SimonBaird's ratings

We have two GOT at Timezone on the Gold Coast and so I got to put a number of games on both at our last pinball club meeting. Looking forward to next Wednesday when we meet again, so I can give this game another run.

First off I am not a die hard GOT fan, I read the first three books and watch the first two seasons of the show and then it sort of Fizzled out for me. So I don't know if I can really rate the theme integration as well as other die hard fans. What I will say is that the idea of using the modes as a way to battle the families against each other seems spot on and probably the best way to integrate the story into a pinball table.

Artwork is typical modern Sterns- Far to match photoshop - no real character - poor print quality. I guess if you like Stern art style this machine won't disappoint certainly not "Ugly" but no real gem either.

Sounds are always hard to rate when you playing games in an arcade with 7 other pins firing around you. However the call outs seem so so no humour or story progression. I can't remember the music at all, which makes me think it must of been rather bland.

DOT's - The dots are some of the poorest I have seen in pinball, They just tried to put so much detail into the display and it comes off as a bit of mess. The Joust video mode could be so much better for a 2015 game. I know its been said before but after playing WOZ at a friends house recently, Stern really needs to lift its game with DMD or switch to LCD.

Gameplay - Very fast - very smooth are the two main points I took away. The first time the dragon shoots the ball back at you (think whiplash on Iron man) you really know about. The Ramps are supper smooth although maybe a little over used. Most players seemed to go House Of Stark and then middle ramp middle ramp middle ramp etc... I'm sure as we develop a better understanding of the ruleset the game play will open up a bit more. However a lot of the shots seemed to be quite dangerous as the game can be a drainer. Where as looping the middle ramp is a safe easy shot. Multi ball was obtainable in almost every game I played. Multi ball had a very different flow to most games with the sword lock stopping the ball, so you only ever seemed to have 1 or 2 balls on the table at anytime not all 3.

Rules/Scoring - Need to spend sometime reading the ruleset on the current code before next meeting as I still have very little idea of what is really going on. The scoring did seem rather unbalanced with long balls and multiple modes entered producing very little points and then other games smashing 100's of millions for little effort. Will hold final judgement until I can properly comment of this section.

Overall it was a fun game to play with the potential for a lot of depth as the code develops. I couldn't see myself buying one as the just not a die-hard fan of the show and modern Stern's are not my thing. However would certainly be happy to pound out some games whenever possible.

With the popularity of the show and the fast free flow layout of the game, I think STERN has a real winner on their hands. I can easily see this game breaking into the top 20 - 25 on the list based on where other STERNS are rated.

Just saw that my overall rating comes in at 6.6 this is on the low side but only because the art work skewers it down. The game itself plays closer to 8 - 8.5

Thought I loved this game and even considered owning but my local arcade has a good knick vault and so no real need. The more I play the game this less appeal it has as a keeper. Great to jump in every now and then and if you had a big collection why not. However as far as buying a NIB or spending $6000, there are so many other options out there that would provide a much better longterm investment.

The Iron Monger is a great bash tool no doubt and multi ball is always a blast to get. However the rest of the play field seems kinda of flat. The ramps just don't feature enough in the game.

Lucky to own a fully reworked White Water with clear coated play field and full LED mods. This game is just Fun Fun Fun. I must admit to being a bit of a bit of a Ramp Hog so this game does it for me.

Pro's

- Ramps Ramps Ramps (did I mention Ramps)

- The upper play field just works a treat, really an integrated part of the whole experience and a great change to a stock standard mode hole, i.e Addams Family or Twilight Zone.

- Theme. Okay you love it or hate it but for me it just works and is such an out there idea. I mean imagine pitching the idea of a pinball game based on White Water Rafting. The fact its not licence based really shows in the creativity of the artwork and sounds.

Cons

- Okay as far as toys go the bigfoot is a dud. However its not really trying to be anything special so thats okay.

- The theme and music is not for everyone and I can appreciate others having negative views.

- No save ball

- Some shots punish you unfairly. Doing a clean Boomerang Bend 100% precise and having it drain down the middle sucks.

All I can say is find a White Water in great condition and spend some time with the table. It is different experience to any other game I have played.

