Wow. This game kind of feels like a sleeper, which is most likely due to the initial impressions of the theme. Admittedly, I also had the same reservations but liked the layout and general progression that I observed playing briefly on location. When a Standard model came up for sale in my area at a fair price, I decided to try it out and was not disappointed.
First of all, the game itself is absolutely loaded with toys, features, and gimmicks, even on the Standard model. Lawlor's layout is fantastic. He was able to fit in so much stuff and still provide great flow and buttery smooth shots. The layout allows for so many variations that can be used in the modes, that each of the 11 modes feels unique and not overly repeated. The lighting effects and shaker motor also add to this. I generally do not gravitate towards mode based games, but this one has me hooked. The modes are fun and varied.
The art is overall pretty great. I like the translite artwork the most, but the style and composition of everything work well together. It's kind of like a sci-fi movie pop art from the 50's/60's but with a futuristic twist. I can't think of anything I'd really change other than maybe some additional lighting behind the translite. The main character guy's outfit is kind of dad-ish, but it's not really super prominent. It's a goofy game anyway.
As for the theme, it actually grows on you quite a bit and works well for the features of the game. There's several cameos from previous great 90's DMD games in there that are interesting to see. It definitely doesn't take itself seriously and is generally light hearted during most of the game play. It's been beat to death, but it's definitely more of a goofy city disaster theme than a cell phone theme. The cell phone, of course, comes into play for starting modes and dealing with Bob's side modes, but nearly all of the gameplay is directed towards Quantum City events or disaster events. New players really like the cell phone components to the game.
At v1.52, the code is outstanding. Apparently JJP is planning on additional updates to finish the character animations on the smart phone display and add a theater multiball, among other things. It feels complete. In general, I've told new players to shoot the QED guy to charge the phone and then shoot the phone to start a mode. That's enough to get through most of the game, but there's so much more to achieve. I appreciate the way that JJP made the game simple to jump in but also very deep and strategic. Once you understand how things work, there's several ways to progress. I'm thrilled how great the code is on this game. If I had to pick something to complain about, it'd have to be the simplicity in achieving the first multiball. Pretty minor, but it's tough to avoid when you're chasing modes.
Overall, this game truly does feel like an incredible 90's Bally/Williams DMD game with a very refined layout and features appropriate to our time. I'm kind of surprised this title hasn't gained more traction in the community. If you're on the fence due to the theme like I was, I would recommend seriously looking at this one. Time will tell, but I think this is one of the best, if not the best, game of our time.
My favorite part: Layout and mode variety
The good: Outstanding layout and code, so many things to do, absolutely packed with features, doesn't take itself too seriously
The bad: Theme has a bad first impression for some, some callouts are underwhelming
Rockwall, TX
Ottawa, ON
Lille
Norwich
Luxembourg