Top ten? Only ten?
Aron Boag
that really set my heart on fire. At least five will never leave the
list, and all of the games I list are either in the 8's or 9's on the
Aron-O-Meter. 8's can make it based on sentimental value, or just
because they're never going to be able to crawl out from under my
skin. The first five, though, are never leaving the top eleven (hey,
if Spinal Tap can go to eleven, so can I!). Here they are:
1. World Cup Soccer (Bally). Still what I consider to be the finest
pinball around. Accessible to beginners, challenging to experts,
quite balanced, very little to complain about (Super Free Kick?
Ick...). Never going to be without this one.
2. Whirlwind. Darned if I don't come back to this game time and
again. I absolutely *love* that side ramp shot...I don't care what
*anybody* says. It always vexes me, and it's one of the most
satisfying shots (if not *the* most satisfying shot) in all of
pinball. Everything else about the game is fab, too. Love it to
death, and if Mike Youness *ever* sells his without giving me first
dibs, I'm going to burn him alive. Slowly. ;)
3. Fun House. Few games haunt me like this one does. Rudy is a
total ghoul...he finds that line of happy/sociopathic and rides it
like a champion. I've never been able to feel like I've got this
game's number. Ever. But I'll *always* feel like it has mine. What
a great, great game.
4. Black Knight 2000. The game which started it all. The Steve
Ritchie game which pissed me off to no end. The absolute, unmitigated
GALL of this game to *laugh* at me when I drained (and, obviously,
sucked badly) was never to be forgotten. To this day, the upper
playfield is fabulous, and the drawbridge is probably the *second*
most satisfying shot ever. Terrific music, appropriate artwork, fast
play. Losing never felt so personal (Rudy comes *darned* close, but
the Black Knight still takes the cake...I think).
5. Cirqus Voltaire. Somebody went insane. Somebody decided to throw
every stinking possible thing that they could into making an
all-around *incredible* pinball experience, and every member of that
team gave it their all. It shows, even today. CV comes VERY close to
taking the top spot, believe it or not. But suffice it to say that
Cameron dazzled, Linda stepped up and pounded one out of the park
(putting me in my place for saying that her backglass art was always
disappointing), John made a great playfield and overall design, and
that music...the should just be so proud of themselves. Incredible.
6. No Good Gofers. Even with its minor problems (I think the art was
substandard for John Youssi's abilities; the left side of the
playfield isn't that great), this title shines. It ALWAYS calls me
back. Software that makes Louis look like he was given a vision from
the Great Beyond, voice work that rocked, great music, a TERRIFIC toy
in the slam ramp, great wizard mode (but there should have been
something special for 18 holes)...bah. No matter my nit-picking ways.
NGG continuously draws me back, even after games when I've just
spanked it something awful. That says something about this beauty.
Not to be missed, never to be trusted.
7. White Water. Ah, Dennis. Why couldn't you have taken more
chances like this one? Demo Man was another nice try, but then you
just slipped back into "Let's rehash the EATPM playfield again!"-style
of thinking...and I longed for the days of White Water. WW is a ramp
monster, with thinking-man's software, a great mini-playfield up top,
beautiful artwork by Mr. Youssi, and lotsa nice little extras. Loved
it from the start. Never stopped.
8. Safe Cracker. Boy, it surprised me how many of Pat's games made
it. But this one's up there. There is no experience like Token
Multiball. None. How the team managed to squeeze SO MUCH into such a
little thing, I'll never know. Nor do I care to. It's just amazing
how punishing-yet-fair this game is, and how much fun it is to play.
Great drops, hard shots, frenetic gameplay, the pressure of Sudden
Death, the deep sense of loss to come SO CLOSE to opening the vault
and yet losing the opportunity...oh yeah. This game makes you weak
with tears.
9. Bram Stoker's Dracula. I love this game. I make no apologies for
it. Software which takes a slightly-above-average playfield and gives
it a truly evil feeling. The *original* stack-me-or-die game. The
game *makes* you set it up for the real payoffs, and *then* you have
to MAKE IT PAY! It's not enough to just work for the reward...you
have to beat the living TAR out of the game to get it to give it up.
Yummy. That software, when combined with very good artwork, those
oh-so-smooth Barry Oursler ramps, the kickin' music...it just comes
together as a *player's* machine. Not for the uninitiated, nor the
easily-frustrated. But worth ALL the guff when you hear Dracula
scream. Satismaction. Plus, the voice-over work? Faboo.
10. Big Bang Bar. Oh man, what could have been. Or, more to the
point, what *is*. Big Bang Bar just rules on so many levels. Is it a
bit on the easy side? Sure, but that doesn't mean that what's there
isn't chock-full-o'-fun. An absolutely stunning game (aestheticly),
the design and software worked perfectly to achieve something that
really melted my brain. All the modes were enjoyable, the multiballs
kickin', the music fabulous...but there's one thing that always stands
out in my mind, something no other pinball ever offered before, nor
has one been able to duplicate/best it yet: the sheer PRESSURE of the
moment when you finally light Big Bang. "Hit the 1-bank for the
Biggest Bang of your Life!" Nothing else is lit. No music plays.
Nothing else will start. The game practically grinds to a halt, with
only a slight bass beat in the background...until you finally make
that shot. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Trust me, people...it's worth a trip to
Lloyd's parties JUST FOR THIS MOMENT ALONE. You'll never forget it,
and you'll ALWAYS want to do it again.
11. Medieval Madness. It honestly almost didn't make it...could have
very easily ended up in the honorable mentions. Medieval just shows
that the team who made AFM so crappy can also use that power for good.
;) MM is great, hands-down...I don't care HOW expensive it is.
Medieval doesn't quite call me as much as some other titles, so its
status could be dropped into the honorable mentions sometime. One
never knows.
Honorable mentions: Apollo 13 (it may yet make it back up
there...SUCH a great game), Guns'N'Roses, STTNG (sick of it), TAF
(sick of it), ToM (sick of it), Indiana Jones (may be up there soon),
and several others.
You know what really bugs me? It seems like I'm forgetting a pin or
two...just can't think of them right now. Oh well...not the worst
problem to have. :)
Aron (really...I'm aghast that Pat has four up there and Steve Ritchie
has one...that just seems WRONG...)
Lloyd Olson
variety you've selected. Not just one theme, designer, or playfield layout.
Yet all great pins. LTG :)
Chris Munson
- one's "top ten" can differ greatly from another's, since there are literally
hundreds of games and several eras to choose from. Funny, and certainly my
opinion only, but I don't really care for ANY of the games he listed. Again,
it's all subjective. For the whole realm of pinball, it would be more
appropriate to list perhaps a "top fifty" or "top 100". I agree with Aron that
it's nearly impossible to limit a list to a "top ten" . Of course, my top ten
would encompass the late 70's early 80's era, certainly a remarkable period in
the history of pinball, and obviously, not everyone's "cup of tea".
