shaub's ratings

The game has a lot going for it: A solid (but difficult layout) with mostly tight shots and pretty steep ramps, it definitely has the patented Borg double inlane which leads to a lot of bad bounces to the outlane, especially when the ball comes out of the pop bumpers. The shot under the Upper Flipper is very satisfying to hit and even though it is tough, a missed shot isn't especially punishing. The art, sounds and theming are all well done. The biggest issue with this game is the code, in a number of ways it just doesn't seem to work. The score balancing is completely off, if you want to go for points then you just need to focus on MB and could essentially just ignore Episodes. If you want to go for game progression though, the episodes are quite fun, all unique enough to feel like their own thing with good theme integration. Training modes are also fun, but they lack incentive for points and game progress though this is slightly rectified by code V1.41 with the addition of Neutrino Pizza Party which is qualified after you've completed two of Training modes. Additionally, there are "side modes" to the game as well: 123 Foot, April Hurry Ups, Weapon Hurry Ups, and the Krang Kombo. The problem with these modes, however, is that they don't really contribute to much in the way of points (at least not relative to their difficulty) and they provide little sense of game progression outside of being part of the requirements to qualify the ultimate wizard mode: Cowabunga. Qualifying Cowabunga feels out of place and sort of just tacked onto the core game rather than integrated in a way that feels like a logical progression through the game. Luckily, Final Battle (the wizard mode for playing through all the episodes) feels much more like a logical conclusion to the game from a theme and typical gameplay perspective, although viewing the game this way makes the "side modes" feel essentially worth ignoring.

Overall, if you look at the game as Multiballs, the Episodes, and the Mini- and Main-Wizard Modes (TeamUp MB and Final Battle) for playing the Episodes, it's a tough but fun experience. If you are looking for more depth, strategy, and a "well-rounded" game, this is probably not the one for you. Luckily, some code polish, score balancing, and "side-mode" refocusing could definitely elevate the game beyond where it currently stands. That is, if Stern/Dwight ever decide to put the work in to make that happen. Like many Dwight games, I'd have to say that the game has potential but falls short on a lot of the finer points that it's contemporaries get right.

This machine is fun to shoot. You've got drop targets, a spinner and a couple ways to approach the game. What more can you ask for? You've also really gotta appreciate the bonus countdown sounds while you collect your hard earned points.

Note: My rating/review is based on the era of the machine and what it offers in relation to that. For example, the playfield layout doesn't get a low rating for a "lack of ramps," the same goes for the "simplicity" of the rules.

I think Dirty Harry is an underrated machine. There is a decent amount of depth in the rules which gives you different things to focus on when playing and helps give it some lastability. If only going for the high scores, multiball tends to be the route to go. The shots are satisfying to make - especially the left ramp, modes are not unreasonably hard to start, and multiball is enjoyable.

One complaint I have is that it isn't possible to make subsequent multiballs incrementally more diffcult to start, but this is more of an issue in the home environment than on location.

BSD is an exciting machine to play with a great "one-more-game" feel. Game times tend to be short and the rules are not very deep but the excitement of stacking 2 or, if possible, 3 multiball modes and being awarded big points is incredibly enjoyable.

Great straight forward goal for beginners (castle), deeper rules for more experienced players. Terrific theme and execution, great humour.

There is a lot to do: variety of shots, multiple modes, many multiballs with unique ways to start and interesting multiball goals. Seems like it would have a lot of lastabilty. This machine is a lot of fun.

As far as System 11 machines go, this one feels pretty unique to me. The upper playfield is a cool feature during single ball play and a great idea for the jackpot during multiball. I really like the theme, it's got just the right amount of cheesiness that makes for a good theme you can get behind. The playfield layout is also quite unique. Plus, Lionman!

This machine can be fun, especially for a beginner. The rules aren't too deep and the theme is a little awkward. My understanding is that the original idea was to assemble a pinball machine with parts/ideas from previous machines but that was scrapped early on. The Time Machine mode seems to speak to this.

Ultimately, it can be fun for a bit but I doubt it has much lastability.

I like this machine quite a bit and given enough time to play it, it becomes much, much better. This is what I've based my rating on.

To the new player, I feel like this machine is characterized by trying desperately to get the ball under control before it immediately drains. As well, it is difficult to understand how multiball works, which I think is usually a good focus for new players.

The simplicity of the rules is balanced by the difficulty in gameplay.

I really like the theme and it's integration. A lot of interesting and extravagent features, the light show is terrific and the rules are incredibly well thought out and deep. But what makes this game really enjoyable is trying to stack the Emerald City, the Rescue and the Crystal Ball Multiball modes.

I like the multiball, the jackpot is good. The double jackpot is difficult, and the monster jackpot is even more so. As for modes, though it is difficult to hit the scoop, there are a couple of good ones (werewolf, frightmare, thunderstorm), some great ones (electric chair multiball, super guillotine, robbing the crypt). Playing all modes gets Crypt jam which is difficult to get to, but gives something to work toward. The fast goring modes (right ramp) are hard to start, but can get good points.

As for aesthetics, tftc I like the theme and the artwork seems to be true to the source material. The call outs are good, if you like (or don't mind) cheesy puns. The cackle has never gotten on my nerves, and I've played it alot.

The one big problem I have is the gimme multiball, and the scoop difficulty can be frustrating.