The_Gorilla's ratings
Pinsider The_Gorilla has rated 155 machines.
This page shows all all these ratings, and forms The_Gorilla's personal top 155.
Rating comments
Pleasant Hill, IA
9.580/10
2 years ago
Godzilla (Pro) Stern, 2021
Keith needs to stop designing games. There is no way in this world I will be able afford all of his titles which is apparently what I am going to have to do.
So thankful for his playfield ingenuity.
Update: This game is SO good. I usually “beat” games within a month when constantly playing at home. I am not even close. For such a simple looking layout the shot patterns are wonderfully unique. Honestly the weirdest thing when trying to put an accurate revue is coming up with words to convey how satisfying Godzilla is to play.
So thankful for his playfield ingenuity.
Update: This game is SO good. I usually “beat” games within a month when constantly playing at home. I am not even close. For such a simple looking layout the shot patterns are wonderfully unique. Honestly the weirdest thing when trying to put an accurate revue is coming up with words to convey how satisfying Godzilla is to play.
9.222/10
2 years ago
Jurassic Park (Pro) Stern, 2019
This would be my favorite Elwin game if it weren't for the "finite" rule set. WTF is up with that?
7.967/10
2 years ago
Stranger Things (Pro) Stern, 2019
Never had this happen before. First time playing it: hated it. Second time: Yep, still a snoozer.
Then tonight...something clicked. It was...fun.
It isn't a great layout like a Keith Elwin game but I finally found some love for this one.
I was pleasantly surprised to have such a drastic opinion change.
Then tonight...something clicked. It was...fun.
It isn't a great layout like a Keith Elwin game but I finally found some love for this one.
I was pleasantly surprised to have such a drastic opinion change.
7.649/10
5 years ago
The Beatles (Gold Edition) Stern, 2018
Beatles is fun but fun in a "hey great EM" kinda way. I know the price vs game has been argued ad nauseam so I will leave it at that
7.990/10
9 years ago
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Stern, 2003
I realize they are both themed the same by the same designer...but I can't believe how much was copied from T2! My heart is with T2 but I think T3 is a better game.
8.756/10
9 years ago
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Stern, 2008
Playfield is stunning when upgraded to LED lighting. Great layout. The skull lock is neat but the "toys" on this game are average. Not a lot of wow factor to them.
The skill shot is hard so thus is satisfying when completed. Missing on this game is the Lawlor shot through the pops!
I am convinced that combined with its scarcity, uniqueness of layout and Lawlor reputation, if this game had better code it would be a keeper for me.
As it sits, the code is bland and of what is there about 50% will only be seen once every 500 games!
The skill shot is hard so thus is satisfying when completed. Missing on this game is the Lawlor shot through the pops!
I am convinced that combined with its scarcity, uniqueness of layout and Lawlor reputation, if this game had better code it would be a keeper for me.
As it sits, the code is bland and of what is there about 50% will only be seen once every 500 games!
7.327/10
9 years ago
Operation: Thunder Gottlieb, 1992
Playfield is a bit hard to discern. It isn't ACDC. I always wanted to put that in a review.
7.852/10
9 years ago
Stargate Gottlieb, 1995
I love the layout. The rule set is better than average. There are several things unique to this game that make it stand out. IE: the guards, the skill shot to sarcophagus multi ball, 2 pop bumpers, one of the wizard modes is a once per game chance...
I wish the battle mode wasn't weighted so heavily for points. It is not as bad as the billion spinner on JM but it can add HUGE points if you get on a roll.
If this game had Bally/Williams parts and sound, it would almost certainly be a Top 20 pin. It's really good once you start to understand it. The first few times I played my review was "meh". So, naturally, I bought one. Now I like it. A LOT!
I wish the battle mode wasn't weighted so heavily for points. It is not as bad as the billion spinner on JM but it can add HUGE points if you get on a roll.
If this game had Bally/Williams parts and sound, it would almost certainly be a Top 20 pin. It's really good once you start to understand it. The first few times I played my review was "meh". So, naturally, I bought one. Now I like it. A LOT!
9.040/10
11 years ago
The Avengers (Premium) Stern, 2012
After about 200 games I am ready to comment. I have never seen a layout like this and I really like it. The lighting is well done in that the color changes in different modes create a unique mood for each one.
Good dots. Good sound. Accurate to the real character quotes? No. So what?
I am apparently lucky because other than adding the ramp fix, I have not had any of the problems noted by others. The game works just fine. The rules may be a little repetitive but I don't see how that can be improved.
Leaving the game on factory settings makes it nearly impossible to reach the mini wiz mode (attack of the Helicarrier) and the shots are very tight. All of them, even the drops for Thor. The "T" in Thor is an almost impossible angle.
