Bally
Theatre of Magic Pinside Rating
This game received 1086 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 8.441 /10
Theatre of Magic
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 8.635
Artwork: 8.512
Sounds/Music: 7.824
Other Aspects: 8.481
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 9 of us have rated this game.
Found 578 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 578 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 11 of 24.
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Medina, OH
8.268/10
9 years ago
ToM is one of those rare games that pulls off a unique theme with depth and quality. I like the funhouse-style countdown that you are always fighting against, and the trapdoor / quick shot opportunities are great practice for budding technical players. Music and sound are well matched, and the art package is worthy of the title. Laucher feels like a wasted opportunity for a cool skill shot, and the old "beat the target til something happens" mode select is a bit tiresome. Criticisms aside though, this is a sexy game that sounds, plays, and looks good with appeal for new and experienced players. Well deserved top rated game, and the reigning king of the "magic" pinball title. Owned a Pinball Magic and despite being totally different games (linear vs. mode), ToM feel more mature. One I'd own if I had the space and a good deal, but not one I'd overspend for.
7.924/10
9 years ago
Smooth, quick, and fun to play. I can play for about half an hour before it gets a little monotonous. Once you can hit the trunk and ramps with decent accuracy, the game starts to get a little boring. I personally would choose a plethora of other games to play over this one but I see how others love this game.
9.400/10
9 years ago
Fantastic game in every way. Magical toy, fantastic flow, great art and music, captive ball (a favorite feature) and terrific lightshow. This should be a top 5 game.
7.163/10
9 years ago
I just don't like the shot variety on the playfield. The loop is like a boomerang that flies right back in your face. The toys are cool. My wife likes the game, but I don't like it that much. I like the cabinet artwork but I feel the backglass is kind of boring as is the game itself.
7.227/10
9 years ago
Saskatoon, SK
great game. Aside from the one I played had an issue with the ball getting stuck behind the trunk a lot. I love the theme, and hidden stair shot. I like the skill shot into the trunk, it beats just a plunger skill shot.
9.860/10
9 years ago
Theatre of Magic is the game that started my hobby/obsession with pinball. I had only played this on the pinball arcade app before buying and having it shipped to my house. It’s everything I hoped it would be. The flow and smoothness of this game is the best I’ve seen. This makes for very fast loops and lots of combos. Notable features are the trunk (obviously), the magnets for the ball save, trunk and spirit ring, the trap door, vanishing ball, and “floating” ball above the pop bumpers. The multiball is relatively easy to obtain but hard to keep; and the light show sequence upon startup is my favorite part of the game! I think the artwork and dmd animations are awesome (even better with a color DMD). Finally, the music and sounds are great; there is no mistaking what you’re supposed to shoot for next. Overall this game is fantastic; easy for anyone to start playing and have fun, but hard to be good at without practice.
7.464/10
9 years ago
I was considering buying ToM but I never played it before. I finally tracked down a machine about 70 miles from my home. Long story short, I am not getting it. The machine I was playing on was in terrible shape but I still got the idea of what the game could or could not be like.
It is fast and fun, nice art work. The backglass is really eye candy. Unfortunately the upper right half of the PF is covered by gadgets so you can't track the ball, that really irritates me. It's not a bad game, it is really fun, just not as cool as I hoped it would be even giving it credit for the deplorable condition that particular machine was in. A fair amount of shots to make but the flow and coolness factor are just lagging a bit in my book. But tastes differ, that's OK.
It is fast and fun, nice art work. The backglass is really eye candy. Unfortunately the upper right half of the PF is covered by gadgets so you can't track the ball, that really irritates me. It's not a bad game, it is really fun, just not as cool as I hoped it would be even giving it credit for the deplorable condition that particular machine was in. A fair amount of shots to make but the flow and coolness factor are just lagging a bit in my book. But tastes differ, that's OK.
Magescq
7.979/10
9 years ago
Very simple pin and layout. Grew bored with it very quickly. Fun pin to play with the wife. Aggravating when ball would get stuck between magic trunk and post frequently.
8.900/10
9 years ago
Perth
Very nice machine, can be a bit easy...... need more time on it to see if I would add to my collection.
Update - Had a few games and love it, definitely adding one to my collection shortly....... lovely ramps and flow is amazing
Update - Had a few games and love it, definitely adding one to my collection shortly....... lovely ramps and flow is amazing
9.048/10
9 years ago
Very fun game! I've played a few of these and every one I run across is poorly maintained. That being said, the trunk is a fun toy / target and the ramps and loop placement and hurry ups make for some great shots.
I plan to own one of these!
I plan to own one of these!
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