TractorDoc's ratings

A good overall game for the time period.

I like targeting the double spinners and the staggered sequence drop target gives you something specific to shoot for.

Sounds are basic bleeps and boops, but standard for the era.

Artwork is very colorful on the playfield.

Definitely a fun game to put some time on. . . I find myself hitting the credit button again and again.

Spinners, Spinners, Spinners.

Three of them on this game -- my favorite to shoot for is the one in the center.

While not a technically complicated game there is something very satisfying about ripping spinners and listening to the mechanical whirring/clicking on a classic EM.

Finding a good example of this game to spend some time on was definitely worth the wait.

One might think Time Fantasy would be boring at first glance -- no ramps, no locked balls, no spinners, no drop targets, etc.

I found that I did not miss those things while playing. The mushroom-horseshoe and tunnel-standup shots were both a challenge and rewarding. Lighting up the rest of the rollovers and standups filled in the gaps.

Hearing the bell ring for Snail Time is very satisfying.

Best of all is the artwork on the playfield and back glass. It is colorful, absurd, and nonsensical. . . and yet it is perfect.

I am sure this game was unappreciated in the past, but certainly deserves some attention and recognition today.

Elton is what this game is all about. Otherwise it could be any other EM from the era. Artwork on the playfield, back glass, and cabinet reflect this well.

The game is fun to play. I've found out that playfield pitch can make a big difference in the experience. Slow and lazy turns into fast and flippy with a couple degrees of difference.

The bank of drop targets will keep you shooting and there are plenty of flippers to keep track off. The double set at the bottom left will test your skills!

Road Kings is a game that "feels" a bit older than it is.

There is an openness to it that reminds me of the early solid state games I'm used to playing. Spinners and drop targets have been replaced with a couple ramps, but the pop bumpers, kickouts, and single level have a simplicity to it.

Simplicity is not a bad thing. In fact I rather enjoyed playing Road Kings. Sometimes it is nice not to have a game that has modes and other more complex challenges. Truthfully a game like this could be themed as anything. . . I am drawn more to the gameplay on this machine long before I'd be drawn to the theme. I like some nice post apocalyptic action but the artwork and sounds on this game are not enough to take me there.

I'm not up on current market values for most games anymore, but Road Kings would be good pinball value for the price compared to a lot of other games of the era. I know this would not be considered a dream theme for most and the average pin player might be bored of the game quickly, but for some quick pinball fun Road Kings is definitely a title to consider playing/owning.

I enjoy playing the early Bally/Stern solid states.

Mata Hari lags behind some of the other titles of that era for me. I find it to just be too. . . symmetrical. I understand there is a loop shot to be had with the outside lanes but I feel like I'm missing something with both sides being identical. My love for spinners is unfulfilled with MH. . . because there are none.

I will give Mata Hari credit for beautiful artwork and there is definitely focus and concentration needed to play the game successfully. Sounds are typical of the era -- nothing to get excited about but nothing to complain about either.

I'd probably to put a few games in at a show or on location vs. owning this title. . . unless someone can add a couple spinners to the playfield for me. :)

Unlike some of the other reviewers, the most appealing component of Cactus Canyon for me is the theme.

I like the fact that there is no license for this Western focused game. Would a game with a "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" or even "Blazing Saddles" theme be great? Probably, but so many opportunities for material exist with a simple Wild West theme so I like it in the generic state.

Visually all the Western imagery of cowboys, railroads, gunfights, mineshafts, etc. are spot on. The translite, cabinet, and playfield are cohesive and represent the theme well.

Gameplay is adequate. . . by that I mean I enjoy the Western theme enough that you could probably put a spinner, pop bumper, and set of drop targets out there and I'd be happy. Re-theme this layout and I may not think so highly of it -- I feel the same way about a game like Back to the Future (CC is a much better player!). The bad guy drop targets are definitely fun to shoot for when they pop up and having a scoop/several ramps adds to the fun.

Will I ever own a Cactus Canyon? Maybe. Right now its a game that I enjoy looking at as much as I enjoy playing. There are other games that I enjoy playing more but have a less appealing theme. It is difficult to justify taking up a space in the game room because I like looking at a machine. . . but if the right opportunity comes along I'd fit it in.

I was not sure what to expect when I first walked up to this game. . . it appeared to be a Miami Vice theme but don't they know Hollywood is in California? :)

All it took was several games to be pleasantly surprised by this addictive pin.

The artwork is spot on for the theme. Many have said they don't like the translite but I bet many a teenage boy in the 80's had a similar looking poster hanging on their bedroom wall -- minus the dude of course.

Plenty of drop targets to shoot for, a couple ramps leading to the upper playfield, and an interesting captive ball setup I'd not seen before. Multi-ball is a nice bonus too.

The soundtrack is also era appropriate but I will agree a couple of call outs would have been good to hear now and again.

I'd definitely bring one home for the right price as there is a lot of pinball value to be had with Hollywood Vice. I mean Miami Heat. I mean. . . you get the idea.

One of the better early, early solid state Ballys.

Like EK, the Globetrotter theme does not necessarily tie into the game (unless you consider the kickout a basket), but the artwork/visuals and chimes of "Sweet Georgia Brown" upon pushing the credit button are enough for me.

While I find some early Ballys a bit boring that is not the case for the Globetrotters. Inline drops, three spinners, and double flippers on the left are enough to keep a player focused. The outlane gate is also a challenging feature to hit and rewarding if you can make the shot.

While it may not be Paragon as others have said this game has its own appeal and I was pleasantly surprised when I was recently able to spend some time on a well tuned example. I enjoy both titles and would make a place for each in my collection if the opportunity presented.

Billiards is a popular theme for pinball and this game definitely has the image and feel of a pool table by utilizing kickout holes for pockets.

Standard artwork and sounds for the era. Where this game really gets high marks from me is in its lastability. It should be easy to get the ball in those kickouts on a wide open playfield seven or eight times, right? I found myself always getting so close before losing a ball to the outlane. I could not stop pushing the credit button to give it one more try.

The ball can often get bounced around quite a bit between all those pop bumpers -- when it eventually gets spit out you have to be on your toes as there is no way of knowing where the ball will go!

It may be an oldie but Solids 'n Stripes is definitely a game worth putting some play time on.

This pin defines very well the idea of an early Solid State pinball machine.

Spinners, drop targets, standups, and lively pop bumpers make this an enjoyable game to play. The theme is best represented by the artwork; other than the imagery there is not much else that says "Evel Knievel" as you flip away. Still, that is enough. Evel is/was an icon of this era as was pinball.

Rules/goals are simple and playing a few games does not require a lot of thinking. . . but results in enjoying pure pinball fun.

A fun theme that holds up well to the constant threat of newness / the next big thing that tends to be a trend in pinball.

A lot of ramps, a lot of fun artwork, fun callouts and music. I'm a bit nostalgic for the era of vintage cars and drive in movie theatres so this game has appeal to me; the Creature aspect is a fun add on -- a functional hologram is a must.

Definitely a game I'd like to rotate into the collection one day.

Even as one that tries to maintain some level of physical fitness, I never really had the desire to pursue any level of body building. I imagine a lot of pinball people are similar (at least with the pursuit of body building) and that may put Hardbody lower on one's want list. I'm still trying to envision the meeting of the minds at Bally when this idea was put forth. . . the 80s were interesting times and I do remember a number of workout videos, legwarmers, and an over abundance of Richard Simmons -- so maybe there is some carry over from that.

