RKip455's ratings
Pinsider RKip455 has rated 34 machines.
This page shows all all these ratings, and forms RKip455's personal top 34.
Rating comments
8.353/10
67 days ago
Vinemont, AL
I was pleasantly surprised by the game play, deep code and shot difficulty. The game has a fun and fast layout and I feel the theme is well integrated with the playfield design (I like the Nordic Viking theme). I felt, like most due, the animations are a bit weak but the music is very good and really does go well with the design. I'm getting one of these in a trade and I'm looking forward to it and will update my ratings once I play many games.
The playfield offers many good shots and features like 3 flippers, 2 ramps, a spinner, outer loop, scoop and Viking Longship model is a great feature which allows you to lock ball released later. Note: My ratings for the Game Design and toys are with respect to the Deluxe model. It’s my opinion that this pin has gotten poor reviews mostly because it's not a Stern. Which for me (as I own multiple manufactures pins)
RKip455
The playfield offers many good shots and features like 3 flippers, 2 ramps, a spinner, outer loop, scoop and Viking Longship model is a great feature which allows you to lock ball released later. Note: My ratings for the Game Design and toys are with respect to the Deluxe model. It’s my opinion that this pin has gotten poor reviews mostly because it's not a Stern. Which for me (as I own multiple manufactures pins)
RKip455
10.000/10
84 days ago
Elton John (PE) Jersey Jack, 2023
JJP's Elton John in my opinion... thanks to Steve Ritchie, is a Perfect 10. Finally strong flippers, fast play, long and short shots. Great music, incredible PF art and art package. Call outs by Sir Elton himself.... simply Awesome Pin. I see this one in the top 10 shortly if folks are honest. We'll see, as the Stern following is strong.
RKip
PS... I see some Flags on my comment and review... but I put my money where my comment is, I put 2500 down on a CE... This is IMHO the best pinball machine I've played. Check my collection, I own 7 of the top 11 pins. So flag my comment if you like... but I played 20-25 games and had the most amazing enjoyment I've had in playing any other new Gen pin to date... !
So many bias reviews by folks that either don't like the EJ theme or his music. I feel a pin review should consider the theme and the integration of that theme and the overall package without prejudice. I stand by my Perfect 10
RKip
PS... I see some Flags on my comment and review... but I put my money where my comment is, I put 2500 down on a CE... This is IMHO the best pinball machine I've played. Check my collection, I own 7 of the top 11 pins. So flag my comment if you like... but I played 20-25 games and had the most amazing enjoyment I've had in playing any other new Gen pin to date... !
So many bias reviews by folks that either don't like the EJ theme or his music. I feel a pin review should consider the theme and the integration of that theme and the overall package without prejudice. I stand by my Perfect 10
9.226/10
4 months ago
Houdini American Pinball, 2017
IMHO... one of the most underrated pins on the market. Great Theme, Great Fun, Great PF options and lighting... Very Tuff Yes. The mech's are really cool. Machine is solid. Best value pin on the used market today. I traded my ST-Pro for this plus cash my way. Best deal I've done in a long while.
Find one and try it... more than once!
RKip
Find one and try it... more than once!
RKip
9.640/10
6 months ago
Cactus Canyon (Remake - LE) Chicago Gaming Co., 2021
Nothing much to say on this as with the other three... The Holly Grail of Pinball All Time Classics and I've been blessed to own all four at the same time
Attack from Mars - LE
Medieval Madness - Royal
Monster Bash - LE
Cactus Canyon - Special
Attack from Mars - LE
Medieval Madness - Royal
Monster Bash - LE
Cactus Canyon - Special
8.056/10
9 months ago
Foo Fighters (LE) Stern, 2023
LOLOL... Foo Fighters is a cool pin, top 10, NO WAY! It's fun, shoots well, art IMHO... horrible for the theme of a Rock Band that never had a Cartoon. Dang.... Heavily Elwin influenced!
Stern's are just starting to feel the same.
Stern's are just starting to feel the same.
9.440/10
10 months ago
Queen (Limited Rhapsody Edition) Pinball Brothers, 2022
WOW... what a sleeper. Pinball Brothers have received a bad rap on this pin. The build quality and playfield is closer to JJP and far surpasses Stern. I have Queen, along side of Elvira and Alien along side of Godzilla..... all I can say is you have to see one and play it for yourself.
