jawjaw's ratings
Pinsider jawjaw has rated 3 machines.
This page shows all all these ratings, and forms jawjaw's personal top 3.
Rating comments
8.523/10
8 years ago
Humble, TX
I had a chance to play Congo for the first time yesterday. From seeing a few videos, I didn't think much of it before playing. The jungle theme and music is not my favorite. I know nothing about the movie but probably a good thing. Game looks great in person so I definitely had to give it a go. I was pleasantly surprise how much fun gameplay is. Shots feel good and I like the video gameplay. The theme is well integrated and gameplay feels unique. Rules are pretty easy to understand and challenge level is just right - not too hard or easy. The game I was playing was not working 100% but I still couldn't stop playing. Downsides are the backglass and mini-playfield under the playfield. Absolutely pointless and easy. You could complete it with your eyes closed. Overall, the fun factor wins.
9.256/10
9 years ago
Star Trek (Pro) Stern, 2013
I played a ST pro at an expo and immediately loved it. The first thing I noticed was the incredible lighting and classic layout. The bright leds, clear plastics, colors, and the Vengeance toy look fantastic. I love all the ramp shots and classic features. Things like drop targets, pop bumpers, bonus lanes, and a third flipper all tick the right boxes for me. The only feature missing is a cannon shot but not sure where you could fit one. Sounds, music, and call outs are all great. When the music gets cranked up in multiball with the sound effects and light show, it gets intense.
Artwork could be better but not the worse when it comes to Stern. Fortunately, there are mods to improve the look. I love the painted lockdown, side rails, and legs of the premium but not the $2k+ price tag. I don't mind the black of the pro version - just wished it was smooth to the touch. Cabinet design is also lacking in quality but that's common with all Sterns it seems.
Gameplay is fast and smooth without being punished for every missed shot. I suppose gameplay is fairly straightforward with hitting the lit shots but there is depth for more experienced players. I don't enjoy overly hard games that you need to be a pro to master. Star Trek is just good, solid pinball fun. I have yet to get frustrated with gameplay like most pins. Even bad games are fun and with the different modes, there is a variety of ways to play. I liked it so much that I bought one! I tried all the modern Stern pins but Star Trek is the best by a long shot.
Artwork could be better but not the worse when it comes to Stern. Fortunately, there are mods to improve the look. I love the painted lockdown, side rails, and legs of the premium but not the $2k+ price tag. I don't mind the black of the pro version - just wished it was smooth to the touch. Cabinet design is also lacking in quality but that's common with all Sterns it seems.
Gameplay is fast and smooth without being punished for every missed shot. I suppose gameplay is fairly straightforward with hitting the lit shots but there is depth for more experienced players. I don't enjoy overly hard games that you need to be a pro to master. Star Trek is just good, solid pinball fun. I have yet to get frustrated with gameplay like most pins. Even bad games are fun and with the different modes, there is a variety of ways to play. I liked it so much that I bought one! I tried all the modern Stern pins but Star Trek is the best by a long shot.
9.504/10
9 years ago
The Getaway: High Speed II Williams, 1992
Great game. I was fortunate to find one in great shape a short while ago and can't stop playing it. Rules are pretty simple but that's what I like. Games that are overly complicated and with near impossible end goals are not my style. I'm a novice player plus I have younger kids so I want them to enjoy it, too.
In Getaway, you either go for multiball or redline mania, redline mania being the hardest to get to. Both have big jackpots worth a ton of points. Of course, there is a lot to shoot for along the way but it's all easy to understand. That doesn't mean it is tedious or easy. Gameplay is fast and the ball loves to drain down the sides, especially the left. I have to admit that gets pretty frustrating. However, it is very satisfying to get into a rhythm and hit loop after loop, getting RPMs, and shifting gears. The supercharger is great. When you get a ball in there whipping around with the top beacon light spinning and sounds going off, it's pretty cool. I also think the shifter plunger is a great idea. True, you don't get a skill shot but you do get to use it in gameplay. With the fast pace of the game, it can be pretty intense trying to shift while controlling the ball. Video mode is pretty good. You use the shifter to control the speed and the flipper buttons to avoid cars. In fifth gear, you can get an easy 27-28 million points - that's more than the jackpot!
Cabinet art could be a little better. The theme is about the red sports car running from the police. I would think that should be a part of the side art. I do think the backboard and playfield art is fantastic. Sounds are awesome from the ZZTop music to all the car noises. The start button makes a car starting sound and the flippers behave like a gas pedal, revving the engine, before ball launch. I am a car enthusiast so I really appreciate those details. The police scanner dialog and siren noises are also top notch. The game does a good job getting you to feel like you are in a thrilling, high speed car chase. Maybe someday I will get tired of playing it but that will not be for a very long time.
In Getaway, you either go for multiball or redline mania, redline mania being the hardest to get to. Both have big jackpots worth a ton of points. Of course, there is a lot to shoot for along the way but it's all easy to understand. That doesn't mean it is tedious or easy. Gameplay is fast and the ball loves to drain down the sides, especially the left. I have to admit that gets pretty frustrating. However, it is very satisfying to get into a rhythm and hit loop after loop, getting RPMs, and shifting gears. The supercharger is great. When you get a ball in there whipping around with the top beacon light spinning and sounds going off, it's pretty cool. I also think the shifter plunger is a great idea. True, you don't get a skill shot but you do get to use it in gameplay. With the fast pace of the game, it can be pretty intense trying to shift while controlling the ball. Video mode is pretty good. You use the shifter to control the speed and the flipper buttons to avoid cars. In fifth gear, you can get an easy 27-28 million points - that's more than the jackpot!
Cabinet art could be a little better. The theme is about the red sports car running from the police. I would think that should be a part of the side art. I do think the backboard and playfield art is fantastic. Sounds are awesome from the ZZTop music to all the car noises. The start button makes a car starting sound and the flippers behave like a gas pedal, revving the engine, before ball launch. I am a car enthusiast so I really appreciate those details. The police scanner dialog and siren noises are also top notch. The game does a good job getting you to feel like you are in a thrilling, high speed car chase. Maybe someday I will get tired of playing it but that will not be for a very long time.