Chris
amyotte
insightful comments.
I miss those.
Not sure I agree with a couple of your selections. - Each his own.
WW - maybe it's just the music and speech that bug me.
FH - have one and will put up for sale soon - thought it was sold :( , I
enjoy Ruddy but so little to do and such a tight PF.
WCS - Enjoyed it.
The others are not around here to play. ;(
Brian
www.geocitiesocom/amyottepinball/brianstoys.html
"Aron Boag" <boa...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:2c276776.03012...@posting.google.com...
surfer
I am interested "Of course, my top ten
> would encompass the late 70's early 80's era" what would your top 10 of that era be then???
The inquisitive Surfer.
bobukcat
would have more games by Mr. Steve Ritchie in there (his games always seem
to have great flow to them) but you know what they say about opinions. I may
have to take your advice and take a trip up MN. way for one of LTG's parties
so that I can finally play BBB, sounds (and looks) like a real blast. Who
owns the Capcom rights again???
bobukcat
I'm suffering from collection envy but at least one of mine made it into
Aron's top ten (two if you count the honorable mentions)!!
jammadave
>bobukcat
>I'm suffering from collection envy but at least one of mine made it into
>Aron's top ten (two if you count the honorable mentions)!!
>
Hell, i'm just suffering from pin envy overall - as much as i adore
the "sport" as a whole, i have come to realize that i haven't played
nearly as many pins as i had previously thought. Hell, i haven't
played a TZ since i was in college in 1994!
hmmm, before i ever did a top ten, i'll have to start by trying to
remember which pins i've played, even.
I do remember the first: Haunted House. Whoa that was cool.
And the second: KISS. that was cool, but not as cool as HH.
after that it is a blur, so i'll try to go from recent playing memory
on back (and this really isn't going to be long, considering...): i
can count only 39 different pins i have played total, ever, 28 of
which are at least DMD-era (including the pin2k piles.)
gawd, picking from this list isn't exactly easy, but my top 10... NOT
ranked cause i can't decide.
CFTBL - i really dig the theme and for some reason, cramped playfield
and all, it plays smooth to me.
MB - sneaked up on me as a close second to MM, maybe a tie even, i
just love that playfield layout and shotmap, plus the monster theme
and simpler ruleset make it just mindless fun.
MM - i like this the best, due to the integration of all the features,
ramps, and the toys. shots are very makeable but not total fluff.
love them trolls.
FT - i love everything except the banjo music. if Steve's fast, Mark
Ritchie is fast and funny.
DM - soft spot due to it being my first home pin, but i've never seen
a better movie license and the flow and sound sucked me in.
BK2K - kicked my ass. regularly. even at home.
BOP - right in front of BK2K for me as the best 2-level game IMHO,
they're both somewhat dependent on that left ramp shot but the Bride
gave me chills.
AFM - third place in "pins with this particular playfield layout", too
little to shoot for at close range and i like bigger swoopy ramps.
see MM for that =0)
JP - my personal best performance happened here, plus it's a Lawlor
rip, so the design is already not bad.
WWind - JP's dad, i loved to feel the power of the wind while hitting
all those jets and the oft-whiffed side ramp.
BShot - recently played, and loved the sped-up-old-school feel of it.
plus:
CV - Honorable Mention, as i haven't played it to its fullest yet, but
i'm already itching to go back and play it more even if it is poorly
operated.
TAF - Honorable Mention here too, i used to love this game more than
life itself. but my tastes changed, now i think it's just a pretty
good game.
And yes, i know TZ isn't in there - maybe deserves an Honorable
Mention of its own. I remember it being pretty cool to check out in
college, but without playing it recently, all i have to say is, ahem,
"entirely too much shit on the playfield!"
heh, i feel so deprived.
d
Rather Play Pinball
<snip>
Aron, a wonderful post to read, thanks. These kind of postings are so
refreshing, compared to the negative ones that often show up.
I liked your list. Like others, I'd rearrange and change a few. But that's
the great thing about this hobby, its what YOU personally like. No need to
trash a game just cause its not your favorite.
When I explain my collection to others, I try to categorize my pins. I use
heading like "fun for anybody", "experts only", "vintage", etc.
Here's a few of my favorites:
Williams / Bally late EMs - Old Chicago (those darn pop bumpers), Capt.
Fantastic (dual flipper drain, smack forehead), Wizard (I thought only
programmers toggled flags), Night Rider (great spinner shots), Fireball
(talking about flippers) etc.
Addams Family, Twilight Zone, and Star Trek Next Gen. With all three,
getting all the mansions, or to the Zone, or Final Frontier. The first time
you do it you're jumping around the room hoping somebody witnessed it. And
the first time you complete the wizard mode for a second time in the same
game, it almost ruins the game from the point forward. (Cause you know
doing it again will take a LONG time.)
Scared Stiff. Like the machines above, getting the 6 crates is fairly easy.
Okay hot shot, get all the spider shots. Darn near impossible. Elvira can
seduce me any day.
Honorable Mention: Revenge From Mars, I love that humor. Wish I hadn't
sold mine, but I was always concerned over parts/repair down the road. Sold
it and got all my investment back. BBB - yeah, I'd buy a new one in a
heartbeat.
Maybe one day one of the newer Stern's will make these lists. :-)
Thanks for post.
Jack
CARGPB#13
Mark Dreher
the only one of my 15 pins that I will never sell, love the shots. Can't
argue with too much else on your list maybe just order and some
omissions. Thanks for your insight.
Mark
Aron Boag
> ...though the list represents only late model games. Interesting in this hobby
> - one's "top ten" can differ greatly from another's, since there are literally
> hundreds of games and several eras to choose from. Funny, and certainly my
> opinion only, but I don't really care for ANY of the games he listed. Again,
> it's all subjective. For the whole realm of pinball, it would be more
> appropriate to list perhaps a "top fifty" or "top 100". I agree with Aron that
> it's nearly impossible to limit a list to a "top ten" . Of course, my top ten
> would encompass the late 70's early 80's era, certainly a remarkable period in
> the history of pinball, and obviously, not everyone's "cup of tea".
>
> Chris
That may be true, Chris, but you have to understand my history: I've
only (HA! "Only" he says!) been playing pinball with any consistency
for 13-14 years. My playing days *started* with BK2K. How am I
supposed to seriously rate games from eras before the modern age?
They're just not available to be played by the general public in good
shape. I mean, sure, Slick Chick may be a darned fun game. I'm
willing to take Sam Harvey's word for it...but I've never played one
in decent shape to be able to tell one way or another.
I'll fully admit that I enjoy the modern pins best, but that doesn't
mean that older pins couldn't creep up on the list if I had a chance
to "get to know them". However, that doesn't appear to be likely any
time soon.
Does that clarify a bit more? I may have a one-sided list, but then,
perhaps I don't know what I'm missing...and never had a chance to find
out.
