Top 10 Pinball Machines of All Time (According to Pinside User Reviews)

[@BAKU2K2]

4:36 You mean Chicago Gaming. Chicago Coin was the predecessor to Stern Electronics.

[@bigj2518]

I understand that everyone may have a favorite for this reason or that reason, but as far as pure skill based pinball Addams Family and Twilight Zone are the two best. Out of the two tables I would have to choose Twilight because it has much more variety and there is not a game out there that gets you as hyped as when you tour the door and achieve wizard mode. One table that I never hear mention of that I would put up there was the Star Wars table from the late 80’s or early 90’s. Have you seen any of those floating around retro? I was talking to a buddy of mine about pinball the other day and I was telling him about how you could play the Star Wars game forever without dying. The left outlane had a kickback that wasn’t too hard to relight, the flippers were relatively close together, and if the ball went down the right outlane you could punch the ball between the flippers. The best part was when the ball went down the right outlane an animation started and it says Nooooooo, we would save the ball through the flippers and say Yes! I went to college in Lexington in 93 and I got paired up with a roommate from Texas, we became best friends. In the age before cell phones we called each other and picked a meeting spot where we could find each other, so of course I chose the arcade at the mall. While we were there of course I couldn’t resist playing Star Wars but what was crazy is that I put in 50 cents and when I walked away there were 25 or 27 credits on the game that I put on there over 2 or 3 hours and 5 or 10 people were gathered around watching. I felt like a super turd for keeping him there for so long and on the tenth or so time I asked him if he was sure he didn’t mind me continuing to play he responded “are you serious, this is the best thing I have ever seen!” Instant best friends after that, what a memory!

[@danielharris1214]

@@bigj2518 Noob

[@bigj2518]

Hey Daniel Harris, you clearly have no idea who I am or how bad I can crush you on any and every obscure crap table that you and your pinball nerd brethren think is cool because nobody else knows that it even exists. You might share my opinion about Twilight Zone if you were remotely capable of touring the door 3 or 4 times in one game but the fact that you probably have only seen the wizard mode on KZbin videos obscures your poor judgement. Anyone can be partial to a particular table due to a multitude of reasons ranging from accessibility to nostalgia to theme to affinity to certain shots. The fact that you refer to someone as a noob due to their choice of table simply exhibits that you are some kind of pinball snob or internet troll or both. Thankfully little weasels like yourself were nowhere in my vicinity while I was crushing tables far and wide and filling up every Machine with my initials from the bottom to the top. In the future if I care to hear your opinion I’ll tell you what it is first and then you can repeat it back to me.

[@CaptNRetro]

@@bigj2518 I have played that Data East Star Wars game many times.. it’s a classic.. great story.. thanks for sharing

[@bigj2518]

My pleasure, there was something about that game it played really smoothly.

[@Serbofreak]

Addams Family, Funhouse, Dracula, Getaway 2, Indiana Jones, Shadow, Pacman, Red and Ted's Roadshow....

[@johnytwotimes4072]

Attack from Mars was my main reason for going to the local arcade from 15 to 25 when it closed. My high score was lost after it was repaired once. I miss that machine to this day ten plus years later

[@TylerMcNamer]

Pinball is insanely popular here in Seattle. I've seen twenty people lined up for Cactus Canyon! The remastered high definition version of the game recently released. I've played it and it's outstanding!

[@townlinetim876]

I want all of those machines.

[@CaptNRetro]

me too

[@Kariakas]

Godzilla would be in this list now.

[@michaeljkasnter]

Deadpool never gets old!! Pin Woofer and other mods !!! Phenomenal flow

[@CaptNRetro]

the snikt shot is super satisfying

[@miguelangelgonzalez9835]

❤️Theather of Magic, Arabian Nights, Elvira Mistress of Madness (Scared Stiff)❤️, Apollo 13, Terminator 3, Playboy, The Adams Family, Star Wars, Taxi, The Simpsons...

[@CaptNRetro]

hell of a top 10 !

[@antonvlasjuk3079]

Arabian nights is a gorgeous pin, but it is way to dependent of the lamp!! SS i really like!!

[@stirgy4312]

I was addicted hard to one game in particular. That was Bally's Creature from the Black Lagoon. Eventually I made 1 quarter go a very long way sometimes over an hour! Extra ball! Extra ball!

[@christopherzdebski5259]

Twilight Zone, Attack From Mars and Medieval Madness Big name Classics!!!!

