I've really been enjoying my Total Nuclear Annihilation and Taxi for three reasons:

A repeatable goal that's attainable, but challenging, and requires a variety of shots
Satisfying feedback from the machine when that goal is reached
Great Music!

I haven't had an opportunity to play many pre-DMD games, but there must be quite a few that hit these three marks. Can anyone recommend similar machines that I should keep an eye out for?

Jack*bot is on my list based on my experience with the digital version, just need to find one to spend some time on. I'll have to look into Bride as well. Thanks for the suggestions!

It sounds like I need to go play as many System 11s as I can find! Whirlwind may be the top of my list. I like Lawlor's layouts a lot and it strikes me as a much faster and more intense game than something like Funhouse.

The art and sound effects on Sorcerer really hit me the right way. I'll put that on the list!

Not picky about era!

I've put time on a T2 and didn't love the gimmick of managing the cannon during multiball.

I really want to be incentivized to make a variety of shots around the playfield as well.

Thanks! I've liked a couple of Gottliebs from that era. I'll try to find a Genesis to put some time on.