Ratings
An overview of the latest machine ratings and reviews placed on the Pinside.
37 new ratings were added to the Pinside, in the past 24 hours!
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Found 55247 ratings (with comment)
There are 55,247 ratings (that include a comment).
Currently showing results page 1 of 2,210.
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8.673/10
3 hours ago
Oakville, ON
Very underrated game and i think it's mostly because it's fast and brutal. That said, in a home environment it's got the assets and the code, you will get better. Usually takes me a game or two to get into the game but man it's fun. Definitely a game on my wish list - one day I'll swap one in.
May the force be with you!
May the force be with you!
9.980/10
3 hours ago
River Edge, NJ
Rush (Premium) Stern, 2022
The code and gameplay on this game is challenging, exciting and long lasting! What a classic!
9.360/10
8 hours ago
Scooby Doo (Collectors Edition) Spooky Pinball, 2022
I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to like playing this game. I’m a fan of the theme, having watched the show as a kid and even enjoying the 2002-2004 movies. I’m still a pretty big Scooby fan. I was blown away by the art package when it was revealed. Very true to the original art, not a modern, revisionist twist on Scooby-Doo. It looks like the first season, and the video content is very good. Spooky made a pin based on the 1969 season 1 and did a fantastic job. But the early reviews…spooked…me. I passed on ordering one. I even passed on used examples at great prices for nearly a year. I finally decided I had to try owning one for myself. I’m so glad I did. Fortunately, mine was dialed-in by the original owner, who ironed out any minor issues. He only experienced a misaligned opto. Otherwise, it’s been solid. I’ve been blown away by the fun shots and deep code. It’s not an easy game, but the pitch seems especially important on this pin. I haven’t explored all the rules yet, and other than unmasking villains, it’s not super clear what the goals are. But the modes are plentiful, and varied. The upper playfield is really fun, with plenty of shots. Cool apron ball locks too. Spooky continues to create unique, original playfield designs. This one is a bit smoother and more flow than Halloween. Both have impressed me lately with their latest codes. My Scooby hasn’t gotten glitchy (yet), which could affect my feelings I’m sure. But so far, the theme integration, visual and audio experience, and gameplay are pretty dazzling. The light show is spectacular too. If Scooby holds up and proves reliable, it will be one of the best new pins I’ve ever added.
8.028/10
9 hours ago
Galactic Tank Force (LE) American Pinball, 2023
Galactic Tank Force – I dig the artwork and the campiness. I actually like the way some of the shots feel. Yes, it feels challenging and like something may be just a little ‘off,’ but I do like it. I almost traded for one, but it feels like a pin I may want to play for 6 months, but probably trade after that and it is not really holding its value against all the other spectacular pins coming out. THE ART, the sound package seems ok, good sound quality (maybe it’s adjusted correctly since other raters have stated it needs to be adjusted out of the box.) I am playing it at my local pinball club. It’s not my first go-to, but I like to get a game or two on it for sure before I leave. The owner hates it, so I may end up trading something for it later. I generally do not like to rate a pin until I’ve spent LOTS of time on it…but it seems this pin could really use another positive review.
--Is it a Stern? No. It has the kitch and feel of a throwback pin with modern technology. I’ve heard these break down frequently, but it’s always working at my pinball club, but they keep it off to the side and I don’t think it gets much play. I know they had some trouble with it initially.
--I love campy pins. Godzilla is in fact, super campy. Combine that with world class audio, and the best Elwin shots, and you have #1. I sold my GZ Premium AGAIN for the 5th or 6th time simply because I didn’t want to play it but once a week. I love it, but it’s super long playing. GZ is vastly better in a HOME environment with all the MODS, and dialed in. GTF is sort of short playing for me still, until I get into the zone. I don’t fully understand the ruleset yet, but I know I can bang the hell out of the tank as soon as I get multiball. I like the cow. I like the ball lock. The ramps feel good. I like the color scheme. It seems like you should be able to flip through the video. Seems like you can sometimes. When I can’t, I rest a moment. My pinball club started renting out pins for a month at a time. I want to rent it and get it home where I can play it all hours of the night.
--Like I said, I really haven’t put enough games on it yet, BUT I will, and then I will update my review.
