To start with, i am a Canadian hockey fanatic so i am sure that my review reflects that. This is a simple, symmetrical, early solid state game with great flow if not super speed.
Likes: The pop up bumper to eliminate the center drain. Love this feature. It is the goal to achieve this as soon as you have a chance. It prolongs your ball time significantly. Once that is achieved, its time to hit the drop targets. 4 flippers to go after 2 banks of targets (one on each side). I hate games with targets that simply award points when hit...i want the target to drop..show me that i am accomplishing something! The theme: Hockey...and its Bobby Orr! the greatest ever (begin debate now).. The art is gorgeous...excellent depiction by Dave Christensen (no B, B and B ?) and there is a ton of hockey and Canada references on the playfieild, cabinet and backglass. I like the perfect symmetry of the game...others may not. Getting the ball in the upper-kick-out is satisfying and something that accurate nudging can acheive...this lights the bonus rollovers on the left and right side.
Dislikes: Ok, the Blackhawk things sucks but lets move past that. Speed is not great, but flow is. It would be great if there were more toys or gimmicks...its a simple game, made in a simpler time. The sounds are all chimes...they are OK but would love to hear more hockey appropriate sounds. No mods , no upgrades, wtf!?
At our house, it is a favorite game for those newer to pinball, those who are nostalgic, those who love hockey, or are Canadian and those who prefer or enjoy an EM style of play.
After having recently acquired an AC/DC limited edition, the slowness of Power Play is even more evident. But frankly, it would be sacriligious to ever consider parting with this game. Its time to wax the playfield.