I simply could not get over how beautiful the artwork looks.  The pictures gave me some idea of how great this pin looks, but until I saw it in person I did not realize the crisp detail present in both the translite and playfield.  When I stepped up to the machine I had to wonder if I was dreaming because the Monopoly game looked so good that it seemed as if I had found some unknown Williams pinball game.

I started to put in some quarters to play the game and noticed two people sitting right behind me who seemed more than casually interested in this pinball machine. I had never met Pat Lawlor, but I had seen some pictures of him and I thought, could it be him?

Sure enough, Pat Lawlor and Greg Dunlap were sitting in attendance to gauge reactions and look for any playing issues in this, the only Monopoly game in existence at that time.  I had the chance to talk with both of them for a little while and could truly appreciate the effort that went into the making of Monopoly. 

On to the game. I do not think anyone has really talked too much about the skill shot so I will try to describe it in detail.  The skill shot in this game is a real delight and tough to hit as well.  It takes a light touch on the plunger to hit the shot.  There is an outhole(the Waterworks) that a small flipper rotates over the top of, slowly at first and then faster as you continue to make the shot.  So you have to estimate the time it will take for the ball to drop into the hole and settle before the rotating flipper knocks it out into play. No easy task.  Hit the shot a few times and the flipper will begin to rotate in a different direction, then faster again. Pat commented that he thought it was one of the best skill shots out there. I would agree.

I know that others have already described the game and pictures have been posted, so you know what Monopoly looks like.  When I was playing Monopoly I particularly noticed the feel of the game, the experience if you will. Everything flowed together so well. Sights, sounds, DMD display.  It was so much FUN to play.  Easy shots, difficult shots, everything tied into the theme of Monopoly.  Stern flippers?  I could have sworn I saw a "W" on these, they feel great.  It reminded me of a number of Pat Lawlor's pins, either in the shots or the appearance of the playfield:  NGG, TAF, SC, and Whirlwind come to mind.

One mode I thought was alot of fun was where the silver car raced the dog on the DMD. It is not a video mode.  To be expected on a Lawlor game, there are no video modes.  Anyway, as you keep hitting switches you move your car from one side of the DMD to the other and beat the dog.  During the mode, hit the ball into the Electric Company and see what happens to the dog.

It was interesting to see Pat noting the small adjustments he was going to make to
the game.  For example, when the ball upkicked out of the Community Chest it would occasionally hit the left slingshot and head down the right outlane.  Pat said, "Thats not right.  I will have to set the software to ensure the ball kicks out hard enough so that outlane drains do not happen."  He really cares about every nuance in the play of the game and wants the playing experience to be fun for the player.  Still some bugs to work out, but that is typical of a test game.

I really enjoyed playing Monopoly and decided on the spot that it would be my next NIB purchase. (Gotta love my wife, I received spousal consent on my cellphone.)

Obviously, the designers are to be thanked for this effort, but a special thanks to Gary Stern for having the foresight and vision to construct a game that could be enjoyed by the pinball hobbyist.

He said he would and now here it is--Monopoly.

Brian Bannon