Krupps4's ratings

Before writing this review, I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time on the pin. I never want to review a pin while I’m in the honeymoon stage so to speak. With that being said, Stranger Things is a fantastic pin. Is it original? No. Is it fun - Yes!!

In my opinion, the theming is excellent. While they did focus on the darker side of the show rather than the 80s nostalgia side, it works and works well. The sound package is excellent, not only from a content standpoint but quality of sound standpoint. Stranger Things sits right next to my AIQ Premium and I swear the audio/speakers is of a higher quality. If you want to add some of the 80s vibe to the pin, you can always pick up the Cleland sound package. I have it installed and it does improve the overall experience.

Shots are a fan layout, so nothing new there. However, they are satisfying due to how they are incorporated into the modes. Speaking of modes, there are many. I believe there are around 25 or so different modes. The demogorgan shot, in my opinion, is just as satisfying as the saucer shot in AFM. I know some people have difficulty hitting it, but I never have a problem. Maybe I just lucked out with my set up…

I can’t do a review without mentioning the UV kit. Does it add to the gameplay? No. Is it awesome? Yes!!! I don’t know how to say it any other way, but it is just so cool. I think it’s one of the coolest features to me introduced into a pin in quite some time. It’s definitely a must have.

Lastly, I will say that I think the difficulty level of the pin is on the easier side rather than the harder side. For example, I progressed much more quickly through Stranger Things than I have with AIQ and I’ve owned AIQ much longer.

In sum, I really enjoy Stranger Things. I think anyone’s level of enjoyment will, in part, depend on if you watch and enjoy the show. If you do, pick one up. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

AIQ really surprised me. I picked a up Premium up as part of a trade for my EHoH Premium. I loved EHoH, but in many respects AIQ is a better pin. The shots and flow on AIQ are almost second to none. I much prefer them over Jurassic Park. The Captain Marvel ramp is unique and, in my opinion, one of the best shots in pinball over the last handful of years.

The playfield is absolutely packed for a modern Stern and there are so many ways to play the pin. The code is a bit hard to understand at first. It’s deep, but there are some great tutorials out there to help you get started. I personally see the deep code as a good thing, especially for a home pin. However, you will have to invest a little time to understand it to maximize your enjoyment of the pin.

Art is excellent. Voice work is at best average, but I think that’s the only place where the pin falls short.

Another winner by Elwin and one of the better pins to be recently released!

I think Seawitch is underrated amongst the classic Stern Electronics pins. It’s an absolutely beautiful pin with a lot of shots that, for me, has that one more time draw. Knocking down the three sets of drop targets (being precise with the middle set) to increase the loop value and then hitting the loop for that value is, to me, such a incredibly satisfying shot. I will say hitting the loop isn’t the easiest shot, but that’s okay. Just a reason to make it all that more satisfying. Seawitch also has a great spinner to rip. I know others have said differently, but I find it just as satisfying to rip as any other spinner, such as the spinner in Meteor.

The last thing I’ll mention is the sounds. Of course, the pin does not have the sound package that a modern pin has to offer, but they really made the absolute best with what was available at the time. When you really get a good ball going with all the different sounds firing off it creates such a cool and hectic pin environment. I guess it’s hard to explain, but I think the sound package for what it is is excellent.

I don’t see Seawitch leaving my collection any time soon. In fact, I am on the hunt for more Classic Stern.

I had the pleasure of playing CV on a regular basis for many weeks during league play. The pin is just nuts - in a good way. I don’t know how to say it any other way. It’s quirky, colorful, unique and, most importantly, fun. The Ringmaster is a classic mech and shot. The “popping” backglass really fits with the theme in its own quirky way. If they weren’t so expensive, a CV would certainly be on my wishlist. It’s definitely a pin that people are drawn to and that can be appreciated by all skill levels.

I’ve been intrigued by the Rob Zombie pin for quite some time. It seems to be very polarizing. In other words, some people seem to love it and some people seem to hate it. I was fortunately able to finally spend some time on the pin and form my own opinion.

First off, I think your enjoyment of the pin will depend heavily on whether you are a Rob Zombie fan. I think the theme integration is great and they took it to the extreme in, my opinion, a good way. For example, the profanity laced call outs are some of the best ever, but they may not be for everyone.