--I go to my pinball club to play Elton John, got one on order. It shoots great, LOVE the sound package, love the shots, love the art and mechs and light show, campy too for sure. I stop to play Jaws Pro, and then I hit GTF, then I’m out, and there are LOTS of great pins there.
--I feel like there is something special about GTF since I always have to stop and play it before I leave.
--Is it a Stern? No. It has the kitch and feel of a throwback pin with modern technology. I’ve heard these break down frequently, but it’s always working at my pinball club, but they keep it off to the side and I don’t think it gets much play. I know they had some trouble with it initially.
--I love campy pins. Godzilla is in fact, super campy. Combine that with world class audio, and the best Elwin shots, and you have #1. I sold my GZ Premium AGAIN for the 5th or 6th time simply because I didn’t want to play it but once a week. I love it, but it’s super long playing. GZ is vastly better in a HOME environment with all the MODS, and dialed in. GTF is sort of short playing for me still, until I get into the zone. I don’t fully understand the ruleset yet, but I know I can bang the hell out of the tank as soon as I get multiball. I like the cow. I like the ball lock. The ramps feel good. I like the color scheme. It seems like you should be able to flip through the video. Seems like you can sometimes. When I can’t, I rest a moment. My pinball club started renting out pins for a month at a time. I want to rent it and get it home where I can play it all hours of the night.
--Like I said, I really haven’t put enough games on it yet, BUT I will, and then I will update my review.
--I go to my pinball club to play Elton John, got one on order. It shoots great, LOVE the sound package, love the shots, love the art and mechs and light show, campy too for sure. I stop to play Jaws Pro, and then I hit GTF, then I’m out, and there are LOTS of great pins there.
--I feel like there is something special about GTF since I always have to stop and play it before I leave.
9.760/10
15 hours ago
Elton John (CE) Jersey Jack, 2023
This is a great pinball machine. It’s filled with lots of great and creative shots, and the light show is the best I’ve ever seen. The shots are fast and flowy. This is one of the best shooting pins out there.
The callouts are fun, and the music speaks for itself.
In terms of toys, it’s got 3 major toys. The piano, the dancer, and the crocodile. The dancer and croc are pretty simple, but the piano is really neat, with the animated Elton John and the screen that is basically a DMD.
The art is fantastic. It’s glittery, stylish, and just really pleasing to look at. Compared to many other games, it just looks like it’s on another level.
Great game overall - and probably one of the best games ever made for my money.
The only downside I see is the high NIB price, which, if you only play on location, it’s even an issue.
The callouts are fun, and the music speaks for itself.
In terms of toys, it’s got 3 major toys. The piano, the dancer, and the crocodile. The dancer and croc are pretty simple, but the piano is really neat, with the animated Elton John and the screen that is basically a DMD.
The art is fantastic. It’s glittery, stylish, and just really pleasing to look at. Compared to many other games, it just looks like it’s on another level.
Great game overall - and probably one of the best games ever made for my money.
The only downside I see is the high NIB price, which, if you only play on location, it’s even an issue.
9.100/10
24 hours ago
Guns N' Roses (LE) Jersey Jack, 2020
Played the SE on Location and flippers were super weak and the center vuk was shooting down the middle all the time.
couldn’t hear the music which was a real bummer so I never went back to the game.
Fast forward 3 months later and played at friends.
Game was set up perfectly, got to crank the music and loved it.
Disclaimer: huge GNR fan and fondly remember when Appetitie dropped on the heels of all of the grunge that I was into. Album blew me away and have loved GNR ever since.
Friend didn’t have the adult language on and also a couple of my favorite songs that were locked by not having that setting.
I am usually in lockstep with the pinside community.
In this case was/am as well due to the excessive multi balls and ease to get them. I do love unlocking the songs and playing all the way through to encore is a visceral experience unlike most games for me.
I’ve been reading a lot about the new code in beta and excited to see the scoring updates and changes in rules set.
Personal opinion JJO GNR is one of the best used values in Pinball right now as number of people have dumped their LE’s at super low discounts.
Outstanding game with vast improvements on the horizon.
couldn’t hear the music which was a real bummer so I never went back to the game.
Fast forward 3 months later and played at friends.
Game was set up perfectly, got to crank the music and loved it.
