Pinside rating
This game received 252 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.849 /10
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 7.963
Artwork: 7.613
Sounds/Music: 7.101
Other Aspects: 8.018
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 145 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 145 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 1 of 6.
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8.843/10
61 days ago
Cloverdale, CA
What a killer game!!
Amazing back in the day and standing the test of time, I love this classic!
Back in 80-81, there would be a crowd around this game at the arcade and you would be judged harshly for bad play.
Great sounds and fast yet very controllable shooter, but still can be brutal and multi ball is earned.
I love the right flipper lane control and how the ball comes off the very close stand ups back to a flipper almost every time, just be ready!
Not as easy to find anymore, especially with a good playfield.
I've bought and sold a lot of pins, but I will never sell Firepower!!
Amazing back in the day and standing the test of time, I love this classic!
Back in 80-81, there would be a crowd around this game at the arcade and you would be judged harshly for bad play.
Great sounds and fast yet very controllable shooter, but still can be brutal and multi ball is earned.
I love the right flipper lane control and how the ball comes off the very close stand ups back to a flipper almost every time, just be ready!
Not as easy to find anymore, especially with a good playfield.
I've bought and sold a lot of pins, but I will never sell Firepower!!
3.368/10
4 months ago
It's so hard to compare a game from 1980 to a new game made today, but that's what we have to do. The worst game from the last 10 years is still head and shoulders above Firepower or any other pre-System 11 game. I'm sure at the time this was good, but compared to the System 11 games just a few years after this, this is a total dud. It's slow and boring. I get it that there is a ton of nostalgia associated with this game, but that doesn't make it fun to play if you didn't grow up in this era.
10.000/10
8 months ago
One of the best pins of all time. First multiball, first playfield animation, and first game with lane change. I love the backglass and cabinet art. The playfield is well designed and accommodates the rules well. Should be in the top ten. Sounds during the game are typical williams sounds (think robotron, defender). If you see one buy it, so worth it. I'll never sell mine.
8.147/10
1 year ago
COOl game for it's time. If I am correct I think this was the 1st Multi-ball Pin. The sound does get loud and fast which makes you get into the game. The multi-ball starts flying all over the place.
I played this back in the day along with Gorgar which was right next to it in the arcades. Love them both!
I played this back in the day along with Gorgar which was right next to it in the arcades. Love them both!
7.660/10
1 year ago
I like this game.
And I know some people might rate this game low in the terms of gimmicks and toys... But, I didn't for one reason. This is the first or one of the first games where you control the lane change and also I like the 3 physical ball locks.
Its a simple game with very simple rules.
And it doesn't have anything fancy. Which is both good and bad. I love the simple rules. yes, they are rinse and repeat. I also think it can be frustrating as this game can be a drain monster.
But, I've had games which I put up a good score and that feels amazing. Its a good layout, and yes the middle shots are dangerous, but that's the point. I do like the rules as I stated. I won't go over them, but they're intuitive and make sense.
Also a lot of fun to rip the spinner.
Speaking of ripping the spinner. This game has no music. But, it does have some speech. Fire Power mostly, but it does say other things. But, while no real music, the games sound effects are amazing. I think this is what pinball should sound like. Lots of zaps and explosions and all that stuff, and the FirePOWER call out fits.
The theme is simple, but again thanks to the artwork and the amazing sound effects its a perfectly themed game. I also like how the playfield and backglass are very similar, but altered just slightly enough. Gives it a sense of cohesion and also a feeling of action and energy. The playfield artwork has the laser blasts from the fighters lining up with the stand up targets. Which are probably the most important shots in the game. As you need to hit all of those to qualify or light the locks.
Just a simple, but I think very effective way to both look cool, and also focus the players attention on the important areas.
Not much going on with the lighting. Its fine and it serves its purpose. But, where I think this game shines is that its a pure shooter.
I love playing this game, and while I do get my fill after about 10-15 minutes of playing. I also like to go back to it and grind for higher scores. Its a game I could have fun playing for long hours on from time to time, but its also just a fun pick up and play game. My fun does correlate to how well I am playing though. If I'm bricking everything that day, then I don't enjoy it as much, or if I get a lot of bad bounces that lead to early drains.
Regardless, its a fun game. And I really enjoy playing it.
And I know some people might rate this game low in the terms of gimmicks and toys... But, I didn't for one reason. This is the first or one of the first games where you control the lane change and also I like the 3 physical ball locks.
Its a simple game with very simple rules.
And it doesn't have anything fancy. Which is both good and bad. I love the simple rules. yes, they are rinse and repeat. I also think it can be frustrating as this game can be a drain monster.
But, I've had games which I put up a good score and that feels amazing. Its a good layout, and yes the middle shots are dangerous, but that's the point. I do like the rules as I stated. I won't go over them, but they're intuitive and make sense.