[@bigj2518]

Twilight zone was the best game ever made, hands down.

[@davegrams1438]

This and the Jurassic Park from DataEast (I think it is like 1993) Those are my 2 all time favs.

[@antonvlasjuk3079]

I think Avengers , and Iron Maiden are the most beautiful Stern pins!! Fantastic games playwise too

[@CaptNRetro]

Absolutely gorgeous machines

[@antonvlasjuk3079]

@@CaptNRetro Ghostbusters looks really good too

[@scottarosss7640]

This list is incomplete without Addams Family

[@ChicagoRetroGamer]

This is a marvelous list. Props for compiling, I imagine it was a ton of work, but probably a fun one to work on.

[@CaptNRetro]

Thanks.. I need to do an updated list.. it’s really changed a lot in last year

[@georgebaillie5395]

I ave enjoyed pinball for over 65 years but now I feel its passed me. Of the games on this list I have play three. The others I have never seen except in videos like this. I do heartily agree with number has been one my favorites for years.

[@CaptNRetro]

the games have definitely gotten more crammed with stuff to do..but pinball is still pinball..hit the flashing light, keep the ball alive, make your shots count..now if only I could pay attention to my own advice! Thanks for watching!

[@georgebaillie5395]

@@CaptNRetro happy daze.....have found a place with many of the newer games and an excellent selection of older ones. Downtown Tarpon Springs Florida at the Replay Museum. If you’re in the area must stop and check out.

[@CaptNRetro]

@@georgebaillie5395 awesome man! go play till ya pass out!

[@billlumberg6086]

Theatre of Magic -!!!! No 1 forevvvvvaaaààaaaaaaaaa

[@youvsyou945]

Love the Iron Maiden, Tron Legacy is my grail though. Cool vid, thanks.

[@CaptNRetro]

Thanks for checking it out! Love me some Tron man!

[@SuperBoomshack]

Medieval Madness, Iron Maiden, and Creature from the Black Lagoon are my top 3

[@jameskelvin6720]

I think Black Hole should be on there. Dropped reverse pinball game inside the main pinball game. It still blows my mind. Have a great NewYear!

[@CaptNRetro]

right now Black hole sits in the #127 spot on the list...but yes..it is innovative and cool as hell!

[@skippychurch2965]

On the top 10? No man. No no no.

[@WitchyWagonReal]

Well, really as far as “Top Ten” tables lists go... it really isn’t fair to compare late model DMD tables with older System 11 or EM machines... or for that matter, in some respects the new LCD/OLED tables are a different animal from even the old dot matrix display games. The crazy complex toys and DMD of the late ‘90s are a whole different gameplay experience from the mid ‘80s tables, more so even than ‘80s tables are from ‘70s and ‘60s tables. More appropriate would be the rank “Top Ten” lists by era... some of these top ten in the video are the “post pinball bankruptcy” era (the “new pinball revival” era?) in the 2010s, and can’t really be called “greatest ever” yet. Not enough time has passed to see if the infatuation and fad experience has yet worn off... case in point, the Avengers game. It won’t be remembered as “all time.” 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@WitchyWagonReal]

Black Hole is definitely on a “Top Ten” list all time... pre-DMD ‘80s machines. It was innovative for its time and competition. It’s traditional pinball, with a non-traditional multi-tiered playfield. With outstanding gameplay. But comparing it to like, say Medieval Madness, is to compare a Nintendo NES game to a Playstation 2 game... they are not the same animals.

[@ScottParisi]

Great list. Would be amazing if any of these were available at the prices you mentioned.

[@CaptNRetro]

There are deals out there.. I find em all the time.. watch the channel!

[@catzblu999]

Every pin - "This pin has it ALL"

[@CaptNRetro]

that's cause they do..they just all do something different with it all

[@sebs2306live2]

This is great man !!

[@CaptNRetro]

thanks so much for watching!

[@BIGD-gj1vb]

Always had a soft spot for Earthshaker ❤

[@thewoodbarionshow2223]

Great video Man!👍

[@CaptNRetro]

Thanks for watching dude!

[@Emceemur]

Deadpool & Monster Bash look phenomenal. What if there was a Danzig pinball machine? You could make one...

[@CaptNRetro]

dude..a Danzig machine would be the illest!

[@hoganzeros3572]

There is a misfits table in vpx that looks good and plays lots of danzig vocals!

[@waynegram8907]

Why do newer SS pinball games use AC solenoid selector circuits?