Aron
Mf101723
into decades or something. I can just see the top ten lists in car newsgroups,
I bet they'd all be listing modern japanese speedsters and ignoring the great
cars of the past because they only see them at car shows at the local burger
joint!
Kirb
> pinball around.
We will see how I feel about this one now that I own it. I still can't
believe that you have it at the top of your list (even though this
list may not be in order). I would have thought that another game
would have sneaked into your top spot.
> 2. Whirlwind. Darned if I don't come back to this game time and
> again.
I just don't get into this game enough. Like I said, not a lawlor fan
(NALF).
> 3. Fun House. Few games haunt me like this one does.
Isn't always the ones that kick your ass? Just like a hot chick that
tears out your heart and tosses it in the corner- always seem to come
back for more.
> 4. Black Knight 2000. The game which started it all.
OK, this one missed my top 10 only because I forgot about it. Love the
game.
> 5. Cirqus Voltaire. Somebody went insane.
Another one I'd like to own someday. I'd sell off a couple to get my
hands on this one.
> 6. No Good Gofers. Even with its minor problems
Well, I have never played this one. I live in pinball hell, but I
don't know if this game would call to me even if I didn't. (NALF)
> 7. White Water.
Nice game, thinking of bouncing it in favor of BK2K in the list.
> 8. Safe Cracker.
Ahh, I have one and don't even know if I LIKE the game. It's one of
those- buy it because you can, shop it because it is different, play
it because it's strange, keep it only if I like it. I might just like
this game. I have no idea until I get some time to set it up in the
new house and play it.
> 9. Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Remember where I live? Never played one. I have seen one, but couldn't
make out the playfield under the broken flippers and black dust
playfield.
> 10. Big Bang Bar. Oh man, what could have been.
OK, I wish I could have put this on the list. I guess I didn't because
it is one of those games that you can never own. I can WANT a ferrari,
may never be able to buy one, but at least I COULD if I wanted too.
BBB is just so rare to get a chance to own that I can only keep it in
the memory bank. THat just makes me sad.
This is one game that I would buy NIB if Gene would remake them. Hell,
I'd take it in kit form, make the wire harness myself, and build it
from scratch. That would make it my own for sure.
> 11. Medieval Madness.
I like this game because it is one of the few that makes me laugh.
Play is great and there are shots all over the place. It isn't a wide
body? You can hardly tell. Just a fun, fun, fun game. Makes me cry
that there are so few and that ops still make more money with this
game than any other.
OK, I guess I come from an area that requires a person to own a game
in order to fully enjoy it. I must play the hell out of it to get a
full opinion. WD was this way- I needed to play it a lot to know I
hated it. DM the same way- Like it now, but never thought I could when
I first threw the ball around. F-14, NF, Shadow, STTNG, PM, and a host
of others will slowly grow on me.
The way I see it- Walk down a set of stairs, feet land on the low pile
carpet in a room designed only with these games in mind, dim the
sconces to a nice warm glow, walk up to a dimly lit machine, turn it
on, wait for the warm up, and push the button on a game that you
rebuilt with your own hands. You know more about the game from working
over each part in your hands while eyeballing each curve of the
playfield. Slowly gathering all the information that you will need to
play the game. You now have an insider's view of the game and can use
that info against this machine made of metal and wood.
That part of this hobby is the best and the thought of a top 10 is the
farthest from my mind.
Kirb
Yancy Blaylock
Well, some people just like a Japanese speedster more than a Model T,
no matter how many they see. I've played plenty of EMs, but none of
them would be anywhere near my top 10 all-time.
Yancy
SHOVS :o
THIS GUY!! PEACE OUT SHOV
Chris Munson
Certainly I was not being critical of your choices, and I understand the
"dilemma" of pins of all vintages not being available for play! I appreciate
what you enjoy, I was merely pointing out how interesting the concept of "top
ten" can be with regards to an individuals age/experience/familiarity/etc. It's
purely a personal thing!
Have fun!!
Chris
Chris Munson
My "personal top ten" would be:
1) E*ight Ball Deluxe - all around fun, lots of strategies
2) C*entaur - feature packed and awesome sound/speech
3) B*lack Hole - two levels of fast action, good speech/sound combination
4) F*irepower - multiball madness
5) P*ower Play - basic "smack 'em down" fun with chimes
6) Q*uicksilver - an odd, tight, fast game with great sound
7) P*aragon - feature packed wide body, lots of skill needed to master
8) X*enon - interesting shots, tough, a drainer (challenging)
9) S*olar Fire - wow, they should have made more. Multiball, locks, drops,
levels, magnets - what more do you need?
OK, I didn't quite make ten. Now, I have a Fathom which I've yet to restore,
but I won't put it here since I've only played the game once and can't really
rate it long-term. There are several other games which I have wished to play
(example Flight 2000) which might make the list, but that remains to be seen.
YMMV!
Chris
Mf101723
>no matter how many they see. I've played plenty of EMs, but none of
>them would be anywhere near my top 10 all-time
Well ok, how about a 2002 Acura compared to a Mustang Boss 429 or a 57 Tbird or
a 57 Chrysler 300C convertible ; )
Seriously, an example - BK2000, I see that on lots of lists but to me the
original BK was a superior design (on 2K you can just milk the top playfield
all day long too easily for me). I just think people should qualaify their
lists with maybe "I never play EMs" or "I only play DMD games" or "these are
the favorite games that I have played", not simply these are THE top ten games
period. Hmm maybe that's it, these polls should really be titled "my favorite
10 games" : )
PinballOwners.com
they are all good games.
Here is my top 10 list:
1. BK2K
2. Roadshow
3. STTNG
4. Barracora (classic game - gets alot of play from hard core gamers)
5. WCS
6. Safecracker
7. Dr. Who
8. Jackbot
9. Getaway
10. Flash Gordon (classic multi-level game)
ironsickel
I've played plenty of EMs, but none of
> them would be anywhere near my top 10 all-time.
I dunno, man. Gersic's Fireball was pretty bitchin. Definitely need a
few more plays on it to quantify it on my top 10, but it definitely had
a unique thing going for it.
Getteur
Like comparing modern pop music and music videos to ealir 20th century music of
Gerwin, Porter, Richard Rogers, et al.
(To say nothing of the classical greats.)
Gary
BallyMan
I prefer to rank one balls and multi-balls separately. One Balls 1.
Paragon 2. Viking 3. 8 Ball Deluxe 4. Playboy 5. Gorgar 6. 8 Ball
Champ 7. Mohammed Ali 8. Harlem Globetrotters 9. Cyclone 10. Time
Fantasy 11. Cheetah 12. Algar Multi-Balls 1. Centaur 2. Funhouse
3. Fathom 4. AFM 5. TOM 6. MM 7. MB 8. Diner 9. Whirlwind 10. T2 11.
CV 12. Embryon. I can't narrow it to 10. Honorable mentions for me Sea
Witch, Big Game, Superman, Flash Gordon, Kings Of Steel,Barracora.
