Re: Favourite EM (what is your?)
It tough to have a favourite EM since I'm only beginning to explore this era of games.
I played the odd EM when I was younger, and most remember all those variations of El Dorado. I loved going at all those drop targets. Today, games like Bucanneer also bring back memories (something about that backglass). Recently joining TOPL exposed me to some more EMs and convinced me these games should have a place in my collection.
I bought my first EM last year from a local wedgehead collector who was offering for sale games like High Hand, Pro Pool... but I ended up choosing a
Volley. Love that arrangement of drop targets. I then bought a Target Alpha but sold it soon after, yet I still own my Volley. It's a keeper and I consider it one of my favourites. Simple, elegant and certainly has that 'just one more game' characteristic.
During my first trip to Pinburgh earlier this year I had the pleasure of seeing so many more EMs (in amazing condition I might add) and a few caught my eye as games I'd like to have - my other favourites if you will.
4)
Surfer. A Gottlieb 2 player (aka 4 player Surf Champ). Another good game from the duo of Ed Krynski/Gordon Morison. Not a wedgehead but still has that same gameplay feel.
3)
Mars Trek. A multiplayer EM by Sonic. Three flippers, standups, two saucers, two spinners and a unique asymmetrical layout. A challenging game. Played this first at TOPL and again at Pinburgh in tournament.
2)
King of Diamonds - A card themed Gottlieb wedgehead from 1967. 3 inch flippers with a carousel and a cool backbox animation to track the 13 cards you are trying to collect. Sweet.
This one I'd add to my collection tomorrow:
1)
Jumping Jack (two player version of Jack in The Box). This one has great angles! A four flipper game! Lot of targets, a couple saucer ejects, and pop bumpers near your lower flippers to keep you on your toes as well as give you a shot at saving that outlane drain. If I were to pick my current favourite EM, it would be this one!
I'm sure I will discover more 'favourites' :FP: