Pinside rating
This game received 195 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.956 /10
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 8.005
Artwork: 8.304
Sounds/Music: 6.762
Other Aspects: 8.102
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 91 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 91 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 1 of 4.
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9.640/10
46 days ago
Huntington Beach, CA
Flash Gordon is an awesome pin so many ways! Its one of those games that keeps you wanting to play again and again! Its fast and challenging with so many shots to take. Spinners, drop targets, roll overs, ramps and plus the upper level playfield. Although its a fast game, it also gives the skilled player a lot of options increasing your score. Hitting the right side drop targets is a great strategy and also very challenging to hit... The backglass is iconic and looks really cool! The audio sounds when you start the game is also cool... Overall, Flash Gordon is pretty awesome! Super challenging and super fun to play! I highly recommend this pin! Five Stars!!!!
4.395/10
6 months ago
I was a HUGE fan of this film when I was a kid.
Not so much the pin. It seems to be a theme of this age pin. The upper playfield thing.
This game kind of sucked. Even after I got into it and tried to stick with it. Nah... It's not Black Knight bad... but it's close.
Not so much the pin. It seems to be a theme of this age pin. The upper playfield thing.
This game kind of sucked. Even after I got into it and tried to stick with it. Nah... It's not Black Knight bad... but it's close.
7.312/10
6 months ago
Caerphilly
For it's time, this is a decent game of pinball. Very fast split-level play. But so difficult that frustration can easily leave you feeling unsatisfied with the experience. Flash Gordon is an epic theme worthy of a remake but seems unlikely to happen. Flash Gordon without the Queen soundtrack? Not possible with the primitive tech they had back in the early 80s. So stick your Walkman on while your play. Flash-Ah-Ah! I would own this pin for sure, if I had the room.
9.305/10
7 months ago
One of my favorite games from that era. If it had multi-ball, it may have been the best game from the early SS games. The speech is excellent for the time-period and goes well with the game. I still get a chuckle at the end of a game and Ming says, "Try again, earthling." Plenty of variation with different possible strategies with the in-line drop targets, the upper playfield, and the other drop targets. The single "sentry" target is a unique concept. The game can be brutal but it keeps you coming back with plenty of shots. The 15-Second 2X, 3X, or 5X playfield scoring is neat along with the speech that goes with. Some people get annoyed with the strobe light but I like it and it doesn't bother me at all.
8.676/10
7 months ago
Love it!
The flow from the upper playfield with the two ramps, the tight right inlane target shot, the goofy middle saucer and unpredictable pops in the middle of the lower playfield. Always want to play another game.
Such a unique layout that would never be produced in today's era of safe ramps and cluster pops tucked in the back.
The flow from the upper playfield with the two ramps, the tight right inlane target shot, the goofy middle saucer and unpredictable pops in the middle of the lower playfield. Always want to play another game.
Such a unique layout that would never be produced in today's era of safe ramps and cluster pops tucked in the back.
8.624/10
9 months ago
If you find one, buy it. You will master one game and drain every ball on the next, then "try again earthling". Such beautiful randomness. Dual spinners. Three banks of targets. Three ramps. Dual direction saucer. Not a dead spot on the playfield.
Had me at "Flash!" when I first played an early production version of this game in 1980 (with the "Sounds Plus" and "Vocalizer" boards). Beat me to death in those outlanes, but what a game integrating upper and lower playfields into the ruleset.
Had to have one. Bought one a year after release and still have it along with the original receipt.
Had me at "Flash!" when I first played an early production version of this game in 1980 (with the "Sounds Plus" and "Vocalizer" boards). Beat me to death in those outlanes, but what a game integrating upper and lower playfields into the ruleset.
Had to have one. Bought one a year after release and still have it along with the original receipt.
Mississauga, ON
8.396/10
11 months ago
One of the best pins of its' era. Split playfield, in-lane drop targets, mirrored-backglass, fair scoring, and plenty to do.
It is also quite difficult...which I love.
The one thing it seems to get knocked for is the sound. Unfortunately, they just couldn't do much with it in that era...which is a shame because Queen did all the music for the movie (they are one of my favorite bands of all-time). The opening bars of Queen's Flash Gordon title song are played, which make me smile everytime.
It is also quite difficult...which I love.
The one thing it seems to get knocked for is the sound. Unfortunately, they just couldn't do much with it in that era...which is a shame because Queen did all the music for the movie (they are one of my favorite bands of all-time). The opening bars of Queen's Flash Gordon title song are played, which make me smile everytime.
7.195/10
1 year ago
Another classic 80's Bally with awesome split level play field. The Ramps are a little rough and clunky at times. Really fun and challenging though. Artwork package is nice with the red black and yellow color scheme. Cool Xenon flash lamp behind the back glass.
8.982/10
1 year ago
My absolute favourite game ever! Always such a challenger and rewarding when you do well. Good scoring balance between the two playfield levels. Control is key and playing this game will make you a better player. Emperor Ming awaits!
6.841/10
1 year ago
Great looking game with a gorgeous mirrored back glass , double level playfield & I loved the cheesey 80's movie , but this game is so brutal I have never really been able to Enjoy playing it
7.764/10
1 year ago
This one cost me a fortune in quarters when it came out! It was a bear!! I eventually learned how to play it (and improve my pinball skills) which definitely improved my outlook on the machine! This was also my first multi-level machine so I am somewhat biased. This is not a good one for "newbies" due to it's difficulty, however! Rather, this one is good for honing your skills. Today, I would gravitate over to it if I found it in an arcade.
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