Whirlwind or Back to the Future?

sohchx

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I am trying to decide between these two pins on which to own. I really,really love whirlwind but at the same time I like BTF as I grew up watching that movie almost daily as a kid and hearing the voices and music brings back tons of good memories. Which would you choose? What are your personal opinions on the games based on build quality,game play,and reliability? I know that Williams made quality machines but I know nothing about Data East and the quality of their games.
 
Whirlwind will have staying power, lots of fun and variety.

Data east games, as much as i try to like them, they dont do it for me. Lately, i have been looking for a 1k machine, of course i look to DE games, and just cant pull the trigger.

Is the complete package - artwork (there is not one game where i think the artwork is up to standards), theme integration, variety or rules and shots, even sounds, all are a let down.
 
My choice would be WW. I was never as real big fan of BTTF (the pin) at all. Plus, another deciding factor is the availability of parts for BTTF - which basically there is none unless someone parts one out...

People may bash DE all they want (keep the prices down) but I LOVE them. Some of my personal favs: Laser War, Star Wars, Batman, Phantom of the Opera, Tales from The Crypt, Tommy - soooooo many good ones!
 
There's a lot to say for theme. If you like a theme, it will add a lot to the enjoyment of playing it.
 
I thought I'd like Back to the Future(the game). It lasted a very very short while, maybe a few weeks. It was very repetitive and just flat out boring. I hate the really wide ramp entrances.

On the contrary I have had Whirlwind for about 4 years.
 
I am trying to decide between these two pins on which to own. I really,really love whirlwind but at the same time I like BTF as I grew up watching that movie almost daily as a kid and hearing the voices and music brings back tons of good memories. Which would you choose? What are your personal opinions on the games based on build quality,game play,and reliability? I know that Williams made quality machines but I know nothing about Data East and the quality of their games.

WW is a better game in all respects...design, gameplay, toys, features. It's got spinning discs, scoops, an upper flipper with ramp and loop shots, a fan that blows in your face...

BTTF has....theme. There's almost nothing going on on the playfield, and the gameplay boils down to - drops, lock, repeat, multiball...done.

If the same price, WW all the way.
 
Thanks for chiming in on this guys. I forgot to take into consideration parts availabiltiy for both machines. Are parts easier to find for the Whirlwind machine or is it just about the same as BTF?
 
Whirlwind was my first pin purchase and I will never sell it. I still play the game weekly. I just like everything about it.
 
I am personally a Data East fan and my first game ever was Jurassic Park....

With that being said I would still go WW over BTTF....

BTTF didn't have the rights to MJ Fox so the art doesn't look right and they voiceovers are just horrible for him (sounds like a 12 year old pre-pubesent boy)
 
Having played both a lot (and owning a WW), go with Whirlwind.

My biggest beef with BTTF was the artwork - as noted no rights to show MJF, and the image of him is just flat out *ugly* - looks like he went face down in a fire pit :p

BTTF audio is pretty good, but it gets pretty easy to just loop the ramps over and over for massive jackpots - doesn't have the staying power that Whirlwind does.

I still like BTTF, and think it's one of the better DE games from the period, but definitely go with WW between the two.
 
put me down as one that thinks WW gets extremely boring over time. it was always in my "top 5 must own" list, but after repeated plays, i just can't stomach it anymore.

not saying BTTF would fare any better in a collection.
 
I'm a huge BTTF fan, but I would have to say Whirlwind for replay value and fun factor. It's just flat out a better game. I'm not a pin expert, but I'm guessing Whirlwind holds more value as well.

Another thing that irks me about BTTF is that they didn't even get to use Michael J. Fox's likeness so you got some character that kind of looks like him. Not like Indiana Jones or another movie pin that actually uses the actor's likeness.
 
Whirlwind is an all time Lawlor classic. (He also designed Funhouse, Earthshaker, TZ, TAF to name a few). In no way, shape, or form does BTTF come close to comparison.
 
Let me say NEITHER!
BTTF is absolutely gawd awful of a game. I have nothing to say good about it.
WW was made by one of my favorite designers and ya know what? That game for me and several other friends sucked big ass hairy monkey nuts. The audio call outs are of terrible quality and probably what killed it for me.
Game play - when the ball starts volleying off the slings a high chance it'll drain on ya. (likes to drain on left a lot more than right it seems)
Achieving Mega cellar door is WAY to easy on standard settings.
All in all, for me the rule set is just weak and the audio portion really sucks. Acheiving the air raid is most rewarding shot of all time though. (Google it). I watched my wife do it 3 times in one game!

Lots of love for WW but not from this guy. I'd take an Earthshaker or Funhouse any day over WW. (Yes I've owned those as well.)

I cannot tell you enough to FORGET what ANYONE has to say about these pins. Seek them out and play them - play them a lot! Falling victim to pin hype really sucks. (Bought WW off hype and regretted it).
 
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