I've discovered recently that theme is not as important to me as I first thought.
I have had a Terminator 2 for some time and I love that theme.
However I can't get a good game out of it and the machine itself is in awesome condition.
I just don't enjoy playing it. Maybe I'm just a crap player but there doesn't seem to be much to it.
The Shadow always comes to my mind as a theme that sucked from a bad movie but what a fun game.
It has some really interesting innovations and ideas, good player.
Getaway has very little depth but is one of my favourite games.
I really think it depends on the pin. Some games are good fun but they don't tick all the boxes.
I rate a game on how much I enjoy playing in the first few games. A good game should suck you in straight away but this different for each person.
Whether that's the flashing lights, theme, music or whatever. Above all, I want to have fun playing.
For me the bonus is a deeper rule set for when I get better at the game.
Good topic, I'd love to see others opinions.