DE SW gets beat up for its gameplay and rule set. Understandable, it isn't the deepest pin. I like it, mainly the art and overall look. It is a cool machine to have in your collection. However, I'm finding myself getting bored with it. I've read the rules guides, and I have a good understanding of the rules. But I find myself basically just shooting the ramp and shooting the Death Star.
Now before you tell me to turn off saving ramps shots, let me go into a little more detail. I'm a pretty average player. I've played in a few local tournaments of about 30 people and I generally make it several rounds in. Last time I finished something like 5th or 6th (probably lucky). So there certainly are better and worse players than me. That being said, the max number of ramp shots I've pulled off in a game is 34. So far I'm not capable of hitting the ramp 50-100 times in a game.
I also find the outlanes of my game to be pretty brutal, even with the right outlane entrance closed down. If a ball hits the top of a sling, it bounces right over into the outlane. Because of this, I'm hesitant to shoot shots that generate a lot of back and forth ball movement and sling hits. This is probably the main reason I end up predominantly shooting the ramp and Death Star.
I also don't find the Force hole and Sarlac Pit to be easy shots and missing them can quickly lead to outlane drains. So once again, shoot the ramp and Death Star. Shooting for the X-Wing targets can be punishing because the hard hits off them get the ball going crazy and it is likely to drain out the outlanes. So, shoot the ramp and shoot the Death Star. I'm kind of hesitant to turn off saving ramp shots. Maybe if I hit it 50+ times every game I'd be more inclined, but without it saving the shots, my games would be even shorter and more frustrating.
Finally, I like JP although it can also be punishing if you miss shots into the Control Room. I think it rewards you better for the shots, so maybe I find it more balanced. So, is my problem due to me being a chicken and not being willing to attempt the shots needed? Or is it my skills? Do I need to take a fresh approach to it? Or do you think the game is just not a fit for me? If you have any strategy tips, please pass them along.