Multi's NGG, Totan, Whitewater, Demo Man, Star Wars, Sorcerer. JJR.
David Gersic
> Yancy Blaylock wrote:
> I've played plenty of EMs, but none of
>> them would be anywhere near my top 10 all-time.
>
> I dunno, man. Gersic's Fireball was pretty bitchin.
Heh. Thanks. That game will always be in my personal list of favourite
games. I'd have to look up the quote, but Playboy even called Fireball the
coolest game ever. ;-)
> Definitely need a few more plays on it
Let me know if you'll be in town. Oh, and just to torment you, there's a
Farfalla on eBay now.
--
| David Gersic dgersic_@_niu.edu |
| After I cook the vegetables, what do I do with the wheelchairs? |
| Email address is munged to avoid spammers. Remove the underscores. |
wolffy
>1. World Cup Soccer (Bally). Still what I consider to be the finest
>pinball around.
I enjoyed this game on location, but unfortunately had "ToM Syndrom" when after
playing it and beating Germany a few times. When placed in the category with
other soccer themed pins this one truely is the best. Plus the use of the
Mascot just adds to the entertainment of the game. Definetly in my top 25.
>2. Whirlwind. Darned if I don't come back to this game time and
>again.
Not a bad game. Clearly Pat enjoys this one since he borrows from it so often
these days :) I've got a fun story about this game but I'll share that one
ofline since it is less pinball related....
>
>3. Fun House. Few games haunt me like this one does. Rudy is a
>total ghoul...he finds that line of happy/sociopathic and rides it
>like a champion.
This is the beast that got me in this hobby. I couldn't agree with you more.
>4. Black Knight 2000. The game which started it all. The Steve
>Ritchie game which pissed me off to no end.
>
I am honestly surprised to see this one up this high on the list. When you
think about it the music is what makes this game. The playfield art is the
simpliest around, the only thing you want to do with the lower playfield is get
the ball back up to the upper one.
The only other thing I don't understand about this game is why Korn is debating
which tune from this game is the one I like the best...
>5. Cirqus Voltaire. Somebody went insane. Somebody decided to throw
>every stinking possible thing that they could into making an
>all-around *incredible* pinball experience, and every member of that
>team gave it their all. It shows, even today. CV comes VERY close to
>taking the top spot, believe it or not. But suffice it to say that
>Cameron dazzled...
>
This one comes in at number 5. Dude watching you play this game at Expo is one
of my best experiences with it. They way you become so animated with the
magnet effects when locking a ball and the way you became so buzzed when
stacking multiballs, you were insane. How can this one top out at number 5?
A great game, I would just like to play one with a colored playfield again :)
>6. No Good Gofers. Even with its minor problems
>
I just could never get into this one. You are clearly seeing things in this
game I have missed or we just like two different types of pins. This is one of
a few of Pat's games that I am disappointed with.
>7. White Water. Ah, Dennis. Why couldn't you have taken more
>chances like this one? Loved
>it from the start. Never stopped.
>
Exactly!
>8. Safe Cracker. Boy, it surprised me how many of Pat's games made
>it
It surprised me that this one made it!
>
>9. Bram Stoker's Dracula. I love this game. I make no apologies for
>it. Software which takes a slightly-above-average playfield and gives
>it a truly evil feeling
>
You left out how cool the replay graphic is. It really makes it worth getting
the award.
>10. Big Bang Bar. Oh man, what could have been.
>
This one diappeared from the local locations to quickly on me. Some day I will
have to find it again.
>11. Medieval Madness. It honestly almost didn't make it...could have
>very easily ended up in the honorable mentions.
The only thing that would make this game better is to replace the castle with
saucer then the game would rock. Oh wait! That would make it as cool as AFM.
This game is fine on the honorable mentions list. I've played it, I've liked
it, I think it is a damn good enjoyable game. However until it drops $3,000 in
price to that of a normal pin I won't give it the time of day. At it's current
price it is truely for the pinball collectors elite.
>
>Honorable mentions: Apollo 13 (it may yet make it back up
>there...SUCH a great game),
The only Sega game I have enjoyed, despite the fact that it's designer was a
complete prick to me when I played it at expo.
> STTNG (sick of it),
You have no idea what you are in for... SHHHH!
> TAF (sick of it),
No kidding!
> ToM (sick of it),
When on location I'll gladly play, it's just not going to end up in my
collection.
>
>Aron (really...I'm aghast that Pat has four up there and Steve Ritchie
>has one...that just seems WRONG...)
>
Hey Pat is a good designer and has made some games that deserve to be ranked
high.
-wolffy
ironsickel
> Heh. Thanks. That game will always be in my personal list of favourite
> games. I'd have to look up the quote, but Playboy even called Fireball the
> coolest game ever. ;-)
>
> Let me know if you'll be in town. Oh, and just to torment you, there's a
> Farfalla on eBay now.
*heart stops*
David Gersic, you sir, are a bloody bastard. :)
Lets see, in the week since i've been laid off, Alan has repro'd the
rocket kicker plastic that I need, and now a (possibly) decent priced
farfalla comes along.
dammit dammit dammit!
Aron Boag
> Well since you did the honors to pick apart my list I think it's my turn :)
>
> >1. World Cup Soccer (Bally). Still what I consider to be the finest
> >pinball around.
>
> I enjoyed this game on location, but unfortunately had "ToM Syndrom" when after
> playing it and beating Germany a few times. When placed in the category with
> other soccer themed pins this one truely is the best. Plus the use of the
> Mascot just adds to the entertainment of the game. Definetly in my top 25.
And yet, I find beating Germany to be yummy every time I do it.
*Especially* when I can beat Germany on multiple fronts in the same
game. I *love* collecting special, even though a free game means
nothing, really. Still my favorite.
> >2. Whirlwind. Darned if I don't come back to this game time and
> >again.
>
> Not a bad game. Clearly Pat enjoys this one since he borrows from it so often
> these days :) I've got a fun story about this game but I'll share that one
> ofline since it is less pinball related....
Heh. Well, I do wish that he'd put the main extra flipper on the left
in his next game...no doubt. But the side ramp on this game rules
everything. I *love* to Feel The Power Of The Wind. I want to own a
really nice one.
Oh, and I want to *hear* that story.
> >3. Fun House. Few games haunt me like this one does. Rudy is a
> >total ghoul...he finds that line of happy/sociopathic and rides it
> >like a champion.
>
> This is the beast that got me in this hobby. I couldn't agree with you more.
Naturally! ;)
> >4. Black Knight 2000. The game which started it all. The Steve
> >Ritchie game which pissed me off to no end.
> >
>
> I am honestly surprised to see this one up this high on the list. When you
> think about it the music is what makes this game. The playfield art is the
> simpliest around, the only thing you want to do with the lower playfield is get
> the ball back up to the upper one.
