Up until recently our local arcade had both on route, side by side. I was always partial to Embryon. I loved the art and game play. They just pulled it off the floor because it had a bunch of repeat issues popping up. I thought it was more engaging than Paragon which was a lot of stop and go due to the two kickouts at the top as well as the chicane lane which needs to do a 180 in order to travel.

Now that Paragon is by itself, I tried it a few weeks ago again. Thought it was ok. A lot going on, but still very stop and go. Then we played in league this week and the player who chose the game started talking about the objectives a bit more. I really started to enjoy it. Plus it has inline drops. I was able to save two balls out of the Lair and overall had some decent scores. Not a bad game at all and will be playing it again this weekend.

I'd personally still go Embryon, but Paragon is a very, very decent replacement.