The problem with multiplayer games never really changed until the SS era. You basically played five 1 ball games. There was no progressiveness to a game like there was with single players. You always went back to the start, excepting your score. This was especially true on drop target games.
I don't dislike them, but they'll never replace a single player for me. I only own two, Grand Prix and Time Zone. No Gottliebs at all.