Kronnix's ratings

It's almost impossible not to love this pin! It still gets heavy play time even after 2 years in the collection.
Shots - The flow is second to none. Almost every shot leads to somewhere you wouldn't expect. Cheap drains are a rare occurrence. Every shot is achievable from the easier to hit right ramp, to the harder VUK to start modes (which can be frustrating sometimes).
Theme - Lets be honest, this is probably the weakest part for most people. But like it or not, they stayed remarkably faithful with a plethora of assets to work with and incorporate into the game.
Art - It's amazing! ZY is the current master of his trade. Not much more to add here :).

wrap up - There's a reason this is the highest rated pin on Pinside and continues to sell. The differences between the pro and prem are minor in my opinion. Some may disagree but you're getting a great game either way with metal ramps that give that satisfying metallic sound as the ball zips around on them (you know the sounds I'm talking about).

I was initially cautious about picking up AIQ as it is (probably) the least appreciated of Elwin's games. But every time I played this game on location I couldn't stop! So it was inevitable that it would eventually wind up in my collection. Now, over 50 games later, I am genuinely glad it's here!
As you would expect from Elwin, the flow is fantastic! Does it have Elwin's best flow? No, I think that still goes to GZ :).
Theme gets a thumbs up from me. What's not to like about assembling the Avengers and fighting Thanos and his minions? Is it Avengers the film? No, but if you're into the comics (like I am) then this is still perfect for theme. Would it have been better using the movie theme? Arguably, yes, but I feel like this is where Zombie Yeti's artwork was really allowed to be free and create an awesome, comic book, inspired design package.

Pros:
Great flow (as expected)!
Amazing art!
Awesome theme!
Modes are straight forward and easy to start with tons of side goals you can work towards.
Several satisfying shots and combos!

My gripes:
The music package is forgettable with no familiar theme songs or super exciting hero-style music (in my opinion). Some of the other sounds can be somewhat repetitive as well. Most of the voice acting is also sub-par and, with the exception of Thor, sound nothing like what you'd expect.
The left bank of targets - It's not that they don't work, but they are extremely tough to clear (especially the bottom most target). The rules surrounding this bank are also far too complex to be fun in my opinion - like a hero version of a Bingo card. Luckily, they are not crucial for most modes.
Animations: What animations??? Ya, it's lacking here for sure. Lots of moving still shots of various Marvel characters but no actual "animations" that I've noticed. (unless we are considering moving screenshots as animations now) - It does seem like this is becoming more par for the course with Stern these days though. Hire more artists, Stern :)

Final thoughts:
Like all of the Elwin games I've played, AIQ can be tough but never feels punishing. Usually Elwin has a couple of "easy" shots to hit if you get frustrated and AIQ is no exception. Anytime I get frustrated, or I just need to slow down the pace, I just hit one of the center ramps. Hitting a center ramp, to right ramp, to right orbit and back to the right flipper (to repeat the pattern or start a new combo) never gets old! And despite my gripes, I am still having an absolute blast playing this pin!! If you like your Super Heroes and you like your Elwin pins this will fit your needs nicely!

Stranger Things is a tragically underrated pin that plays smooth but lacks any major bells and whistles.

Like many fan layouts, Stranger Things shoots well and plays as expected for the most part. Unlike a more traditional fan layout, there are a couple of shots that, initially, send the ball in an unexpected direction like the left orbit which loops back around and down the right ramp to the right flipper. Additionally, the right orbit leads up to the bumpers. Instead there is an inner "burn it back" that is a more traditional orbit but faster! There's only 1 shot that is a bit on the clunky side and that's the left ball trap/kicker. But it doesn't really detract from the overall layout.
Ramps are your standard plastic fair here which is somewhat disappointing. But they shoot smoothly and are perfectly placed offering just enough challenge to keep you coming back!
The art package is pretty standard "screen grab" stuff but the colors are appropriately moody with dark purples, reds, and blues.
Music and sounds are taken right from the show. If you liked it there then you'll like it here :).
Rules are easy to understand and harken back to games like Medieval Madness and Attack from Mars. Hitting any ramp 3 times begins a standard mode. Hitting the center drop down targets enough times and the shot behind it will unleash the Demogorgon bash toy. It's all familiar and it all feels good and works here better than it ever has! However, for those expecting more from their pins, this may not be quite as enjoyable or as challenging.
Aside from the afore mentioned Demogorgon there isn't much in the way of toys. The UV kit is a MUST have and adds an immeasurable degree of immersion to the game! I cannot emphasize just how much this one mod will change the way this game feels. If you own Stranger Things it is mandatory in my opinion.

