Pinside rating
This game received 166 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 8.249 /10
Top 100 ranking
This game ranks 3rd in the game group "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory". The group itself ranks #21 in the Pinside Pinball Top 100.
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 8.29
Artwork: 8.08
Sounds/Music: 8.068
Other Aspects: 8.334
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.
This title is part of group: "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory"
Found 84 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 84 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 1 of 4.
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7.052/10
72 days ago
Montevideo, MN
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory falls short in delivering the magic and excitement that fans of the movie might expect. Despite its promising concept, artwork and features the gameplay leaves much to be desired, ultimately leading to a rather lackluster pinball experience.
Gameplay (6/10):
The gameplay is underwhelming, to say the least. While it attempts to incorporate key elements from the movie with its ramps and loops, the execution feels lackluster and disjointed. The modes lack depth, and the overall flow of the game is inconsistent. The absence of challenging shots or innovative features makes the gameplay feel repetitive, leaving players longing for more engaging and rewarding experiences.
Artwork and Design (7/10):
The artwork and design of this machine shows potential, but it fails to fully capture the enchanting world of Willy Wonka. The playfield artwork is colorful and somewhat reminiscent of the movie, but it lacks the attention to detail needed to truly transport players into the fantastical factory. The backglass, cabinet art and use of color RGB's is outstanding....but too bad it is just another "JJP Glitter Bomb"
Audio and Sound Effects (8/10):
The audio fares better than other aspects of the game. It features iconic music from the movie. The sound effects are adequate and well-timed, but they don't do enough to compensate for the game's other shortcomings. While the audio adds some charm to the experience, it isn't enough to redeem the overall disappointment.
Features and Toys (5/10):
Despite its potential for innovative features and toys, the Willy Wonka falls flat in this department. The Gobstopper spinning disk is a nice touch, but it lacks the interactive excitement players might expect. The lack of variety in features leaves players wanting more, as the game fails to deliver on its promise of an immersive journey through Willy Wonka's factory.
Replay Value (6/10):
With its lackluster gameplay WW struggles to maintain long-term appeal. While the initial playthrough might pique some interest, the lack of engaging challenges and unclear ruleset hinders its replay value. After a few games, players are likely to lose interest and seek more captivating pinball experiences elsewhere.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Willy Wonka proves to be a rather disappointing addition to the pinball world. Its lackluster gameplay fails to deliver the magic and excitement associated with the beloved movie. While the audio and videos provide some nostalgic moments, it's not enough to salvage the overall experience. Pinball enthusiasts seeking a truly immersive journey into Willy Wonka's world may find themselves sorely disappointed by this machine's shortcomings.
Asked if I would own one, the answer is "Yes due to its theme and overall visual appeal."
Gameplay (6/10):
The gameplay is underwhelming, to say the least. While it attempts to incorporate key elements from the movie with its ramps and loops, the execution feels lackluster and disjointed. The modes lack depth, and the overall flow of the game is inconsistent. The absence of challenging shots or innovative features makes the gameplay feel repetitive, leaving players longing for more engaging and rewarding experiences.
Artwork and Design (7/10):
The artwork and design of this machine shows potential, but it fails to fully capture the enchanting world of Willy Wonka. The playfield artwork is colorful and somewhat reminiscent of the movie, but it lacks the attention to detail needed to truly transport players into the fantastical factory. The backglass, cabinet art and use of color RGB's is outstanding....but too bad it is just another "JJP Glitter Bomb"
Audio and Sound Effects (8/10):
The audio fares better than other aspects of the game. It features iconic music from the movie. The sound effects are adequate and well-timed, but they don't do enough to compensate for the game's other shortcomings. While the audio adds some charm to the experience, it isn't enough to redeem the overall disappointment.
Features and Toys (5/10):
Despite its potential for innovative features and toys, the Willy Wonka falls flat in this department. The Gobstopper spinning disk is a nice touch, but it lacks the interactive excitement players might expect. The lack of variety in features leaves players wanting more, as the game fails to deliver on its promise of an immersive journey through Willy Wonka's factory.
Replay Value (6/10):
With its lackluster gameplay WW struggles to maintain long-term appeal. While the initial playthrough might pique some interest, the lack of engaging challenges and unclear ruleset hinders its replay value. After a few games, players are likely to lose interest and seek more captivating pinball experiences elsewhere.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Willy Wonka proves to be a rather disappointing addition to the pinball world. Its lackluster gameplay fails to deliver the magic and excitement associated with the beloved movie. While the audio and videos provide some nostalgic moments, it's not enough to salvage the overall experience. Pinball enthusiasts seeking a truly immersive journey into Willy Wonka's world may find themselves sorely disappointed by this machine's shortcomings.
Asked if I would own one, the answer is "Yes due to its theme and overall visual appeal."