However, I found this to be a good thing. It has made me a better player. When I returned to my beloved SM after a month of nothing but Avengers, I reached Super Hero for the first time and put up a score of nearly 600,000,000. I have never scored over 350,000,000 on SM before.
It is a hard game, certainly not for everyone's tastes but I find it refreshing, entertaining and nearly impossible to walk away from.
Good dots. Good sound. Accurate to the real character quotes? No. So what?
I am apparently lucky because other than adding the ramp fix, I have not had any of the problems noted by others. The game works just fine. The rules may be a little repetitive but I don't see how that can be improved.
Leaving the game on factory settings makes it nearly impossible to reach the mini wiz mode (attack of the Helicarrier) and the shots are very tight. All of them, even the drops for Thor. The "T" in Thor is an almost impossible angle.
However, I found this to be a good thing. It has made me a better player. When I returned to my beloved SM after a month of nothing but Avengers, I reached Super Hero for the first time and put up a score of nearly 600,000,000. I have never scored over 350,000,000 on SM before.
It is a hard game, certainly not for everyone's tastes but I find it refreshing, entertaining and nearly impossible to walk away from.
7.408/10
11 years ago
TRON: Legacy (Pro) Stern, 2011
Great lights and sound. Those 2 elements can only fool me for so long, though. The right side of the playfield is nearly a total waste. The shots from the middle to the left are neat, but certainly not innovative. Toys are average. I do like the disc but it doesn't entertain or make me laugh (or curse) like the discs on Whirlwind.
To each there own but I gotta call the slobbering popularity of this one a head scratcher.
To each there own but I gotta call the slobbering popularity of this one a head scratcher.
7.876/10
11 years ago
AC/DC (Premium) Stern, 2012
In your face, rocking, addicting fantastic pinball. Great sound, awesome lighting. Challenging but fair lay out. If this pin didn't have "hell" in the middle of the play field, I would rate it "10"
Thanks for a fantastic game, Gary....
Thanks for a fantastic game, Gary....
7.310/10
11 years ago
Transformers (LE) Stern, 2011
The playfield feels crowded. I find myself leaning left and right to see where the ball is and where I need to go. TF is a beautiful game to look at, especially in crimson.
4.683/10
11 years ago
Big Buck Hunter Pro Stern, 2010
If I had pinball constipation, this title is what I would expect to come out after taking exlax.
7.896/10
12 years ago
Johnny Mnemonic Williams, 1995
I now know why this is #1 Bang for your Buck at the time of this writing.
EDIT: Discovering the spinner secret soured me.
EDIT: Discovering the spinner secret soured me.
9.740/10
12 years ago
Lord of the Rings Stern, 2003
Great toys. Great theme. Fantastic playing machine. If you're a fan of The Lord of The Rings movies, you will be pleased at how the pin honors them. If you're not, don't be a dolt and skip paying/owning this pin. There is a reason (actually many) this is the top rated Stern title (yeah I know, at the time of this posting Tron is rated higher, we'll see how long that lasts!).
Deep, deep, deep rules and entertaining enough for the non enthusiast/poor players to enjoy.
This is the only title that I have sold and wanted back. I have it again. Happy am I.
Deep, deep, deep rules and entertaining enough for the non enthusiast/poor players to enjoy.
This is the only title that I have sold and wanted back. I have it again. Happy am I.
8.860/10
12 years ago
Congo Williams, 1995
The machine itself is quite entertaining to play. The layout is visually stimulating and the flow is pretty nice. This game would rate higher for me if it didn't have the "AMY" track....Very annoying voice. sorta "Elmo-ish"
Pluses: Large variety of challenging shots. Volcano is cool and is one of the most satisfying shots in pinball.
Negatives. Chasing diamonds seems silly (I didn't see the movie so this may have some significance that escapes me). The lower playfield Gorilla seems contrived.
Pluses: Large variety of challenging shots. Volcano is cool and is one of the most satisfying shots in pinball.
Negatives. Chasing diamonds seems silly (I didn't see the movie so this may have some significance that escapes me). The lower playfield Gorilla seems contrived.
2.752/10
12 years ago
The Rolling Stones Stern, 2011
My favorite part of this game was walking away with credits left. Yuck. Sorry, Stern.
9.780/10
12 years ago
Spider-Man Stern, 2007
Wow, I was afraid there were no good machines made after 2000. This was a great machine. Great toys, theme, light show. The top center target (sorry, I have forgotten what this was called) reminded me pleasantly of the main shot in AFM. This is the first Stern machine that I have played that I would consider owning. Consider? Heck, I WANT one... :)
7.817/10
12 years ago
Who Dunnit Bally, 1995
Who Dunnit would make a great starter game or 2nd game in a collection. The artwork is attractive, the "film noir" theme is catchy and the overall game is fun.