The art work on the cabinet could have been a bit more interesting. And the lollipop side armor is weak at best... should have been laser cut guitar
Music, well it's queen and live which corresponds to the live video's during game play.. and looks fantastic and sounds fantastic with PB's quality speaker system.
Gameplay is different than stern... big plus, to many stern games feel the same. The shots are not difficult, but many... upper play field plays a guitar solo if you can keep it up there long enough. Multiple multi-balls, a plus... just a fun music pin... IMHO nd this is my opinion. I'm not a Cary Hardy and many don't give a rat's butt what I think. But this pin and Alien deserve honest reviews.
Someone told me the music starts over when you shoot the ball. Sure it does... as the song selection is a brief highlight of the song, and then when you plunge the song starts from the beginning as you would expect.
More later... only had 4 days now... RKip
The art work on the cabinet could have been a bit more interesting. And the lollipop side armor is weak at best... should have been laser cut guitar
Music, well it's queen and live which corresponds to the live video's during game play.. and looks fantastic and sounds fantastic with PB's quality speaker system.
Gameplay is different than stern... big plus, to many stern games feel the same. The shots are not difficult, but many... upper play field plays a guitar solo if you can keep it up there long enough. Multiple multi-balls, a plus... just a fun music pin... IMHO nd this is my opinion. I'm not a Cary Hardy and many don't give a rat's butt what I think. But this pin and Alien deserve honest reviews.
Someone told me the music starts over when you shoot the ball. Sure it does... as the song selection is a brief highlight of the song, and then when you plunge the song starts from the beginning as you would expect.
More later... only had 4 days now... RKip
8.848/10
10 months ago
Bride of Pinbot 2.0 Dutch Pinball, 2014
Bride of Pinbot 2.0 is a great upgrade to a fantastic classic pin. The animations and sound quality are 100%. Dutch provides new speaker kit from Flipper Fidelity which includes the bass speaker and an equalizer. New speech by the same voice as the original and new sounds.
Also a completely new panel with cool art and an updated color dot matrix LCD screen (not LCD forgot actual screen type). Which changes the visuals in the game. Also provides the original analog scoring for the original version.
The PF is the same as many have stated, Duh, of course it is. But it has new rules, pushes different shots. Forces you to hit the heart beat ramp to lock a ball... provides a 3 ball multi-ball. This upgrade simply offers new life into an old classic.
I own the game so sure I'm little partial... but it's fantastic to have both versions.... yes my pin is mint and this upgrade was worth every penny.
Also a completely new panel with cool art and an updated color dot matrix LCD screen (not LCD forgot actual screen type). Which changes the visuals in the game. Also provides the original analog scoring for the original version.
The PF is the same as many have stated, Duh, of course it is. But it has new rules, pushes different shots. Forces you to hit the heart beat ramp to lock a ball... provides a 3 ball multi-ball. This upgrade simply offers new life into an old classic.
I own the game so sure I'm little partial... but it's fantastic to have both versions.... yes my pin is mint and this upgrade was worth every penny.
9.456/10
10 months ago
Cactus Canyon (Remake - Special Edition) Chicago Gaming Co., 2021
Game is a classic and absolute fun. of the 4 this would ranks 4th ... I want it because I own the other 3 but it's not as exciting as I'd hoped it would be... would rank it 4th of the CGC four:
MMr =10/10
AFM =10/10
MB =9.8/10
CCr =9.5/10
MMr =10/10
AFM =10/10
MB =9.8/10
CCr =9.5/10
9.860/10
10 months ago
Attack From Mars (Remake - LE) Chicago Gaming Co., 2017
What can I say that hasn't been said... the game is likely the best remake ever made. The theme is fantastic, the animations are amazing and funny. Also, like all the CGC remakes it's an easy pickup for friends and non-pinball players
7.826/10
10 months ago
Foo Fighters (Premium) Stern, 2023
Game Play:
Fun for a bit but not a keeper in my book. Flow... hell yeah it flows like all Elwin pins....LOL. Jack Danger did a good job on his first Production pin. (hot home pin). However, how this pin is #2 is beyond me it's not a top 10 in my book and will likely not stay in my collection if I ever own it. I feel folks are over inflating their review numbers.... IMHO. After a few games it seemed the shots reminded me of other stern pins, GZ, JP, etc. Upper playfield was ok, but like Mando, useless. Game just feels like most all modern sterns.
