Author Topic: Fathom; Opinions please  (Read 389 times)

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Offline Pop Bumper Pete

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Fathom; Opinions please
« on: June 26, 2010, 05:44:19 PM »
Once more I see that dealer from Germany has a Fathom up on e-bay and I was wondering what peoples opinions were on this game

Is it fun to play or is its reputation higher because so few of them have ever come to Australia?

Back in the day, I did really enjoy playing ‘Eight Ball Deluxe’ (Will get one, one day  ::) ) and also Centaur
I do have fun playing my Flash Gordon

Your opinion would be appreciated

Pete

Offline Strangeways

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2010, 08:24:38 PM »

One of my very favorite machines. Hard to track down in Australia, and I remember emailing every owner in Australia to see if they would part with theirs. I've seen one on Aussie eBay - and it was trashed - would have been 5 years ago.

It is one pinball that has earned its reputation - and when you play it, you will know why. It is fast, has an abundance of targets and has a fun mutiball. It was released at a time where Bally released a series of machines - Medusa, Fathom, Centaur and Eight Ball Deluxe. These four are simply awesome machines. Forgetting about the art (second only to Paragon), it is similar to Williams Flash and Bally Skateball. Both a fun games to play, but neither are multiball. Fathom is a game that will have lasting appeal and it will keep it's price.

If you like EBD - you will love Fathom. Medusa is a little Harder, Centaur a little easier.

It's price in increasing as they get harder to track down. But the fun factor outweighs the price. They push $4000 - $4500 here. I've heard of some selling around $5000 from dealers. The one listed will cost $5000= Landed.

I love the game so much, I have THREE. One will be a keeper and be completely restored - playfield, cabinet, plastics etc ! I have one in the garage Pete, I can set it up for you if that helps you decide (not reconditioned or restored) and you can have a game or two !


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Offline markc

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #2 on: June 26, 2010, 11:49:14 PM »
how long did it take you Nino to find yours ........


Offline Pop Bumper Pete

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2010, 02:54:16 AM »
Pete, I can set it up for you if that helps you decide (not reconditioned or restored) and you can have a game or two !

I would love it if you could set up half of the games you have in your shed ;)

Offline Strangeways

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2010, 11:39:08 AM »
how long did it take you Nino to find yours ........



Around 10 - 15 years - same as Medusa !

Pete, I can set it up for you if that helps you decide (not reconditioned or restored) and you can have a game or two !

I would love it if you could set up half of the games you have in your shed ;)

Mate - so would I !

I did have it up and running when I got it, but it needs work. New targets, bumper caps etc.
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Offline braddo

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #5 on: June 27, 2010, 12:15:17 PM »
Just going off topic for a sec, and since it's been mentioned, how's the gameplay of Medusa Strangeways?? Any flaws?? Anything you DONT like about the game or find annoying? Any other game you can compare it to?
WTB (or possibly trade) - 1980 Stern ALI

Offline Extra Ball

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2010, 02:41:14 PM »
I didnt like Medusa, its difficulty spoils the flow and fun for me.

Offline Strangeways

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #7 on: June 27, 2010, 02:46:18 PM »
Just going off topic for a sec, and since it's been mentioned, how's the gameplay of Medusa Strangeways?? Any flaws?? Anything you DONT like about the game or find annoying? Any other game you can compare it to?

Hardest Bally machine by a mile. Unique in that it has a display in the playfield (Vector is similar) with a bonus counter and a timer. Nearly all the scoring is done in the top section where the Drop Targets are located. It is VERY fast and the outlanes are very unforgiving. The pop bumpers are down low - this makes the game fast. Keep the ball up the top of the playfield - that's the secret.

I've had games where I've scored 1,750,000 in one ball, but most games I struggle to hit 250,000.

It is hard to compare it to other Ballys of that era, because it is unique. Slightly close to Flash Gordon perhaps ?
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Offline madness

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #8 on: June 27, 2010, 05:34:20 PM »
I didnt like Medusa, its difficulty spoils the flow and fun for me.

Man,
Is there anything you have not played or seen in person :lol

Offline Extra Ball

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #9 on: June 27, 2010, 05:40:35 PM »
Mate I didnt get into post 1980's pins until a few years ago. I have only played the games I have because of pinball meets. Meets are equally the best thing about the hobby. But I could list hundreds of games I havent played, and some are common machines. I am yet to play for eg. Cue Ball Wizard, and last nite played for the first time WWF Royal Rumble, Zac Clown, and Surf and Safari (3 new games in one nite  ())

Offline thefasteddy69

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2010, 05:12:58 PM »
Very cool I love the 80's machines. The sounds are the best as well.

Haven't tried Fathom or Medusa, but the artwork in that period was out of this world. I would imagine if the machine was in good nick and the price is accpetable to you, a Fathom would be a good investment but most importantly judging from feedback also could be a good player.

Offline The pinballist formally known as Dean Morgan

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Re: Fathom; Opinions please
« Reply #11 on: June 30, 2010, 05:16:06 PM »
Gotta love any machine with inline drop targets #*#
Im a Gottlieb Man - System 1 & 80 Rock