Disclaimer: huge GNR fan and fondly remember when Appetitie dropped on the heels of all of the grunge that I was into. Album blew me away and have loved GNR ever since.
Friend didn’t have the adult language on and also a couple of my favorite songs that were locked by not having that setting.
I am usually in lockstep with the pinside community.
In this case was/am as well due to the excessive multi balls and ease to get them. I do love unlocking the songs and playing all the way through to encore is a visceral experience unlike most games for me.
I’ve been reading a lot about the new code in beta and excited to see the scoring updates and changes in rules set.
Personal opinion JJO GNR is one of the best used values in Pinball right now as number of people have dumped their LE’s at super low discounts.
Outstanding game with vast improvements on the horizon.
8.336/10
24 hours ago
The Big Lebowski Dutch Pinball, 2016
Played a number of times on location over the course of past 4 months. Love the different toys, playfields and the theme! Dude abides for sure but…all games where I play are set up steep and no exception here.
Still felt really floaty and slow to me. Sandwiched between EJ and Bond 60th it LOOKED to fit in but just not close to the eperience. I know ratings are subjective for sure and one day could see this in my collection but not at 13-15k.
No offense whatsoever to current owners as it it a work of art but to me doesn’t play like a top 10 pin.
Will be revisiting on my next location visit.
Still felt really floaty and slow to me. Sandwiched between EJ and Bond 60th it LOOKED to fit in but just not close to the eperience. I know ratings are subjective for sure and one day could see this in my collection but not at 13-15k.
No offense whatsoever to current owners as it it a work of art but to me doesn’t play like a top 10 pin.
Will be revisiting on my next location visit.
8.075/10
45 hours ago
Venom (Pro) Stern, 2023
[based on 1.0 code] well, hard to give a feedback on this game if you didnt push it to (near) the max... i mean, i also feel it negative in my 1st week of the location, i was thinking "this is a empty pin, let's just get these XP pts, while making a combo line on a (no matter) chosen host, beat the mini-boss, than Grendel, and than to Knull until i'll defeat him & get Klyntar"... if like me you do this, than your feeling about Venom is so-so, and i understand why... now, let's hope you gave him another chance : just set that "autosave" off, and play each game starting from level 1, wisely choosing a host/perks to what you will play next, than changing host in game again to what you will play next, and so on... while you're doing this you also fill the grid, and when game is ready to blow (hosts, grid, locks, team-up friends) than this is where the game really start & shine, no matter the simple layout : Venom became an absolutly other pinball ! with a lot to do to reach Klyntar, including a video mode, and some funny/alternative modes, hurry up & mini game (as BLOOD LUST)... in his RPG aspect, there's some STAR WARS & TURTLE in VENOM (tanx to Dwight of course), but its deeper here as you can change host during the game.. all in all, i agree that playing with autosave off may be (too ?) hard for the lambda people, as it needs tactic and good control/aiming skills (because of the ball speed & temporized shoots), but than this is what will make the lastabilty alive... in conclusion : another underated pin, which deserve much more love [come on PINSIDE STAFF ;) 5.806 really ?]... but ok, may be this one is more dedicated to (good) players... PS : let's also be honest, the PRO seems really missing the moving ramp, which is THE real toy on VENOM ("choose your host change the game")... enjoy ;)
10.000/10
45 hours ago
Elton John (CE) Jersey Jack, 2023
Ever since I was a young boy I’ve played the silver ball. That would be over 55 years! Never written a pinball review before but felt I had to for this great masterpiece of a pin.
I have owned many machines over the years and currently have 32 pinball machines including the top 5 ranked Pinside pinball machines and think Elton John takes the cake. I have it sitting next to my Captain Fantastic pinball machine.
The new Elton John Collector’s Edition pin is a shooting jukebox on the 4th of July, faster than a rocket man and built like a tank. Pinball perfection and you just don’t want to stop playing it. 1,570 LED lights will take you right into the concert like you are a pinball playing rock star! This machine is a piece of art and could be the main piece of most living rooms. It literally lights up the whole room with its light shows that shine on the ceiling, floor and walls. If you were going to own one pinball machine this is the one. For my wife to say she likes the Elton John machine over the AC/DC pinball machine is saying something.