Yes it's fun, yes it flows, not it's not unique... music is good but not Led Zeppelin obviously LOL
Artwork/design:
I for one never liked Cartoon artwork vs real images, unless of course it's a cartoon theme like DP, Avengers, etc. Never liked the Walking dead cartoon alternative. Saying that the art work on FF was for me no good and seeing the animation of a cartoon van and cartoon band characters was for me just to silly for the music. I know not everyone feels this way
Will I play it on location, every time... will I buy it... not likely.
The game is a solid 8/10.
Fun for a bit but not a keeper in my book. Flow... hell yeah it flows like all Elwin pins....LOL. Jack Danger did a good job on his first Production pin. (hot home pin). However, how this pin is #2 is beyond me it's not a top 10 in my book and will likely not stay in my collection if I ever own it. I feel folks are over inflating their review numbers.... IMHO. After a few games it seemed the shots reminded me of other stern pins, GZ, JP, etc. Upper playfield was ok, but like Mando, useless. Game just feels like most all modern sterns.
Yes it's fun, yes it flows, not it's not unique... music is good but not Led Zeppelin obviously LOL
Artwork/design:
I for one never liked Cartoon artwork vs real images, unless of course it's a cartoon theme like DP, Avengers, etc. Never liked the Walking dead cartoon alternative. Saying that the art work on FF was for me no good and seeing the animation of a cartoon van and cartoon band characters was for me just to silly for the music. I know not everyone feels this way
Will I play it on location, every time... will I buy it... not likely.
The game is a solid 8/10.
9.380/10
1 year ago
Alien (Limited Version) Pinball Brothers, 2021
I picked this one up today. My Pinball Bud and I were amazed at how under-rated this pin is. See my Collection... I own 7 of the top 10 in the top 100. IMHO this one is a Straight 10. More later after I've played a few more games. But Wow the quality of the build, the integration of the movie... and the PF quality is second to none.
I can't wait for my Queen Rhapsody by these guys.
UPDATE:
After a couple weeks playing this pin I must say it is just getting better. However, I am currently experiencing a flipper failure and awaiting tech support. The upper left flipper, so I can actually still play.
UPDATE 2: Flipper issue was corrected... still have the game and it's great. What many don't comment on is that there are 2 games in one... Alien, and Aliens!
I also want to comment on what people are saying, when they say the Xenomorph doesn't always work. Actually the mode works every-time. Although, sometimes depending on ball speed the magnet isn't catching the ball (not like Stern's LZ magic Spinner Magnet) so that's the issue... can it be addressed with software, not sure, likely not. But the MB always works. More later still think this is a sleeper.
I can't wait for my Queen Rhapsody by these guys.
UPDATE:
After a couple weeks playing this pin I must say it is just getting better. However, I am currently experiencing a flipper failure and awaiting tech support. The upper left flipper, so I can actually still play.
UPDATE 2: Flipper issue was corrected... still have the game and it's great. What many don't comment on is that there are 2 games in one... Alien, and Aliens!
I also want to comment on what people are saying, when they say the Xenomorph doesn't always work. Actually the mode works every-time. Although, sometimes depending on ball speed the magnet isn't catching the ball (not like Stern's LZ magic Spinner Magnet) so that's the issue... can it be addressed with software, not sure, likely not. But the MB always works. More later still think this is a sleeper.
9.540/10
1 year ago
Elvira's House of Horrors (Premium Edition) Stern, 2019
Love the game.... just fun to play all around. The call outs are great and the table plays fast and smooth but not just easy shots. I'm waiting for mine to arrive finally. More after owning it.
6.965/10
2 years ago
Deadpool (Limited Edition) Stern, 2018
I wanted and owned this game... however, it only lasted 3 months. I was very disappointed as I had only played on location a few times. The Katana Blade is cool... loading balls in it is the highlight of the playfield.. The shot left of the scoop is completely wasted. The sound and music is simple and repetitive. The game modes taking on the enemies of DP is cool. The mini Deadpool is ok but leaves you wanting more form the drop target ball lock. It was ok but no way a long time keeper for me. I like Deadpool and Avenger characters, but something just failed on this game design for me.
