Pinside rating
This game received 372 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.962 /10
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 8.198
Artwork: 7.653
Sounds/Music: 7.496
Other Aspects: 8.088
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 7 of us have rated this game.
Found 197 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 197 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 1 of 8.
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8.360/10
38 days ago
Klamath Falls, OR
I remember playing this when I was little as well. It used to be available at one of the Pizza places where I live and it eventually got removed. When I saw this machine on Sterns Pinball Arcade however, it got my attention. This is what initially drew me to getting the collection in the first place. Getting on track, my favorite part about the game is the humor and the design of the game. It provides a fair challenge, though. I never got a perfect Ripley wizard mode segment except on accident. One time, I had my best run going, but because we were preoccupied by other things, we weren't paying attention to when the Xbox shut down and we lost my progress. But overall, this is a funny machine that takes me back to the days when I played it as a young child.
8.250/10
60 days ago
Merchtem
I love this game. Currently have it in my small collection for about 6 months and it's still my favorite. The rules are very deep and collecting is a decent challenge for me. Collecting all RIPLEYS letters or frog mode has still proven impossible, but that's what engages me because I want to achieve those some day.
Playfield layout is good, but not excellent. As a Lawlor design, it has all typical features like a shot through the pops, scoop at the bottom of the playfield, upper flipper, ... But it feels less solid or flowy than Whirlwind for example. The upper pops always feel cramped and the ball almost always just dribbles out to the left, which feels awkward to me. Not that many toys, but I do like both magnets. All in all, not perfect but still very enjoyable and challenging.
The theme was unknown to me but I've grown to like it a lot. The pin feels like undertaking an adventure, exploring continents and collecting things. Incandescent bulbs also fit perfectly as they add to the gloomy/tropical theme. The music is pretty catchy and I also like the callouts and shrunken head, as opposed to some people. The artwork on the playfield and translite looks great to me, the cabinet is pretty unimaginative and could be better.
In summary, not the perfect game but definitely one of the deeper and challenging ones. This one will definitely stay in my collection for quite some time.
Playfield layout is good, but not excellent. As a Lawlor design, it has all typical features like a shot through the pops, scoop at the bottom of the playfield, upper flipper, ... But it feels less solid or flowy than Whirlwind for example. The upper pops always feel cramped and the ball almost always just dribbles out to the left, which feels awkward to me. Not that many toys, but I do like both magnets. All in all, not perfect but still very enjoyable and challenging.
The theme was unknown to me but I've grown to like it a lot. The pin feels like undertaking an adventure, exploring continents and collecting things. Incandescent bulbs also fit perfectly as they add to the gloomy/tropical theme. The music is pretty catchy and I also like the callouts and shrunken head, as opposed to some people. The artwork on the playfield and translite looks great to me, the cabinet is pretty unimaginative and could be better.
In summary, not the perfect game but definitely one of the deeper and challenging ones. This one will definitely stay in my collection for quite some time.
8.809/10
69 days ago
Ripleys is highly underrated. It's a pretty deep game but not so deep you need a 100 page book. The shots are fun, especially the left orbit between the pops. The shots feel similar to Dialed in, or vice versa. The Penguin jackpot shoot is so satisfying because it's so damn hard. A colordmd really makes the animation pop. Its bizarre and unusual, and thats what makes it fantastic.
Swansea
8.280/10
1 year ago
It's hard to call this anything other than Stern's Twilight Zone, and for me as a Pat Lawlor fan but generally not a Stern fan, I think it does the job. The rule sheet is a novel, and the modes are cool, and for those who'd like a more forgiving and better lit approximation of TZ, this works!
Pros: Unlike a lot of Stern machines, there is a bigger variety of toys and pathways, and the modes are pretty good. The depth of rules is also bananas, and a lot of the shots are rewarding, so it's easy to spend a long time with the machine.
Cons: Unlike Addams Family or TZ, the alternate flipper shots didn't feel intuitive, and the sheer breadth of things to do is a bit dizzying. The barcade that I played this at only had it for about 3 weeks, so I may revisit this if I find another one.
Pros: Unlike a lot of Stern machines, there is a bigger variety of toys and pathways, and the modes are pretty good. The depth of rules is also bananas, and a lot of the shots are rewarding, so it's easy to spend a long time with the machine.
Cons: Unlike Addams Family or TZ, the alternate flipper shots didn't feel intuitive, and the sheer breadth of things to do is a bit dizzying. The barcade that I played this at only had it for about 3 weeks, so I may revisit this if I find another one.
Gouda
Caerphilly
8.314/10
1 year ago
Bought this game a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised. Deep rule set, challenging shots and plenty for a beginner or expert to go for. Takes some time to figure out the best strategy to use as it can be very confusing at first. Game is probably better in home setting on free play then on location, as I could see this game eating your quarters because it is unforgiving. What lacks in art/ cabinet, the gameplay makes up for it. Super jackpot is a very satisfying shot, but I have no [email protected]#$ing clue how you would hit the frog frenzy.
7.095/10
1 year ago
I'm a big fan of Lawlor pins, owning Funhouse and Whirlwind, so the layout of RBION appeals. Plenty of similarities with FH, WW and Adams. It shoots really well and the modes are enjoyable, but I'd never own it. The artwork freaks me out too much haha.
Lille
8.756/10
2 years ago
"Amazing" game. from Pat Lawler. There is a lot to do in this game and mine is set up pretty tough which is what I like so it's not easy getting through all 7 continents. I like games with modes. This is similar to Addams Family in that you must hit one of two scoops to start an adventure. When you start an adventure you must make the required amount of shots to receive a letter from "RIPLEYS" This game is a lot of fun. 6 Pop bumpers and a magnet under the shrunken head. My knocks on the game are the cabinet art is bland and there are very few mods to purchase to install on the game. I'm not sure why that is but unlock other games out there where there are several toppers to choose from for example I can't find one for this game. A keeper for me!!
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