I never thought I would get to play a real Q*Bert, but Galloping Ghost has one and I've got to play it a lot over 2 weekends of play. I did before I played the real thing play a virtualized version of one. This pin has a really unique and cool layout, I also like the prospect of if you're good at nudging time it right then you can cave your ball with the lower flippers. SDTM drains can still be dangerous, but if you build up your pyramids they can be worth a lot of points and draining down the sides you won't get the bonus.
Just like the unique layout the ruleset and scoring is just as unique. Unique, but not good... Not a lot to shoot for in this pin. The goal is to complete pyramids and stop the monsters. If the enemy/monster timer plays out then you lose a square on the pyramid. There are targets that set the enemies back, and if you make the shot you get points for defeating the enemy and another one starts at another location. There are three enemy locations with 3 shots. And there are a handful of ways to make pyramids, mostly by rollovers.
Not a lot of points, this game is very, very grindy. Very, very Grindy... I had fun playing the game and learning the rules, and there is some skill, and it can be fun in small dosages. Interesting and unique game, but not a great game.
The art is good, and really fits the theme. Cab is horrible though, but playfield and translite are good for the source. Music isn't really great, it speeds up when the enemies get closer to getting your block. The noises and speech are from the video game and again fit the theming.
All in all. This is a game that if you see in the wild or at a convention, you should play it. But, the novelty wears off and I don't really think it fits in a persons collection... Unless you lover Q Bert...