12 years ago
Indiana Jones Stern, 2008
I don't really understand why this one gets so much flack. Awesome music, sound, and animations. Ark Multiball is crazy fun, all movies are represented well imho. I guess it comes down to repetitiveness really (and the art is typical Stern garbage too). So yeah, it's shallow; but it's wayyyyy more fun than the williams version. the fact that the code for the wizard mode was never completed is really a bummer.
4.292/10
12 years ago
Who Dunnit Bally, 1995
DANNNNNNGGGGG, this one's an ugly beast. Doesn't play much better either. Phone toy? Really? Case solving gets old QUICK. All in all, a subpar pinball package.
8.388/10
12 years ago
Twilight Zone Bally, 1993
I will keep trying on this one probably forever. I LOVE the theme, as I have all the TZ episodes on dvd, but this game although mechanically impressive has never delivered the all important "FUN" factor to me. Maybe it'll click one day, hasn't yet. I'll add that it probably isn't for beginners. I'm not an excellent player by any means, but a fairly accomplished one that can make all of the shots often enough, and I still can't see where the fun comes in. Oh well, it's beautiful to look at least.
*Update* This one will never be a favorite of mine, but I can appreciate it better now. It is difficult and the shots are tight, but it is more rewarding to play than i used to believe. However it still stops the ball all the time. Just a little overkill from the great Pat Lawlor.
*Update* This one will never be a favorite of mine, but I can appreciate it better now. It is difficult and the shots are tight, but it is more rewarding to play than i used to believe. However it still stops the ball all the time. Just a little overkill from the great Pat Lawlor.
8.120/10
12 years ago
Medieval Madness Williams, 1997
Definitely impressive on every front. Amazing piece of engineering at play here. Lucky to live in a city with about 10 of these around in various bars. A must play for any pinball fan, lots of multiballs, all the bells and whistles. The best of its generation (dmd) right behind AFM. But AFM is the machine I fell in love with first, and I like the theme more. But it's really splitting hairs. Neither machine has any real faults. Thank you Brian Eddy!!! Except that the castle shot is used too often and after your multiballs, the "shoot the castle and nudge wildly so as not to drain STDM" can get old. AFM is faster and more challenging over a long period of time. UPDATE: Game lacks lastability. Still admire it for what it is, but it's ruleset is really weak and makes repeat plays stale.
8.085/10
12 years ago
Demolition Man Williams, 1994
Exceptional flow with many satifying combos to be had. I don't know if I should admit this, but I actually really like the movie too. Truly is a cult "so bad it rules" kind of thing. The art on this one is notoriously bad, but put a couple of quarters and wash all that doubt right off your face. Nordman always brings the goods.
7.950/10
12 years ago
The Sopranos Stern, 2005
A total mixed bag. The art totally sucks and lacks inspiration, but don't most stern's? The fish is a lame toy, but the dancing girls ramp, safe, and boat make up for it. Sounds are hilarious, especially without the family filter on, and gameplay layout is good. Flow is nice but the rules kind of suck, every mode starts "shoot all flashing arrows". Fun, but repetitive. My girlfriends favorite game, not mine but I always have fun when I take it out for a little spin.
3.071/10
12 years ago
Gilligan's Island Bally, 1991
Worst game I have ever played. Too weird of a layout. No shots really score points, they just set you up for one mode, KONA. I will never waste time on this one ever again.
9.920/10
12 years ago
Fish Tales Williams, 1992
Don't like the theme, but the game does have good flow provided you hit all the shots you are shooting for. Can be brutal on missed shots, ball just bounces everywhere.
UPDATE: have really grow into a much higher appreciation for this game. It is hard, it punishes bricked shots, but the scoring logic is nice and simple and balanced. Very hard to complete. The music is epic, and the game has my favorite replay animation of all time. That fish banging out the drum solo! Fire!
UPDATE: have really grow into a much higher appreciation for this game. It is hard, it punishes bricked shots, but the scoring logic is nice and simple and balanced. Very hard to complete. The music is epic, and the game has my favorite replay animation of all time. That fish banging out the drum solo! Fire!
9.620/10
12 years ago
Congo Williams, 1995
Way better than it should be. That volcano shot is difficult but extremely satisfying. The gorilla under the playfield is cool too. I only have two major complaints. 1. The skill shot sucks. Whether you hit it or not, it just sends the ball out of control all over the lower playfield. and there is no way really to softplunge or avoid this. I guess the ballsaver eliminates the sting of losing your ball so quickly but it really sucks just starting out and watching crazy drains off the bat. 2. The video cave mode is far too heavily weighted points wise. It's nothing more than basic memorization, and as it doesn't change they basically hand you 150 Mil if you do it right.
5.311/10
12 years ago
Black Knight 2000 Williams, 1989
Not here to ruffle any feathers, I know that people love this machine and revere it as divine. I just haven't ever had fun playing it. And I have tried. And tried. And tried....sorry.