Ritchie’s best machine ever. Jersey Jack’s best machine ever. Best pinball machine ever! It’s FANTASTIC! Can’t wait for someone to top this game because I’ll buy it in a heart beat.
Although I would prefer Rob Zombie or Van Halen music many of Eltons songs rock this machine. The ones that don’t seem to bring a lot of joy to a diverse audience. Everyone who plays this game has a different favorite song. I’m sure that’s one reason Jersey Jack chose this theme. For those of you who do not like the theme you will still love this game if you are any thing of a pinball fan and or player. One of Elton’s big hits was Pinball Wizard. What better theme than that? Steve Ritchie capitalized on this and put some great fun effects to that song. There’s a reason Pete Thownsend of the Who had Elton cover his Pinball Wizard song.
The released rule set so far is not as deep as Godzilla or Iron Maiden but gets the job done and you won’t be disappointed. One thing I like about Jersey Jack machines is the amount of backhand shots most of their machines have and this one has some major ones that makes the flow of this pin seem endless.
The price is worth every penny. 15k for the CE is a lot of dough but this machine delivers a lot of fun and one you will be keeping as long as you live. This will be a great investment machine assuming JJ doesn’t make more than a 1,000 of the CEs. Elton John has it all except a ball eating shark and a plaque that calls it a table. You get what you pay for and more!
You’re gonna hear electric music, solid walls of sound!
Ya know you read it on Pinside, play another rouuuuuund!
Sh Sh Sh Sh Shoot the piano not the jets!
If I was to change anything it would be the spinning girl, jet bumpers and the middle drop targets. All are a little bit lame and really don’t do much for me but there is so many other things that do. Some of the slow songs I might change out for “Club at the End of the Street.” How did that song not make the cut? Maybe JJ can ask Elton to give that song up and add it to the next update! You might not ever find a perfect game but this one will be as close as it gets and that’s why I give it a 10.
Buy a Platinum Edition and you’ll regret not buying the Collectors Edition for 3k more because this has the greatest factory topper of all time!
A classic from day one and will be Jersey Jack’s best seller of all time.
ENCORE, ENCORE!!!
I have owned many machines over the years and currently have 32 pinball machines including the top 5 ranked Pinside pinball machines and think Elton John takes the cake. I have it sitting next to my Captain Fantastic pinball machine.
The new Elton John Collector’s Edition pin is a shooting jukebox on the 4th of July, faster than a rocket man and built like a tank. Pinball perfection and you just don’t want to stop playing it. 1,570 LED lights will take you right into the concert like you are a pinball playing rock star! This machine is a piece of art and could be the main piece of most living rooms. It literally lights up the whole room with its light shows that shine on the ceiling, floor and walls. If you were going to own one pinball machine this is the one. For my wife to say she likes the Elton John machine over the AC/DC pinball machine is saying something.
Ritchie’s best machine ever. Jersey Jack’s best machine ever. Best pinball machine ever! It’s FANTASTIC! Can’t wait for someone to top this game because I’ll buy it in a heart beat.
Although I would prefer Rob Zombie or Van Halen music many of Eltons songs rock this machine. The ones that don’t seem to bring a lot of joy to a diverse audience. Everyone who plays this game has a different favorite song. I’m sure that’s one reason Jersey Jack chose this theme. For those of you who do not like the theme you will still love this game if you are any thing of a pinball fan and or player. One of Elton’s big hits was Pinball Wizard. What better theme than that? Steve Ritchie capitalized on this and put some great fun effects to that song. There’s a reason Pete Thownsend of the Who had Elton cover his Pinball Wizard song.
The released rule set so far is not as deep as Godzilla or Iron Maiden but gets the job done and you won’t be disappointed. One thing I like about Jersey Jack machines is the amount of backhand shots most of their machines have and this one has some major ones that makes the flow of this pin seem endless.
The price is worth every penny. 15k for the CE is a lot of dough but this machine delivers a lot of fun and one you will be keeping as long as you live. This will be a great investment machine assuming JJ doesn’t make more than a 1,000 of the CEs. Elton John has it all except a ball eating shark and a plaque that calls it a table. You get what you pay for and more!
You’re gonna hear electric music, solid walls of sound!