The layout of the game with various workout stations actually makes sense. I'd prefer a little more drop target action vs. the standups but I also realize budgets had to be met. The ramps add a level of interest to the game and of course the Flex-Save needs mentioning for its uniqueness.

Sound it what it is. . . I'd probably prefer to hear more weights clanking vs. heavy breathing. Maybe that was added in as a joke/in jest at the time.

Playfield artwork is simple but good. I don't know that I like the contrast of drawn artwork on the playfield with photo artwork on the translite. I'm not that moved by the translite either -- the model is lovely and toned and all but a bit too masculine for my taste.

Fun pinball for the money -- the odd theme plays to the favor of the low end pin man with today's crazy pricing.

Viper is an interesting cross between pinball and a shooting gallery.

The goal of the game is to increase your multipliers for a good score. Targets to up the multiplier (standups) are lit on a rotating basis and one of the key ways to use the cannon is to target those standups. Spinner shot is great up the left side and the multi-ball lock is tight/takes some practice to get down. The two drop target banks are a long way off from the flippers, most times I'm just launching the ball up towards the top and hope the pop bumpers help me knock some of the targets down. I would not say the gameplay is immersive, but the simple goals are just challenging enough to keep me hitting the start button.

The sound has a bit more tune to it than some other Sterns, but it can also be a tad annoying as it sounds like a police chase is happening circa 1981. Wee-Woo Wee-Woo Wee-Woo. . . at least there is some variability from that at different times during the game. No speech (on my game at least!).

Artwork. Cabinet is unimaginative with the generic Stern Logo. Playfield is good with a futuristic sci-fi vibe along the lines of Xenon. Backglass wins the trophy -- provided you don't mind snakes or a chrome clad bosom. Even if you don't like playing the game there is the glass to look at. . . just don't look down at the cabinet.

I can appreciate the effort to incorporate something new and different into the pinball experience -- the cannon. It does tend to break up the action and slow the game down a bit though. I feel lucky to own one of these games with the lower production numbers and will keep flipping until my interest starts to sag. ;)

Probably the most iconic billiards themed pinball. So much so that it was brought back a Third Time!

The cabinet is the obvious difference between this and its predecessors, I don't mind the new look and color but I am partial to the original. I also prefer paint over decals.

Definitely a winner in the addictive/one more game category. A game with simple, intuitive goals; easy in the beginning but gets more challenging the longer you play. I always find myself needing just one or two more targets to achieve a fantastic score. . .

Solid State 80s sounds/voices are not for everyone but I like them in this sort of game, period correct if you will.

A version of a Classic that fits in just about every collection.

Probably the most iconic billiards themed pinball. So much so that it was brought back in this "Limited-Edition."

The cabinet is the obvious difference between this and its predecessor, I don't mind the new look but I am partial to the original.

Definitely a winner in the addictive/one more game category. A game with simple, intuitive goals; easy in the beginning but gets more challenging the longer you play. I always find myself needing just one or two more targets to achieve a fantastic score. . .

Solid State 80s sounds/voices are not for everyone but I like them in this sort of game, period correct if you will.

A version of a Classic that fits in just about every collection.

Another Bally Solid State from the 80s that is a real looker!

The artwork and even the pieces as they are laid out on the playfield have a real sci-fi vibe that just works. The early 80s playfields always have so much detail -- it seems like there is always something new to see hidden.

This game focuses on the ramp/tube shot, the spinner, landing the top kickout, and maybe the drops if you want more variety. Sometimes less is more -- I find when there are more options to shoot for I can get distracted and instead of focusing on one goal random flippiness kicks in followed not long after by a drain. To each their own though.

If I was more of a sci-fi type of person I'd probably have one of these in my collection.

A colorful and beautiful game to look at.

The center revolving target is ever so tempting to shoot for yet ever so likely to result in a ball draining if you do. The simple goal of lighting similar colored 1-2-3 targets is not always so simple -- I need to learn better focus for just one color vs. going for all the targets!

An overall average EM that is worth playing some games on.

This is probably the most average rating I have ever given marking most every category as "decent."

Supersonic is a game that has all the right parts -- drop targets, a spinner, a kickout, etc. and can be fun to play. . . but its just not a memorable experience. That is not to say you cannot have fun with this game. It is probably a great starter game for someone getting into the hobby and I'd would prefer this title to a couple others out there. . . but there are a lot of other titles I would prefer over it.

Will I play one if the opportunity arises? Yes. Will I enjoy it? Probably. Will I think fondly back to playing it? Probably not. (And that is OK!)

The appeal of this game probably revolves around the spinning record in the center of the playfield. It makes for fun and unpredictable ball movements that keep the player on their toes. Getting the ball up to the kickout hole is key to unlocking "big" points in the game -- perhaps an early take on modes? Actually sort of packed with features for an EM when you also consider the right outlane gate that can be activated and closed to return the ball back to the shooter lane.

Standard (but good) artwork and sounds for the era -- still bright, colorful, and fun.

A simple but enjoyable game to play!

Im not a fan of clowns. . . or the circus for that matter. That did not deter me from giving this game some dedicated play time though and I'm glad I overlooked the theme.

Early Solid States are some of my favorite games to play, and Split Second did not disappoint. I enjoyed the layout highlighted by the upper playfield. Three banks of drop targets, the spinner, the horseshoe, and the ramp back to the upper playfield give the player plenty to shoot for. The ball lock and trapeze (?) that drops the ball down from the upper to lower playfield and features I've not seen before on a Classic Stern and are implemented well.

I could deal with less robotic voice calling out the numbers but I have to remember the era when just having that was probably a big deal. Of course as mentioned the theme does not have much appeal for me, but I will not hold that against a great playing game. For what its worth I'd probably prefer a space theme over the circus, but I'd rather own/play Split Second than Flight 2000!

Full disclosure, I tend to favor early 80s Solid State machines.

Having said that, I've found Surfer to be a joy to play -- even if it is an EM! :)

It has the big three that I like a pin to offer: a spinner, drop targets, and a kickout. Add a couple pop bumpers and a few extra lanes here and there to the playfield and it all adds up to a lively bit of pin playing fun. Even though other games may have the same parts and pieces there is something that works for me in how Surfer is laid out. The colors are bright and vibrant -- the playfield is pleasing to look at even if I'm not into water sports.

A quality pin that I'd probably prefer to own over many other games. . . even some of those early Solid States!

As a guy that spends most of his pin playing time on machines made in the 20th Century, Lexi is a game that takes some getting used to. I really can appreciate what has been accomplished in combining video and pinball in a single interactive piece of entertainment -- kind of like the modern day Caveman that Gottlieb offered back in '82.

The game is fun to play and the video/playfield/animations add a unique level of detail that keeps the player on his/her toes as they are constantly changing. The pinball "toys" are less of a factor with this game -- which is ok as the video playfield takes their place.

I'd definitely take the opportunity to play this game when/if you can. Will the marriage of virtual and physical pinball carry forward in game designs of the future? Maybe so. . . and Lexy deserves high marks for a game design with a new perspective and out of the box thinking.

This game reminds me of a girl I remember from college. . . as pretty as can be and a joy to look at but somehow lacking in personality.

The backglass art and Godzilla himself crawling up out of the playfield draw you in for sure. It took a good number of games played before I could get a feel for what is going on/what the goals are of the game, and while it was fun to play I was content to move onto something else before long.

The Horseshoe captive ball is a neat feature. The ramps are fun to hit and another piece of eye candy to gaze upon. Somehow though I felt like something was missing. Drop targets? A Spinner? I don't know. Perhaps I'm just not a big fan of large reptiles, even if pinballs drop out of their mouths.

