Pinside rating
This game received 246 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.764 /10
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game design: 7.901
Artwork: 7.726
Sounds/Music: 6.942
Other Aspects: 7.981
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 8 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 118 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 118 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 1 of 5.
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7.679/10
64 days ago
Hengelo
I've played this game two days for hours on end. It's a game that needs precisely aimed shots and punishes missed ones. At first I really liked the challenge, but after the second day of playing I was a lot less excited. There is just not enough variety, and the lack of flow also started to bother me. Still, the challenge of the game is what makes you want to try again, and that is a good thing.
The artwork is nice, as I really like the 80's style graphics. The cabinet is a real missed opportunity though, as it's kind of bland.
The artwork is nice, as I really like the 80's style graphics. The cabinet is a real missed opportunity though, as it's kind of bland.
7.520/10
3 months ago
Los Angeles, CA
There is enough variety to make this a fun game to play. Lots of ramps and places for the ball to go. The Music was OK, not outstanding. The sound effects ok. There is a playfield animation of California breaking away from US which is unique. The notable feature of this game is the “Earthquake” that occurs during the Multiball. The artwork I think captures the “flavor” of Southern California pretty well, but the middle of the playfield is empty to me. Racking up miles up the ramp is a pretty good skill shot, with the final goal of getting to the end of the road. Overall a good game.
9.113/10
5 months ago
Shibuya
I really wanted this game to match my Whirlwind with the cool Lawlor disaster duo. It really is an amazing system 11 that is super fast and has some great call outs. I have the sinking building mod and it is pretty cool but not necessary as it really down't effect the game play. The original back glass is classic and the artwork is fantastic. The shaker motor is the perfect addition to the earthquake theme and integrated very well/ Works best in a larger collection as the variation gets redundant after a while but a classic nonetheless.
8.796/10
5 months ago
Earthshaker is one of my favorite games. It really makes you want to keep playing. The shaker inside of it is awesome and when it yells out Earthshaker! Some people don't care for the side art, but I love it! Awesome game!
Pukekohe
8.561/10
1 year ago
Vienna
Driving around to get some spare parts for my first owned flipper I get the chance to play many different machines. Just fell in love with that piece!!! So much fun to play, definitely the next one for my beginners collection :)
8.476/10
1 year ago
So I'm a bit biased, but ES is my favorite pin from BITD. I looked for one for many years, and finally managed to snag one.
Sure, there's not a TON of depth, but what there is makes up for that -- it's fast, it's fun, you can literally play it all day and not get bored. There's something magical about the cabinet shaking and the callout, "EARTHSHAKER!!!". Makes me happy.
I was lucky enough to get one with a sinking institute (just like the one I remember playing on), so that definitely adds another dimension to it aesthetically. If you can't find one of those early 200, then get a sinking kit. Either way, it's great fun.
Just about the best back glass in pinball, I'm sorry, it's awesome.
I'll agree with others that there are a few deeper and more "powerful" sys11 games out there (this one's cousin Whirlwind comes to mind), but for my money ES is still the best.
Sure, there's not a TON of depth, but what there is makes up for that -- it's fast, it's fun, you can literally play it all day and not get bored. There's something magical about the cabinet shaking and the callout, "EARTHSHAKER!!!". Makes me happy.
I was lucky enough to get one with a sinking institute (just like the one I remember playing on), so that definitely adds another dimension to it aesthetically. If you can't find one of those early 200, then get a sinking kit. Either way, it's great fun.
Just about the best back glass in pinball, I'm sorry, it's awesome.
I'll agree with others that there are a few deeper and more "powerful" sys11 games out there (this one's cousin Whirlwind comes to mind), but for my money ES is still the best.
6.966/10
1 year ago
Earthshaker is surprisingly agile considering its crowded playfield and numerous loops and ramps. The skill shot is fun (like PIN*BOT), but it might take up too much room. The VUK is a nice touch to change momentum and, of course, the shaker motor fires up for multiball, which adds to the thrill of the game. If it weren't for some of those little touches, the game would fall flat and be a run-of-the-mill late SS, but there's enough going on to keep me wanting to shoot a few more balls. Not addictive, but not repulsive.
7.844/10
1 year ago
This is one of my favorite pinball machines of the late 80s. I actually enjoy this one a little bit more than some of Pat Lawlor's other more famous titles of the same era. I like the layout of this playfield and really enjoy how the ball flows. Basic but still fun.
Update: Still a fun table because of it's unique layout, but not enough going on for me to warrant a purchase. After playing a few more System 11 pins, I find this one not among the best but not the worst either. Good pin if found for under 2k and especially if you have a large collection.
Update: Still a fun table because of it's unique layout, but not enough going on for me to warrant a purchase. After playing a few more System 11 pins, I find this one not among the best but not the worst either. Good pin if found for under 2k and especially if you have a large collection.