Overall, I REALLY like Stranger Things! Is it ground breaking? No. Does it do anything new? Not really. But if you like a traditional, fun and easy shooting pin then this will fit that bill.

Finally put a few dozen hours into Deadpool and this game is just pure FUN!
Yes, a couple of the shots can be clunky. The right orbit in particular just feels broken to me. But when the shots hit - oh man!! This game is just mindlessly fun to shoot! You don't need to have a goal in mind when you start playing. You can just start shooting at whatever you want. The code really shines in this way! You want to do modes? Go for it! Want to just hit left orbits? Here's Disco Multiball for you! Want to just hit the center spinner? Here's Wolverine fighting ninjas!
And the drains almost never feel cheap.
Yes, the kitana shot is not always easy and can feel clunky, but when it hits just right and slides down the rails into the kitana... Butter! And how satisfying is 'SNNNKKT' shot when you can hit it!?
The callouts are fantastic! The music is fantastic! The lighting and art are fantastic! Is it the perfect pin? No. As mentioned some of the shots can feel clunky at times. The modes can also feel a bit repetitive. Ball times are generally longer if you like that kind of thing like I do. I know there are people who dislike DP. To those people I would say - "stop trying so hard". This game seems to be tailor made to just slap the metal ball around the playfield and enjoy the humor that is Deadpool.
"Looks like somebody found the BOOM button!"

I wanted to put at least 200 games into TMNT at home before I gave it a review.
Pros:
The layout is fun and when you get some flow going it's fantastic!
Sounds, voices and music are excellent!
Artwork is perfection! The colors! The characters! All of it! I don't believe you could get better artwork on a pin for this theme!
Theme: I'm a child of the 80's and I think the theme is great! Every time I play this pin I get Saturday morning cartoon vibes! I understand it's not for everyone though.

Cons:
When you hit consecutive shots in a row they feel great, but when you don't it can feel frustrating. This pin is PUNISHING! It will kick your ass over and over! Left drain, left drain, LEFT DRAIN! Ugh!
The music gets pretty repetitive. I challenge anyone who plays this pin NOT to get the TMNT theme stuck in their head for hours.
Animations are so so. I think I'd prefer traditional animation over the stiff CG stuff on this pin.
Rules are pretty tough to understand and scores are generally low. You can feel like you're having the best game of your life only to look up and see 35M or so. Completing modes means hitting lots of tough shots. Which brings me to my last point:
A couple of these shots just feel clunky. While the ramps feel really good, the Lair and pizza parlor shots are often clunky. I may not be the most skilled pinball player but I have zero issue hitting the orbits or the other ramps (including the 3rd ramp most of the time).

Overall, I'm glad I rented for a month instead of buying. When you are hitting back to back ramps the flow feels great, but when you aren't it can be pretty frustrating.
Overall this is still a really good pin but I probably wouldn't add it to my lineup.

To say this game is a masterpiece is perhaps selling it somewhat short. Is it perfect? No, but it's close.
Pros:
1: Whether you're a fan of classic B movie horrors, haunted houses, Halloween, or the Mistress of the Dark, this theme just checks those boxes!
2: Smooth flow! Yes, it's a fan layout, but there's a reason it's as popular as it is. It's just fun!! There are no clunky shots here. It's just buttery smooth goodness! Even if a shot misses a ramp, it probably hit another target on the playfield like a gargoyle.
3: The TOYS! This pin is a World under glass. From the crypt, to the haunted house, you are experiencing a mini haunted world and it's awesome!
4: The colors on this game are perfect! With purple being a dominate color and reds and greens sprinkled in just the right places, this game just looks awesome!
5: Deep ruleset. There are a multitude of things to do on this machine and goals to achieve. Gappa angry!