I would not turn away from one when the chance presents to play again. . and I'd probably even bring one home for a bit if the opportunity ever presented itself. . . but ultimately I would probably have to move on to a different game. Maybe one that had a better personality. :)

I think I like the theme/idea of this game more than I like the game itself. I can see where back in the day this game would fit in perfect at the truck stop where the big rig drivers would drop their quarters during some down time. It has the slightest hint of a Smokey and the Bandit vibe but not really.

It has all the stuff I like in an early Bally -- drop targets, spinners, kickout, pop bumpers, etc., but perhaps because everything seems pushed to the edges of the playfield I just cannot quite get into it. I do like the chimes, they seem to compliment what the game has going on well.

I really do like the potential a game with this kind of theme could have, but I think the playfield layout could be any generic Bally game so it loses some points for me in that area.

An interesting take on combining a video game into a pinball machine.

The pinball portion is fairly simple -- some drop targets to hit and pop bumpers. Eventually flip the ball to the right spot and you get to play the video game portion; kind of a Pac-Man style game only the Caveman bonks dinosaurs with his club vs. eating ghosts. I was never really good at video games and I usually lose the ball/turn when one of the red dinos catches me in the game.

I can appreciate what was being attempted at the time when it was clear video games were proving to be the next big thing.

I'll admit that I'm not a huge soccer (or "football") fan. Sure I played back when I was younger and would probably still enjoy participating in a game. . . even though everyone else would be running circles around me.

Whatever. Even though there is not a soccer ball in my closet or a pair of cleats hanging from my wall I enjoyed playing this pin quite a bit.

The layout provides several lanes to shoot for in an attempt to score goals and advance your bonus. The kickout "catches" along the inlanes keep you on your toes with the flippers as its very difficult to catch and hold a ball via rolling back towards the inlane. The spinner in the center of the playfield is an interesting target but fitting for the theme as if you were shooting the pinball thru the goal.

If I see one out an about I'd enjoy putting some games in again -- if you really enjoy soccer this pin might be a must have for you.

I love the idea of a drag racing theme and like how Bally worked the artwork around two drag strips on the playfield.

I like the Solid State Ballys in general but have to admit there are others that have greater appeal to me. Perhaps there are not enough drop targets for my liking -- perhaps the playfield is just too open in the middle. This game seemed to focus most of the attention and action on the kickout saucer/pop bumpers at the top. Almost as if you flip the ball up there, wait for it to bounce in/around, then wait for it to come back to you to do it all over again to build your bonus.

Probably a good first game for someone or a good game to learn to work on/restore. There are just other Ballys from the same era that I'd prefer to have in my collection though.

No doubt I enjoyed the movie and have watched it a handful of times.

When I had the chance to spend some time playing this game I thought it did an excellent job of tying in multiple moments from the movie -- great theme integration. Pinball naturally works with a bowling theme and I could almost smell the cigarette smoke as the game took me back to nights/weekends I spent at the alley. The characters from the film are well represented and the video clips that accompany each "hit" are very complimentary.

I have to say that the creators of this game put a lot of thought and detail into the pin and I really enjoyed every ball of every game. Multiple options for multiball were nice, and of course rug mode has no other match (to my knowledge) in pinball. Upper playfield with the car bashing definitely made me smile.

I'd love to own one of these games some day, but right now the price point is more than I can spend on a single pin. I suppose a guy can always dream. . . or maybe just sell off half of the current collection!

If I had just played a number of my other system 11 games and then stepped up to SOF I would have had no idea it was in the same family. I imagine its the theme and probably the lack of pop bumpers that give it a different feel (at least compared to my sys11 games). This is not necessarily a bad thing. . . in this case I welcome and enjoy its uniqueness.

I think the artwork on the cabinet is very eye catching. The silvery/blue combination is easy on the eyes. The translite fits with the theme -- nothing says Medieval to me more than sword swinging armor clad individuals fighting off ogres and what not. Playfield art is vibrant and catchy -- a nice compliment of blues, oranges, and blacks that are attractive but not obnoxious.

Lighting is good -- not over the top and blinding and perhaps a touch on the dark side, but I think that fits with the vibe of castles, dungeons, and lairs.

Sounds of course are fantastic. Music is pleasing to listen to -- especially at the start of multi-ball for me. I know it probably gets old for some, but I actually enjoy the callouts/playfield sounds. The swinging metal/sword sounds almost mimic something that would come from a video game. I smile each time I hear the screams/ahhhhs!-- the game sounds like I do when the ball drains. Then of course there is "Lionman!" -- a callout that just about everyone knows in the pinball universe.

Gameplay has a little bit of everything that is/are setup in a unique way. There are ramps -- but they don't really feel like ramps because of how they are hidden/laid out in the game. There are drop targets -- but they are in a unique location and are utilized for clever purposes. There are spinners. . . three of them! Two of which are associated with a wild horseshoe that can bring the ball back to your flippers with blazing speed. Sometimes I like to see how many times I can feed the ball back thru the shoe -- I think my record is three. There is multi-ball -- but you don't achieve locks the way you might in other games. To achieve the multi-ball jackpot requires a good amount of concentration. . . more often than not my multi-ball times last fewer than a couple seconds.

There seems to be a lot to do yet at the same time your goals are fairly simple. I tend to focus on setting up the multi-ball and accessing/targeting the upper playfield targets. The spinners and horseshoes get my attention as well but I'll admit my aim up ogre alley needs work. Hitting the "AVENGER" targets seems to happen at random as the ball moves around -- occasionally I'll need one or two more letters but the inlanes help with that or I will try to aim for them. Like most games, outlanes can be my downfall if/when I've miscalculated my shots.

Overall this game has added a nice taste of variety to my lineup. I was never really a dungeons and dragons guy back in the day but I can see how this theme may have appealed to those that were. I'm looking forward to putting some time on this pin and I predict I'll proclaim "Lionman" at random and for no reason someday when I'm well away from the game.

I've put about 100 plays on JM since bringing it home. So far I'm having a love/hate relationship with this game.

The day before pickup I watched the movie again just to remind myself what it was all about. I did not mind the movie all that much, but it did lose me at the jacked in dolphin part. . . and mercenary Jesus was also a bit much. Luckily those two parts don't hold center stage on the pinball machine -- even though Jones is part of one of the modes. I think the game does the theme justice, even if voice overs were used for the call outs.

Artwork is good. I don't tend to look at my cabinets much -- I don't love nor do I hate the design on this one. The translite compiles various images from various characters in the film. Again, not eye candy for me but at least its not a bunch of giant heads like others I have seen. Playfield art is a little dark, but does seem to fit in with the sci-fi vibe.

Sound does a good job of keeping you in tune with the game. I don't have the theme music stuck in my head at this point as it happens on some games. Music is sort of backgroundsy and there are usually enough call outs to break things up. As mentioned before the actor's voices are not the real deal. They are close -- I give the voice over people credit. I think it adds to the overall element of how "terrible" people think the movie was and it carries a little of that fun over into the pinball machine.

Lighting is a bit dark. When I bought my game it had the colored LEDs everywhere, I've slowly been replacing them with Comet Natural Whites and it has been much more pleasant to look at. The inserts are all easy to see and light the way for various shots to take in a straight forward way.

