So let’s call a toy something the ball physically interacts with from a players shot. For example Sparky on Metallica. You are actually hitting the stand up between his feet. But that’s not what makes it cool. It’s the lights and call outs when you hit him that engages the player. Add the animation when you start sparky multiball and it’s an experience for the player. Same with destroying the castle on MM. But I think you have to include scoops, gobble holes, magnets, etc. because they interact with the ball. While not toys they engage the player. What makes them good or bad can be how they are integrated with call outs, animations, scoring, etc.
But again it’s new features(toys/mechs) we really want. There really isn’t much new on any modern game. Still have scoops, gobble holes,Magnets, targets, etc.
I would love to see different stuff. The back box is such a waste of space. Banzai Run IMO was on to something with continuing gameplay vertically. A different challenge. It’s pretty unique. But it’s a different interaction beyond the norm that is needed to freshen things up.