Not a "gotta have it" Just a nice game.
Not a "gotta have it" Just a nice game.
9.675/10
13 years ago
Twilight Zone Bally, 1993
Personal conundrum...this is my all time favorite game but as a home game I tire of it quickly.
Yeah, I don't understand me, either...
Yeah, I don't understand me, either...
7.993/10
13 years ago
Scared Stiff Bally, 1996
We had this game at work back in the good old days of being an Air Traffic Controller (hey, we need breaks, too, ya know?) I don't remember much about the theme but I KNOW that this pin was one of 4 that got me addicted to playing. There were several funny lines from Elvira.
EDIT:I don't know what is better, the humor, sexual innuendo, or the game play but, having reacquainted myself with this pin recently, I must say it is more fun than I remembered! The Scared Stiff multiball is a tough little booger to beat
EDIT:I don't know what is better, the humor, sexual innuendo, or the game play but, having reacquainted myself with this pin recently, I must say it is more fun than I remembered! The Scared Stiff multiball is a tough little booger to beat
7.454/10
13 years ago
Revenge From Mars Bally, 1999
Some things are better off left alone. This is why I don't see "pinball 2000" machines lasting in popularity
8.746/10
13 years ago
World Cup Soccer Bally, 1994
Amusing, not too difficult, family oriented, fun.
Wouldn't want it as a single pin but in a collection of 4 it provides a nice getaway for some humorous action.
Easier to beat the Germans here than it is on AFM!!
Wouldn't want it as a single pin but in a collection of 4 it provides a nice getaway for some humorous action.
Easier to beat the Germans here than it is on AFM!!
8.500/10
13 years ago
Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure Williams, 1993
Review edit. Ok, 10 years since I had played this. Tastes have evolved. This is a fairly deep pin, quite notably considering how old it is. I love the humor, variety of modes, and difficulty of completing them all in one game. It is a little more stop and go than I prefer. It will make a great contrast to SM though...especially if I ever get one!
For a 2 flipper pin, there really is quite a lot to do. The POA is nice, if it works. I can see why this is still considered a classic. I have to admit though, I am coming around to more modern games more and more.
Still one of my favorites but will never be THE favorite in my ratings...close 2nd?
For a 2 flipper pin, there really is quite a lot to do. The POA is nice, if it works. I can see why this is still considered a classic. I have to admit though, I am coming around to more modern games more and more.
Still one of my favorites but will never be THE favorite in my ratings...close 2nd?
8.388/10
13 years ago
The Getaway: High Speed II Williams, 1992
"He got away" HE WHAT??? Is the game complicated? Nope. Does it have a deep rule set? Nope. Is it pretty much a blast every time I play it? Ummmm Yep! There is something about the heart rate increase you get when you run the red light, the music changes to the chase soundtrack and the cherries start flashing. Gosh, it's almost like real life!
Maybe I should change my personalized plates to "KINGPIN?"
Maybe I should change my personalized plates to "KINGPIN?"
8.476/10
13 years ago
Nascar Stern, 2005
I had this machine rated MUCH higher at one point. I have played it again recently and apparently my tastes have changed. The soundtrack seemed obnoxious. I still enjoyed the game, I am just not all gaga about it now...
9.640/10
13 years ago
The Simpsons Pinball Party Stern, 2003
I know others rate this game much higher, maybe it's because I haven't played this machine yet in a decent working condition. The two places I have played TSPP didn't seem to give much care to their single pinball in a room full of more "modern" games. If I ever get to play this game in good condition I will update my rating.
5/24/11 I played a game that was nearly perfectly restored tonight. My opinion has raised greatly. There were too many different shots and objectives for me to get a good feel for the game in just a few games but, that's a GOOD thing. I look forward to spending more time with this pin someday...
5/24/11 I played a game that was nearly perfectly restored tonight. My opinion has raised greatly. There were too many different shots and objectives for me to get a good feel for the game in just a few games but, that's a GOOD thing. I look forward to spending more time with this pin someday...
9.760/10
13 years ago
Attack from Mars Bally, 1995
This pin has me baffled. It doesn't have a great variety of shots yet it is astoundingly addictive. The soundtrack is hilarious and the little bouncing Martians entertain my Granddaughter when she watches. I play this in an Arcade located in Seminole FL. The last I knew, the lineup was Funhouse, Simpsons, Attack from Mars, Adams Family, Twilight Zone. Amazing!