[@dudeimbaked1112]

The last one you showed I played it in Tacoma WA arcade

[@clearstar8354]

Since the making of this video AIQ (Avengers Infinity Quest) has dropped all the way down to #13, it was #2 in this video, crazy to think it was ahead of JP?!

[@CaptNRetro]

Time to update the list!!

[@VeraDragon]

Dang Attack from Mars at 6 now, that’s one of my all time faves next to medieval madness But I played the hell out of that thing as a kid at the restaurant near my house

[@bobbymalhi6082]

Only played the virtual version of midevil madness, and loved it.

[@nathanixslade]

What you use to plau in PC?

[@joeys5429]

Can't believe Adam's family or getaway 2 or fish tales didnt get a mention

[@sixxdemon6634]

No addsms family...?

[@aaronnicholas5477]

JJP GNR is like "Wait till they get a load of me."

[@CaptNRetro]

it might be on the list by now

[@expfighter5112]

@@CaptNRetro IF they ever get the playfield problems fixed!

[@chmuso1017]

Sad to see TNA isnt here. But yes good list!

[@howardbrown3164]

Good too know you captain

[@joym3357]

it also has several montypython and the holy grail refrances 8:26

[@McGoogger]

Am I the only one who is obsessed w Segas Frankenstein machine

[@antonvlasjuk3079]

You gotta remove MM from this list, and add Stern's Godzilla... Fantastic game!!

[@CaptNRetro]

I don't make the list!

[@Mechulus]

AIQ is great (I own it), but not a top 10. PinSide ratings are bogus because people who buy the machine need to justify their purchase and inflate the ratings. There's tons of 10.0 ratings on machines for that reason alone. Kick out all 9.9 and higher ratings, and ratings with no comment explaining why they rated the machine the way they did, and you'll see a much different picture.

[@Ryanwilt444]

Hey Capt. there is a Deadpool machine on Craigslist in Denver for $5400 I was hunting when you mentioned it in the background video and it was the next machine on the list lol

[@CaptNRetro]

that's crazy timing! I'm still looking for one

[@antonvlasjuk3079]

Medieval Madness is in my opinion not as good as JP, Avengers, or Iron Maiden!! They are 5 times better!!

[@CaptNRetro]

I’m biased as my favorite pin has been MM since it came out.. I’m old..

[@WitchyWagonReal]

This is like comparing PS2 games to PS4 or PS5 games. It’s not that the new games are better or worse... it’s that Medieval Madness was the best game of its era and competition. You can’t compare, say Zelda on N64 to the new Zelda games and say the new one is “better...” objectively, most advancements in gaming are improvements, but the games of the time must be ranked by their era- if they still remain fantastic to play despite not being as advanced in technology as the newer games, chances are they are the “best” examples of the games at the time.

[@antonvlasjuk3079]

@@WitchyWagonReal Medieval Madness is more a collectors game.... Addams Family is much more fun than MM is...

[@Guy-mx4fb]

I wish I owned a home to own these

[@havardhagen2278]

How do you rate Guns`n and Roses from JJ?

[@CaptNRetro]

it's amazing..i'd give it a 9 out of 10..too much Fat Axel for me!

[@NeonNijahn]

Why is the big lebowski game so underrated

[@purplegreenredyellow]

Medieval Madness rules! Here is out musical tribute: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p17KaquCrZ15m7M They took our pinball machines!

[@CaptNRetro]

wicked song man

[@TiltingT]

So cap what is YOUR top 10?

[@CaptNRetro]

don't worry..there's a list coming!

[@TiltingT]

@@CaptNRetro Cool Ill be looking forward to it!. Hope you and your family have a great New Year!

[@ruben_santos]

Just... Wow!! 🤘

[@SatANGEL666666]

Twilight Zone is on the 9th place????? What the fudge?

[@CaptNRetro]

I don't make the list..just the video!

[@bluecatlullaby818]

Anyone else looking forward to tomb keeper mansion pinball releasing tomorrow?

[@mrpb6399]

The original machines play so much better than the reproduction games.

[@CaptNRetro]

I agree

[@tylerrue3108]

Downvote for using footage of virtual pinball instead of the real thing. It isn't THAT hard to find a real machine.

[@CaptNRetro]

Thanks for telling me why u didn't like the video! Most people just click thumbs down and hide..I appreciate the feedback and interaction!

