pre-ordered a premium immediately after the reveal, because like Godzilla, it was instantly clear to me what a unique and creative machine Jaws is.
I’ve owned Jurassic Park and currently also own a Godzilla.
I sold Jurassic Park recently, because theme-wise, while I’m more of a Jurassic Park fan, Jaws is simply executed better.
From the soundtrack to callouts to music to shots to rules, Jaws is just way more fun than Jurassic Park.
Is it better than Godzilla? If 0.87 code is any indication, it absolutely could be, but it’s difficult to say at this moment. Overall, my instinct is to say “no”. Godzilla is just such a perfect game, and Jaws has a few key flaws.
The shot to the reel spinner on the right is marred by airballs. Whether that’s the cause of flex in the chumline plastic or the spinner’s post protector rail, I’m not certain, but I am certain this flaw cannot be fixed with code. Stern will either need to fix this problem or owners will need mods, but no matter how you slice it, it’s an unfortunate oversight in an otherwise sublime layout.
I debated docking a point for layout, but even with this glaring problem, it’s still better than most layouts. Is it better than Godzilla’s layout? It’s not a difficult argument to be made, as there are just so many satisfying and creative shots. Some people say the upper playfield doesn’t add much because it’s difficult to shoot and achieve… are wizard modes also not adding value? It’s nice to have some difficult, rarely accessed shots, because when you rip that reel spinner or loop on the upper playfield, you feel like a god.
I’ll die on the hill that the 180 wave ramp path to the upper playfield, to the 180 tower ramp shot, to the 180 wire form, to the 180 left orbit spinner might be the most satisfying sequence of shots in the history of pinball. I feel sorry for those who can’t experience the adrenaline high of making that shot. Travis Murie (11th in the world last year) recently talked about making that shot for the first time and immediately stopping his game to call someone about how amazing it is.
But pretty much everything about this game is incredible:
Code is outstanding especially for 0.87
Art is minimal, and nearly theme-perfect. As someone who currently owns 5 Zombie Yeti games and considers him to be THE best pinball artist of all time, it’s kinda nice to a have a more paired back playfield. The theme is water, and a lot of the art is water…. What do you expect? Elaborate murals depicting sharks eating pinballs?
Video assets are Stern’s best-to-date by far. The sheer amount of end-of-ball clips is brilliant, and makes you wonder why it hasn’t been done before.
The upper right flipper’s ability to trap and lock balls during multi ball is just another flash of brilliance on a game that is absolutely shining with unique, fun, original ideas.
The video mode is the best video mode in any pinball machine I’ve ever played.
Between the iconic Jaws theme and other John Williams score pieces, it can sound a little same, but it’s a lot better than I would have thought. The celebration music after reeling in a shark is exactly the kind of light and fun moments that make this game great and put a smile on my face.
The game has a lot more heart and humor than I was expecting, just like Godzilla.
We already have Godzilla, I don’t want another. We got the perfect game to eat a ball - the trex on Jurassic park, I don’t want another.
When you open yourself to the originality and brilliance of Jaws, you’ll realize another future classic is right in front of you.
Perth
Crestview, FL
Paris
Niagara Falls, ON