Deserves to be in any collection (If the theme appeals) would I have it as my only pin hmmm probably yes but hey I love ramps.

Owned this game less then a month and its already on the way out. Mostly because I need to make room for another purchase but then its not going to be missed.

There are some real issues with the game and to me the Theme or Artwork are not the problem. The real issues is how one sided the game feels in relation to the Left Ramp and Stricker Hole / Goal are just way to dominate. The right ramp/spinners/Tv mode hole are such dangerous shots and give almost no reward so why even bother.

The game has flow no doubt and the multi ball is a lot of fun but the rest meh. Its a Bally from the 90's so yeah its good really good when put up against 90% of other pins out there. Top 50 maybe but there are a lot of others that rank lower that would eat this table for breakfast.

However I would recommend it as a bang for buck table. Here in Australia you can pickup really nice examples for under $3000 which is $1500 less then say a Creature, Dr Who, White Water etc... for value alone it can provide a lot of entertainment for someone starting out or as a family game. For me I think a table like the Flintstones offers a much better experience for this budget.

Just purchased my first Dr Who on the weekend having never played the table before. They are getting really collectable in Australia and this one was in beautiful condition and a very fair price so took the plunge.

To say I'm glad I did is an understatement. This game Rocks. Amazing Flow and the Fun Factor is through the roof. I don't think I have ever played a game with more one more go appeal. The reason for this in MHO is the games simplicity. Having only one mode (video) really helps focus the player around scoring. For most games in my collection the final score I post is secondary to my overall enjoyment but with the Dr its front and center. This makes the game refreshing and a great addition to a larger collection. I really love having a clear strategy and idea of how I am going to play the game from the outset and then getting to work executing that plan. As such I think it would be a great game to build your skills for Tournament Pinball. Yes it could be said that any game can be approach with a scoring strategy but with the Dr it just feels right, to focus rather then explore.

In many ways the game layout and design reminds me more of a modern Stern but with the build quality and artwork of Bally/Williams. The Time expander is a blast and really brings the game to life. Even the Video Mode most of which were awful from this error is a blast.

A very very underrated game in my opinion and one that is ready for a major revival. I have played almost every game in the Top 50 and own a number of much higher ranked tables and this deserves to be up there with the best. Easily Top 30.

Would recommend for anyone that loves a fast, smooth playing experience. Wouldn't have it in a single collection as I think it works best as a break from other more mode focussed tables.

Lucky enough to be the third owner of a HUO Twilight Zone. Its a great table and will never be leaving my collection because I know it will be impossible to get another in such good original condition.

The gameplay has great balance spread out across all 3 flippers. There are a ton of precise shots to keep you on the ball and a ridiculous number of modes and features.

It does not scream "one more game" like others I own i.e DR Who or White Water. I think this comes down to the stop start nature of the game and the amount of thought that is required when playing. Also the Multi ball is not the best easy to get but relatively low value. I think the game would of benefited from a stacking multiplier to make certain modes or shots more rewarding.

The Artwork both play field and cabinet are some of the best of any table and really add to the overall atmosphere.
The Power ball is also one of the best executed ideas in Pinball.

For its place as a historic game and for the sheer technical brilliance it deserves to be Top 5 of all time.
However there are plenty of other machines that will give you much better bang for buck.

I would say it suits serious collectors with 4 or more tables.

Owned a great condition Road Show for almost 4 years and in that time probably played less then 300 games. It's not that it's a bad game far from it, it simply doesn't scream out PLAY ME!!!

I will start with the positives as this machine does have a lot going for it and I would not want to put potential owners off.

PRO's

- Probably the best bang for your buck game out there, as far as how much you get for your money.
* Wide body* Two Talking Heads* Ridiculous Number of modes* Great Dots * High Quality Build (everything feels real solid) * Intresting and rather deep rules*

- Maybe one of the best collection of toys of any machine I have played. The Two heads both of which interact with the ball, and the bulldozer bash toy are really great.

* The Fourth mini flippers well integrated into the overall game design.

* Probably the best Multi ball of any machine I have owned. Although it can be hard to get for newbies.

* Excellent Dots really can tell its a latter model DMD.

* Cool callouts and nice sound touches such as a tribute to Pats other games during the Quick Lock.