9.740/10
2 years ago
Monster Bash (Limited Edition) Chicago Gaming Co., 2018
Quite simply an amazing causal pin. Beautiful, comical, and straight forward. This is a top machine at my home with anyone that walks in the door. The game has a lot of energy and with the Dracula and Frankenstein bash toys its challenging but simple. Sure it takes hitting shots multiple times, but what game doesn't? Offers great animations for all modes and characters. Easily an all time top 5 IMHO.
9.820/10
2 years ago
Medieval Madness (Remake - Standard) Chicago Gaming Co., 2015
This is simply the best pinball machine ever made for both the average / casual player as well as the experienced player IMHO. I've always wanted this pin and I finally found one I could justify. The XL color DMD, upgraded speakers and sub plus the RGB lighting simply brings this machine up to the standards of new pins being released today. Destroying the castle just never gets old. The animations and voices/commentary is sometimes just hilarious. The troll's popping and troll multiball with them alternating is another great feature. The game offers a lot but is also simple for casual players to understand and enjoy. Medieval Madness (as with Attack from Mars) are perfect examples of how pinball can be successful without all the expensive licensing.
Sure the rule-set is considered a bit shallow compared to modern pins today... but some like AIQ are just to deep. This is still a great title, and deserves it's ranking as one of the best pins ever made. If you have played this game.... do it.
Note: My ratings on the game lighting and sound is based on the Royal Upgrades.
Sure the rule-set is considered a bit shallow compared to modern pins today... but some like AIQ are just to deep. This is still a great title, and deserves it's ranking as one of the best pins ever made. If you have played this game.... do it.
Note: My ratings on the game lighting and sound is based on the Royal Upgrades.
9.780/10
2 years ago
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) Stern, 2018
I own the premium of this machine... it's one of my favorite two pins. Godzilla and IM. Elwin has hit a home run IMHO with Iron Maiden. Maiden has a lot to do, the shots, the rule set, the depth, and the art work on the premium for me was the most attractive. It's not a beginner pin, but accessible and enjoyable for new comers. The ramp shot, underworld shot, the Orb and the ramps for the sarcophagus make this a really shooters paradise. With the added art blades and pin stadiums, this is also one of the best looking PF's of all my pins. Play it if you haven't!!!
9.640/10
2 years ago
Star Trek (LE) Stern, 2013
I finally got one home... and I must say I was very impressed... Stern made their best ever LE in this model.... The Armor, the RGB's the playfield and one of the best if not the best game designers. Fast, unforgiving at times, and great bash toy with the Vengeance Ship. Play ability is fun and hard and I think lastability is right up there with the top ten pins.
6.894/10
2 years ago
Guns N' Roses (LE) Jersey Jack, 2020
Not my game I guess.... I just can't get past the plunge...LOLOL, The game looks great, great band... not a fun pin IMHO
9.840/10
2 years ago
Godzilla (Premium) Stern, 2021
I think the Godzilla premium is the best machine of the trio. It has all the features of the LE and considering the powder coated silver looks lame IMHO... this is also the most valuable one of the 3. The game is fantastic, great call-outs, great features, the collapsing building multiball with Blue Oyster Cult's Iconic song timed just perfectly as the balls hit the flippers.
The mechagodzilla interaction plus the bridge IMHO make the the best pin on the market today. I also think the artwork on the premium is the best of the trio as well. Adding a voodoo glass, mirror blades and pinstadiums to mine will make it shine! This is not my top pin which was IM.
The mechagodzilla interaction plus the bridge IMHO make the the best pin on the market today. I also think the artwork on the premium is the best of the trio as well. Adding a voodoo glass, mirror blades and pinstadiums to mine will make it shine! This is not my top pin which was IM.
7.992/10
2 years ago
Star Wars (Premium) Stern, 2017
I love my SW premium... but it's a hard game to play and incredibly hard to master. Hyperloop multiball and Destroying the death star is almost unachievable. But the game is fast and mine looks fantastic with mirror blades and pin stadiums. Not sure if I'll keep it or sell/trade it just yet.
8.376/10
2 years ago
Big Guns Williams, 1987
Excellent machine, cannons are really cool, great backglass and nice playfield art. This is one of the most underrated games available. I own it, but it will have to make room for my new Getaway HS II!.