But it's my first love! You never forget your first love. Plus, the
Drawbridge rocks my world, RANSOM is some of the best 20 seconds in
pinball, and while the playfield art may be somewhat simple, the color
scheme is AWESOME, the lines are great, and it just works. I love it.
I've got a standing order for one of Alan Meyer's repro BK2K
backglasses (don't forget me Alan!!!!!!). That's how much I love it.
> The only other thing I don't understand about this game is why Korn is debating
> which tune from this game is the one I like the best...
This I wouldn't know...but then, there's LOTS of stuff that I don't
know.
> >5. Cirqus Voltaire. Somebody went insane. Somebody decided to throw
> >every stinking possible thing that they could into making an
> >all-around *incredible* pinball experience, and every member of that
> >team gave it their all. It shows, even today. CV comes VERY close to
> >taking the top spot, believe it or not. But suffice it to say that
> >Cameron dazzled...
> >
>
> This one comes in at number 5. Dude watching you play this game at Expo is one
> of my best experiences with it. They way you become so animated with the
> magnet effects when locking a ball and the way you became so buzzed when
> stacking multiballs, you were insane. How can this one top out at number 5?
The list fluctuates. The only one that's probably in correct position
is WCS. Although, I think that the first five will always be up in
the top ten, as I stated earlier. CV is absolutely wonderful. I
can't wait to bring the game to Expo and get it autographed by as many
of the design team as I can. I'd be especially proud to have John and
Cameron play it.
> A great game, I would just like to play one with a colored playfield again :)
I found playing Cameron's game to be absolutely mesmerizing. I'll
*try* to bring my CV to Expo this year. No, really. I mean it.
> >6. No Good Gofers. Even with its minor problems
> >
>
> I just could never get into this one. You are clearly seeing things in this
> game I have missed or we just like two different types of pins. This is one of
> a few of Pat's games that I am disappointed with.
You shouldn't be. You can't like every game of his. I started out
being disappointed with this game, too. I really was. But the more I
played it, the better the software proved itself to be. Buggy or not,
NGG has some of the best software out there. I still maintain that
the artwork isn't up to snuff, but that's just my taste and opinion.
When this game is playing 100%, it is joy. Painful, painful joy. Bud
and Buzz were the first smackable characters since Rudy that I really
enjoyed hitting. Quotes are unbelievable, but the gameplay comes
first. I love this game, and it calls to me still. I'm going to be
playing a *beautiful* one tomorrow. That dripping sound you hear will
be the drool escaping from my mouth.
> >7. White Water. Ah, Dennis. Why couldn't you have taken more
> >chances like this one? Loved
> >it from the start. Never stopped.
> >
>
> Exactly!
It's not like he failed with subsequent titles, but if people want to
criticize designers for sticking too close to a single formula (and I
can understand/relate to that), Dennis' designs would often qualify.
I like Dennis, and I like lots of his games, but White Water was,
unquestionably, his high-water mark, on just about every front I can
think of. A triumph.
> >8. Safe Cracker. Boy, it surprised me how many of Pat's games made
> >it
>
> It surprised me that this one made it!
It shouldn't. Think of the ad for that over-the-counter drug they
advertised several years ago: "Little. Yellow. Different. Better."
While "Yellow" might not be all that accurate, every other word was.
Completely different pinball experience, with heart-pounding software,
and the total mind-blowing insanity that is Token Multiball. This
game, for what it is, still calls to me. There's a *reason* I stayed
up all night at Expo playing this game.
> >9. Bram Stoker's Dracula. I love this game. I make no apologies for
> >it. Software which takes a slightly-above-average playfield and gives
> >it a truly evil feeling
> >
>
> You left out how cool the replay graphic is. It really makes it worth getting
> the award.
Well, that just goes without saying, now doesn't it? BSD has, by far,
*the* best replay/special DMD animation in all of pinball. Period.
As *soon* as it comes on and the ball is stopped, I dance along with
it. Every time. I don't care *how* stupid I look. It's just that
good...and the *music*. It's no exaggeration for me to say, "You are
the love of my life...and life, again."
> >10. Big Bang Bar. Oh man, what could have been.
> >
>
> This one diappeared from the local locations to quickly on me. Some day I will
> have to find it again.
Good luck. What are we down to...nine of them left now? You'll have
to go to Lloyd's. Believe me when I tell you that it's worth it.
> >11. Medieval Madness. It honestly almost didn't make it...could have
> >very easily ended up in the honorable mentions.
>
> The only thing that would make this game better is to replace the castle with
> saucer then the game would rock. Oh wait! That would make it as cool as AFM.
If by "cool", you mean "craptacular", then yes, you're so right.
> This game is fine on the honorable mentions list. I've played it, I've liked
> it, I think it is a damn good enjoyable game. However until it drops $3,000 in
> price to that of a normal pin I won't give it the time of day. At it's current
> price it is truely for the pinball collectors elite.
Price doesn't come into consideration here. It's all based upon which
games are the best, in my view. I don't care WHAT they cost...if I
did, do you think BBB would have made it on my list?
> >Honorable mentions: Apollo 13 (it may yet make it back up
> >there...SUCH a great game),
>
> The only Sega game I have enjoyed, despite the fact that it's designer was a
> complete prick to me when I played it at expo.
Who, Kaminkow? Or Joe Balcer? You can answer privately...I won't
tell. I know at least one of the guys from the design team
personally, and he's as nice a guy as you'd care to meet. Plays a
good game of Hercules when he's buzzed, too. ;)
> > STTNG (sick of it),
>
> You have no idea what you are in for... SHHHH!
Um, you're shushing me? Oooooo, bad idea. ;)
> > TAF (sick of it),
>
> No kidding!
I'm just sick to death of playing it is all. Doesn't mean that I find
the game sickening. Just wanted to clarify that.
> > ToM (sick of it),
>
> When on location I'll gladly play, it's just not going to end up in my
> collection.
I just can't bring myself to play it anymore. Seen everything, just
like STTNG and TAF. For my collection, I'd want something that I
hadn't explored every nook and cranny already (although it would seem
that WCS is a strange exception to this rule...). I've seen
everything (as far as I know) that this game has to offer. Won't
*someone* PLEASE add a decent wizard mode to this game? Pretty
please? I want so *badly* for this game to be in the Aron-O-Meter
9's...but with Grand Finale continuing to be ANYTHING BUT, it's NEVER
going to make it. So sad, really...
> >Aron (really...I'm aghast that Pat has four up there and Steve Ritchie
> >has one...that just seems WRONG...)
> >
>
> Hey Pat is a good designer and has made some games that deserve to be ranked
> high.
