moat-pin's ratings

Hi All,
I enjoy reading other pinsider’s perspectives on games and I’ve had a few PMs/texts from buddies asking for my thoughts as a first time P3 owner…so putting all in one place-here are my thoughts ~3 weeks in:
Context:
I love pinball and have a couple local friends who do as well so been lucky to have owned ~30 pins (4 at a time) in last ~3 years (NIB, sales, temp trades etc.). I like the idea of variety- several different types of shooters in my steady state 4-5 pin collection. I’ve owned 5JJPs, a Spooky, some Bally Williams, a Pinball Bros, and the rest Sterns. Sometimes I enjoy a 1hr LOTR or deep+broad code game, a get your ass kicked by speed and brutality of SW or IM, and everything in between. I like that there are more manufacturers these days- and I like for at least 1 of my pins, companies that push the limit of innovation (even if it misses sometimes). Push to shove I take Elwin- his pins are prob 4 of my top 5 (but I would only have 2-3 in a 4 pin collection ). I first played P3 at the Pinball Gallery when I was just getting into home use experience. - Bill tried to tell me many times how great it was but my first few times I was skeptical. I don’t enjoy playing on location as much as at home as it is hard to hear/get immersed/understand rules etc.
P3- I have two more modules coming (CCR/Heist) but for now only have WAMOH. Very easy to set up and wow that thing is built like a tank! Very cool mechanism to slide up playfield and get it into different positions. The amount of screen space on PF + backbox is a spectacle. GnR was a beauty to look at with the light show, and WAMOH has similar wow factor (I also have the speaker lights which are really well done + integrated, and the topper which is well done and fits weird Al well). Little bit of grinding sound to it but doesn’t bother me (reminds me of LZ topper sound). The magnetic decals on side are so sleek and although haven’t swapped yet, it is clearly very easy which could be nice to switch up art on the fly and keep things fresh. Accessing the menus and different games/settings is very intuitive if you ever used an iPhone or other device. There is a little bit of extra load time than usual but not a big issue for me. I had an issue initially where balls were being shot out relentlessly so game was unplayable. I have heard about the great support of the MM crew and they delivered. They provided me a few ideas to try that did not work, and also another option to record a log of play, and send it to MM easily over the internet/wifi which was super easy. Then I received photos with markup of where the issue was, and it was an easy fix of the opto in back scoop (was being blocked by a wire that was just out of view).
Gameplay- My reaction after a few weeks and ~20hrs of play is I am very impressed. I didn’t think P3 would feel as much like pinball as it does. First few games I thought this is fun and different, but didn’t feel as much like pinball. After more play though, it really does- nudging, deadflip/drop catches, learning the angles and trajectories, etc. …its definitely pinball. The different buttons for different flippers felt odd and I planned on moving to single button- but now its one of my favorite things about the P3 and feels natural. I enjoy the extra challenge but little by little it feels like riding a bike. The suspended flippers feel totally normal to me now, and I was very happy how powerful the flippers were (as strong as Stern to me). The row of scoops adds incredible opportunities for diversity of shots as well- very cool.
WAMOH
I listened to weird al in late 80s for an album or two but not a huge fan…but I love the theme here. So well done, the call outs by Al, the ridiculousness of the songs and lyrics, it all works for me for pinball. I am very impressed with the code. 1) its polished (less and less the norm around release time for industry), 2) its broad and deep (10 modes- which all feel different, rewards or bonus modes for completing a mode, 4-5 MBs, side objectives, several wiz modes, creative bonus multipliers etc. including a few minus/penalties which is cool), 3) its not easy but not terribly hard…so it is approachable for my family. Although ball times for them are on shorter side, they are able to start a mode and I like mystery awards to throw you a random MB award that you otherwise may not achieve). 4) bravo on not just making an Extra ball- but rather calling it a Free Pass, and a separate fire hose award (a challenge based EB/save opportunity, a la WOZ TOTO or TNPLH). This is definitely an immersive pin- you feel like you are in Weird Al’s weirdo museum.
The shots are really impressive. It isn’t easy to make a good-feeling or new shot in Pinball, and they have a couple that are notable. The upward spiral shot feels so good. Not only that, but if you hit it for example on a skill shot, you then can crank an upper loop, AND then a ramp bump or 3rd shot to send it to UHF camera for a super duper (or something) skill shot. Im not a huge skill shot guy, but this one is just fun as hell and probably only second to DP left flipper/crank to katana shot for me. The second shot I didn’t realize until second week- is the right ramp (meal ticket). The ramp isn’t always down but when it is, it makes what is an insanely steep shot. I didn’t realize that 2/3 of the way up is an assist magnet so if your ball gets 50-60% of the way up, the magnet grabs it and sends it around to upper left playfield or Harvey lock. It could be clunky or unnatural, but nope- it feels so butter…amazing engineering/design! The Harvey lock is very cool with the spinning wheel so if you like mechs that is unique. I enjoy the semi random exit from the wheel back onto playfield as well. Otherwise the way they packed in so many ramps/ball paths/diverters is just impressive; and it works. The two upper flippers are also really fun, for slam dunks into the scoop wall or other crazy angles. The only downside for me with layout is it feels like many shots are in that narrow V- up the playfield, and a couple of them you cant make from bottom flipper (I assume this is P3 in general). All in though the 4 flippers balance this out for me and create a gameplay that is pretty unique.
Would I buy a P3 as my only pin? I’m not sure because of nostalgia and the more traditional layouts I am used to. But if its pin #2 or more, absolutely (and again full disclosure I haven’t yet enjoyed the additional modules and game options within each module). What MM has done is impressive and I really appreciate again the fact that they’ve brought such innovation to pinball. This is a really unique system with great game options, and WAMOH is just fun (and challenging, and unique…)- so anyone waiting to buy/get delivery on P3 or WAMOH add on, I think you’re in for something pretty special! Good luck.

Very unique game. Total immersion.

Fantastic game from a Williams. Wide body but plays fast. Fun code for its time. Lots of shots. Top 10 no doubt

Great rock and pin marriage. lower playfield not great but fun extra thing that doesnt take up space (like an upper pf would). Music and immersion feeling is epic. Can zone in a just pinball/rock. Not incredibly deep but some strategy if want to get through. Def get upgraded speakers and woofer to enhance experience. Not sure on lastability- i think its a great piece/part of a collection but would need variety with your other pins for when youre not in 100% ACDC mood!