Bally
Dr. Dude Pinside Rating
This game received 170 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.315 /10
Dr. Dude
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 7.364
Artwork: 7.685
Sounds/Music: 6.523
Other Aspects: 7.294
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 5 of us have rated this game.
Found 83 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 83 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 3 of 4.
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8.164/10
10 years ago
Omaha, NE
I really wanted to hate this game. I just can't; it's too much fun. The Bill and Ted comparisons are somewhat accurate, but I think even Wyld Stallyns would find the good doctor a bit too cheesy. Shoulder pads and leopard print for Ted Theodore Logan? I don't think so. Somehow though, Dennis Nordman and Greg Freres make it work. By using classic themes and tropes found in the back of comic book ads (geek to stud), and making it so completely over-the-top 80's cliche in appearance, they've created a table that has an instantly recognizable place in time.
The story is simple: collect the ingredients needed to concoct the perfect formula turning you from zero to hero. Along your way you can test your reflexes, and show the resident gym bully what's what.
This is a great pin for casual players because the goals hit that sweet spot between simple to understand and just out of reach for beginners. The playfield is really busy, which is great for looks, but can make sorting out the rules unnecessarily confusing. The layout is somewhat of a hybrid. It's a fan layout in regards to target/lane placement, but the game is much more stop-and-go than flow. Its a nice mix that helps one improve both aiming skills and ball control simultaneously; it's pretty inspired design to be honest. Flippers need to be nice and strong to consistently hit the steep ramp, and the mixmaster needs to be dialed in to get any real action up there.
Collectors looking for complex, ultra deep rulesets and serious themes will likely become bored/annoyed with this title after a while, but it's perfect for those looking to round out the home arcade with tables that appeal to a wide audience of players and non-players alike. I can also confirm that this game looks a~maz~ing under blacklights.
While I think Elvira and the Party Monsters is a better Norman/Freres package, I keep coming back to the Dr.
In summary: I used to be a 90lb weakling, but Dr. Dude made a player outta me!
The story is simple: collect the ingredients needed to concoct the perfect formula turning you from zero to hero. Along your way you can test your reflexes, and show the resident gym bully what's what.
This is a great pin for casual players because the goals hit that sweet spot between simple to understand and just out of reach for beginners. The playfield is really busy, which is great for looks, but can make sorting out the rules unnecessarily confusing. The layout is somewhat of a hybrid. It's a fan layout in regards to target/lane placement, but the game is much more stop-and-go than flow. Its a nice mix that helps one improve both aiming skills and ball control simultaneously; it's pretty inspired design to be honest. Flippers need to be nice and strong to consistently hit the steep ramp, and the mixmaster needs to be dialed in to get any real action up there.
Collectors looking for complex, ultra deep rulesets and serious themes will likely become bored/annoyed with this title after a while, but it's perfect for those looking to round out the home arcade with tables that appeal to a wide audience of players and non-players alike. I can also confirm that this game looks a~maz~ing under blacklights.
While I think Elvira and the Party Monsters is a better Norman/Freres package, I keep coming back to the Dr.
In summary: I used to be a 90lb weakling, but Dr. Dude made a player outta me!
7.102/10
10 years ago
Great fun game. Not incredibly challenging, but it should be part of your collection. Love the music, love the artwork. Great game for people who aren't too familiar with pinball. Almost everyone will find something in this pin.
Mikkeli
9.175/10
10 years ago
Mad I played this because now I want one! One of the best pins I have ever played! So much fun. I like the spinner off the ramp...hitting it multiple times is a challenge and fun. Shots are challenging, yet not impossible. Wouldn't want to play with weak flippers, but when tuned up this is a blast. Nice theming too.
8.772/10
10 years ago
I own one and I love it! Its a drain monster but it is way fun dude! A great fairly priced starter pin. I have fully LED'd mine out including the displays. Parts can be a pain to find so make sure it is complete. If you see one play it.
8.309/10
11 years ago
Very underrated game in my opinion. Came right before the golden age of pinball so it doesn't get much credit. But it's a fun game to just walk up and play for a little while. Not overly complex and flows incredibly well. Only a 2-ball multiball which hurts the gameplay a bit.
Theme wise it's fun and you'll definitely get into it and friends will do. Kind of a throwback to the crazy 80's if you're from that era. I think I like the fact that it's original and unlike anything you've seen. I'm definitely a fan of light-hearted themes that don't take themselves too seriously. Sound and music are solid and it's a fun little game for those who are just looking to blow off some steam.
Theme wise it's fun and you'll definitely get into it and friends will do. Kind of a throwback to the crazy 80's if you're from that era. I think I like the fact that it's original and unlike anything you've seen. I'm definitely a fan of light-hearted themes that don't take themselves too seriously. Sound and music are solid and it's a fun little game for those who are just looking to blow off some steam.
7.916/10
11 years ago
Weird theme but as a huge 11C fan I had to buy it. Game field filled with gimmicks and toys. Needs a kick back like Radical though. I have played a few where the incline is so steep that hitting the center ramp is impossible and vise versa on machines where it is too flat the game play slows and suffers.
Sydney
7.522/10
11 years ago
Abbotsford, BC
This game was very nostalgic to me, used to play it in a bar on Sunday nights with a friend, always enjoyed it. However, when I finally got one for my collection, it didn't live up to my memories of it, it just wasn't as much fun to play if we weren't paying!! Excellent execution of the theme though, and as usual Greg Fereres artwork is awesome!!
6.593/10
11 years ago
This game did not appeal to me ... The artwork and cartoons were fun but the playfield is just boring. The spinning thing is lame. Even for 500 bucks I would likely not take this..
8.480/10
11 years ago
A very fun game to get hooked on. Ball can drain fast , so the game is a little challenging. The art work is great. I have black lights in my game room and the pinball glows. Very few pinball will do that under a black light.
8.598/10
12 years ago
This game is awesome! The concept is so original. The art fits the time in which it comes from. And it's just a great pick up and play game.
The gameplay itself is never overwhelming, but it's challenging enough -- when set on the proper difficulty -- that you should never conquer the machine, in that you'll have four really OK game followed by a pretty worthy score.
As far as flow goes, the rhythm and sequencing of the shots are laid out wonderfully. You'll go all over the board trying to take care of the Excellent Ray and Reflex 1-2-3.
Overall, a classic, overlooked, gem, lost in the modern age of licensed mega-movie games, with their tired, unoriginal themes.
The gameplay itself is never overwhelming, but it's challenging enough -- when set on the proper difficulty -- that you should never conquer the machine, in that you'll have four really OK game followed by a pretty worthy score.
As far as flow goes, the rhythm and sequencing of the shots are laid out wonderfully. You'll go all over the board trying to take care of the Excellent Ray and Reflex 1-2-3.
Overall, a classic, overlooked, gem, lost in the modern age of licensed mega-movie games, with their tired, unoriginal themes.
6.659/10
12 years ago
I like this game the theme is pretty cool and the back glass is cool with the holograhics. I think it deserves to be in the top 100. I had to re-rate this game I played it over at my uncles house and found it to be real fun compared to some others I've played that are in the top 100.
Valencia
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