Yeah, but we're talking about Steve Ritchie, too. And Mark's not even
there currently (although IJ could move up at any time...). The fact
that Pat's up there four times isn't just a testament to his design
abilities. Don't get me wrong, he's really good. But the software in
each one of those four games is top-notch. Few games get to that
level of sheer brilliance in the realm of software. That makes ALL
the difference. Witness Road Show...that game couldn't make it into
the Aron-O-Meter 9's at gunpoint. The software is just too darned
disappointing.
Aron (who wonders what he's in for...say, anybody want to buy a Dirty
Harry?)
> -wolffy
The Korn
> nothing, really. Still my favorite.
Well, there's an easy fix for that! Put on a ticket dispenser and set
the special to award tickets! (Redeem tickets for a beer or
something... :) )
> > The only other thing I don't understand about this game is why Korn is debating
> > which tune from this game is the one I like the best...
>
> This I wouldn't know...but then, there's LOTS of stuff that I don't
> know.
Hehe, to set the record straight... I wasn't arguing with him about
what his favorite tune was, I was just saying "but BEFORE you said X
was your favorite tune!"
I must have either mis-heard him, he mis-spoke, or I can't keep
anything straight anymore. Probably a bit of all three. :)
> I found playing Cameron's game to be absolutely mesmerizing. I'll
> *try* to bring my CV to Expo this year. No, really. I mean it.
This old claptrap again. ;)
> > >9. Bram Stoker's Dracula. I love this game. I make no apologies for
> > >it. Software which takes a slightly-above-average playfield and gives
> > >it a truly evil feeling
> > >
> >
> > You left out how cool the replay graphic is. It really makes it worth getting
> > the award.
>
> Well, that just goes without saying, now doesn't it? BSD has, by far,
> *the* best replay/special DMD animation in all of pinball. Period.
> As *soon* as it comes on and the ball is stopped, I dance along with
> it. Every time. I don't care *how* stupid I look. It's just that
> good...and the *music*. It's no exaggeration for me to say, "You are
> the love of my life...and life, again."
That reminds me of how one of my friends described waiting in line for
LOTR2 to open up, and I think it's entirely appropriate...
"I'm going to pay my money, and I'm going to sit there and DORK OUT."
:)
> > > STTNG (sick of it),
> >
> > You have no idea what you are in for... SHHHH!
>
> Um, you're shushing me? Oooooo, bad idea. ;)
Shhh! :)
> Aron (who wonders what he's in for...say, anybody want to buy a Dirty
> Harry?)
No, only room for one pin in the truck at a time. :)
Arne Asphjell
the best reading on rgp in my opinion. I would really like to see you
do a list of pinballs you hate – the zeros and minuses of the
Aron-O-Meter.
Even if my experience is somewhat limited, I fully agree with most of
your statements. I definitely back your placement of BK2K high on the
list and angrily disagree with Wolffy's statement "The playfield art
is the simplest around, the only thing you want to do with the lower
playfield is get the ball back up to the upper one".
Definitely not so. BK2K is a pinball in a tuxedo. It could be placed
in the lobby of an upscale hotel without embarassment. One of the best
looking pins in the last 15 years. The backglass is mirrored, real
glass – a piece of art.
Arnie, Norway
David Gersic
>>
>> Heh. Thanks. That game will always be in my personal list of favourite
>> games. I'd have to look up the quote, but Playboy even called Fireball the
>> coolest game ever. ;-)
December 1972. The articles are *way* funny. Pictures are, well, early
1970s Playboy.
>> Let me know if you'll be in town. Oh, and just to torment you, there's a
>> Farfalla on eBay now.
>
> *heart stops*
>
> David Gersic, you sir, are a bloody bastard. :)
Yeah, it's poor timing for you. Hoping somebody here gets it though.
--
| David Gersic dgersic_@_niu.edu |
| Old McDonald had a computer, with EIA I/O... |
wolffy
opinion is inaccurate. So let me just point out a few things:
1) The backglass is NOT the playfield artwork. Aron is right on the money with
ordering one for himself. I made no mention of the backglass or the cabinet in
my statement.
2) The playfiled is simply lines that aim towards lanes. The color combination
makes the lines easy to look at and pleasing on the eyes, but it is just lines.
There are no images, depth prespectives, or characters which add complexity
and yield our respect for the work and talent of John Youssi and others.
3) To capture a hurry up or extra ball, hit the skyway ramp (returns ball to
the upper playfield), to get an award on the lightning wheel hit the ball
popper (returns ball to upper playfield). Hit double knight challenge and
spell war to equal a million (Oh where is WAR located again?) It should also
be pointed out that at the Fireside chat Steve Ritchie expressed that the lower
playfield design could have been better, since the goal is to get the ball back
to the top. Hey when the designer himself makes an observation...
You also neglected the fact that I have access to the legendary Korn's BK2K,
which is a BK2K in a league by itself. You also left out the fact that I was
considering buying one myself. However unless you are in on the Chicago circles
I wouldn't have expected you to know that... ;)
-wolffy
Lloyd Olson
BK2K, what a party statement. LTG :)
wolffy <wol...@aol.comnojunk> wrote in message
Aron Boag
> I really enjoy your colourful, personal rating of games, Aron. Some of
> the best reading on rgp in my opinion. I would really like to see you
> do a list of pinballs you hate – the zeros and minuses of the
> Aron-O-Meter.
Glad to hear it, Arnie. I've often thought of doing a "Bottom Feeder"
list, but fear retribution from those who want so desperately to feel
better about their Shaq Attaq purchase:
"Shaq Attaq is great! My 2-year-old loves it!" Well, sure they do.
They'd also love to play with a live wire. Why not give them one of
those? I *promise* the wire will at least make the pain come all at
once, rather than the slow agony that Shaq Attaq provides.
> Even if my experience is somewhat limited, I fully agree with most of
> your statements. I definitely back your placement of BK2K high on the
> list and angrily disagree with Wolffy's statement "The playfield art
> is the simplest around, the only thing you want to do with the lower
> playfield is get the ball back up to the upper one".
Well, I wouldn't *completely* disagree with the last part of his
statement. The upper playfield, for the most part, is what the game
is all about. Not that that's a bad thing...it's a great upper
playfield.
However, I think the artwork just plain works, here. While the
backglass artwork is the centerpiece, I think the lines and colors,
and especially the inserts, work to make the game's art package
fantastic. Wolffy mentioned my love of John Youssi's artwork...that's
very true, but I honestly believe that John Youssi's work wouldn't
have been right in this case. I love BK2K's art package.
> Definitely not so. BK2K is a pinball in a tuxedo. It could be placed
> in the lobby of an upscale hotel without embarassment. One of the best
> looking pins in the last 15 years. The backglass is mirrored, real
> glass – a piece of art.