8.284/10
72 days ago
It is a Jersey Jack so the quality is, as usual, outstanding. Shots smooth, well laid out, satisfying. Not a fan of the theme so not a pin for me. Very well done for what it is.
7.479/10
76 days ago
It's a nice looking game, good flow..I don't care for upper right flipper, I played for atleast 20 games to give it a shot and I just don't like it that much..my daughter loves it...playing on location if nothing else is better.to play...their are alot of great games just released over the last few years I rather play those...
8.522/10
5 months ago
Many parts of the playfield are much too dark even to see where the ball is under the typical low lighting of an arcade. The flippers are weaker than on Stern games so it doesn't feel as dynamic and exciting. Maybe this would be better for home use where you can either modify the machine with more lights or just set up ambient lighting to be brighter.
8.740/10
7 months ago
It is very hard to imagine a game matching a theme quite as well as this one. Having access to all the quotes and video segments makes both versions of this game campy and very kid friendly. The code is quite deep and I recommend going to JJP and getting the pdf game rule sheet. The lighting on these games is second to none and the quality of JJP means that even the SE feels like something special.
Obviously the LE has a physical ball lock and a Wonkavator toy and that has to be considered a hug upgrade. But: the identical gameplay, lighting and number of shots available makes the SE a very good game at a great value.
Obviously the LE has a physical ball lock and a Wonkavator toy and that has to be considered a hug upgrade. But: the identical gameplay, lighting and number of shots available makes the SE a very good game at a great value.
8.908/10
2 years ago
I had not played this one for quite some time but I finally got a chance to put some time on it and man it is a fun one! Definitely the stable deep ruleset coming from Jersey Jack which I always love. The layout is fun to shoot, with the upper ramp being quite a unique shot. The sounds design satisfying and the theme integration is quite good as well. One of JJPs best.
9.000/10
2 years ago
Taylors Lakes
I had this at home for just over two months and was devastated I had to give it back to its rightful owner. Initially I thought it was an unrelenting beast but after several games and figuring out how and what to stack it became as addictive as anything I've played before. I would love to play and own an LE so I can have the physical Wonkavator ball lock as the standard just seems to be lacking in that top section. Just a heap of clear plastic and very dull lighting.
The rules and sound are the highlights. Not sure why the theme integration gets such negative reviews... I think it uses the phrases and movie modes really well. And it's Gene Wilder at his absolute best. The modes are fun and it is very challenging to get to the second golden ticket and beyond... particularly with that inner orbit sending the ball SDTM over and over!!! Plenty of risk and reward with kid multiball, stackable multiballs... just a heap of fun. BUT... it needs to be a home machine to be fully appreciated. You will not get satisfaction on location as it is too brutal.
I want an LE noooooow.
The rules and sound are the highlights. Not sure why the theme integration gets such negative reviews... I think it uses the phrases and movie modes really well. And it's Gene Wilder at his absolute best. The modes are fun and it is very challenging to get to the second golden ticket and beyond... particularly with that inner orbit sending the ball SDTM over and over!!! Plenty of risk and reward with kid multiball, stackable multiballs... just a heap of fun. BUT... it needs to be a home machine to be fully appreciated. You will not get satisfaction on location as it is too brutal.
I want an LE noooooow.
7.588/10
2 years ago
Ipswich
Killer Lawlor layout and visually gorgeous machine with great features. But I didn’t grow up with this film (grew up with the Depp version) so the theme doesn’t grab me as much as it would some, and I struggle to get excited about scoring tens to hundreds of thousands for things rather than millions, wish they’d inflate the scores on these!
9.384/10
2 years ago
A great machine, fun and replayability are off the charts. The only knocks are for a modern machine it is not well lit out of the box. It benefits heavily from aftermarket lighting. The SE has an overly basic cabinet. The loop coming out of the left through the pop bumpers is frustrating due to the need to make the shot during some modes and being rewarded for success with a SDTM. Nudging if possible into a pop bumper sometimes helps.
Buenos Aires
8.912/10
2 years ago
I really have to think hard for a more friendly game. Will always be in my top 10.
7.178/10
2 years ago
Surrey, BC
I love the theme, and the integration seems like the effort was there, but it just did not come together as cohesively for me as something like Wizard of Oz for example.
Definitely a technical achievement, of light effects.. interesting shots, but didn't quick 'click' for me.
Definitely a technical achievement, of light effects.. interesting shots, but didn't quick 'click' for me.
8.140/10
2 years ago
I wish I could rate this game higher, because I do think it is an excellent player, perhps one of Pat Lawlor's best, but the theme is just not my cup of tea, which makes it very tough to even try to be subjective. Re-themed, I think this could be a fantastic pin, but as it sit's can only truly be appreciated by those who enjoy the theme.
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