8.173/10
1 year ago
This machine really makes me feel happy when i play it. I suppose its more of a nostalgia thing. I find myself humming the music from time to time. It's a very straight forward game, which makes it easy to understand for beginners.
6.024/10
1 year ago
Begles
Pros:
Nice original theme
Good shaker integration
Cons:
My main beef with Earthshaker is that I do not any satisfying shot. The clunky right ramp is the worst. The playfield is cramped. The center ramp is repetitive and seems to be the most valuable shot in tournament mode. Skill shot is not interesting. Not a big fan of artwork…
Nice original theme
Good shaker integration
Cons:
My main beef with Earthshaker is that I do not any satisfying shot. The clunky right ramp is the worst. The playfield is cramped. The center ramp is repetitive and seems to be the most valuable shot in tournament mode. Skill shot is not interesting. Not a big fan of artwork…
Guelph, ON
7.796/10
2 years ago
Part one of the Lawlor natural disaster series.
Good:
The theme is great.
A really cool skill shot.
The through-the-pops orbit loop is fast!
The rules are the standard system11 fare - which I enjoy.
A fault line toy that directs the ball to lock when the quake is active.
Not as good:
The right ramp is really, really clunky. It's nearly a right angle, and there isn't much satisfaction in hitting the shot.
The center ramp is easy to hit over and over again, if you choose to.
The playfield is a bit cramped, because of all the area the skill shot needs up top.
Good:
The theme is great.
A really cool skill shot.
The through-the-pops orbit loop is fast!
The rules are the standard system11 fare - which I enjoy.
A fault line toy that directs the ball to lock when the quake is active.
Not as good:
The right ramp is really, really clunky. It's nearly a right angle, and there isn't much satisfaction in hitting the shot.
The center ramp is easy to hit over and over again, if you choose to.
The playfield is a bit cramped, because of all the area the skill shot needs up top.
8.021/10
2 years ago
another great williams classic easy game play, nice flow,shaker is sweet ,califonia and nevada breaks apart the upper playfield is classic one of a kind..upper left flipper to side center ramp not the smoothest but ok... i like this game..keeper in a bigger collection
Re edit .finaly got one ,gonna restore it, got it working good before I drop it off , it is a great game ,simple, yet fun, there are many other newer games I can have for the money I'm putting into this one....but I truly enjoy this classic, nostalgic Williams pin, having it in the line up give me a warm feeling inside that no other game does!! Seeing it in arcades in the late 80's it brings me back today!!.it is worth the money I'm spending on it to me, ..only a whirl wind nxt to it could make me happier! !
Re edit .finaly got one ,gonna restore it, got it working good before I drop it off , it is a great game ,simple, yet fun, there are many other newer games I can have for the money I'm putting into this one....but I truly enjoy this classic, nostalgic Williams pin, having it in the line up give me a warm feeling inside that no other game does!! Seeing it in arcades in the late 80's it brings me back today!!.it is worth the money I'm spending on it to me, ..only a whirl wind nxt to it could make me happier! !
8.464/10
2 years ago
Overall a very strong game. Some call this game a one shot wonder for the sole reason that the center ramp can rack up points. The ball diverter and shaker motor make this a favorite among many. Light shows are plentiful, action is fast, and the gameplay is intense.
There are only two major flaws in the game, in my opinion: 1) The scoop shot it a tough shot to make and poorly labeled, and 2) After the jackpot has been awarded, there is nothing left to do in multiball.
There are only two major flaws in the game, in my opinion: 1) The scoop shot it a tough shot to make and poorly labeled, and 2) After the jackpot has been awarded, there is nothing left to do in multiball.
8.737/10
2 years ago
I have many "A" list games , ES gets more play than any other ( especially by my wife) ES is a keeper for sure. I finally did a strip down , clearcoat, replaced everything shop out recently and it plays AWESOME! Its a great game where you could have only this one. Not too complicated, and just plain fun. TZ is a game that needs something fun beside it ,for your friends that don't play pinball often, so get an ES to put beside it for them. The right ramp is easy enough with the kick out beside it to make it fun for an intermediate player. Backglass art is great, playfield is very colorful and looks great, and nice open shots. It has the "through the pop bumpers" shot Pat Lawlor is famous for, for the spinner points.
For a game that is still reasonably affordable, its a deal. I like it better than Whirlwind, and play it 3 times more often. When buying one, check that the Cal/Nev divide works like it is supposed to when you lock your first ball up the right ramp, it should open up and stay open until the ball goes into the celler.
20 + years and still play it more than any other, says something about it. just my 2cents :-)
For a game that is still reasonably affordable, its a deal. I like it better than Whirlwind, and play it 3 times more often. When buying one, check that the Cal/Nev divide works like it is supposed to when you lock your first ball up the right ramp, it should open up and stay open until the ball goes into the celler.
20 + years and still play it more than any other, says something about it. just my 2cents :-)
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