In a tuxedo? I *completely* understand your point, but I'm just
picturing the character of the Black Knight in a tuxedo...and it's
just *wrong*. It is a very beautiful game, and perhaps belongs in a
museum, but no tux. The Black Knight wouldn't be caught DEAD in a
tux...unless it was spattered with blood or something. ;)
Aron
> Arnie, Norway
The Korn
> You are going to get a BK2K ? Or Kornized BK2K ? I'd opt for the Kornized
> BK2K, what a party statement. LTG :)
I keep offering to put in sweat equity and knowlege on his Black
R*ose, and he keeps wanting to go low key with it. I dunno why, I
kind of dig the tunes in Black R*ose! :)
(Then again, his basement _is_ reeeeally tiny. :) )
The Korn
> BK2K, what a party statement. LTG :)
And my BK2K is not for sale. Ever. :)
elvi...@attbi.com
always have some great comments and insight. Well done and a very
fine list (although I still have not played a couple of the ones you
had up there).
I have a bit of commentary on WCS94 and NGG that I would like to
share...
When I was looking into the possibility of buying a NGG a lot of
RGPers had a very strong opinion that they just couldn't get past the
"cartoonish" artwork. In addition, several people stated that they
also did not enjoy the game of golf so that pushed NGG even further
down on their best pins list. No matter what other attributes the
machine had (gameplay, toys, software, music, dots, etc.), they
wouldn't want to own a NGG as these two "flaws" greatly diminished the
enjoyment they received from it.
Now looking at WCS94...this pin also has cartoonish art (a soccer
playing dog) and is based on a sports theme that is not one of the big
4 sports in the U.S. (although absolutely HUGE just about everywhere
else in the world). So...the comment I am working towards is that,
like NGG, WCS94 will probably not make many people's top 10 list
because of these same 2 reasons. Some people don't like the sport of
soccer and are turned off by the cartoon art.
Personally, I am bored silly watching soccer. Never played it and
never watch it. I also don't find the the cartoon dog artwork on
WCS94 appealing. Just doesn't do it for me. Too kiddie-ish.
Therefore, no matter how great a game it is, I will probably never
have one in my home. I will very gladly play it if I see it
somewhere, but I won't plunk down a couple grand to buy one. I may be
missing out on something great here, but I just can't get past the
soccer theme and the dog.
On the other hand, I do really enjoy playing golf. I think
"Caddyshack" is an all-time classic comedy and the whole
"whack-a-gopher" theme appeals to me. Therefore, I think the theme of
NGG is great and the artwork complements the machine very nicely. In
addition, I absolutely love Lawlor designed pins (I already own a FH
and a TAF), so the NGG is right up there on my want list. I haven't
bought one yet, but it is still on my radar screen.
Obviously, personal preference rules the day here...and that is a good
thing! If everyone just had MM as #1 on their list, the hobby would
be very boring. This post is not to rip you for liking WCS94, just to
point out some similarities with why NGG and WCS94 are not high on
many people's list. While I don't agree with WCS94 as #1, your list
was very well thought out, analyzed, and documented. There should be
more posts like this on the RGP!
Here are my current top five:
1) FH - pure fun, I play it almost every day
2) TAF - first pin I owned, I'm a bit tired of it but still an
all-time favorite
3) MB - great theme and toys
4) AFM - just getting into this one...don't know all the rules yet.
Super cool art and dots.
5) NGG - see writeup above
Others right up there: MM, TOM, EBD, and BK ('80). I also recently
played a Congo for the first time and really enjoyed it. Don't laugh
too hard now. Yes, the movie sucked but the gameplay was lots of fun
(loved the exploding volcano). Maybe that first impression wears off
quickly though as I know this machine is considered somewhat of a dog.
Not sure. Maybe it's a "sleeper"...?
Ted Mottor
Arne Asphjell
The art and the colours of BK2K are simply the best in my opinion. If
you prefer cartoon-like ladies with big boobs for your pinball
artwork, that's OK with me.
Is the upper playfield the main thing on BK2K? I like it on the lower
playfield. With the short distances involved you can create some
frenetic ball racing here. Pop-bumpers are the brakes of a pinball
machine, and here they are out of the way. The fast and strange ball
trajectories you can get on this intimate playfield is quite
adrenaline-rushing (looping the inlanes for instance). And the music
that goes with it makes you all geared up.
I also have a No Fear. In a sense this is an extended version of the
lower playfield of BK2K. I also enjoy that machine quite a lot, and
think that it is generally underrated. You can get heart-pumping
excited on this last game (so far) from "The Master of Flow". If I
want to calm down the action a bit, I turn to my Funhouse.
Getting a high score or a replay is of course one of the main goals
for you professional pinball players. I am only used to my own
personal machines (on free play) and play mostly for relaxation and
entertainment. Losing a ball is no big deal. After the last have
drained, I just press START again.
Arnie, Norway
Aron Boag
> Aron...I always enjoy reading your views on different pins. You
> always have some great comments and insight. Well done and a very
> fine list (although I still have not played a couple of the ones you
> had up there).
Thanks Ted. I just do it because that's the way I am. I love talking
pin.
> I have a bit of commentary on WCS94 and NGG that I would like to
> share...
>
> When I was looking into the possibility of buying a NGG a lot of
> RGPers had a very strong opinion that they just couldn't get past the
> "cartoonish" artwork. In addition, several people stated that they
> also did not enjoy the game of golf so that pushed NGG even further
> down on their best pins list. No matter what other attributes the
> machine had (gameplay, toys, software, music, dots, etc.), they
> wouldn't want to own a NGG as these two "flaws" greatly diminished the
> enjoyment they received from it.
Now, I hate the game of golf like I hate very few things in this
world. To wit: if I had to choose *only one* of the following:
1. Golf is eliminated from the human existence
2. Pauly Shore, Britney Spears, and that woman from the Weakest Link
were never able to make it in show business
I've gotta tell you, it'd be a tough choice. And yes, I thought about
making #2 "Original sin is eliminated from the human existence", but
that'd just be too easy.
Regardless, I love NGG. It's all about the gameplay. I can give a
fine example of a golf-related pin that I found lousy: Tee'd Off.
I'd like to think that Pat and his team took a look at Tee'd Off and
said something to this effect: "This game absolutely blows. Let's
show them how to *really* do this up right. Oh, and we'll stick their
noses in their own Go-Fore-Par-Tee with our Dance Party...complete
with music that was rejected by the Dance Dance Revolution people."
Okay, maybe that last part was a bit over-the-top, but you have to
admit...that Dance Party music is a stinking *riot*. I love it to
death.
But that artwork...it wouldn't stop me from owning one. It would,
however, always leave me wondering about what could have been.
> Now looking at WCS94...this pin also has cartoonish art (a soccer
> playing dog) and is based on a sports theme that is not one of the big
> 4 sports in the U.S. (although absolutely HUGE just about everywhere
> else in the world). So...the comment I am working towards is that,
> like NGG, WCS94 will probably not make many people's top 10 list
> because of these same 2 reasons. Some people don't like the sport of
> soccer and are turned off by the cartoon art.
I've never defended WCS on artwork alone. That would be foolish.