Cons:

Slightly repetitive modes and callouts.
Some cheap drains here and there.
Elvira's Backglass art is a little weak (in my opinion).

My biggest complaint about Elvira HoH isn't about the game itself but rather directed at Stern QC. I wasn't able to play it for 3 weeks after I got it (NiB) due to QC issues and I'm NOT alone. Most games need to be fine tuned to shoot how you want them but these machines are shipping broken in record numbers.

Let me preface by saying that I do not consider myself to be a great pinball player. I've owned several machines. Some are just more approachable and easier to play with simple, linear rules and backhandable shots. JP doesn't fall into this category for me.
The outlanes on JP are PUNISHING! I've never felt like a center drain was cheap on JP but the outlane drains almost always make me feel ripped off. This isn't made any easier by difficult to move outlane posts. The right one being nearly impossible to get to without taking off portions of plastic.
It really feels like Keith was trying to make a shooter's game here and I think he's succeeded. With the exception of the T-Rex ramp, every shot is extremely tight. The game requires you to think ahead and develop strategies for what to do next.

Pros:
Game has SO MANY shots which often combo into one another.
The way you play the game is completely up to you. Some have called the game's paddock paths "too linear". I disagree. Not only are there multiple branching paths but you can focus on other things like spelling out 'CHAOS' or working towards raptor MB.
Great theme! This game really feels like a "World under glass".
Has that "just one more game" feel to it.
That John Williams Score!!
In my opinion the art on the premium edition is outstanding!
The paddock modes feel great! I really feel like I'm rescuing workers and trying to capture dinos!!
The T-Rex is amazing!

Cons:
Shots are REALLY tight. This may be a plus to many, but it can also make some games feel frustrating for less skilled players.
Lack of movie callouts - It is what it is, but I'm not sure how anyone would argue this fact. The voice acting is just not good imo.
Some of the music gets kinda repetitive.
It's hard to combo shots together unless you are either extremely lucky or just a great player. I've only managed a triple skill shot a few times.
The 'O' shot is nearly impossible to hit which can really get frustrating when building towards CHAOS mb.
Probably my biggest complaint (and I know it may not be popular) is the truck. Often I have a strategy in mind for progressing toward the visitor center, only to accidentally switch directions and start heading into the middle paddocks. It also blocks the 2 trap shots which are necessary for progressing through modes. Instead of being a shot I want to hit, it becomes a shot I want to avoid.

I know it sounds like I'm complaining a lot, but for all my frustration I know it is making me into a better player. And even after well over a hundred games I still keep pushing that 'start' button again and again!
Overall I'm enjoying it! I may revisit this review in a few months.
The theme and the "World under glass" feel will draw in even the most casual players. But the difficulty may have many frustrated.

Funhouse is a great game on theme alone! Who doesn't love a creepy puppet head that talks to you while you play the game?! I love the theme of Funhouse but it falls short for me in shot department with ramps feeling very repetitive and other shots feeling very difficult to hit for beginners or amateurs.

Pros:
Funhouse is the one of the ultimate shooter's games with hard, precise shots and a good overall design.
The artwork and theme on Funhouse rank among my favorite pins. The blue, red, and yellow colors are vibrant and alive and fit the theme perfectly.
Good ruleset with understandable modes and goals.

Cons:
Restrictive layout - Funhouse does not have the flow I prefer in my pins. There is only 1 ramp and most of the shots on the playfield can only be made from specific flippers. Much of the upper playfield is taken up by Rudy's gigantic head.
Hard to maintain game (as I understand).

Funhouse is a fun game to come back to on theme alone, but I don't think it holds up well in a small collection or on it's own. You will quickly become familiar with all of the shots and how to chain them together. This will feel rewarding for a while but can make the game feel repetitive in a short time.

LOTR is an amazing machine!
The theme is almost perfectly realized with amazing modes and game designed around a VERY complex mythos.

Pros:
Ramp design and layout is amazing! My favorite will always be the quick left ramp which seems to defy physics with its tight upward turn; while the right sword ramp is difficult to master and yet rewarding to hit!
Voice acting and sound is amazing!
Theme!!! I know LOTR doesn't appeal to everyone, but to me it's a perfect them which is well realized in this pin.
Lengthy game times which feel rewarding and punishing at the same time.
DEEP ruleset which will take months to understand and even longer to master.

