All of the recent posts here about the multipliers prompted me to play a few games this evening.
Back in the late 80's, I was all about achieving a free game on Cyclone, on location, since I was financially challenged at the time & quarter lives mattered. If the opportunity presented itself, I would go for the risky SPECIAL via the boomerang. Do not ignore the value of "back-hand" shots!
Sorry for the amateurish head-cam video. And keep in mind, my goal for this was to reach 7x multiplier ONLY, although it's my habit to go for the million anytime double scoring is in play... since I'd get 2 million if successful. What you see here took me about 10 games, although I haven't played in several months. I use to be a better player but I'm out of practice. (And my 6x bulb is kaput apparently.)
Back-hand shots from the left flipper are available on Cyclone for the Ferris Wheel (easy), Boomerang (not as easy), the Cyclone Ramp (easy if you're having a good day), & Cyclone targets. The only useful back-hand shots from the right flipper is to send the ball back to the top of the playfield to light the CAB switches for double scoring, or to hit the single Cyclone target to the right of the Spook House...in my experience.