My review of the R&M Jerry Ramp mod.
Full disclaimer: I purchased my R&M from a fellow Pinsider who was given the prototype ramp to install. I picked up the machine before it could be installed and offered Trent (the developer) to install it and provide feedback, which I did. Trent graciously gave me the final version free of charge, no strings attached. I did offer to pay and would have gladly done so. This is also my first post on Pinside as I am happy to be entertained by others and prefer handshakes to keyboards.
Background: I had never played R&M previously so I did what research I could reading the owners forums, ratings, and watching gameplay videos. My two biggest concerns were the criticisms of clunky shots and difficulty getting to the garage. I watched the Deadflip/Spooky reveal video and noticed everyone having difficulty making the garage shot. I am a casual player with a family who like to play, so having difficulty starting adventures would dampen the fun pretty quick. However, I do like that some of the shots are hard and was up for a challenge. When I read about the Jerry ramp, I was cautiously optimistic this might address that concern if I ever purchased the game.
Ramp design: wow, what an impressive example of engineering and creativity! I can't imagine how many hours were poured into this and how many samples were printed out. Just figuring out the hardware needed would be daunting. It looks like it would be a big empty wasteland under the crystal plastic, but there's two flashers, vuk, posts, targets, and two GI bulbs to incorporate into the ramp - all with tight tolerances. I'm also impressed with the quality of the 3d print and filament used. It's rigid, smooth, and feels very strong. I had to really torque down on that long screw and it was fine, even with the screw getting hot from friction. I feel pretty confident in long-term durability.
Installation: R&M was new to me so it took longer than I was expecting to install. I had some issues with the prototype ramp and instructions which I reported to Trent. I also had several wires pop off when moving the wiring under the playfield as all the wires seem to be lightly tacked - thanks Spooky! Trent was very responsive and I can happily report the final version of the ramp and plug solved all the issues I had and the instructions are improved. I appreciate the mounting solution for the Jerry target and the bonus sticker is perfect. I really like that the install is non-destructive and reversible.
In play: I think this design ticks three boxes: adds another shot to the garage, makes use of some empty playfield space, and smooths out the garage shot from the upper flipper. I was a bit concerned the ramp might make the garage shot too easy, but I don't think that's the case. It's a very tight shot where you have to squeeze by the dangerous pop bumper, and has to be hit cleanly. It's the perfect balance of adding more options with an element of risk. It really feels like it should have always been in the game. I haven't had any issues with the portal VUK ejections or balls dropping into the garage.
Conclusion: it's an expensive add-on, but you're paying for the labour in the design and material quality. R&M is a ton of fun and the Jerry ramp makes it that much better. What more can you ask for?
Regards, Jeff
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Kamloops, BC
damadczar
Oshkosh, WI
Manly
