Bally
Frontier Pinside Rating
This game received 62 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.575 /10
Frontier
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 7.869
Artwork: 7.523
Sounds/Music: 6.251
Other Aspects: 7.786
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 2 of us have rated this game.
Found 23 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 23 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 1 of 1.
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8.061/10
5 months ago
Lee's Summit, MO
This game is more than the sum of it's parts. I can't explain why, but this is my favorite game of that era. The sounds can be a little annoying after awhile, yet when I hear that Spinner sound or the top rollover sounds, it just gives me good feelings.
Mundare, AB
3.919/10
4 years ago
Really neat back glass evocative of Kenny Rogers and Lonesome Dove and all that kind of 80's western stuff. The playfield doesn't give you much to do and feels like it has been recycled from some early 70's era game. Gotta know when to hold. Know when to fold em.
8.313/10
4 years ago
At first glance I couldn't help but think how similar Frontier looks to Mystic -- another Bally game from this era. After bringing a Frontier home any playing quite a few games I can appreciate the increased variety it has to offer. Still plenty of drop targets and a spinner (two of my personal favorites) as well as a number of standup targets and a bonus kickout. I like the fact that there is a standard bank of drop targets as well as the in line drop targets to give a little variety. Add those to the standups and you will quickly realize that accurate shooting is beneficial here. This game feels like a lot of other Classic Ballys in how it plays -- give me a whitewood version with no sounds and I'd say meh, ok.
What wins me over on this game vs. other Classic Ballys is the playfield artwork. I like outdoors/nature type stuff and well. . . that is what this theme is all about. A bare chested dude holding a knife about to take on a Grizzly -- Fantastic. I could do without the big head on the backglass but it is not as bad as some others out there. Cabinet is ok, not one I'd finish a row off with though.
So yes, the playfield artwork I like. . . and the sound. When I first powered the game up the background noise was turned off. I guess some people do not like the crickets -- after several dozen games I altered the sound settings to get the crickets back a chirpin' and it improved the game's appeal for me. I really like when I have multiple cricket sounds playing vs. the solo chirp. Add in ricocheting bullets and what not -- its not anything modern but definitely has period charm.
Usually for me it is all about how the game plays that determines how long it sticks around -- the theme and sound may be what keeps this one around for a bit though.
What wins me over on this game vs. other Classic Ballys is the playfield artwork. I like outdoors/nature type stuff and well. . . that is what this theme is all about. A bare chested dude holding a knife about to take on a Grizzly -- Fantastic. I could do without the big head on the backglass but it is not as bad as some others out there. Cabinet is ok, not one I'd finish a row off with though.
So yes, the playfield artwork I like. . . and the sound. When I first powered the game up the background noise was turned off. I guess some people do not like the crickets -- after several dozen games I altered the sound settings to get the crickets back a chirpin' and it improved the game's appeal for me. I really like when I have multiple cricket sounds playing vs. the solo chirp. Add in ricocheting bullets and what not -- its not anything modern but definitely has period charm.
Usually for me it is all about how the game plays that determines how long it sticks around -- the theme and sound may be what keeps this one around for a bit though.
6.948/10
5 years ago
One of the best classic Bally's. Challenging, satisfying to rip that lit spinner and hear the "woooo-woooo-wooooo-wooooo".
The crickets can grow a little tiring, but its a super fun game all around. Pew Pew Pew!
The crickets can grow a little tiring, but its a super fun game all around. Pew Pew Pew!
8.830/10
5 years ago
I've owned many of the Ballys from this era and aside from Fathom, this is best of that era. Great precision shots, two different bonus collects, nudging a must...this game has it all! I agree that the cricket sounds are a little annoying, but disagree with many that the artwork is bad. I love the theme and look of this game from the detailed playfield, to the backglass, and to the awesome stenciled side art. A tough pin to find, but one that shouldn't be passed up.
9.697/10
6 years ago
Love this game! I can play this game over and over without getting tired. I know it is not for everyone but I gravitate towards this game every time, that is why I an getting one for my collection!
8.818/10
6 years ago
Theme is important to me and I tend to like games that have outdoor themes. This games theme is all about that complete with trees, animals, campfires. The backglass is ok and I'm sure some are not crazy about the guy on it but the wolves and moon lit over the trees looks cool. Love these older Bally's and this one is a keeper for me. Symmetry of playfield is great and the game will test your nudging skills. Love the quirky sounds !
9.281/10
7 years ago
Finally have found one of these on location. This game is a forgotten Bally Gem. The artwork if fantastic all around and I love the Bob Seger as Jeremiah Johnson Theme. Nice layout and a blast to play. Simple but difficult rules to complete as the bonuses, extra balls, and specials are reset between balls. Wonderful pin, I love all the details on this one. Great drop target placement, both a 3-bank and a 4 in line . Pops give a ton of action, and the spinner up to upper lanes is greatly satisfying.
8.162/10
7 years ago
If you are a fan of the early SS pins and you have a chance to play Frontier, do yourself a favor and get a handful of games on it. A great layout for an interesting themed pin. Sure the backglass art has something to be desired....but it is a good player. A sometimes brutal game that will award your good shot with drains, but that frustration just makes you come back for more to get more predators.
Crickets, my friends, crickets ;)
Crickets, my friends, crickets ;)
9.639/10
8 years ago
Montevideo
I love this machine, it's a skill game and very funny Pinball. For me is the best pinball , and I got it !!!
Adelaide Hills
8.644/10
9 years ago
I still have separation anxiety from selling this fun, fast, challenging & perfectly laid out game
*update*
Found one and jumped on it as life just wasn't complete without it
*update*
Found one and jumped on it as life just wasn't complete without it
8.151/10
10 years ago
Doesn't look like much from a distance, the backglass is awful...old dude with facial hair....not all that appealing. However the game is a winner. Collecting the animals makes for fun gameplay. Reminds me of an reversed black pyramid but with better rules and fun.
7.293/10
12 years ago
Pros: Nice table layout and in-line drop targets
Fast table with challenging shots.
Cons: Very difficult pinball (mean drainer)
Artwork
Sound (crickets) drives me nuts
Fast table with challenging shots.
Cons: Very difficult pinball (mean drainer)
Artwork
Sound (crickets) drives me nuts
5.979/10
12 years ago
I never could really get into this one. I'm not big into the western theme or hunting but the game didn't really sell it for me. While the shot layout was nice, it felt like just hitting random things. All shots just happened to have animals on them. The sound just wears on you as well. Those annoying, screeching noises which I assume are birds.
There are 23 ratings (that include a comment) on this game. Currently showing results page 1 of 1.
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