Also a lot of fun to rip the spinner.
Speaking of ripping the spinner. This game has no music. But, it does have some speech. Fire Power mostly, but it does say other things. But, while no real music, the games sound effects are amazing. I think this is what pinball should sound like. Lots of zaps and explosions and all that stuff, and the FirePOWER call out fits.
The theme is simple, but again thanks to the artwork and the amazing sound effects its a perfectly themed game. I also like how the playfield and backglass are very similar, but altered just slightly enough. Gives it a sense of cohesion and also a feeling of action and energy. The playfield artwork has the laser blasts from the fighters lining up with the stand up targets. Which are probably the most important shots in the game. As you need to hit all of those to qualify or light the locks.
Just a simple, but I think very effective way to both look cool, and also focus the players attention on the important areas.
Not much going on with the lighting. Its fine and it serves its purpose. But, where I think this game shines is that its a pure shooter.
I love playing this game, and while I do get my fill after about 10-15 minutes of playing. I also like to go back to it and grind for higher scores. Its a game I could have fun playing for long hours on from time to time, but its also just a fun pick up and play game. My fun does correlate to how well I am playing though. If I'm bricking everything that day, then I don't enjoy it as much, or if I get a lot of bad bounces that lead to early drains.
Regardless, its a fun game. And I really enjoy playing it.
8.926/10
1 year ago
Surrey, BC
I’ve had this great game for over a month, and feel that it’s time for a review. What can you say..this early ss is loads of fun. Not a complicated rule set, it’s fairly easy to understand. I really like the speed, the spinner when lit, and of course the challenge of locking all 3 balls for multi ball! I find that it’s a shooters game, and it’ll improve your overall skills. I’m real happy to have this beauty in my collection!
9.402/10
1 year ago
It's simply the best of the early 80's SS machines. First out of the gate with lane change and a mission based multi-ball. A Ritchie classic.
8.926/10
1 year ago
Where do I even begin on this one? It's like critiquing the Mona Lisa. This game changed everything.First SS Multiball, first with lane change, early example of speech and background sounds, just incredible when it hit the floor in 1980. The first time I saw it was in the arcade at our nearest mall in 1980 or 81 and it kicked my ass quickly. 12 year old me deemed it a drain monster and walked away to find a nice predictable pac-man to put my quarters into, oblivious that I would own one someday.
So at 50 I see Firepower in a different light. No more the intimidating state of the art quarter thief she once was, now she's a good challenge and sometimes reminds me of that first brush as a kid. But when it's good, it's great. This game surely is what crowned Steve Ritchie "the King of Flow" ( If you don't understand"flow" I can't really explain it, but when you see it, you'll know) Not much feels better that ripping a multiple Multiball game off on Firepower and seeing the bonus count into the stratosphere. The pace is quick and the center targets that are necessary for lighting the locks are merciless if you don't hit them from the correct flipper. SDTM also gets dished out from the space between the target banks as the ball slows from the pop bumpers and lazily drains off the backside of the target bank. Fortunately, the flippers are close enough that a slap save can sometimes save the day. The primary goal , Multiball, is easy to grasp and hard to reach. And when you do, it can drain so fast it makes you wonder why you did all that work. But the countdown alone is worth it. The sounds are amazing for 1980, Williams was really setting the pace in the sound department until Bally's "Squawk n Talk" came out and evened the score. Black, Red and Yellow abound with contrast provided by the large white planet/starbase thing that takes up the lower playfield. Overall, Firepower is the whole package, though I'd maybe swap the scary alien dudes on the plastics for some sexy little space nymphs, but now I'm nitpicking. It should be easy enough to find one with 18000 manufactured, but finding one that someone would part with may be another matter. Mine's bolted to the floor.
So at 50 I see Firepower in a different light. No more the intimidating state of the art quarter thief she once was, now she's a good challenge and sometimes reminds me of that first brush as a kid. But when it's good, it's great. This game surely is what crowned Steve Ritchie "the King of Flow" ( If you don't understand"flow" I can't really explain it, but when you see it, you'll know) Not much feels better that ripping a multiple Multiball game off on Firepower and seeing the bonus count into the stratosphere. The pace is quick and the center targets that are necessary for lighting the locks are merciless if you don't hit them from the correct flipper. SDTM also gets dished out from the space between the target banks as the ball slows from the pop bumpers and lazily drains off the backside of the target bank. Fortunately, the flippers are close enough that a slap save can sometimes save the day. The primary goal , Multiball, is easy to grasp and hard to reach. And when you do, it can drain so fast it makes you wonder why you did all that work. But the countdown alone is worth it. The sounds are amazing for 1980, Williams was really setting the pace in the sound department until Bally's "Squawk n Talk" came out and evened the score. Black, Red and Yellow abound with contrast provided by the large white planet/starbase thing that takes up the lower playfield. Overall, Firepower is the whole package, though I'd maybe swap the scary alien dudes on the plastics for some sexy little space nymphs, but now I'm nitpicking. It should be easy enough to find one with 18000 manufactured, but finding one that someone would part with may be another matter. Mine's bolted to the floor.