Gameplay is where my love/hate comes in. Sometimes I have games where everything comes together and I have a series of really good shots. Other games you'd think it was my first time at playing pinball and all I can seem to do is clunk the ball off posts or direct the ball to the outlanes and Ice-T constantly yells at me to "Make some shots." Shots can be tight and this game requires some accuracy to play. . . flailing about will get you nowhere fast. The game modes relate to the movie well as do certain shots/features on the playfield. I'm amused that a short portion of the movie such as Crazy Bob's holds such a prominent place in the game. . . then again who wouldn't want to visit a place called Crazy Bobs? The glove is a clever mechanism and while it can be finicky I like how it is incorporated into the game. Also for the record I'm terrible at video mode. I cant quite master the up/down/left/right of the flipper buttons.

In summary I still find myself coming back to play another game on this machine. The best analogy I can think of is (at my age) having lunch at one of those fast food places. In your mind its a good idea and more often than not it tastes good. . . but when you are done it can lead to some abdominal discomfort. I start a game and think its going to go well. . . I make a few good shots that reward the senses. . . then I experience a fast drain or lose to the outlanes and get the punch in the gut feeling.

Yet I keep coming back for more!

I've read both good and poor reviews of Popeye, and after putting a lot of playing time in I can honestly see both sides of the argument.

There is a lot to like about the game. A wide variety of shots compliment a diverse and interesting layout. It takes more than just one or two games to learn some of the objectives and rewards that can be achieved. Being a wide body SuperPin there is a lot of area to explore. I find this to be more of a thinking/strategy game vs. a super fast action type game. Some may like that aspect, others may not.

The artwork is very fitting for the theme; the playfield, translite, and cabinet all depict Popeye tastefully well. Sound is pleasant to the ears and once again relevant to the theme.

I think it is the overall theme that I cannot commit myself to. While I am not a Spinach Hater I've never really been on board with all things Popeye. This game is probably better suited to someone into boats and more of a marine theme. I'm more of a landlocked, till the fields on a tractor kind of guy. ;)

The music can get a bit repetitive at times and the upkeep on a machine this complex could have its frustrating moments. I do find myself wanting to continue playing/advancing thru the game's features but I think that is more due to the fact that I enjoy pinball vs. experiencing the world of Popeye.

I really do believe that if this layout had been themed something like Star Wars with the Millennium Falcon as the upper playfield (vs a boat) and the Death Star or Darth Vader's face front and center this pin would be beloved and raved about. Even a Battleship theme that still utilized the nautical vibe might be more appealing. Alas, it was themed after a spinach eating sailor and that is ok. The truth is Popeye is a fun game to play and I plan to keep mine around for awhile as I learn what more the game has to offer. It likely will not be a "keeper," but we cannot keep them all, can we? :)

I've watched the forum/classifieds for awhile and would notice a lot of wanted ads for Whirlwind. . . I also noticed when one was listed for sale it would sell quickly if priced reasonably. As an Earthshaker owner I decided to keep watch for one for sale in my area and after about a year I brought home a Whirlwind.

Simply put, this game is fun to play.

I seem to like "generic" themes, and crazy weather is just as good as any for a pinball machine. The playfield is bright and colorful, as is the cabinet and backglass. Playfield art is attractive and is probably my favorite area of the three -- important as that is what you are looking at 90% of the time. The best part of the cabinet is the topper -- possibly one of the best toppers in pinball -- because you actually feel a breeze on your face as you play.

Sounds are good -- the music is catchy and there is enough variety to keep things from getting old. I could do with a little less hillbilly voice though. Well looky here. . . .

Plenty of lighting and flashers (lights flashing = lightning) to keep with the theme. I've played a number of games with the room lights off and it was a bit dark around my upper flipper -- it could just be my game though.

A variety of shots and ramps are well placed around the playfield to keep the player on his toes. More than once I've hit the upper orbit with the upper flipper only to have the ball fly around and drain before I could flip it again. I'm working on that -- really want to score the triple combo. ;)
The ramp diverter is cool. . . and of course there are the spinning discs on the playfield (grippy decals a must). The sight/sound of the discs spinning and how they influence the ball is/are exciting and sometimes frustrating too!

I can see why this game is so often paired up with Earthshaker. They do seem to be made for each other -- too bad there is not a way to link them together! I'm glad I decided to add a Whirlwind to the collection. . . and now I know why they never seem to last very long on the marketplace :).

Aloha gets high marks from me for its visual appeal. Perhaps not so much on the cabinet, but the playfield and backglass definitely provide a late 50s/early 60s vibe of paradise with their hula girls and tropical undertones. A pinball friend helped me get my game going (before he bought it from me) so I was able to get a few flips in -- enough to tell me this pin has a lot going for it for an EM of this era.

I agree with past reviews that multi-player games are the way to go, but the lively pops and dual bonus buildups give a player something to shoot for. . . provided you can keep the ball from falling between the canyon between the flippers. My game had a center post installed that helped some with that. ;)

Lightning definitely has the "feel" of a Classic Stern, but plays so much differently from the others that I've played/owned. This is likely due to the split playfield. It is a bit reminiscent of playing Flash Gordon with left and right ramps to the upper level (but different in a lot of other ways). The more I think about it Lightning is a combination of Bally's Flash Gordon (ramps/split playfield), Silverball Mania (horseshoe), and Medusa (in playfield display). If only they could have used in-line drops like Fathom!

The more I understand the rules the more I enjoy playing. Personally I am a fan of drop targets much more so over standups. I would have preferred the use of drop targets as a way of unlocking multi-ball vs. the standups. The horseshoe will whip the ball back at you lightning fast -- this game is appropriately named. The playfield's weakness is/are the two large blue triangle inserts that are almost always warped (and impossible to source to replace). Expect balls to travel unexpected directions when rolling over those. Building your bonuses is a key game strategy and I like the in-playfield bonus meter to mix things up a bit. Fun multi-ball that enables the playfield multiplier.

Playfield artwork is outstanding no so much for its content but for its detail. I like seeing all the colors and variation. Cabinet art is lively and fun but the backglass is not my favorite.

The sounds and speech are definitely spot on for the time period. Nothing like robotic call outs to take you back to the early 80s.

This is a fun playing game but definitely gets broken up between the two playfields. Almost like you are playing two different small games in the same box. This game gets occasional bad reviews probably because some of the other Classic Sterns have a larger fan base and play in a more cohesive way, but Lightning is still worth putting some time on even if just to mix things up a bit.

Fathom. Ahhh, Yes.

Up front, I am fond of early Solid State games. Fathom ranks at the top in my humble opinion.

I love the inline drop targets. The task of knocking down barriers for a greater reward is very satisfying. Drop targets appeal to me in general and adding in two banks of the standard variety along with the double inline targets gives us plenty to aim for.

Good shot options. Hitting the left orbit shot to the inline drops/saucer with either right flipper makes me smile. Good spinner shot. I like spinners as much as I like drop targets and this one is well placed/directs the ball nicely to the A-B-C rollovers. The only clunky shot I find myself hitting is the area between the right pop bumper and outside edge of the Cave Trap. Every drop target and the standup can be hit with a well aimed flipper shot. . . I just need to work on my aim ;).

Artwork is amazing -- the backglass, playfield, and even the cabinet draw you in and provide a treat for the eyes. Enough said.

Sound is very good, especially considering the era and compared to my other games of similar vintage. The speech incorporates well with the sound -- not sure if its normal but my game provides a lot of "Ahhhh"s.

Lighting is decent. A little dark in the middle of the playfield but translucent rubbers help.

Scoring and gameplay seem to consist of two parts.

Scoring involves collecting playfield points but a good score also involves a well built bonus. Luckily you have two area of bonuses to build and multiple ways to multiply it!

