I love this game.
Brutal at times but highly rewarding at others.
Pinside rating
This game received 332 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.857 /10
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game design: 8.13
Artwork: 7.423
Sounds/Music: 7.223
Other Aspects: 8.094
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 7 of us have rated this game.
Ranking history
An overview of this machine's ranking over the last years. Lower is better.
Rating history
An overview of this machine's rating over the last years. Higher is better.
Found 168 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 168 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 1 of 7.
List options
7.196/10
89 days ago
Wiener Neustadt
positive:
- 3 Flipper - very nice upper ramp shot
- open playfield with 3 level mini playfield
- video mode (getting easy after a few tries)
neutral/negative:
- repetitive sound effects (Daleks, Davros) getting annoying over time,
- don´t like how the ball is transported from the shooter lane to the playfield (takes quite some time as it gets shot in the Tardis and from there via VUK and ramp on the playfield)
- going for multiball is quite repetitive
- 3 Flipper - very nice upper ramp shot
- open playfield with 3 level mini playfield
- video mode (getting easy after a few tries)
neutral/negative:
- repetitive sound effects (Daleks, Davros) getting annoying over time,
- don´t like how the ball is transported from the shooter lane to the playfield (takes quite some time as it gets shot in the Tardis and from there via VUK and ramp on the playfield)
- going for multiball is quite repetitive
8.158/10
4 months ago
Norman, OK
I'm not the biggest fan of newer DMD games but I'll always put a few quarters in this one at the arcade - another one we're lucky to have there. The Daleks are a blast. I'd wonder about this game's appeal to people who aren't fans of the show (I am). Non-fans may get a kick out of how all the doctors have different "powers" that affect the game, but these are so minor I hardly notice them unless I take the game I'm playing seriously. At least none of them seem unbalanced, but I'll admit I've never paid strict attention.
This would probably be a better as a home game than in an arcade setting. But it's always fun. Before the newer reboot Doctor Who was pretty obscure for us US fans. At general sci-fi conventions the Trekkies would point at Whovians - "wow, those guys are nerds!" So I'm glad the show got such a well-developed game.
*Wife approval* "Ha ha ha! Yay!" - whenever she gets the Daleks going for multiball. This is one of her favorites.
This would probably be a better as a home game than in an arcade setting. But it's always fun. Before the newer reboot Doctor Who was pretty obscure for us US fans. At general sci-fi conventions the Trekkies would point at Whovians - "wow, those guys are nerds!" So I'm glad the show got such a well-developed game.
*Wife approval* "Ha ha ha! Yay!" - whenever she gets the Daleks going for multiball. This is one of her favorites.
8.960/10
6 months ago
As a fan of the television show this game had been on my radar for some time.
While you do not need to be a fan of the show to enjoy the game, I do think it helps to pull you in and enhance the experience. This is probably most directed at the sounds and music. Being familiar with the show intro and sounds of the Tardis I think the audio package adds to the game rather than take away from it. On the flip side I can easily see how they could be repetitive and annoying to the casual player.
Cabinet and translite artwork. . . blah. I think the playfield is well designed and while I could care less about toppers on most games the motorized Dalek is a must have on this one. I understand this game is based on the doctors and time before the reboot of the series; I would love to see a "modernization" of the game to include art/audio of the more modern doctors too. . . at least up to Capaldi. :)
Playfield is rather engaging. The Time Expander is the centerpiece and justly so -- a brilliant piece of engineering that is a joy to target (when it is working correctly!). Ramps are fun to hit/loop. Mastering the "WHO" combo is still something I'm working on. I do miss the drop targets and spinners that I love on other games, but there absence does not take anything away from this one. Video animations are ok but I'm indifferent to them in general -- I'm wanting to play pinball, not a video game!
Three things I really like about this game: 1. A fan of the show can relate the theme well. 2. Time Expander Mech is cool. Or should I say its clever? 3. A motorized Dalek topper -- while it has nothing to do with game play -- really pulls you in and makes it feel like you are really battling them in multi-ball.
Even if you know nothing about the show play one if you get a chance. . . I think you'll like it!
While you do not need to be a fan of the show to enjoy the game, I do think it helps to pull you in and enhance the experience. This is probably most directed at the sounds and music. Being familiar with the show intro and sounds of the Tardis I think the audio package adds to the game rather than take away from it. On the flip side I can easily see how they could be repetitive and annoying to the casual player.
Cabinet and translite artwork. . . blah. I think the playfield is well designed and while I could care less about toppers on most games the motorized Dalek is a must have on this one. I understand this game is based on the doctors and time before the reboot of the series; I would love to see a "modernization" of the game to include art/audio of the more modern doctors too. . . at least up to Capaldi. :)
Playfield is rather engaging. The Time Expander is the centerpiece and justly so -- a brilliant piece of engineering that is a joy to target (when it is working correctly!). Ramps are fun to hit/loop. Mastering the "WHO" combo is still something I'm working on. I do miss the drop targets and spinners that I love on other games, but there absence does not take anything away from this one. Video animations are ok but I'm indifferent to them in general -- I'm wanting to play pinball, not a video game!
Three things I really like about this game: 1. A fan of the show can relate the theme well. 2. Time Expander Mech is cool. Or should I say its clever? 3. A motorized Dalek topper -- while it has nothing to do with game play -- really pulls you in and makes it feel like you are really battling them in multi-ball.
Even if you know nothing about the show play one if you get a chance. . . I think you'll like it!
7.172/10
7 months ago
Takes a while to learn how to play. The gimmick is the “the time expander,” which offends Dr. Who purists because it was never a part of the TV series. You can rack up big scores if you can keep multi-ball going long enough to reach Davros.