Ya know you read it on Pinside, play another rouuuuuund!
Sh Sh Sh Sh Shoot the piano not the jets!
If I was to change anything it would be the spinning girl, jet bumpers and the middle drop targets. All are a little bit lame and really don’t do much for me but there is so many other things that do. Some of the slow songs I might change out for “Club at the End of the Street.” How did that song not make the cut? Maybe JJ can ask Elton to give that song up and add it to the next update! You might not ever find a perfect game but this one will be as close as it gets and that’s why I give it a 10.
Buy a Platinum Edition and you’ll regret not buying the Collectors Edition for 3k more because this has the greatest factory topper of all time!
A classic from day one and will be Jersey Jack’s best seller of all time.
ENCORE, ENCORE!!!
10.000/10
2 days ago
Alien (Limited Version) Pinball Brothers, 2021
For me is this pinball just perfect, it has something that no other pin has. It got a dark and scary feeling and makes it more adult and more intense.
Its 2 games in one pinball with both Alien and Aliens.
I just LOVE it and its a keeper
This game is NOT for children!
Its 2 games in one pinball with both Alien and Aliens.
I just LOVE it and its a keeper
This game is NOT for children!
9.800/10
2 days ago
Foo Fighters (Premium) Stern, 2023
I honestly am lukewarm to not liking the band but this pin is amazing. I got it in a trade and it’s one smoothest shooting pin and always has me coming back for one more game. I enjoy the flow and the speed the most. The animations are really cool and there is some good humor as well. Try this one out even if you aren’t a fan of the pin. It may surprise you.
7.437/10
2 days ago
Pulp Fiction (SE) Chicago Gaming Co., 2023
Great recreation of pins from the era, but because of that, also limiting. Fun for a few plays and it plays pretty smoothly!
7.193/10
2 days ago
Spring Break Gottlieb, 1987
For its era, I love the gimmick of having 2,3, and 4-ball multi balls to start your ball. I also love that rewards can be extra balls as well as re-releasing your drained balls (teehee) if you hit the right shots and then hit the right release switch. I had a 20-mil game from this method and it was awesome! Even without the sound board the game was making lots of noise from the points I was racking up.
3.927/10
2 days ago
Barry O's BBQ Challenge (Limited Edition) American Pinball, 2024
it just wasn’t fun to play, wasn’t interesting, and coming off the heels of the more engaging Galactic Battle Tank Force was a tall order. This feels like a budget pin by comparison.
6.887/10
2 days ago
Led Zeppelin (LE) Stern, 2020
While Led Zeppelin isn't a bad game I see why people feel underwhelmed by it. The major features--the shots, the layout, the art, the rules--are fine but not spectacular, but there isn't really any one thing that makes you want to play Led Zeppelin instead of some other game. The thing that comes closest is probably the Magic Spinner that comes up from below the playfield, which is a very cool mech that I don't recall seeing anywhere else. The only major feature that I don't like is the LCD animations, which are bland and uninteresting.
The music is good if you like Zeppelin which I do. Unfortunately it's got the "jukebox with flashing lights" problem where the game just plays songs and occasionally changes songs while the object of the game is to collect records and albums and go on tour. It's all normal band-pin stuff. There's nothing wrong with it but it's been done so many times before it's nothing to get excited about. I agree with a previous review that said one of the problems with the game is that it doesn't capture the vibe that is uniquely Led Zeppelin; the same game could have been made for any other band by changing the music and it would all still make sense.
It's still a fun game, but the excitement wears off. It would be hard to maintain interest in it for a long period of time.
The music is good if you like Zeppelin which I do. Unfortunately it's got the "jukebox with flashing lights" problem where the game just plays songs and occasionally changes songs while the object of the game is to collect records and albums and go on tour. It's all normal band-pin stuff. There's nothing wrong with it but it's been done so many times before it's nothing to get excited about. I agree with a previous review that said one of the problems with the game is that it doesn't capture the vibe that is uniquely Led Zeppelin; the same game could have been made for any other band by changing the music and it would all still make sense.
It's still a fun game, but the excitement wears off. It would be hard to maintain interest in it for a long period of time.