Gameplay has a right/left or green/blue feel. Using the large drop target bank and center 1-2-3 target bank to build your blue or green bonus ties the two sides together. Hitting the 1-2-3 in sequence lights the yellow standup. . . but can you hit it in time? I appreciate like the additional features provided by the A-B-C rollovers and the fact the letters can be moved with the flippers. The inlane/outlane reversal is a fun mix up of the usual anatomy in this area. Multi-Ball is great; the fact that playfield scores are doubled/tripled during makes achieving and maintaining MB worth your while.

I really do like this game. No ramps, no DMD, no modes. . . just classic pinball. It is a treat to look at and a blast to play -- very glad to have the opportunity to restore and add one to my collection.

Fun Playing Classic Stern.

One of the many Space Themes from the late 70s/early 80s. In terms of the Sterns I'd rate Meteor a tad higher than Flight 2000 with Galaxy finishing in an honorable third.

Cabinet artwork is good -- colorful blues and yellows catch the eye. Backglass is nice; I'd probably appreciate it more if I was more of a celestial guy. The artwork and detail on the playfield is very nice -- I like the variety and mix of colors.

Sounds are better on this game than Meteor -- more of a variety and the speech component adds a new element.

Gameplay is good overall. Highlights include ripping both spinners -- bonus if you can sweep the three bank drop target on the right. Hitting the proper numbered drop targets takes aim but luckily the playfield does not punish you too much with a drain if you miss. The action of the locking mechanism is slick and fun to watch. It does take up a lot of space and somehow makes a wide body pin feel small when playing.

Overall a fun game. Cool sounds, fun spinner shots, and drop targets to aim for. It also "feels" like a Classic Stern when playing -- hard to describe in words but definitely an asset for me.

As a fan of the television show this game had been on my radar for some time.

While you do not need to be a fan of the show to enjoy the game, I do think it helps to pull you in and enhance the experience. This is probably most directed at the sounds and music. Being familiar with the show intro and sounds of the Tardis I think the audio package adds to the game rather than take away from it. On the flip side I can easily see how they could be repetitive and annoying to the casual player.

Cabinet and translite artwork. . . blah. I think the playfield is well designed and while I could care less about toppers on most games the motorized Dalek is a must have on this one. I understand this game is based on the doctors and time before the reboot of the series; I would love to see a "modernization" of the game to include art/audio of the more modern doctors too. . . at least up to Capaldi. :)

Playfield is rather engaging. The Time Expander is the centerpiece and justly so -- a brilliant piece of engineering that is a joy to target (when it is working correctly!). Ramps are fun to hit/loop. Mastering the "WHO" combo is still something I'm working on. I do miss the drop targets and spinners that I love on other games, but there absence does not take anything away from this one. Video animations are ok but I'm indifferent to them in general -- I'm wanting to play pinball, not a video game!

Three things I really like about this game: 1. A fan of the show can relate the theme well. 2. Time Expander Mech is cool. Or should I say its clever? 3. A motorized Dalek topper -- while it has nothing to do with game play -- really pulls you in and makes it feel like you are really battling them in multi-ball.

Even if you know nothing about the show play one if you get a chance. . . I think you'll like it!

Probably the most iconic billiards themed pinball.

Definitely a winner in the addictive/one more game category. A game with simple, intuitive goals; easy in the beginning but gets more challenging the longer you play. I always find myself needing just one or two more targets to achieve a fantastic score. . .

Solid State 80s sounds/voices are not for everyone but I like them in this sort of game, period correct if you will.

I'd love to own one someday (Edit, I currently do!) -- a Classic that fits in just about every collection.

All things considered there is a lot of fun pinball to be had at Stingray's current price point.
Sure the later Stern games get more love and attention but you still get the Classic Stern feel here. I love the tune that plays at the start of a game. It caught me off guard at first -- definitely catchier and more pleasant to hear than some later sound board games!

The artwork is all around attractive especially if you are into the aquatic stuff. Would fit right in with a house on the beach or next to an aquarium. Bright, attractive colors on a well lit playfield.

As much as I like more modern sounds the chimes fit this game well and are a welcome component.

Drop Targets, Spinner, Kickouts, and a fun series of Rollovers keep you coming back to play. Some may cry foul, but Stingray is up there with Stars for me when it comes to the early Classic Sterns.

I would be open to having one in my collection -- use of space prevents it though. Could be a fun game to have in a break room at work. . . may have to think about that! :)

Another Pinball Machine/Theme I am not sure what to think of.
The theme/art likely has a lot to do with the era it was made -- but I grew up in the 70s and still don't connect with it.

Inline Drop Targets, Spinners, Kickout Saucer, Cool Inlane/Outlane Gate. . . all things I like. For some reason this game does feel wider than the average wide body with more space for the ball to roll around -- slowly at that. Some tweaks to playfield slope and a layer of clearcoat may have helped the machines I've been able to play. I have hit the ball to the upper playfield and had time to take a couple swigs of beer plus see what the players of other games along side of me are doing before the ball gets back down to the flippers.

Typical late 70s/early 80s sounds which I like and approve of.

The artwork. I suppose I can say it is an interesting vision of what the future looked like to the designers several decades back. I think my favorite is the Cabinet over the playfield and backglass. I am both fascinated and confused as to how the woman's upper garment drapes down and liquifies only to be caught by the much smaller woman in the pool below on the backglass (between score displays one and three). I never have been one to understand/appreciate some artist's visions though -- perhaps I need to ingest more chemicals.

In the end its a pinball machine and of course I'd play it again. Don't think I have the desire to own this title even though I'm a Classic Bally fan. . . but you never know.

This was a tricky game for me to rate.
Cool art and an innovative game for its day. Drop targets, a spinner, a magnet. . . all good stuff.
I had fun flipping the ball around the playfield but somehow could not connect with this pin. It could be the theme. . . not a lot of horned demons and skulls as décor at my place.
Probably a good entry level pin -- a lot of value for the price.

First thing that catches your attention about this game is the backglass -- Beautiful!
Gameplay is good. Drop targets, an upper playfield, extra outlane flippers (if you can activate them!), mini-orbit. . . . definitely takes some time playing to get a feel for shots and goals. To me the game did play on the slow side and it took a perfect shot to reach the upper playfield. Flippers felt a bit soft on my example.
Very happy to get to play this unusual game, not sure I would chase one down to own for the values they seem to bring but I'd gladly put more plays on one!

If you like a fast game and drop target action this is your machine.
I really like the Classic Stern collection of games, and Big Game fits right in.
Sounds are typical of the era and nothing special but that is ok, the addictive part is how the game plays. It is easy to get caught up in lining numbers up on the playfield cards to elevate your score. The pop bumpers add a lot of action in the middle of the playfield and a couple of mini orbits on the lateral aspects keep things interesting.
Spinners were a bit tougher to hit (for me) at the upper left -- one of the things I like is a good spinner rip and this is the one area I was left wanting more while playing.
I'd definitely add one to the collection one day!

Billiards seems to be a natural theme for Pinball.
In this case it is a matter of knocking down the drop targets to collect balls. . . and I'm ok with that. Hot Shot is a primitive predecessor of Bally's Eight Ball Deluxe or Stern's Nine Ball. . . but sometimes you need to appreciate where those classics came from. Its still fun to take the Model T out for a spin around the block now and again while the '57 Chevy stays in the garage.

Hitting drop targets is fun!

The flag flips are a fun component of this game. A great spinner and lively pops make it a fun player as well. Standup targets are ok, I tend to prefer games that have some sort of drops as well.

Not bad for an EM -- it has the feel of a Solid State in terms of speed and action (which is a good thing!).

An average EM for my tastes. Rollovers and Pop Bumpers make up your scoring. The center saucer acts as a multiplier -- it can be trickier to hit than you'd think!

