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."
Montevideo, MN
Taylors Lakes
Ipswich
Buenos Aires
Surrey, BC
