neurokinetik's ratings

BSD is one of my all-time favorite games. I used to bring a roll of quarters with me to the student union when it was new. From the first time I saw mist multiball, I was hooked. The stacked multiballs is a fun and challenging objective, and to this day, I can only think of a couple of other games that execute the big stack as well. It has always had that "one more game" factor for me, which is why I finally own one, and why several years ago I created the first VPinMAME table recreation.

No ramps, but it has multiball. The central breakshot toy is very well done and fits the theme perfectly. The innuendo in the callouts and animations makes this one work better in an adult environment. I understand Capcom was going for a retro feel in a modern package, and I think they nailed it.

After spending quite a bit of time on it, I don't get why this game gets bashed as much as it does. Yes, it is a bit of a one-shot game (but only once you kit all the shots to set it up), but many similar games are MUCH higher up the list. The ruleset is very much like a System 11 game.

The game has great flow, with some nice combos possible. The rules are fairly simple, but it's a game that keeps me coming back again and again to try to hit that 50 Million shot. Looping that ramp is very satisfying, especially when the jungle run rotates and changes how the ball is being returned to you.

The only real downside are the lagoon awards, as there is really no point to the random multiball. A WPC 2.0 polishing could really transform this game, as the shots are all already there.

Have about 60-70 plays on version 2.0. Impressed right out of the gate on the visuals alone. It can be dark at first, but I've gotten used to it. The rules are very challenging, and it seems like it would be daunting for a beginner. It helps to watch others play so you can pick up on some of the things you need to do on the LCD. I love the stacking of the multiple multiballs and munchkin modes (on the rare occasion I can get enough loops to get one started) and the various callouts of the witch.

What I don't love is "There's No Place Like Home". I've yet to do it, or see anybody else get it either, and that includes some good players who have already been to the "witch battle". It's incredibly difficult.

There are some mechanical quirks that need to be addressed, the worst of which is the ramp switch that catches a slow ball and can't be dislodged without tilting. A slow ramp shot (usually when attempting the ramp shot from the right flipper) is usually what does it. I've had it happen six times so far, and last night when I arrived onsite, there was already a ball stuck there. The other thing is the little loop to the right of the castle door. It seems to reject shots about 75% of the time. The shooter lane bump is also kind of annoying, but I often go for one of the other three skill shots available instead, so it's not that big of an issue for me.

These criticisms aside, I like the game the more I play it. I have been playing it on location, and it is sitting next to a Star Trek Pro. Since it arrived, I end up spending most of my time on WOZ and only a couple of games of ST.

This was a game that kept me playing pinball during the video game's heyday. It can be a brutal drain monster, but when you get it right, it's very satisfying.

This, along with TZ and TAF are the trifecta of Lawlor greatness. This is a game that I come back to again and again.

Getting better with each new software update, but the many of the callouts are pretty lame ("Hi Christoper, I'm Nero"), and in some cases we desperately need a "thank you Mr. Scott" option like we had with Data in STTNG. I keep on playing it, but it hasn't really won me over yet.

Still the best Star Trek pin, IMO.

Very deep and fun game. Still have not hit that elusive Vacation Jackpot.

The fireball sequence is the only thing on this that tends to get a little tiresome.

Love this game, probably as much as TZ.

The only thing that would have made this game better would be if it was based upon the TV series, and not the movies.

The best in Lawlor's long line of great games.

Still the best game Stern has made so far, IMO.