There have been a couple games recently which I really thought would be an instant, must buy for me. But then I just didn't like the integration of the theme. For example, for me, both Star Wars and Willy Wonka were games that I really thought I would have to own. But, to me, they missed the mark on theme integration, and that pretty much means I'm not going to buy them regardless of the game play.

Now, on the other hand, if the theme is so-so, meaning that I like it but don't care all that much about it, then my buying decision is based only on gameplay. If the theme is not well integrated, it doesn't matter much and in many cases I wouldn't even know if it's well integrated or not.

For example Deadpool is a really fun game, but I don't know the theme well at all, outside of seeing the two movies. But it's just fun to play. So at this point I'd be much more likely to buy DP than Wonka or SW.

Which when I think about it, seems crazy. Anyone else find themselves actually less likely to buy a game with their dream theme?

#2 4 years ago

CLE

CLEllison

Pinside+ Frequent

Portland, OR

5y 66,550 1,613 4 7

Yup.
Game of thrones. I am a YUGE fan of that show. I played the pro model and man I was so incredibly let down. The artwork is a photoshop chop job and the game play was mediocre at best. I can honestly say I spent a roll of quarters (and several free games) and I walked away completely underwhelmed. I can only surmise due to that being nonstop flow. I prefer stop and go.

#3 4 years ago

Fizz

Pinside member

Elk Grove Village, IL

5y 57,800 502 2

Yeah that's a great example, I know a lot of people who are big fans of the theme were disappointed by that one. But for me, that's a so-so theme, and I think I actually like the game better than a lot of people who love the theme.

Another example, I have some friends who are really into monster movies, including the Universal monsters. But, they're purists. So, they really dislike Monster Bash, because it presents the monsters in a humorous way.

But I think it's one of the best games ever.

So again, being too much of a fan of the theme makes them dislike the game.

#4 4 years ago

ROB

Rdoyle1978

Pinside member

7y 117K 18,144 14 6

OP
Quoted from Fizz:
Yeah that's a great example, I know a lot of people who are big fans of the theme were disappointed by that one. But for me, that's a so-so theme, and I think I actually like the game better than a lot of people who love the theme.
Another example, I have some friends who are really into monster movies, including the Universal monsters. But, they're purists. So, they really dislike Monster Bash, because it presents the monsters in a humorous way.
But I think it's one of the best games ever.
So again, being too much of a fan of the theme makes them dislike the game.

I don’t quite get the MB attitude - I guarantee I’m just as big a fan of the Universal squad, but I love that game.

But given your example, SW definitely turned me off because i just felt like it wasn’t all there. The Hyperspace thing is REALLY cool, but it’s really just an upgrade of Getawat’s Turbo charger. Not much else is super compelling. Even the screen graphics are just atrocious

#5 4 years ago

Fizz

Pinside member

Elk Grove Village, IL

5y 57,800 502 2

Quoted from Rdoyle1978:
I don’t quite get the MB attitude - I guarantee I’m just as big a fan of the Universal squad, but I love that game.
But given your example, SW definitely turned me off because i just felt like it wasn’t all there. The Hyperspace thing is REALLY cool, but it’s really just an upgrade of Getawat’s Turbo charger. Not much else is super compelling. Even the screen graphics are just atrocious

Yeah you summed up SW perfectly. For me, the problem with that game is just that it's lacking... stuff. I mean there's so much they could have done.

With WW, the problem for me is not so much a lack of stuff, but that the way they used the things in the game (Wonkavision, Gobstopper) are not representative of how they were used in the movie.

As for MB, yeah my buddies are super into that stuff but they don't want the characters made out to look silly. I don't get it either! To me it's a blast.

I honestly think I'd like both Wonka and SW a lot better if I wasn't a fan of the themes.

#6 4 years ago

PGL

northvibe

Pinside+ Frequent

12y 121K 13,929

Man it can be tough.

When I first got into pinball I knew nothing and was horrible at playing. I had just watched Tron Legacy and LOVED everything Tron. I played Tron pinball and HATED the game as it was so freaking hard and no ball save. Luckily I later got better and bought one, but it can really depend on how much you know about the game and how to play it :shrug: JP was a similar issue when I was new to the hobby as well.

#7 4 years ago

CPC

CraigC

Pinside member

Elmhurst, IL

11y 63,600 1,452 31 1

Dream themes are dangerous

Huge transformers and Munsters fan. Luckily I only bought one of these and learned my lesson that theme is not everything.

Both of these games completely miss the main points of the theme (or at least the points that meant the most to me).

-c

#8 4 years ago

KNT

Coindork

Pinside member

Cave Creek, AZ

7y 147K 4,623 20 74

I’ve never had the same experience with Play Boy the pin as I have had with the magazine when I was younger.

#9 4 years ago

Fizz

Pinside member

Elk Grove Village, IL

5y 57,800 502 2

Quoted from Coindork:
I’ve never had the same experience with Play Boy the pin as I have had with the magazine when I was younger.

Hmmm, maybe that’s a good thing? At least for anyone else who touches your games.

#10 4 years ago

???

ccbiggsoo7

Pinside+ Frequent

10y 91,050 6,065 37 10 1

Quoted from Coindork:
I’ve never had the same experience with Play Boy the pin as I have had with the magazine when I was younger.

maybe you just need to turn the shaker up a little more????

#11 4 years ago

RAZ

razorsedge

FRAG

8y 78,850 3,257

Transformers.... Iron Man.... love both these themes, alot!

Both great themes with heaps of potential for making a Pinball. For me both Particularly crap, disapointing pinball games ... and want to play either again about as much as I want a hole in the head. Both games I'd never pay a red cent for, despite loving the themes.

Don't get me started on Thunderbirds! Lol

#12 4 years ago

JJG

Glarrownage

Pinside+ Frequent

10y 82,400 1,077 1

#13 4 years ago

???

Hawks

Pinside member

8y 79,300 362 9

OP
Quoted from Fizz:
Does anyone else feel like a dream theme can actually hurt your chances of wanting to buy a game?
There have been a couple games recently which I really thought would be an instant, must buy for me. But then I just didn't like the integration of the theme. For example, for me, both Star Wars and Willy Wonka were games that I really thought I would have to own. But, to me, they missed the mark on theme integration, and that pretty much means I'm not going to buy them regardless of the game play.
Now, on the other hand, if the theme is so-so, meaning that I like it but don't care all that much about it, then my buying decision is based only on gameplay. If the theme is not well integrated, it doesn't matter much and in many cases I wouldn't even know if it's well integrated or not.
For example Deadpool is a really fun game, but I don't know the theme well at all, outside of seeing the two movies. But it's just fun to play. So at this point I'd be much more likely to buy DP than Wonka or SW.
Which when I think about it, seems crazy. Anyone else find themselves actually less likely to buy a game with their dream theme?

I’m a massive SW fan and bought an LE as soon as it was announced
Once I learnt what to do, its amazing, so much going on and the Ritchie flow is everywhere
Willy Wonka, the first JJP theme to resonate with me, bought and love it, bolted to the floor
Deadpool, the coolest comic book character bar none
I bought a DPLE and it is seriously the most fun of any pinball I’ve ever played
The layout is superb, the dazzler shot - lovely
The katana shot - superb
The snik-it - crazy
AND playing Mortal Kombat against the enemies on a pinnie = nirvana!

Buy Deadpool NOW!!!

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