9.820/10
2 days ago
Jaws (LE) Stern, 2024
JAWS LE is wilddddd! I can’t stop playing this pin, the screen size and movie clips integrated into the gameplay is incredible. the holographic artwork on the cabinet and mirror reflection on the backbox art is simply beautiful. when the lights dim and glow red during night swim while you’re still are playing the game is super intimidating! the stern insider QR code and app is really cool and fun to gain achievements, see friends scores etc.. this machine is definitely a homerun by stern.
9.787/10
3 days ago
Foo Fighters (Premium) Stern, 2023
This one hits it out of the park for me and the latest code updates and accessories release makes it one of my all time favorite. Fan of the band and wondered about it before release, but when I saw the theme and the vibe they were going for it blew me away. Speech is the only downside and possibly a missed opportunity to have the band in there, but I'm only rating it on the existing speech and not what could've been. The more that is added and varied "DJ" voices are good. Only other area is on a music pin and songs attached to modes, you will get some repetition, but being a fan I don't mind that and I think the songs they selected are dead on. Can always name one or two they could've used, but if a FF fan you won't be disappointed.
9.638/10
3 days ago
Rush (Premium) Stern, 2022
Wasn't a fan at first and was disappointed that one of my favorite groups turned into a mediocre pin. As it developed I started looking at it and am glad I did. After diving into the rules more and getting more time on it this will be in my collection for a while. The topper and EL add so much to the game and is just a great package. Not a huge fan of the artwork, but am glad it is a bit different.
9.720/10
3 days ago
Elton John (PE) Jersey Jack, 2023
Wow: this game is just simply incredible.
Pro’s:
Amazing flowing layout by Steve Ritchie: not a bad shot on the table, and when your accuracy is strong, the game starts turning into one of the best flowing games I’ve ever seen, if not the best.
THE LIGHTSHOW!!! This game seriously has the best lighting package I’ve ever seen on a pinball machine, hands down. Unlike GNR, however, the lighting does a fantastic job at communicating game rules, and it never feels like you are too lost or blinded, while simultaneously rewarding the player with gorgeous light shows that show the genius of the software and hardware designers at JJP.
The rules blend classic, old school, simplistic pinball rules with a level of modern polish, love, and added depth only present on modern games, leading to a fun, balanced, and easy to understand rule set.
The art work on this game is absolutely stunning. In combination with the lighting, the game literally shines while you play it, and just looks stunning even when turned off! The inserts also do a good job in terms of communication, further benefiting the art. The animations are fantastic as well, and work great with the theme.
Sound is so incredibly well done: even if you aren’t an Elton John fan, the sound design, mixing, and speaker quality is unmatched.
Con’s:
There are, like most people have said, no real toys. However, I don’t find that to be particularly important, and the gorgeous looks and amazing gameplay more then make up for it.
The semi-simplistic rule set might get a little tiring on some when in a private collection, though it still has a lot going for it.
The plunge could admittedly be better designed IMO. Mainly, I wish plunges to the pop bumpers were not possible.
Overall, a gorgeous, fantastic game. Seek it out or buy it! It’s easily JJP’s best game, and it’s a certain modern classic.
Pro’s:
Amazing flowing layout by Steve Ritchie: not a bad shot on the table, and when your accuracy is strong, the game starts turning into one of the best flowing games I’ve ever seen, if not the best.
THE LIGHTSHOW!!! This game seriously has the best lighting package I’ve ever seen on a pinball machine, hands down. Unlike GNR, however, the lighting does a fantastic job at communicating game rules, and it never feels like you are too lost or blinded, while simultaneously rewarding the player with gorgeous light shows that show the genius of the software and hardware designers at JJP.
The rules blend classic, old school, simplistic pinball rules with a level of modern polish, love, and added depth only present on modern games, leading to a fun, balanced, and easy to understand rule set.
The art work on this game is absolutely stunning. In combination with the lighting, the game literally shines while you play it, and just looks stunning even when turned off! The inserts also do a good job in terms of communication, further benefiting the art. The animations are fantastic as well, and work great with the theme.
Sound is so incredibly well done: even if you aren’t an Elton John fan, the sound design, mixing, and speaker quality is unmatched.
Con’s:
There are, like most people have said, no real toys. However, I don’t find that to be particularly important, and the gorgeous looks and amazing gameplay more then make up for it.