5.875/10
12 years ago
Junk Yard Williams, 1996
Too much ball holding, and the videomode (as most are) is lame and pointless. Wrecking ball is cool, but nothing has ever really kept me coming back. Last time I went in to the local bar, somebody had left two credits in it, and I just looked at it and went to put money into the same Monster Bash that I have played a hundred times. If that says anything.
9.563/10
12 years ago
Iron Man Stern, 2010
The only game that can really blow your face right off. It's simple, and the rules aren't very deep, but it really does fight you back. It's a glorious challenge that I gladly accept every time I see it.
UPDATE: many more years, love this game more than ever. Probably my favorite Stern machine of all time. A true ass kicker, I LOVE IT!
Top 3 pin for me (only I can't apply a n/a to the art package, and I refuse to lie and say that part is good based on how much I love to play the game otherwise). Perfect game, bad art. This is definitely my favorite Stern game (lackluster art package aside). Could we get another vault? With some actual comic book style hand drawn art a la Spiderman please? I would lose my mind to get one of those!
UPDATE: many more years, love this game more than ever. Probably my favorite Stern machine of all time. A true ass kicker, I LOVE IT!
Top 3 pin for me (only I can't apply a n/a to the art package, and I refuse to lie and say that part is good based on how much I love to play the game otherwise). Perfect game, bad art. This is definitely my favorite Stern game (lackluster art package aside). Could we get another vault? With some actual comic book style hand drawn art a la Spiderman please? I would lose my mind to get one of those!
8.280/10
12 years ago
Cactus Canyon Bally, 1998
Way underrated, it really does feel slightly unfinished, but that is just in terms of polish really. Gameplay is SWEEEEEET. Wish they made more of them. Needed to flesh out the rules. Really a shame it was never finished.
6.335/10
12 years ago
Champion Pub Bally, 1998
Have had this at the bar I work at for six months now, and it was impressive at first, but know I can't wait to see it go. The toys are cool, the sound and voices are hilarious, and the gameplay is fun at first. It just has no replay value, and it really gets on my nerves that every shot you hit starts a mechanical mini game, or a hold with a dmd animation, or a (URGGHH) video mode. Gimme my ball back! I don't want to play a hand of video poker, or a lame sidescrolling spit catching game.
7.405/10
12 years ago
Theatre of Magic Bally, 1995
Love this game. Beautiful artwork on the playfield, great flow, great shot variety, awesome animations (the multiball being my favorite multiball animation ever), and the best toy ever on a pinball game (the trunk). Exceptional Pin. Always gets plays from me, I love this pin--keeps me coming back! The rule set is shallow, and the bonus multiplier kinda ruins the scoring system. The code was also never finished to have a true wizard mode. Despite all of this, it's a pin that I still love to flip and I find it to be the best gateway game to introduce new players to. Everyone has a good time playing it.
UPDATE: Just a bit too easy as my skills have increased. Ball times are too long! I wish that the code was better. The bonus scoring ruins the point of playing illusions.
UPDATE: Just a bit too easy as my skills have increased. Ball times are too long! I wish that the code was better. The bonus scoring ruins the point of playing illusions.
7.580/10
12 years ago
Creature from the Black Lagoon Bally, 1992
Major disappointment. Have since tried playing it on location at least a dozen different times wanting to love this machine, and just can't do it. It plays alright, and the theme is great. There is just so many intangibles that I think it lacks to be continously fun. Not an "A-List" game in my book.
*Update* I like it slightly better, but still a disappointment pin from one of my favorite designers Dr. Flash. Has an A-list sound and art package. Love the hologram when it works, and the animations are classic. Gameplay is linear and boring and the layout is kinda clunky. Congo, Flintstones, and Ghostbusters are all better total packages in my opinion.
*Update* I like it slightly better, but still a disappointment pin from one of my favorite designers Dr. Flash. Has an A-list sound and art package. Love the hologram when it works, and the animations are classic. Gameplay is linear and boring and the layout is kinda clunky. Congo, Flintstones, and Ghostbusters are all better total packages in my opinion.
8.661/10
12 years ago
Monster Bash Williams, 1998
George Gomez's Masterpiece. Loved everything about this one, the theme, the music and sound, the pf layout. The game is easy to understand, complete each monster to form a band and perform a monster bash. The only thing that I wished it had was a second wizard where you needed to collect all of the instruments. I definetly find that as my skills have improved, the challenge has diminished greatly. Still a blast though.
9.700/10
12 years ago
Attack from Mars Bally, 1995
The game that made me fall in love with pinball in my early adulthood. Incredible flow, beautiful art, great sound, awesome toys, strobe multiball! Ruler of the universe is a very satisfying wizard mode to complete. I LOVE this game, as much love as this game gets, it deserves more. If you like pinball, you should love this game.