Cons:
Art design is not perfect - playfield could have felt more interesting with Frodo being the prominent figure who stares at you every game.

When I'm introducing someone to pinball I always show them LOTR. This game has almost perfect flow and new players will be thrilled when they find they can keep a ball in play for over 10 minutes at times.

I have tried and tried to figure out what it is about TAF which makes people gravitate to it but I just can't seem to find it.
Despite dozens and dozens of games played on different machines this game just doesn't appeal to me and I could never justify the money people pay for it.

Pros:
Deep rules.
Fun theme with great art work.
Good flipper layout.
Fun ramps (if you can hit them).

Cons:
Ramps are tough to hit repeatedly (this could be seen as a pro to some).
Overpriced! With as many of these were made this is a demand issue and not a supply issue and is not the fault of the pin.
Slow game and shot flow.

I can see why TAF appeals to some people with its tight shots and a deep rule set. However, it's this slow "pick a shot" pace which keeps me from wanting to come back for more.
The biggest issue I've found with TAF is trying to find one with flippers that are strong enough. This seems to be a HUGE failure point on these games with some ramps simply being un-shootable do to weak flippers.

Great game! This game really adds appeal to any game room with its theme and appeal! There is no machine that sounds better or has a better light show in my opinion.

Pros:
Fun center target which randomly throws the ball back.
Great lighting!!
Stock toys are of the Walmart variety, but still fit the theme well and don't feel out of place.
Smooth ramps with good flow and design.
Great theme!! Tron is the perfect theme for pinball.
Music and sounds straight out of the movie which fit well and get your feet tapping.

Cons:
Difficult pin - Even punishing at times.
Artwork isn't great but does fit the theme well and gets the job done. Fits into Stern artwork of the era.

Good game overall! Would recommend if you can find one for a fair price.

I originally played ST LE about 8 months ago at the pinball museum in Seattle. Needless to say that we missed the first 2 innings of the Mariner's game because of this machine! I knew I had to own one some day. Fast forward to last week and I was finally able to buy a pro. I like the premium and LE better, but I just can't justify the extra cash for what you get. The metal ramp feedbacks as well as the artwork, lighting, and backglass are much better on the more expensive versions, but the only thing that effects gameplay (and only in a small way) is the left scoop feedback to the playfield instead of the flippers.
I haven't owned many pinball machines, but I've spent many, many hours in arcades on them, and I know what I like. Steve Ritchie machines have a flow that is so unique and enjoyable to me, and Star Trek is no exception. When you start rolling through ramp combos there's no feeling quite like it. It becomes almost euphoric hitting several successful ramps in succession. I've never played on a pinball machine with such smooth flow.

Star Trek Pro is not without its flaws. I wasn't on board (besides my time on the game at the arcade) for the "old" code so I have nothing to compare the new code to. I love the light show; I love the ruleset; and I love the modes. Each mode feels unique and interesting. My only complaint is the mode start. I REALLY think they need to add some unique ways to start missions besides just the left scoop and under the right flipper. Not only are these shots very difficult, but they add unnecessary repetitiveness.

I like the side art as well as the playfield art, but the backglass leaves much to be desired in both quality and appearance.
QA at Stern also leaves a bit to be desired as there were several LED housing wires that I had to manipulate manually before the lights would work. This is frustrating with NIB machine. There's also that familiar Stern flipper buzz which is thankfully drowned out by the excellent music of the machine most of the time. Although, I would have liked to have more of the movie soundtrack theme in the game.

Maybe I should have waited until after the honeymoon phase to rate this game, and I may revise in a few months, but I seriously doubt it.
If you like smooth fluid play in your pinball machines find one of these games and try it!

Hook is usually an accurately rated game in my opinion. The rule set isn't extremely deep and it's not uncommon to curse the machine for unfair drains down the middle on the plunge, but what 'Hook' lacks in depth it makes up for in pure fun. The music and sounds are exceptional and the light show is amazing! This was the first pin I ever fell in love with and it will likely have a place in my home for years to come.