The semi-simplistic rule set might get a little tiring on some when in a private collection, though it still has a lot going for it.
The plunge could admittedly be better designed IMO. Mainly, I wish plunges to the pop bumpers were not possible.
Overall, a gorgeous, fantastic game. Seek it out or buy it! It’s easily JJP’s best game, and it’s a certain modern classic.
9.900/10
3 days ago
Elton John (CE) Jersey Jack, 2023
When I first heard of Elton John being the next JJP offering I thought that it was a missed opportunities as far as theme goes. I knew that he was extremely talented but honestly, didn't cared much about him. Then I watched some gameplay, listened to the 16 songs that are in the game, watched the hit movie "Rocket Man" ... became a fan ... and had no choice but to buy the game.
When you think about it, this musical genius is eccentric, extravagant and extremely colorful, his music is iconic and timeless. One of his numerous hits is "Pinball Wizard", now tell me this is not a fantastic theme !
I bought a EJ PE 3 months ago .... played almost 800 games on it then sold it. My only regret was not to go "all in" and bought a CE instead so I sold the PE locally and bought a CE . Even if I knew that the CE will look gorgeous I was absolutely not prepared for the beauty of it. The sparkles on the playfield are everywhere ... on every plastics and inserts. it's extremely well done and add so much to the presentation, just incredible.
There is no video or pictures that can do justice to the beauty of this machine, you have to experience it in person to really appreciate it. The cabinet is spectacular when viewed in person. The only thing that is better looking on the PE IMHO is the sidearts. The light show of the topper with the 2 screens is a sight to behold and add so much to the immersion.
There is a light show on the floor, a light show on the wall behind the machine, a light show on the ceiling and a hell of a light show on the playfield.
Playfield's light show is simply out of this world and will be the new standard by which every new game will be compared too.
The 1294 LEDS (yes, 1294 !) are perfectly synchronized with the action and never fail to amaze and make your jaw drop.
The music, call-outs and excellent sound effects will give you goosebumps. Fun factor is thru the roof and the speed and fluidity of the action always keeps you on your toes. You can backhand almost every major shot which makes for a never ending action fest. Steve Ritchie did an extraordinary job on this, his best design as far as I'm concerned. This game makes you feel that it makes one with you as for everything you do, there is a reaction, almost like a living/breathing creature.
There is so many goosebumpy pinball moments that it would be too long to describe them all. The "3-2-1" sequence at the beginning of RocketMan multiball is one of the best pinball moment ever. Playfield is boiling orange and the rocket launcher is ready to shoot the ball into orbit, just wow.
Multiballs are extremely well integrated and you really have to earn them. It feels special (as it should) when you are getting one.
The only thing I'm not too fond of is that the pop bumpers don't see much action as they're kind of "trapped". I prefer when pops brings some speed/unpredictability to a game (Godzilla, Godfather, Wonka, Rick and Morty), this is a minor gripe I have but worth mentioning.
All sculptures are hand painted and having Elton playing the piano with his arms and head moving is like watching a mini human being trapped into this world under glass. It's a little creepy (in a good way) but fascinating and never gets old.
I'm a pretty good player and I don't see the day where I'll finish the code. While everything is quite easy to understand, it's very hard to accomplish because the game is fast as hell and there is tons of things to do.
I've been buying pinballs since 1995, played/owned all of the top 20 on Pinside. I've put almost 1000 games on EJ (PE AND CE combined) by now and I can affirm that this is, by far, the best pinball experience I've ever had in my life. Nothing comes close.
If "best pinball experience ever" = "best pinball ever" then EJ CE is the best pinball ever. Worth every penny.
When you think about it, this musical genius is eccentric, extravagant and extremely colorful, his music is iconic and timeless. One of his numerous hits is "Pinball Wizard", now tell me this is not a fantastic theme !
I bought a EJ PE 3 months ago .... played almost 800 games on it then sold it. My only regret was not to go "all in" and bought a CE instead so I sold the PE locally and bought a CE . Even if I knew that the CE will look gorgeous I was absolutely not prepared for the beauty of it. The sparkles on the playfield are everywhere ... on every plastics and inserts. it's extremely well done and add so much to the presentation, just incredible.