8.795/10
1 year ago
One of the greatest shooting games of all time! Biggest complaints are the six digit displays and the lack of a playfield multiplier during multiball. Art package is far from my favorite but works for the theme and era.
Metz
8.227/10
1 year ago
I've owned a couple Firepowers. The sound effects intensify as the game progresses, which is cool for it's vintage. The overall theme just screams classic 80s arcade. Has a nostalgic feel to it. Hard to find with both a good backglass and playfield. My current one has a bit of flaking, but it was priced right. Overall, not a highly complicated game. Plays well, and looks great!
7.305/10
1 year ago
Buenos Aires
A dynamic pinball from Steve Ritchie's early days.
Agile, fast and addictive.
Interesting gameplay, medium difficulty.
Multiball, first machine with Lane Change, voice synthesizer.
Difficult to surpass the million points.
A classic from the 80s.
Agile, fast and addictive.
Interesting gameplay, medium difficulty.
Multiball, first machine with Lane Change, voice synthesizer.
Difficult to surpass the million points.
A classic from the 80s.
7.540/10
1 year ago
I own a fully restored Firepower and it's a great Pin. It can be a drain monster until you learn the lanes and shots you need to make.
The rules are simple, and honestly...trying to compare this to a modern pinball machine would be silly. It's not even remotely comparable as far as the depth of the rules. I know some people like to compare things to the latest and greatest...I'm not doing that. I will say I also didn't grow up with this pin. 90-00s is what I grew up on so I don't have nostalgia tinted goggles here.
This pin is fast, easy to learn, but hard to master. To post a good score you really have to put some games into this machine. If I haven't played it in awhile...sometimes It takes 10+ games to get a multi-ball. Once I remember the shots and feel them out it becomes easier, but this is not an easy pin.
It's fast, and I mean fast. I always keep it clean and waxed, and mine currently rocks a playfield protector.
There are shots I've hit where I literally could not move my head fast enough to see the ball. I was 6" behind the ball's trail. The pops are like machine guns launching the ball in any number of directions and when bounced properly...will put it back at the flippers in a hurry. The 2 most dangerous things on this pin are the slings and the 6 center targets. The slings will cause you to drain...a lot. The targets in the middle aren't hard when you learn how to hit them...but if you just walk up and start batting shots at them...then will send that ball straight down the middle.
Over all this is a great machine, and I think it should be higher rated...but modern pins have really taken the spotlight on the top 100 here. That's fine, they have more depth and pinheads love that. It really helps the lastability of it.
You can't go wrong with this machine though. If it's setup properly and in top shape...you will have fun. Just be aware..it will frustrate you until you really get a feel for the machine. I really like that about it. It forces you to learn how to play it...or you will suffer constant drains. I've had entire 3 balls games last less than 40 seconds because of the draining.
The rules are simple, and honestly...trying to compare this to a modern pinball machine would be silly. It's not even remotely comparable as far as the depth of the rules. I know some people like to compare things to the latest and greatest...I'm not doing that. I will say I also didn't grow up with this pin. 90-00s is what I grew up on so I don't have nostalgia tinted goggles here.
This pin is fast, easy to learn, but hard to master. To post a good score you really have to put some games into this machine. If I haven't played it in awhile...sometimes It takes 10+ games to get a multi-ball. Once I remember the shots and feel them out it becomes easier, but this is not an easy pin.
It's fast, and I mean fast. I always keep it clean and waxed, and mine currently rocks a playfield protector.
There are shots I've hit where I literally could not move my head fast enough to see the ball. I was 6" behind the ball's trail. The pops are like machine guns launching the ball in any number of directions and when bounced properly...will put it back at the flippers in a hurry. The 2 most dangerous things on this pin are the slings and the 6 center targets. The slings will cause you to drain...a lot. The targets in the middle aren't hard when you learn how to hit them...but if you just walk up and start batting shots at them...then will send that ball straight down the middle.
Over all this is a great machine, and I think it should be higher rated...but modern pins have really taken the spotlight on the top 100 here. That's fine, they have more depth and pinheads love that. It really helps the lastability of it.
You can't go wrong with this machine though. If it's setup properly and in top shape...you will have fun. Just be aware..it will frustrate you until you really get a feel for the machine. I really like that about it. It forces you to learn how to play it...or you will suffer constant drains. I've had entire 3 balls games last less than 40 seconds because of the draining.
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