It's quite good, but not outstanding. However, the rest of the game
being as exceptional as it is, it just helps to overshadow that.
However, I do like the cabinet artwork quite a bit, I like the colors,
and the playfield. Striker is Striker. I don't like watching soccer,
either...far, *far* too boring. Not liking the sport doesn't stop me
from enjoying a truly *great* pin.
> Personally, I am bored silly watching soccer. Never played it and
> never watch it. I also don't find the the cartoon dog artwork on
> WCS94 appealing. Just doesn't do it for me. Too kiddie-ish.
> Therefore, no matter how great a game it is, I will probably never
> have one in my home. I will very gladly play it if I see it
> somewhere, but I won't plunk down a couple grand to buy one. I may be
> missing out on something great here, but I just can't get past the
> soccer theme and the dog.
A couple grand? Shoot. That'd have to be one heckuva nice WCS.
They're not nearly that expensive. But it's all about the gameplay to
me.
> On the other hand, I do really enjoy playing golf.
Mark Twain was right. It's a good walk ruined.
> I think
> "Caddyshack" is an all-time classic comedy
Absolutely. How can you not? But that doesn't make Tee'd Off any
better, and Tee'd Off is *far* more of a Caddyshack clone than NGG is.
> and the whole
> "whack-a-gopher" theme appeals to me.
To each his own. Pop-A-Gofer is actually one of the game's weaker
moments, in my mind.
> Therefore, I think the theme of
> NGG is great and the artwork complements the machine very nicely.
The theme is great. The artwork may very well be in line with the
cartoonish idea. That doesn't mean that it's going to keep me from
thinking that John Youssi's talent was underwhelmed, here.
> In
> addition, I absolutely love Lawlor designed pins (I already own a FH
> and a TAF), so the NGG is right up there on my want list. I haven't
> bought one yet, but it is still on my radar screen.
I guess I'm a bigger Lawlor fan than I'd care to admit, judging by my
list. He may not care for me at all, and that's fine, but I can
certainly enjoy a good deal of his work. FH and TAF are both
Aron-O-Meter 9's. I'm just sick to death of TAF, though.
> Obviously, personal preference rules the day here...and that is a good
> thing! If everyone just had MM as #1 on their list, the hobby would
> be very boring. This post is not to rip you for liking WCS94, just to
> point out some similarities with why NGG and WCS94 are not high on
> many people's list. While I don't agree with WCS94 as #1, your list
> was very well thought out, analyzed, and documented. There should be
> more posts like this on the RGP!
Well, thanks, I guess. No one's going to be able to tell me what's
good or not when I've played a game enough to make the call. There
are people out there that hate WCS. There are also people out there
who think Pauly Shore is Best Actor material. Some people are just
beyond hope. ;)
> Here are my current top five:
>
> 1) FH - pure fun, I play it almost every day
Lucky dog.
> 2) TAF - first pin I owned, I'm a bit tired of it but still an
> all-time favorite
Such a great pin. So saturated on it, though.
> 3) MB - great theme and toys
Oy. "Great theme and toys" does not (for me) a great game make. This
game needs *far* deeper software, to me. That and the horrible,
HORRIBLE scoop design...just pitiful.
> 4) AFM - just getting into this one...don't know all the rules yet.
> Super cool art and dots.
Ah, yes. Well, I'll hold my tongue this once...
And now I'm done. I STILL HATE AFM! ;)
> 5) NGG - see writeup above
Even partially broken, it's good fun.
> Others right up there: MM, TOM, EBD, and BK ('80).
Obviously I think highly of MM and ToM. EBD I've never really had the
chance to get into, and the original BK? I don't like it. Bore fest.
> I also recently
> played a Congo for the first time and really enjoyed it.
AAAAHHHHHHHH!
> Don't laugh
> too hard now. Yes, the movie sucked but the gameplay was lots of fun
> (loved the exploding volcano).
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
> Maybe that first impression wears off
> quickly though as I know this machine is considered somewhat of a dog.
> Not sure. Maybe it's a "sleeper"...?
Congo's a bit better than I'll give it credit for. It's ugly, it has
a stupid theme, and the playfield design really wasn't ultra-great
(especially the right side), but there are some redemptive qualities.
It's no Shaq Attaq, but I wouldn't want to own one, really. I might
for dirt cheap (hey, I may end up keeping my Dirty Harry), but *only*
for *dirt* cheap. It'd have to be in nice shape, too. It's one of
those "Well, if you're only asking $500-600, okay." pins. Anything
more would just be wasted money that could be used for far better
pins.
Aron
> Ted Mottor
frenchy
> > Others right up there: MM, TOM, EBD, and BK ('80).
>
> Obviously I think highly of MM and ToM. EBD I've never really had the
> chance to get into, and the original BK? I don't like it. Bore fest.
>
After I finally got my NOS field in EBD and got a very minty BK, I
have been almost exclusively playing these two machines for about the
last 4 months. Ain't bored yet. Play them nearly every day.
BK is now set to most conservative multiball setting which made it WAY
harder to get multiball, status resets at drain and you have to start
it with a shot. Anything less than that is way too easy. The whole
game revolves around timers that you can tweak to make very easy
(boring) or excrutiatingly hard (fun). I always play it as 2 players
so can have another great timed chance at the special at end of game.
Can't beat EBD's 6 separate specials, and none of them are random.
My TZ and Shadow (don't get me wrong I still like em) are starting to
get very very dusty. : ) Frenchy
Pinlicious
>From: mf10...@aol.com (frenchy)
>Date: 1/29/03 12:08 PM Eastern Standard Time
>Message-id: <49a3ceb0.03012...@posting.google.com>
BK with the hardest settings all around is NEVER boring : )
f*ck*ng CLASSIC!
pinlicious ( ...there is no spoon.)
tada
> Snip
> Others right up there: MM, TOM, EBD, and BK ('80). I also recently
> played a Congo for the first time and really enjoyed it. Don't laugh
> too hard now. Yes, the movie sucked but the gameplay was lots of fun
> (loved the exploding volcano). Maybe that first impression wears off
> quickly though as I know this machine is considered somewhat of a dog.
> Not sure. Maybe it's a "sleeper"...?
>
> Ted Mottor
I happen to really like dogs and also like Congo. I detailed my Congo
to the max and we are having a blast playing it. Although I did notify
my significant other that when I beat the high score I will most
likely trade it for something else. This may take a while since I have
not won a replay yet.
Congo does have a lot going for it! WPC-95, great art, music and
light effects mixed with some tough shots. The gorilla theme makes it
a fun family pin. Not to mention some of the the really low prices I
have seen them go for on ePay. Last pin made at Williams California
Ave. plant and low production run.
Had a chance to play MM, TOM, JY, TOTAN, TZ, TAF the other day, came
home played my Congo and enjoyed it just as much. I agree with you
Ted, as to it being a sleeper.
rOn