Found 4 ratings (with comment) on this game

Bought this machine for cheap and was planning to sell it right away but it’s actually so much fun that I’ve decided to keep it. Targets, Roto-Target, working on the bonus multiplier grid is super fun. I even like the variable skill shot start. Lots to do, fun game!

Torch is in the top third of all the system 1 games for gameplay but at the bottom of the pack in the art work department . system 1 on steroids 10 X bonus is like bringing home the GOLD

Torch is a better game that most people think it is. It's a simple Gottlieb EM layout with an interesting bonus scheme.

The Pros:
A simple layout with a shooter's eye in mind. 2 sets of 5 drops as well as a long shot to a roto-target that randomizes your shots with quite a bit of frequency. The two sets of blue/green inserts at the top will light the alternating extra ball at the flipper lanes. There is a (unusual) partial bonus collect rule through the top right hand gate of the PF. This is interesting as it keeps the game moving forward but still rewarding the player a good bonus (with bonus X) even if the ball drains immediately after the upper gate is scored. Flipper skills, especially drop catches and dead bounces are an absolute necessity as the ball running up the inlane is a sure way to lose your turn if you are not on point with your ability to slow down and control the pinball. The A-B-C / 1-2-3 multiplier scheme reminds me of one of my favorite Stern decks, Big Game! Good nudging skills keep the ball in play at the outlanes. The lower PF has a very dangerous set of "square" angles from the drops to the slings. The upper PF is designed to punish missed shots and get the ball moving in lateral angles to keep you on your toes by the time the ball reaches the flippers. WAKE UP!

The Cons:
Why is the gate at the upper right hand of the PF not a spinner? A slight adjustment in the position (closer to the standup) would make the upper right hand of the PF much more interesting and worthy of skillful play. This game must be properly maintained with snappy pops and fresh rubber rings to play as it should. If not, this game can get old, fast.

The Takeaway:
John Buras is not a name that most pinheads think of as a top Gottlieb designer. While his game list is relatively short, the quality of his decks are solid. Buck Rogers, Black Hole, Mars- God of War and the painfully overlooked Rack 'em up! as well as a few others. Reaching 10x is not easy and may take an extra spin or 7 of the roto to complete the tic-tac-toe bank. This is part of the game and part of it's charm. Some players may complain about the random nature of decks like this. I think it's all pinball and this game is one of the better early SS gottlieb games that were made. It's interesting that the East German flag was removed from the production BG, but then again, the soviet bloc did boycott the 1980 LA Olympics...

I wouldn't mind having a copy of this deck in my collection. Find one if ya can!

System 1 at its finest. Upon first glance, Torch doesn't look like much, but after delving into the game... the rule set is pretty deep as it is reminiscent of an EM, which is a good thing!
First things first: complete the two sets of rollovers which will light up your two sets of drop target banks and increase their value. This will also light up your extra ball lanes, but be careful as the lanes are unforgivable, so a well timed nudge should be able to keep the ball in play. Now you have to figure out when to hit the roto-target or spin it. It takes some strategy and good precision to maximize your points!
My only complaint is when your bonus is adding up, you lose any meaningful shots that you make as it is trying to catch up. i usually try to trap the ball or send it through the gate, back down to the plunger during this sequence.