The knock on this machine is video mode. I usually don’t mind video modes in pinball, but this one dominates a lot of gameplay. It’s not terribly hard and you can get a lot of points and extra balls, but it does get boring. (Hint: always jump into the TARDIS at the end for a little bonus.)
The knock on this machine is video mode. I usually don’t mind video modes in pinball, but this one dominates a lot of gameplay. It’s not terribly hard and you can get a lot of points and extra balls, but it does get boring. (Hint: always jump into the TARDIS at the end for a little bonus.)
7.499/10
8 months ago
This is a pretty cohesive game, the package, albeit a time capsule of 90's Dr. Who, is a well thought out and complete game. From the unit I've played, I feel like the machine instantly demands the player start making shots, so it's kind of relentless shot-making without the lucky chaos of other games of the era. Losing control of the ball doesn't really end well. The programming, and modes are deep, and would be perfect for someone who really wanted to get into the game. However, a few tricks and ramp shots are obviously the key to all the points.
8.623/10
10 months ago
Dr. Who is becoming one of my favorite 'quick' games. Not too deep and not too many shots, but nevertheless, it is fun for what it is. I used to have a lesser quality example, but I have also played some top notch examples and would like to find one someday. This is one of those pins that I can see some people not liking for having to hit the side ramp over and over for points. If you focus too much on tutorials, I think it takes the fun away. I love going for multi ball. Video mode is great. Playfield really pops with the right LED combination. The sounds and music are ok, but when you add the 'metal' or 'disco' pinsound, it makes it an entirely new game. I think it's a great pin.
Χαλκίδα
7.560/10
1 year ago
This game is pretty decent, but is a bit slower than I prefer, and the shots although hard, are just a bit lacking in my opinion. I do really like the toy that has 3 levels of shots, but it does break a good bit and is a pain to repair/service. Its one I will play a few times when I see it in a location.
6.798/10
1 year ago
Malmö
Fun game to play - rather hard to review... It is definitely a well designed game with great rules and rewarding shots. It looks good and for a casual player it can be rather brutal with short ball times. The feeling you get here is that you never really are able to predict your next match against the machine, unless youre a really good player of course.
The tricky part for me is the sound/music. The music, classic TV-theme from the series, is very repetitive. Sometimes it is fun to listen to, other times you just want to unplug the speakers to save your ears. That goes even more so for the awful "monster sounds".
To me, Dr Who definitely belongs to the top 15 games from the early and mid-90´s. Although I cannot decide wether the real challenge is the playfield design or the ability to ignore the annoying call outs from this table......
Bonus points here for having a really cool topper on the backbox.
Edit: for those buying one, make sure the time expander area is in level with the main pf when in submerged position. Otherwise the ball might get trapped in the edge between these spots and force you to tilt the pin (loose your ball that is) to get it back into play. If working on the expander toy in general: check that the safety switch is activated since this mechanism could chop your fingers off.
The tricky part for me is the sound/music. The music, classic TV-theme from the series, is very repetitive. Sometimes it is fun to listen to, other times you just want to unplug the speakers to save your ears. That goes even more so for the awful "monster sounds".
To me, Dr Who definitely belongs to the top 15 games from the early and mid-90´s. Although I cannot decide wether the real challenge is the playfield design or the ability to ignore the annoying call outs from this table......
Bonus points here for having a really cool topper on the backbox.
Edit: for those buying one, make sure the time expander area is in level with the main pf when in submerged position. Otherwise the ball might get trapped in the edge between these spots and force you to tilt the pin (loose your ball that is) to get it back into play. If working on the expander toy in general: check that the safety switch is activated since this mechanism could chop your fingers off.
8.888/10
1 year ago
So, Doctor Who.... it may be my favorite game ice ever played. It isn't pretty (that translite.... barf), and the sound effects sorta suck, but my god are the shots the most satisfying in any game ever. I usually play for score on every pinball machine, but with DW, I have such fun just shooting the shots that I don't terribly care of i have a great game or not. The W H O shots are some of the most zen, satisfying shots ever. And I could hit the side ramp all day long. It's strange, as the centerpiece is the time expander, but the other shots are so smooth and satisfying that I almost dont even care about the time expander toy (which is amazing).
9.160/10
2 years ago
Really love this game. So much to do and the abilities of each Doctor adds a great element of strategy. Love the loop off of the third flipper. Video mode is great. Highly recommend.
8.848/10
2 years ago
Seubersdorf
For me this is a real great machine, in point of strategy it is comparable to game of thrones, the shots are quite well, ist a game for the beginners and the advanced players too.
I think I have to change the backglas to an alternate translite to keep the machine in my house ....
I think I have to change the backglas to an alternate translite to keep the machine in my house ....
8.540/10
2 years ago
A very entertaining game. Love the raising playfield for multi ball. Choosing the correct doctor for proper scoring adds a fun aspect to the game.
7.508/10
2 years ago
Weert
Overall nice game. Different gameplay. Right sideramp is nice. Feels good when you hit it over and over agin and maximize that multiplier and get the sonic booms.
Videogame is cool...however the scoring is somewhat out of balance. You can get massive load of points just for going for videogame all day long.
Multiball, with the 3 levelled elevating playfield is super cool.
Videogame is cool...however the scoring is somewhat out of balance. You can get massive load of points just for going for videogame all day long.
Multiball, with the 3 levelled elevating playfield is super cool.
6.472/10
2 years ago
Not a bad game, but boy, the main playfield is empty. The doctor escape is cool, but the game is almost all about setting up the multiball with very little else of interest. I'm a Dr Who fan, but the game left me wanting.
You too can add your own comment by rating this game! Click here to rate the machine.
Hey there! Got a moment?
Great to see you're enjoying Pinside! Did you know Pinside is able to run thanks to donations from our visitors? Please donate to Pinside, support the site and get anext to your username to show for it! Donate to Pinside