I think the game could have benefitted from having a spinner on that upper left orbit, but what do I know?

Another game that I was happy to spend some time on but satisfied that I'd had enough after about a dozen plays.

The little cars driving around the track in the upper cabinet are the BEST! Scoring is based on how many laps you make it around the track (I think my best was 13!). Pinball play involves hitting targets on the playfield that advance the little cars different distances (car lengths, laps, etc.). The game played a bit slow and that was ok -- huge outlanes but I get why they are that way. A really fun novelty game worth spending some time on.

I thought the drop target "heads" of the dragons are what make this game worth playing. It leaves a more wide open playfield, but the challenge of dropping the heads to hit the targets behind them provides a two step goal. Plenty of rollovers and the triple out/inlanes always seem to give you a chance to get the ball back to the flippers.

A quirky game that kept me coming back to play when I recently had the chance to.

The rollover buttons on the "race track" are a neat idea to incorporate into Paddock (perhaps it should have been called "Track?").

I work with horses, so I was drawn into the game via the artwork and I rather like it. Game play more or less involves lighting and targeting the pop bumpers. . . I'm spoiled with newer technology and I just need more action/speed out of a game. It was fun to put a dozen or so games on, but I was satisfied to walk away and find another pin to play.

Grand Prix is one an EM that almost feels like a Solid State Game. Dual Spinners, Drop Targets, Kickouts -- all the fun stuff. More than that though if plays/feels much faster than other EMs I've had experience with. Makes sense for a racing car pin, huh? I like the left/right bonus feature and the kickouts that allow you to collect the bonus when entered.

I was lucky enough to play a clean and nicely working example. . . I would be proud to own one myself someday!

I find myself conflicted on Arena. I like the game, I keep pushing the start button, but I don't know why I like it.

I agree with other reviews the skill shot makes scoring more left to chance. I like the idea of the skee-ball layout, but it takes up sooo much space. Most of the time playing it seems like Im shooting for the top left corner.

Fun shots, multi-ball, good sounds. . . all positives. Arena can usually be had for a decent price as well. Simply put, there are other games in my collection that I have a greater fondness for. Arena is like the Natural Light of Beer. I'd much prefer a Corona, but if Natty Light is all that is in the cooler I'll still have one! :)

Seawitch definitely has the "feel" of a Classic Stern -- that is a good thing. :)

Drop targets have a nice mix of easy vs. the need to take your time and plan your shot vs. just a bit of luck. Miscalculate your shot on the center bank and expect to drain, a little luck on the upper bank is always helpful.
The loop shot is rewarding; so far I've been able to hit it with both right flippers. Not so much with the lower left flipper -- I may need to learn to play a bit better. As far as the spinner goes. . . . Just like Christopher Walken needed more cowbell I need more spinner from this game. The spinner shot is rather tight and it is a challenge to rip it good. Again, if could just be me.

The sound of waves crashing is very fitting for the game, combined with the other standard Stern sounds it fits the era. There does seem to be a bit more silence/lack of background noise vs. my other Sterns.

I really like the cabinet artwork -- splashing waves of water are easy on the eyes. Backglass is a bit busy but still fun to look at; playfield is good but almost has a touch of a cartoonish vibe.

I like Seawitch and enjoy having it in my collection. I prefer the play/imagery of Cheetah and Nine Ball but couldn't/wouldn't/didn't pass the chance to add Seawitch to the lineup. I prefer the Turkey and Stuffing at Thanksgiving but still add Mashed Potatoes/Gravy to the same plate. . . its sort of the same thing, right? :)

I like spinners and I like drop targets. . . so naturally I like Cheetah.
There is a lot of space on the playfield and this game plays different than a lot of other pins I own -- more precision is needed for some of the shots to be successful. I can understand why some may not like the open layout but it is a welcome addition of variety in my collection. The bonus multiplier drops are basically a chance hit off the pop bumpers -- all you can do is watch (maybe nudge) and hope for the ball to pop your way. I like how the other sets of drop targets each have their own reward; I get caught up in the game and forget which one I should be shooting for.

I like the art all the way around. The cabinet is the standard 80s stenciled three colored goodness of big cats on the prowl. The backglass and playfield are what really appeals to me though -- they have an Art Deco vibe that I am a fan of.

Sounds are definitely typical of the early 80s solid states. Some of the spinner shots hold a deep bass tone that I really like -- I will have to work on my accuracy to get a good rip on them!

Overall a great game in my opinion -- glad to have finally found one.

The two standout features for me on Taxi are making ramp combo shots and the callouts. There is just something outstanding about making multiple ramps to achieve the millions shot. Who doesn't want to hear Pinbot or Gordie (or Marylin!) trying to hail a cab -- even though it can get repetitive there are enough characters to create variation. Hey!

I do like the ball launch from Drac's kickout as well. Add in the trolley bell and multi-ball, you can have fun for hours with plenty of variety.

Artwork is a touch cartoonish for my tastes, but overall I would not let that stop me from enjoying this game.

At first glance I couldn't help but think how similar Frontier looks to Mystic -- another Bally game from this era. After bringing a Frontier home any playing quite a few games I can appreciate the increased variety it has to offer. Still plenty of drop targets and a spinner (two of my personal favorites) as well as a number of standup targets and a bonus kickout. I like the fact that there is a standard bank of drop targets as well as the in line drop targets to give a little variety. Add those to the standups and you will quickly realize that accurate shooting is beneficial here. This game feels like a lot of other Classic Ballys in how it plays -- give me a whitewood version with no sounds and I'd say meh, ok.

What wins me over on this game vs. other Classic Ballys is the playfield artwork. I like outdoors/nature type stuff and well. . . that is what this theme is all about. A bare chested dude holding a knife about to take on a Grizzly -- Fantastic. I could do without the big head on the backglass but it is not as bad as some others out there. Cabinet is ok, not one I'd finish a row off with though.

So yes, the playfield artwork I like. . . and the sound. When I first powered the game up the background noise was turned off. I guess some people do not like the crickets -- after several dozen games I altered the sound settings to get the crickets back a chirpin' and it improved the game's appeal for me. I really like when I have multiple cricket sounds playing vs. the solo chirp. Add in ricocheting bullets and what not -- its not anything modern but definitely has period charm.

Usually for me it is all about how the game plays that determines how long it sticks around -- the theme and sound may be what keeps this one around for a bit though.

After bringing home a project Paragon and spending many months refurbishing it I feel I've finally spent enough time playing to rate it. I am probably more of an early solid state fan when it comes to pinball so I will likely be biased in that area as well.

Right off, I'd consider giving Paragon a spot in the game room for the artwork on the playfield and backglass alone. Cabinet is nice, but the other features are superb. I feel there is enough variety in the layout with the kick outs, drop targets, spinner, etc. to keep the game interesting. The challenge to build up a bonus and then multiply it is very rewarding. Paragon has one of the best spinner rips just behind my Meteor, especially when the ball exits the spinner and moves laterally across the playfield and into the waterfall. A pop bumper in an outlane? Fantastic! More than once I've lost the ball thinking I could trap it in the right lower flipper (ball drains between the upper and lower flipper). This game is teaching me patience as well as technique. Yes, the sounds do not keep up with the artwork in their appeal, but they have a vintage vibe that is growing on me the more I play.

I am glad I put the effort into resurrecting the game -- it may just stick around for awhile.

Another game that rates highly for me in the area of visual appeal. Maybe one of my favorite backglasses.
I was tripped up more than once with the left side double flippers -- amazing how many times the ball sneaks in to drain between the two. Drops, rollovers, and kickout saucers rule the day on this game. Achieving and multiplying your bonus is key to a good score.

