Checkpoint is a DE game that is pretty well done.

The Pros:
I like choosing music at the start of the game. The PF layout is a solid one and the game theme works nicely. The integration of the speed gun graphic on the DMD for the ramp is perfect for this deck. The skill shot is nice and requires you not to hit anything else before it. Greedy outlanes makes you keep your shots tight.

The Cons:
This is a 1 ramp game. I mean, that's all you need to really hit, over and over. Paul Faris' must have needed more time with this art package...

The Takeaway:
One of the better efforts by DE that is fun to play... but even then, consider that T-2 was only 5 months away and TAF is just over a year out... progress marches on and the quality of game is far behind what B/W produced at the same time. As with almost every DE made, there was so much more that could have been done with this game.

I picked this game up as a project. After many hours of slaving over this thing I have finally got it going so I can now give it a proper rating. I banged out quite a few games and I find it very enjoyable. The ramp shot is challenging. I know some people on here say it's nothing but ramp ramp ramp... thats easier said than done. For the price I paid for getting this pin and to get it up and running it definitely has some bang for my buck. If you can find this pin cheap enough, pick it up! The backglass on this pin is top notch so it will look great in any collection.

Ramp, ramp, ramp, ramp and so on.... This is a fun game, good theme, 1st DMD pin and so has it's place in history. There is little to the gameplay though and, even though I had a blast playing this, it is a game that would get quite stale in your collection I believe. Funnily enough though, I own Cyclone and love that, so maybe it's more to do with the theme than the limited gameplay?!

Ran across this one at the car wash down the street. The design shows its age, but the fun factor is still there. I would characterize this as a good basic pin (it has a nice shaker motor feature) that has decent fun to offer. Not a pin that will blow you away with tons of features or toys, but still good solid pinball play.

Wow! This game was a surprise to me. Had the chance to play a mint condition one the other day after never hearing of the title. Despite what other reviewers said, this game is FAST (I'm guessing their machines were dirty/not setup correctly). Shots on the game feel good.

Best part though, is the sound and lighting. Like the sound on BK2000? Well, you'll love the sound on this game as Brian Schmidt did the sound on both and it's reminiscent of BK2000. The lighting is outstanding and really adds to the atmosphere. Given the fact that you can pick one up for $700-$800, this game is a steal.

Checkpoint is definitely a fun game and one you should try if you are up for challenge or if you have never tried it before.

The average time per ball in play was indicating about 15 seconds when I started playing, but skilled players will enjoy learning how to control the speed of the ball and carefully take aim at the ramp and targets.

The music selection at the top of the game is great. You can choose between Rock, Soul, Classical, Rap, Country and Jazz. This is nice because you can always change the music if it gets repetative for your next game.

Redline Multi-ball is crazy. Keeping multi-ball in play is tough. Try to cross the finish line target at the head of the ramp. Jackpots here are hard to get, but are so gratifying if you can pull it off.

The machine rumbles and goes crazy with a deluge of flashing strobes as it plays through various modes like the Blue Light Special.

The Blue Light Special is awarded by knocking down 7 targets to collect "CARRERA" and wins several nice awards. These targets targets get blasted hard, and sometimes kick the ball up into the glass. I really enjoy the occasionally ball snap against the glass.

The pop bumpers are fun, because they actually pop up and down as the ball ricochets about the area. Completing the lanes to spell "FAST", is also a challenge, but rewards you with Fast Scoring. Enabling this is a great way to pull into the lead as all switches increase the value to 55k each.

A few other fun features to mention is the ignition key to start the game and the spinning wheel in the backglass. The voice sound effects taunt you to go faster and the female voice does sound like Rocky from Bullwinkle. ^_^ This machine is also the first pinball to feature a Dot Matrix Display.

If you are car racing fan or like Porsche automobiles, you will really enjoy the cabinet artwork, backglass and the Porsche toy located on the playfield.

If you play with a friend, the best driver with the highest score has a special 20 second multi-ball Winners Circle mode to rack up additional victory points.

Overall, I am happy with the game as it offers a fast paced challenge and lots of unique features. I guess lots of people don't enjoy it as much because it is too difficult for them.

n2kenai

Alright pin but I expected more from one of the first DMDs. It isn't simple to get multiball unless you understand what you have to do to get it. You really do have to follow a pattern to get multiball or the main jackpot. You have to be good and have some skill in hitting the ball and within a certain time frame to rack up the big points.

Very entertaining game a(once you jack the back legs up).. Will be on the look out for one of these..

Slow and uninspired...