There is no video or pictures that can do justice to the beauty of this machine, you have to experience it in person to really appreciate it. The cabinet is spectacular when viewed in person. The only thing that is better looking on the PE IMHO is the sidearts. The light show of the topper with the 2 screens is a sight to behold and add so much to the immersion.
There is a light show on the floor, a light show on the wall behind the machine, a light show on the ceiling and a hell of a light show on the playfield.
Playfield's light show is simply out of this world and will be the new standard by which every new game will be compared too.
The 1294 LEDS (yes, 1294 !) are perfectly synchronized with the action and never fail to amaze and make your jaw drop.
The music, call-outs and excellent sound effects will give you goosebumps. Fun factor is thru the roof and the speed and fluidity of the action always keeps you on your toes. You can backhand almost every major shot which makes for a never ending action fest. Steve Ritchie did an extraordinary job on this, his best design as far as I'm concerned. This game makes you feel that it makes one with you as for everything you do, there is a reaction, almost like a living/breathing creature.
There is so many goosebumpy pinball moments that it would be too long to describe them all. The "3-2-1" sequence at the beginning of RocketMan multiball is one of the best pinball moment ever. Playfield is boiling orange and the rocket launcher is ready to shoot the ball into orbit, just wow.
Multiballs are extremely well integrated and you really have to earn them. It feels special (as it should) when you are getting one.
The only thing I'm not too fond of is that the pop bumpers don't see much action as they're kind of "trapped". I prefer when pops brings some speed/unpredictability to a game (Godzilla, Godfather, Wonka, Rick and Morty), this is a minor gripe I have but worth mentioning.
All sculptures are hand painted and having Elton playing the piano with his arms and head moving is like watching a mini human being trapped into this world under glass. It's a little creepy (in a good way) but fascinating and never gets old.
I'm a pretty good player and I don't see the day where I'll finish the code. While everything is quite easy to understand, it's very hard to accomplish because the game is fast as hell and there is tons of things to do.
I've been buying pinballs since 1995, played/owned all of the top 20 on Pinside. I've put almost 1000 games on EJ (PE AND CE combined) by now and I can affirm that this is, by far, the best pinball experience I've ever had in my life. Nothing comes close.
If "best pinball experience ever" = "best pinball ever" then EJ CE is the best pinball ever. Worth every penny.
9.580/10
4 days ago
Elton John (PE) Jersey Jack, 2023
The art, the lighting and the music are top notch…blow you away. Shots are great and satisfying. Playfield isn’t as busy as a lot of new releases or JJP’s GNR, but it works. Highly recommend Elton.
7.964/10
4 days ago
The Mandalorian (Pro) Stern, 2021
The machine is perfect in regards to working out its theme. Very immersive. Shots are difficult to dial in, and it’s a brick fest for the first 20 games or so. Does not have an element of “flow,” it’s a shot shooting game. Light show/artwork/video clips are all excellent. Fairly shallow for a modern Stern though, especially in my arcade next to TMNT, Stranger Things and Jurassic Park.
8.832/10
4 days ago
The Beatles (Gold Edition) Stern, 2018
This is a rare combination - a game that is great for casual players and discerning shooters. Oddly enough, I see why folks in between the ends of that spectrum may not like it. There's no crazy cool toys or pseudo deep modes to catch your eye; instead there's good old 80s style clear but challenging goals and satisfying, repeatable shots.
If you think this game is a short player and too hard, you're attacking it wrong, plain and simple. This layout is INFINITELY easier than Seawitch, even though it's virtually the same game. But it's not easy, and it's not always fair - which pinball shouldn't be. Fair pinball is just math. I could do without the spinning record, but I suspect it was added to up the challenge a bit with the easier layout. The more I play it, the more I enjoy it.
It's still no Seawitch though ;)
If you think this game is a short player and too hard, you're attacking it wrong, plain and simple. This layout is INFINITELY easier than Seawitch, even though it's virtually the same game. But it's not easy, and it's not always fair - which pinball shouldn't be. Fair pinball is just math. I could do without the spinning record, but I suspect it was added to up the challenge a bit with the easier layout. The more I play it, the more I enjoy it.
It's still no Seawitch though ;)
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