Every machine I’ve reviewed, ranked by FlipScore — five categories, twenty points each, one hundred max. A new game joins the board every Thursday, so check back to see if the champ holds the top spot. Click a thumbnail to watch the full review.
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1
91/ 100 -
2
87/ 100 -
3
87/ 100 -
4
82/ 100 -
5
82/ 100 -
6
81/ 100 -
7
73/ 100 -
8
69/ 100
How the FlipScore works
Every game on this board gets run through the same five categories — twenty points each, one hundred max. Doesn’t matter if it’s a 1978 electromechanical or a brand-new Stern: same test, no era handicap. Here’s what I’m actually judging.
Shots
The geometry — what the game feels like from the flippers. Are the ramps smooth? Does the ball flow, or does it die in the middle of the playfield? Is there one shot so satisfying you keep chasing it all night? A great layout rewards skill: you aim, you hit it, and the game gives you something back.
Code & Depth
The rules. Modes, multiballs, wizard modes, and the strategy underneath it all. The question is simple: is there enough here to keep you discovering things for years, or do you see the whole game in one evening? Elegance counts too — deep code nobody can follow isn’t better than simple code that’s fun to execute.
Theme
Art, sound, toys, and how well they pull together into one world. The best machines don’t just slap a license on a cabinet — every toy and callout puts you inside the story. When a theme really lands, you’re not just playing a game. You’re going on a mission.
Build Quality
How the machine is put together and how it holds up. Some platforms are built like tanks and still run strong on location decades later; some need a tech on speed dial. I look at the hardware’s track record, parts availability, and whether the toys survive real-world abuse.
Resale Value
Pinball machines are expensive, so I treat this like the investment question it is. What does the game actually trade for? Is that price stable? If you buy one today, can you enjoy it for a few years and get your money back out? A machine that holds its value earns points here.
One thing the FlipScore doesn’t have: a column for nostalgia. If a game means something to you, that’s worth more than any number I can put on it — but the score stays honest.
Want the full story behind each score? Every thumbnail links straight to the video review, and the written breakdowns — history, gameplay, and verdict — live on the Episodes page.