Pinside rating
This game has received 27 approved Pinsider ratings. 23 more approved ratings are needed to get a rating and for it to be eligible for the Pinside Pinball Top 100 ranking.
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 1 of us has rated this game.
Found 21 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 21 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
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6.563/10
10 months ago
Hudson Oaks, TX
Fun starter game. It is mainly kick out holes and a ramps. It is a fun game that has a more that if not you run out of fuel the game ends. Fun but needs to be with other games or a first game. I owned it but traded it off after a few more months.
8.315/10
1 year ago
Melbourne
Waited a while before I commented as I think this is a really fun, underrated game. I couldn't quite believe the fun factor. Sure there's a linear mode path, however it really keeps you coming back for more as completing the game is a real challenge.
The Gottlieb flippers can be a little annoying however, it is really suitable for this game as its layout is tough. I've had near 100 games, and this may beat some laster sterns, mando anyone?? . I'd much rather have this for the fun factor than that game and its cheap!!
A great first underrated pin
The Gottlieb flippers can be a little annoying however, it is really suitable for this game as its layout is tough. I've had near 100 games, and this may beat some laster sterns, mando anyone?? . I'd much rather have this for the fun factor than that game and its cheap!!
A great first underrated pin
Bordeaux
Born
7.693/10
6 years ago
Operation Thunder is one of the most unique pins I've ever played. Your goals are based on missions that you achieve by hitting the right ramps, holes and targets. I rate it highly for how unique it is. However, it does get old. The power plant is fun at first but can get annoying and repetitive every single time you long the ball.
The playfield layout is pretty cool but there's a ton of red, a little yellow and not much else. It is a great one to have in a collection but not if it's your only pin.
The playfield layout is pretty cool but there's a ton of red, a little yellow and not much else. It is a great one to have in a collection but not if it's your only pin.
7.327/10
9 years ago
Playfield is a bit hard to discern. It isn't ACDC. I always wanted to put that in a review.
7.536/10
9 years ago
Waited until I owned this game for a few months before I rated it. I basically got one in average condition and cleaned it up. All new LED's throughout, new rubbers, new balls, cleaned the playfield, new flippers, new buttons and a new shooter. I also painted the rails orange to match the artwork on the playfield.
Essentially this is just a fun game with some really cool lighting features. Being a fighter pilot themed game there are lots of great sounds and call outs incorporated and when your 'dropping missiles' or 'hitting enemy targets' the playfield and flashers light up rather impressively. I set up the flashers (from front to back) white, blue and red and it really looks great when they go off.
The game if very linear in the rule set but I think that suits the style of the game. The rules are set up as missions you need to accomplish and you complete other goals to increase your ranking.
The 'powerplant' or spinner is a unique feature as opposed to the usually roll overs most games have after you shoot the ball but it is quite challenging to take out all the lights. Some solid nudging techniques are definitely required. I also added a spotlight near the dome which increases the visibility, the GI was not great originally but some directed LED's and spotlights really make a difference.
Essentially this is just a fun game with some really cool lighting features. Being a fighter pilot themed game there are lots of great sounds and call outs incorporated and when your 'dropping missiles' or 'hitting enemy targets' the playfield and flashers light up rather impressively. I set up the flashers (from front to back) white, blue and red and it really looks great when they go off.
The game if very linear in the rule set but I think that suits the style of the game. The rules are set up as missions you need to accomplish and you complete other goals to increase your ranking.
The 'powerplant' or spinner is a unique feature as opposed to the usually roll overs most games have after you shoot the ball but it is quite challenging to take out all the lights. Some solid nudging techniques are definitely required. I also added a spotlight near the dome which increases the visibility, the GI was not great originally but some directed LED's and spotlights really make a difference.
Chevening
8.521/10
10 years ago
Love this machine. 13 levels and it tells you exactly how to get to next level. The game forces you to become a better shot and develop your skills. Can be adjusted to harder settings the better you get. Spinning dome can be annoyingly slow, but also gives it a unique feature. Plenty of action with this game, Its a definite keeper. Fast paced, multiball, specific targets, and a spinner that increaes your fuel. Whats not to love?
6.523/10
10 years ago
I found Operation Thunder strangely addictive. It is a really linear game with pretty standard objectives, but the shots feel pretty good. The fuel feature can be pretty frustrating, but it does add some pressure during some missions. I think for the money, it is a pretty decent machine.
6.403/10
11 years ago
Unique linear game plan w/ good shot selection. Not a huge fan of the power plant...maybe I'm just not patient enough. Gameplay is somewhat slow..but there is a large variety of shots. Like the theme & missions...easy enough for a new comer to quickly grasp on to the rule set as the game walks & talks you thru well. Not a huge fan of the timed missions. Fun game but overall not a long term staple in my collection...I have a feeling I'll be looking to trade in before too long.
8.224/10
14 years ago
Unfortunatly i don't have this pin now, i did own one for 3 years it was a great machine.
The game play was a little different to the usual machines i have played each new ball started the next mission, lose the ball and the next mission starts (if you have another ball), also the opportunity to earn a 3 ball multiball, fail and you only get a 2 ball. Another feature of these missions was a time factor, run out of time and the ball will drain like a tilt. I loved this gameplay, some of my friends could never get used to it and just plain avoid playing it. Each to ther own i suppose.
The artwork all over the machine was in my opinion was dull a very low standard, could have been much better.
The lighting was great with its strobing runway effect and gelled very well with the sound effects/music.
The playfield toys/features were cool 2 rows of drop targets, 3 flippers, pop bumpers under playfield tunnel. There is also a domed spinner which has targets around it but you cant see it to clearly as there is too much blocking its view, big shame cause every ball passes through it after the shooter lane.
Overall in my opinion a great game, great playability one big drawback being the art work.
The game play was a little different to the usual machines i have played each new ball started the next mission, lose the ball and the next mission starts (if you have another ball), also the opportunity to earn a 3 ball multiball, fail and you only get a 2 ball. Another feature of these missions was a time factor, run out of time and the ball will drain like a tilt. I loved this gameplay, some of my friends could never get used to it and just plain avoid playing it. Each to ther own i suppose.
The artwork all over the machine was in my opinion was dull a very low standard, could have been much better.
The lighting was great with its strobing runway effect and gelled very well with the sound effects/music.
The playfield toys/features were cool 2 rows of drop targets, 3 flippers, pop bumpers under playfield tunnel. There is also a domed spinner which has targets around it but you cant see it to clearly as there is too much blocking its view, big shame cause every ball passes through it after the shooter lane.
Overall in my opinion a great game, great playability one big drawback being the art work.
There are 21 ratings (that include a comment) on this game. Currently showing results page 1 of 1.
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