8.665/10
2 years ago
The Getaway: High Speed II Williams, 1992
Very fun pin, great shots, fast and the Master; Steve Ritchie. Yeah, its not deep but tell me what pin in this era that was deep as they are today.
9.166/10
2 years ago
FunHouse Williams, 1990
Game is Classic, fun, hard and long lasting / replay-ability! The game introduced a talking head... taunting the player and interacting with the player, sometimes encouraging and most of the time, with sarcasm humor. The shots are difficult, the options are multiple and fun. The two skill shots is unique as well. First Rudy's hide-away/back-door and then the steps left shooter.
All in all a great pinball machine.... I highly recommend playing if you've never played it.
All in all a great pinball machine.... I highly recommend playing if you've never played it.
6.535/10
2 years ago
Wild Card Williams, 1977
Wild Card is the last EM Williams ever made.... and it is obvious. Not much going on, left lane return to top, center spinner, right lane capture with kick out. only two pop bumpers which really need three for better action. Fun pin, I own it... but I'd let it go without much fuss.
7.861/10
2 years ago
Four Million B.C. Bally, 1971
What can you not say about this incredible 1971 Bally pin! Well, it's the first ever multiball (from my research) and it's designed into the game play uniquely. A volcano ball capture, a tar pit ball capture and both can be released during simple but at time difficult game play. Remember folks, this is a 1971 difficulty... think back to how games played back then.
Zipper Flippers, 2 ball captures, a difficult and unique skill shot, left kicker ball save, return gate to the shooter lane. Add the awesome back glass art with two iconic dinosaurs fighting to their death and you have one of the best early 70's pin ever made.
Zipper Flippers, 2 ball captures, a difficult and unique skill shot, left kicker ball save, return gate to the shooter lane. Add the awesome back glass art with two iconic dinosaurs fighting to their death and you have one of the best early 70's pin ever made.
8.471/10
2 years ago
Grand Prix Williams, 1976
Grand Prix is another 70's Iconic game. This is one of my two favorite 70's pins. I love racing and had to get this one. Thanks to Daniel Marshal for trading me this pin for an Aztec. This is the year before SS machine began showing up. The spinners and building bonus points is a great aspect to this pin. Nothing fancy, just good old fashioned pinball at it's best!
8.537/10
2 years ago
Abra Ca Dabra Gottlieb, 1975
Abra Ca Dabra... is one of my two favorite 70's pins. The chime box (if tuned properly) is the best of what 70's pinball was when I was 15 years old. The 70's IMHO is what pinball was all about! Game play speed had improved, shot options were becoming creative, and drop targets, bonus points and ball captures/multiball was discovered. This is a hard but fair and playable pin... if you see one, play it... History at it's best!
9.160/10
2 years ago
Black Knight Sword of Rage (LE) Stern, 2019
The “Black Knight – Sword of Rage” is the pinnacle of the Black Knight Trilogy! Steve Ritchie has returned with probably his best pin ever, in my opinion. Every game feels like a "Battle” a real “Fight” for survival. To me the game is perfect! Why, because it's hard, it's frustrating, it's unforgiven, and it demand accuracy and not just a flipping frenzy!
I don't care what folks say about the upper playfield, I've had mine now over 6/7 months, (as my local arcade only had the pro) however, within a week I found that the upper playfield was an absolute must have. I don’t understand how folks can say the upper playfield is not fun…. Well, there are a couple things to do vs just hitting a few drop targets as on the past BK pins.
• One - skill shots:
o Standard Skill Shot (Premium / LE) - hit the light locks standup target on the upper playfield 1.0M +250K for each
additional Skill Shot.
o Super Skill Shot (Premium / LE) - Lock a ball in the catapult lock on the upper playfield 2.0M +500K or each additional
super Skill Shot
• Two – Loop the catapult for multiple scoring; very fast
• Load the Catapult… which can be difficult yet rewarding
Once the Catapult has two balls loaded, you can load two into the Triple Knights Challenge multiball virtual lock. Then return to the upper playfield, has two shots to get you back to the upper playfield. Load the 3rd ball into the catapult and once they are released…. Lock the 3rd knights multiball behind the Knights shield. BAM… 6 multiballs.