Really hoping to add one of these to the collection in the future. Fun shots and the battlefield is unique. Artwork on the playfield is superb but this game holds my lowest ever rating for backglass. Luckily there is an alternative.

Besides the superhighway of ramps to shoot for the things I walked away from liking on this game were the Cryo-Claw and car crash captive ball. I liked the movie ok and probably feel the same way about the game. I'd watch the movie if its playing on the television and I'd buy the game if found at a decent price. . . but I am not going out of my way to seek out and pay a premium for either. Have to remember this is a wide body and these things are heavy!

I may be in the minority but I do not really like the handle style flipper actuators. Just cannot get used to them. . . guess I am just and old school flipper button kind of guy.

This game has a lot of the classic pinball essentials: A spinner, drop targets, kickout saucer, and a kickout lane. It gets a little crazy with the slingshots placed halfway up the playfield; that allows a nifty little double inlane setup. Love the playfield and backglass artwork used in the Classic Stern Era. The most disappointing part of this game is the sound. . . makes it feel like I am playing Meteor 2. Still, a fun playing game and can still be found (for now) at a decent price -- bring one home if you can!

Great game when dialed in correctly.
Plenty of ramps to shoot for and of course the ball lock should be a Mouse Trap.
The artwork leaves a bit to be desired but the gameplay makes up for that.

Beautiful game all around.
My only hesitation with owning is my limited knowledge of Capcom technology and limited aftermarket parts/support.
Definitely worth spending time playing especially if Magic is your thing.

Spinning Disc and Multi-Ball -- its all you need to know.
The disc will keep you on your toes as it spins and directs the ball in any number of directions. Good aim is helpful as the main shots can be tight; I experienced quite a few rejections my first couple games.
Quite a bit of visual stimulation on this game; glad I was able to spend some time on it but probably not one I'd bring home. Just not enough depth. . . better suited to a larger collection.

Locking balls in the paddlewheel of a riverboat? OK, I'll Play.
In today's state of Pinflation Maverick offers a fun game for your dollar. I couldn't tell you a whole lot about the movie but if you are into old-timey cards on the table gamblin' type themes this one seems to fit. The DMD/Animations add variety as well. I'd probably bring this game home for awhile if I could buy it right. . . it may not stick around forever but I'd wager we'd have fun with it.

The ramp shot to the spaceship to the whirlpool. . . I could try to keep hitting that all day. Also a thrill to rip the spinner tucked down under the U.N. Orion.
One thing that did annoy me a bit on this game was the "SOS" tones that kept repeating over and over, but a small price to pay for a fun game that I'd like to own one day.

Another game that I thought had excellent artwork on the playfield and backglass. . . but left me wanting more on gameplay.
The machine I had the opportunity to play must have been nearly level as it took forever for the ball to return to the bottom once flipped. I did think the upper playfield being divided into a central region with two lanes on each side provided variation for shooting. For me the game is a looker but just lacked personality. Happy to try it again should I come across another in the wild.

I really do not like clowns, but I like drop targets. Good game to test your shooting/accuracy skills. I did not like the outlanes/bumper setup on this one. Just could not get used to it.

I was drawn in by the artwork but stuck around to spend some time on this game after learning some of the ruleset. Has a lot going for an EM game, even without drop targets. Those spinners took some practice to hit! Definitely draws you back in with that "one more game" appeal.

Spent some time on this game at a recent pinball show. I know things are at a faster pace today, but I felt like I was playing in slow motion. Perhaps it was just this machine, but it felt impossible to reach the upper half of the playfield after the plunge. Still, I liked the rotary domino target. . . as long as you did not drain after hitting it between those tiny flippers!

Was not sure what to do at first without a plunger. . . but soon enough the ball was "pitched" into play.
Really liked taking out the large banks of drop targets at the top of the playfield -- need to have good aim from the lower flippers and definitely tried to take advantage of the uppers when possible. Classic EM chimes and bells, yet a unique enough game to set it apart from its peers.

First I will say I am not a basketball guy. . . but I really liked playing this game. The basket shot made the game. Would I own one? Probably not. Would I play the game again? You Bet!

A lot of open area on the playfield in my opinion. The ball spends almost as much time moving sideways as it does up and down. I like the drop targets, spinners, and captive saucers but I wanted more.

Wish there was a bit more to keep the player's attention.

You are lured in with an attractive art package only to find a complete lack of personality when it comes to gameplay. Its still pinball though, so that is something.

This was my first game with a shaker and is definitely a favorite of friends and family for that reason.
Plenty of variety when it comes to what to shoot for -- ramps, drop targets, spinner. . . it was hard to walk away for the first couple days. The left ramp is easy enough to master -- I'm an average player and was able to keep hitting the loop repeatedly. A great mostly family friendly theme (depends on how you handle "Bi**hing!") that is a go-to/favorite in our house.

Love the art. The cabinet, the playfield, and especially the backglass. The horseshoe is fun to shoot for and I like spinners -- I have two to choose from here! I also like the early attempt at a ball save -- kind of a necessity considering you have to utilize the outlanes to complete "Silverball Mania."

When playing it can feel like it is two different worlds -- the upper and lower playfield. The lower playfield is where you actually have some control over the game. . . when the ball moves to the upper playfield you just wait to see what happens until it comes back. Not sure I like the waiting around part of the game. Nothing special about the sounds, standard early solid state stuff.

Overall a fun game to get lost in for a bit and enjoy some good old fashioned pinball -- not the best game I've played, but definitely not the worst!

Really enjoyed playing this game -- will never forget the first time destroying the castle. Hope to own one someday!

Great artwork on the backglass and playfield.
Rules take a little time to figure out, but the game is more interesting once you do. The sounds are not all that spectacular compared to more modern technology, but I still love the sound of the spinner spinning.

A Classic Bally Sleeper.

I really like this game for the spinner and drop targets. Nothing like a good spinner rip and hitting this one right is very rewarding. With 15 drop targets there is plenty to aim for, what I like is the potential for sweepability. Proper aim with the right lower flipper can take out all of the "2" targets and carry over to take out all of the Meteor targets. I have my game set up fast. . . and I like it.

My dislikes are the sound/noise that comes out of the speaker. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if I am hearing the game, if my tinnitus is acting up, or if the Emergency Broadcast Network is doing one of their tests. That's an easy fix though -- just put some tunes on the radio and keep playing.

Love the Classic Sterns.
I really like the layout with dual spinners, drop targets, and triple pops. Artwork is not the most pleasing to me -- but gameplay makes up for it. Would love to add one to the collection someday.

Love the Classic Sterns.
Stars has a nice combination of drop targets, stand up targets, and spinners -- the rules are so simple yet the game can be quite challenging. I like the chimes vs. electronic sounds with this game. Playfield art is very nice but I could do with a different backglass. Overall a fun game that I keep going back to for some good old fashioned pinball.

The inlane/outlane "swap" is different. A lot of fun little details on the playfield artwork. A simple, yet fun game worth a couple plays at a show or on location. Just not enough there to add one to the collection though.

Flipping around on this game is fun, but to be honest it is a bit overwhelming. This game would be ideal in a home environment where a player can spend more time exploring for better understanding of the rules. I appreciate the attention to detail and the animations are superb. Even if you just like a general pirate theme it would be a fun game to own.

A lot of potential here, just difficult to grasp in a couple of games.