[@covercalls88]

My Williams Indiana Jones machine has really dropped off the list. Still it is a keeper as I bought it for $1200 10 years ago, except for the faded cabinet the rest of it is a 9.. of the 16 games I own the only one still on the list is the Twilight Zone conditoin 8 in my bank at home, another keeper I picked up 8 years ago for $1000 which was the last one i bought.. My collection is probably worth about $65,000, Machines now days are just too expensive to consider buying any more.

[@CaptNRetro]

You can still find deals! My channel is all about finding gems for rock bottom prices!

[@tomgold5006]

Cactus canyon

[@CaptNRetro]

an awesome game..but not a lot were made..it's rare..but word is Chicago Gaming is going to be re-releasing it soon!

[@tomgold5006]

They had it at my local coffee shop so as a teen we would play high noon very high

[@memyopinionsche6610]

Infinity quest should have been infinity Stones related. After AVENGERS ENDGAME...

[@chiichii52]

How is black knight not on this list?! :(

[@CaptNRetro]

I don't make the list! and i love BK too!

[@memyopinionsche6610]

And with STERN INFINITY QUEST game... They should let THANOS take over gameplay with the infinity stones.. Well now you're high scored gone backwards with the time stone... And reality stone.. There's suddenly magnets under the playfield... That will try to mess up your gameplay.. And reality stone.. Your high scores suddenly goes backwards... Mind stone.. Your high score don't mean nothing and wiped out. Because he can. And sole stone.. you now have unlimited free life..

[@CaptNRetro]

you should design pinball machines

[@tommyhatcher3399]

Everything new I find ugly. That Deadpool game just looks like a mess to me. Wish I had that Iron Maiden pinball. Great band. First thing I'd do, though, is make Eddie look a little less like Lord Zedd.

[@CaptNRetro]

Deadpool is very busy artwise..but man oh man the flow of that game is awesome!

[@viciousvictortee1298]

Where's Nedry? Check the vending Machines....

[@banned849]

hello students

[@jaywilliams8730]

Oh come on no black rose?!

[@CaptNRetro]

Don’t think that one is even top 50... but I don’t make the list! If it’s in your top 10 that’s cool!

[@jaywilliams8730]

@@CaptNRetrofirst uh hi didn’t think you see this second what’s wrong with black rose it’s dope pirate theme pinball machine I will admit it’s no pirates of the Caribbean’s but still

[@CaptNRetro]

@@jaywilliams8730 nothing wrong with it.. I love that game.. I’m a huge Bally guy.. and it clicks a lot of boxes for me.. but this list is compiled by user ratings over at Pinside.com and I don’t think Black Rose has cracked the top 50.. there are a lot of amazing pinball machines and Pirates are a big theme and have been throughout many decades.. I dig a good pirate flick and pin too!

[@jaywilliams8730]

@@CaptNRetro oh ok got it thanks for the clarification

[@mightycirus]

Black rose is sexy machine I love that machine i played it at a six flags long time ago I am glad it’s on the ps4 fx3 pinball because Williams pissed me off when they took away twilight zone from normal pinball arcade for the ps4 they are assholes for doing that

[@Xmechful]

This list is bullshit. Stop listening to everyone else's opinion and go play them. William's Indiana Jones isn't even on your list! Where's Adam's Family? I could go on...

[@CaptNRetro]

Maybe if you paid attention to the title.. you’d understand that I don’t choose the games, it’s based on Pinside user ratings..

[@Xmechful]

@@CaptNRetro you posted them anyway, my point is the list is BS

[@MegaHowtoMan]

I like your enthusiasm but there's no way Jurassic Park should be number three. It's a jam fest with confusing rules and tight budgets shots. I got the new guns and roses, that should definitely be in there

[@CaptNRetro]

I don’t make the list.. blame pinsiders

[@chrisgardiner2215]

Pinbot...class of 1812.... black hole...... big bang bar ?????? wtf

[@CaptNRetro]

take it up with pinside!

[@chrisgardiner2215]

@@CaptNRetro I hear ya : )

[@eddiethepizzahero]

Those newer sterns do not deserve to be in the top 10.

[@CaptNRetro]

go to pinside and let em know!

[@eddiethepizzahero]

@@CaptNRetro you and I both know, that's useless. Or do we?

[@ladiesman2048]

Jurassic Park and Elvira don't deserve a spot but Iron Maiden and Deadpool definitely do. Heck, Deadpool's ruleset and layout are so good it could even be number one!