Game also offers the BK 2000
KNIGHT Multiball: It’s a throwback to the original Black Knight, complete with the old score display, original music, and, most importantly, multiplied scoring during KMB.
The King’s Ransom: Completing KNIGHT for the second time in one game will begin The King’s Ransom, a throwback to the first ever wizard mode in pinball (from Black Knight 2000). This is a minute-long 3-ball multiball with an unlimited ball saver for its duration.
For me a great pinball machine… which has been badly underrated pinball machine in the past 5 years
I don't care what folks say about the upper playfield, I've had mine now over 6/7 months, (as my local arcade only had the pro) however, within a week I found that the upper playfield was an absolute must have. I don’t understand how folks can say the upper playfield is not fun…. Well, there are a couple things to do vs just hitting a few drop targets as on the past BK pins.
• One - skill shots:
o Standard Skill Shot (Premium / LE) - hit the light locks standup target on the upper playfield 1.0M +250K for each
additional Skill Shot.
o Super Skill Shot (Premium / LE) - Lock a ball in the catapult lock on the upper playfield 2.0M +500K or each additional
super Skill Shot
• Two – Loop the catapult for multiple scoring; very fast
• Load the Catapult… which can be difficult yet rewarding
Once the Catapult has two balls loaded, you can load two into the Triple Knights Challenge multiball virtual lock. Then return to the upper playfield, has two shots to get you back to the upper playfield. Load the 3rd ball into the catapult and once they are released…. Lock the 3rd knights multiball behind the Knights shield. BAM… 6 multiballs.
Game also offers the BK 2000
KNIGHT Multiball: It’s a throwback to the original Black Knight, complete with the old score display, original music, and, most importantly, multiplied scoring during KMB.
The King’s Ransom: Completing KNIGHT for the second time in one game will begin The King’s Ransom, a throwback to the first ever wizard mode in pinball (from Black Knight 2000). This is a minute-long 3-ball multiball with an unlimited ball saver for its duration.
For me a great pinball machine… which has been badly underrated pinball machine in the past 5 years
8.146/10
2 years ago
Taxi Williams, 1988
Taxi is unique and iconic! Gorbachev, Pinbot, Dracula, Santa, and of course Marylin (Lola)! Simple game rule set, you always know what to do, shots are easy, yet difficult if the machine is setup properly. Game play is fun, ramps, fast pop bumpers, sounds are great, call outs awesome (although a couple more from each would have been even better) love the bell ringing, it's just a fantastic great with lasting re-playability... like someone said... Great Pin! My Fiancé' and I chased a couple and finally got a great deal from Will Snodgrass in IL. Thanks Will... it will likely always be a part of our collection.
9.475/10
2 years ago
Led Zeppelin (Premium) Stern, 2020
I've had my Led Zeppelin now for about a month which is my first Brand New Pin. I think the game is spot on and will likely become a classic. IMHO this is a top music pin… Everyone likes and enjoys Led Zeppelin music. The premium is a must have due to the Electric Magic motorized system that rises from below the playfield and brings an additional spinner and a quick multi-ball option. Once the spinner is charged it’s awesome to hit the spinner again and see it capture the ball even though it’s been smashed.
The premium edition (and LE of course) come with the expression lighting system™ with 96 intelligent RGB LED’s enables full color spectrum control. These provide color throughout the entire playfield illuminating it in many different colors. This lighting system is synchronized providing a custom light show which is different for every song and dynamically responsive to specific game events.
The premium also comes with a reversing scoop and metal combo ramp this along with the back panel mounted illuminated song status board indicating which song is in play.
I think the game play is great, many targets and shots are required to get the many different multi-balls and I never get tired of the electric-magic system. I highly recommend this pin if you see it out there play it!
The premium edition (and LE of course) come with the expression lighting system™ with 96 intelligent RGB LED’s enables full color spectrum control. These provide color throughout the entire playfield illuminating it in many different colors. This lighting system is synchronized providing a custom light show which is different for every song and dynamically responsive to specific game events.
The premium also comes with a reversing scoop and metal combo ramp this along with the back panel mounted illuminated song status board indicating which song is in play.
I think the game play is great, many targets and shots are required to get the many different multi-balls and I never get tired of the electric-magic system. I highly recommend this pin if you see it out there play it!