I like the approach of modern technology with a classic playfield.
The sound is fantastic. The layout is decent but just did not connect with me. I like the ball lock feature. . . even if the next guy in line can steal it from me.
I'd compare this game to a car maker remaking a classic/vintage model. It definitely has a lot of advances over the original. . . but its just not the original if you know what I mean.
This is a great game if you have a bunch of people playing it in multi-player. I tend to be more of a lone wolf when I play but can definitely see the appeal with larger numbers. I was invited into a multi-player game recently at a show and it was much more fun than just playing alone.

Somehow the theme integration on this game is spot on. The artwork is true to the era and the movie. The ramp jump is definitely one I will remember and the call outs only add to the game. Would definitely play again at a show or on location but probably not one I'd bring into the collection. If you really liked the movie this would be a great game for you.

I like drop targets and spinners. . . so of course this game is on the wish list. Lack of in-lanes was an interesting feature that took a play or two to get used to but I like the attempt to mix things up a bit. Love the classic Stern sounds and artwork -- would love to have one of these in my collection.

Beautiful artwork and a fun game to play. Takes a little time to get the shots down but once you do gameplay feels less clunky. While little Deadpool is not my favorite toy I do like the ball lock feature and the Katana blade/ramp looks fantastic. Shots are varied, challenging, and still fun. After playing the game I think the better choice was to go the comic route vs. the movie(s). I'm usually a wait and see kind of person when it comes to buying new releases but I think I'd be very happy bringing one of these home.

I like the individual ball locks for multi-ball and the "heat shield" feature. The shuttle ramp is a rewarding shot and the old fashioned telephone bell is a nice variation of sound. If I was more into space themes I'd probably have a greater appreciation for it, but still a fun game worth some play time.

I actually liked the movie.

I was drawn to the game for that reason. One of the biggest negatives for me is the theme/movie is not carried over into the machine very well.

Getting past that I've found WW to be a fun and fast playing game. It takes some time to learn the rules and shot sequences but they start to make sense after awhile. The Atoll/Deez is a unique ball lock and target to shoot at in general. Not a big fan of the music, but I do like Dennis Hopper's call outs.

The price point on the game is low compared to a lot of others -- some will say that is for good reason but if you give it a chance Waterworld can give you a lot of pin for your dollar.

This game caught me by surprise -- had the opportunity to add one to the collection for a good price and it is becoming a family favorite.
I'd say the best feature of the game is the music; the variation with the decades is nice and all the tunes are quite catchy. Game play is fast with plenty of ramps to shoot at and plenty of actions from the pop bumpers. Not a deep ruleset but that's ok when you just want to have fun and play pinball.

Been waiting to rate this game for three months now while I refurbished it -- so far it has not disappointed. I love the variation provided by the eight bank drop target, horseshoe, spinner, etc. Cool that it even has a two or three multiball feature. Sound gets a little old after awhile -- background sounds like an airplane engine droning on. Cabinet and playfield art are excellent -- enjoy simply looking at the game. Should be a keeper!

Edit: 11/2018
After playing/owning this game for several months I have yet to tire of it. In fact it has quickly become my favorite. Maybe I'm more into old school pinball and less is more when it comes to animation and toys. . . whatever. As of right now this would be the last game to leave my collection.

The playfield is a lot more open than I am used to on other games but did not take away from game play at all. Killing aliens and hitting spaceships, who knew it could be such fun?

Love the variability of this game. It only took a couple of plays to understand some of the main goals -- hit/destroy the castle being the most fun (for me). Trolls popping out of the playfield, Merlin's kickout hole, I think I even shot a cow out of the catapult at one point -- love it. Didn't think twice about 50 cents a play -- kept putting my quarters in.

TOM has been the game I've been drawn to the most at the local bar/pincade. I have not dived deep into the ruleset but do like the variation of the trunk, ramps, and other shots on the playfield. A fun multi-ball, I can usually keep it going longer than I can on other games for some reason. May just have to add this one to the home collection someday. . .

Not the most exciting game out there, but I've always liked dinosaurs and I suppose that is some of the draw for me. Simple compared to modern machines but still a fun pin to play. I like the volcano and multi-ball feature for such an early game.

Not a theme I see myself owning but I was able to play a few games at a pinball show and really enjoyed the layout and shots. I was able to keep the game going for awhile -- quite the opposite of other games I have played. The upper ramp/jump is a cool feature -- I think I was able to hit four loops in a row.

A great game if you love drop targets. It certainly has the "just one more game. . . " factor.
Even though its is a step back in the evolution of sound I actually like the use of chimes in this game -- they add a pleasant background to game play. No fancy toys or complicated rules. . . this game is proof that sometimes simpler is better.

I purchased this game because I found it at a decent price. After playing a few times the music of course is forever burned into my brain but I was continuously drawn back in for just one more game. . .
I like the integration of locked balls rolling around the wireform like skaters in a rink, I think the atomic whip is another neat skate related feature of the game. The Mrs. and I are from the 80's generation and while we were never avid watchers of the television series we definitely relate to the theme, music, artwork, etc. of the game.

Recently acquired this machine. Its a tough game but the more I play it the more I like it. Right now the outlanes are set wide open so its a little more difficult to get deep into the game. I am a fan of the movies and Clint, so the game was a welcome addition to my collection. I like the variability, safe house/warehouse kickouts, and the moving revolver. Still trying to get used to the upper flipper and how to set up shots but keep coming back for more after Harry spits me out. I would like a bit more variability in the music but enjoy Callahan's callouts. . . am I the only one that has a taste for hot dogs after playing this game??

Edited after a month and a half of ownership. The appeal has only improved; Ive added some LEDs and a Pinsound is on the way. The music is growing on me and a better understanding of the rules/goals makes the game more fun to play. Do not overlook this machine. . . I think the theme and game play are underrated!

A great game for all types of players. A lot of fun for new players with a lot to shoot for but plenty to do/variety for those wanting more depth. Great detail on the playfield, one of the games that I actually like having four flippers on. Backglass is not my favorite but that can be modified if this game is a keeper for you.

Fun game, but not as involved as the William's version. I loved the movies so I would welcome this machine to my collection regardless. . .

I really liked the movie so naturally I was drawn to the pin. Nice backglass and cabinet art. The game was fun to play and did relate to the theme/bring up some memories of the film. I would definitely consider adding one to my collection if I had the extra room. . .

Flash was my first pin. Id call it a good intro pin because its affordable but still great fun to play. No, it does not have ramps, toys, or video effects but for its day it was something special. The outlanes seem a mile wide but when you have a good game its a very rewarding feeling. I also like the games where the score makes sense to me. . . trying to keep track of how many billions Ive scored is like trying to keep track of the national debt -- give me something that is more relateable (I hope to relate to hundreds of thousands someday!). The "Super Flash" is super rewarding when you can get it!

Flash Gordon was the first machine I acquired that needed a little "polishing" to get it going. It was simple enough that I was able to work my way thru the issues and fix several electrical problems (not something Id consider myself good at or comfortable with) and had the game up and running several days after I bought it. I found the game to be tough but fun -- I liked the design with the upper playfield. Great artwork, cool sounds for its day. Ended up selling the machine due to limited space but I still seek FG out at shows when I can because I know "Emperor Ming Awaits. . . "

Love this Game! I tested/played a lot of pins before deciding to make acquiring this machine a priority. Saved up and spent quite a few pennies but I do not regret it one bit; each game is different and keeps you coming back for more. After a couple weeks I am already getting better at placing my shots -- good aim is helpful for a good score. Loved the movies in my younger days and each mode brings those memories/moments in the film back clear as day. If you are an Indiana Jones fan you will love this game!