* Awesome Youssi art as usual.

So why have I played so few games? and why is it being moved out of my collection? To answer the second question I own a TZ and have a fully rebuilt Addams arriving in a couple of months. Two Pat Lawlor classics is more then enough for my small collection (6 games). To answer the first question.

CONS

- It just not a lot of fun to play, period. It should be amazing but its not.

- The wide body creates to much space between the shots and detracts from the games flow.

- You don't ever feel connected to the mission of making your way across the country.

- The construction theme is not really integrated, it feels much more like a road trip game then construction. The modes should have been about building or destroying construction sites, not police chases and angry cab drivers.

- The endless continue ball, just makes any accomplishments mute. Yes you can forgo any continues and reach wizard mode the old fashion way (which I have done a couple of times) but hey when all you need to do is press the continue button indefinitely kinda of defeats the achievement.

- The country and western song is a actually okay but just does not fit in with the theme.

- REDs heads is kinda of creepy.

- If you going to own a Pat Lawlor game this is not his best work.

However as an addition partner to Fun House or in a home collection for the Family it could be a real winner.
Do I think I will miss it? No. Would I own again? Only if the Addams and Twilight leave the collection which ain't happening.

Pick it up if you get the chance, you get a lot for the $2500 - $3000 it will cost.

I own it so it may be bias, but thats only cause I have got to play it more than other machines and like any pinball the true worth only becomes apparent after multiple times spent at the flippers. The main feature of Tommy and why it rates as high as it does in MHO is the heritage it delivers. This table really captures the feel of an older style and time of pinball and delivers it in a modern interpretation. So while I mark it down for points in regards to lack of toys etc it really is all about Pinball past and in this regards it does a bang up job. Also the music and catchphrases are superb and simply add tons to the whole play experience. Experience is the word because you don't just play Tommy you live it, it is over the top, creepy and sometime a little weird, but than again anyone who has seen the movie will know that is exactly what it needs to be.

Okay time for an update. After owning this machine for four years, I think I can give a true honest account of the game. First of all I don't truly believe you can compare Data East from the mid 90's against Bally/Williams from the same era or todays STERNS. There is just a slight sub-par quality of build and sound when held up against other manufactures. That being said Tommy suffers these comparisons much less then say Jurassic Park or Last Action Hero.

Two things that still stand out after all these years are The Music and The Modes. Tommy is really Data East answer to the Addams Family and it is therefor no surprise that like TAF it nails it's theme and fun factor. I know that many Pinsiders mark down the music and callouts due to the fact that they based on Broadway Play and not the movie and I tend to agree that this is a fair call. Imagine that TAF was based on the broadway musical rather the the movie, it simply would not have the same impact. That being said, really all it would take to achieve a smooth transition from the musical to the album/movie would be a new back glass and updated sound files (after market mod anyone). Otherwise the theme does stick true to the movie/opera as far as modes, playfield etc...

Okay so heres the deal, Tommy is a fun game with great depth in the soundtrack/call outs and a really nice presentation (back glass is the exemption). I would strongly recommend it to a bigger collector as a great table for sub $2000 or to a real WHO fan but.... and its a big but... Tommy is not best in class in even one category and as such simply does not stack up to the best of the best. Its a great game to get you started in 90's pinball heritage, but once you immerse yourself in the best from this era, you will soon forget it and move on...

My Tommy is soon to be moved on when my Addams Family returns from a complete restoration project and really it is fitting. The Tommy was bought for my now wife (girlfriend at the time) as a substitute for an Addams Family that I could not afford at the time. And while she loves it for sentimental reasons, I know any feelings of loss or sadness for seeing it go when the Addams arrives will soon be swept away. I guess that sums up Tommy - Easily Forgotten

Have clocked only 15 or so games on this one, so it will need some updating in the future. Played alongside Avatar & Rolling Stones was an LE but still made the other two Sterns look cheap and nasty by comparison. The ruleset compared to the other 2 was also far more complex and rewarding. I think with more time and more games, it will show why it has its current place in the rankings. That being said unless Stern re-release one were the playfield artwork is not a photo-shoped pixilated mess it will hard for it to rise any higher.

Fun Flow Fantastic (read story)