I’ve heard so much debate about the layout. It’s not a traditional layout, but I think that’s a big plus. Why is something different undesirable? It’s a layout that certainly works. It’s a tough shooter, but not so tough to be frustrating. For example, you need to hit the left orbit to start a mode. It’s a tight shot. However, I was pleasantly surprised how easy and often I was able to hit it. I didn’t hit it every time, but I did so on a consistent basis. I found the right orbit to be the more difficult shot, but I also always have a hard time with right orbits.

The modes are tons of fun and the music and sound rocks. The lighting is dark, but it fits the theme and looks cool. Why does every pin have to be brightly lit? There a lot of slings creating chaos, but I never thought they were unfair or resulted in SDTM drains. Lastly, the art is great. I think the cabinet art is some of the best. Really really detailed and cool. If I had to really rip on it for something, I do agree with the criticism that the DMD is muddled. It’s definitely lacking.

In conclusion, I loved playing the pin. It’s not perfect or the greatest pin ever, but it’s way better than a lot of people give it credit for. For me, I definitely wanted to push the start button one more time. I hope over time it generates a bit more respect.

UPDATE: I now own a RZ and have for about 6 months. No regrets. Great and unique pin.

I feel F-14 is a bit underrated. It’s fast, fun and still has one of the best light shows around. The light show is also very attainable. That can be seen as either a plus or a minus, but if you have other more complex pins in your collection I think it’s a plus. F-14 would be a complimentary pin for the more complex pins. In other words, it doesn’t require a lot of thought in terms of rules and is something to play to just have fun and give your brain a break. Plus, those sirens going off never really gets old. Lastly, it’s one of the few solid pins that can be had for an affordable price.

Medieval Madness is easily one of my favorite pins of all time and the Chicago Gaming remakes are spectacular. This is a pin that has the total package - theming, toys (the castle is without question one of if not the best toys of all time), fantastic call outs and quality artwork. It’s also a ton of fun! Destroying the castle and battling the trolls is so satisfying and really doesn’t get old. I guess if you want to knock it for something, it doesn’t have the deepest rule set like many modern pins. However, that is just a matter of preference and makes the game accessible to all levels of players. Medieval Madness is truly an all time classic. I’m always happy to drop some quarters in one in location.

I’ve played Elvira House of Horrors on location multiple times. I will start by saying, all pinball is fun. Elvira House of Horrors is fun. It’s just that, in my opinion, there are so many other pins that are a lot more fun. The haunted house toy is cool and fun to shoot, but overall the pin is kind of a bland shooter. There just isn’t anything about it that is all that original or new and that always causes me to play a few games and then move on to something else. For me, it doesn’t have that just one more time feel. With that being said, I’m sure hardcore Elvira fans will love it.

EDIT: Soooooo, I’ve played the pin many times since my initial review and, I have to admit, I was wrong. I’ve had a lot of fun with it since and I end up playing it more than many of the other 20 pins I have to choose from on location. It’s not the most difficult game, so it would also be a great game for people new to pinball. I stand corrected!

I play on location several days a week. The location has approximately 20 pins (rotating them regularly) and I almost always have to drop a few tokens in Ghostbusters. I’ve also played it pre-update and post update. The new update is a big improvement, but I like the pin just as much pre update as post.

It’s definitely one of the best “world under glass” pins. It’s just plain fun and to me that is what’s most important. Bashing slimer? Fun. Slamming that spinner? Fun. Hitting that steep ramp? Fun. Hearing the classic sound clips from the movie? Fun. None of that is all that original, but as a package it works together so well.

I sometimes advocate for non-licensed pins, but this is one that is so great due to the license with the license implemented almost perfectly. It’s definitely a game that I would love to have in my collection at some point.

I’ve had the opportunity to play this game on location a number of times and have logged quite a few games in both solo and coop play. I have to say that I absolutely love this game. Although it’s a single level playfield with no ramps (that I know some people complain about), it all works and works really really well. The rules are simple and that allows you to jump right in, but the game itself is very challenging. Blowing the nuclear reactors one at a time is just so satisfying. I kind of find it satisfying in the way people find destroying the UFO in ATFM satisfying. There’s just something about it. The music is phenomenal and the coop mode is a blast. Honestly, I think all games should have a coop mode. It really brings a different perspective to the game and takes the pressure off less experienced players. If I have one complaint, I’d say the scoop shot is off a bit. The ball seems to rattle around and pop out a little too often. Anyway, I’ve very much enjoyed this game and would love to own one for a bit at some point.

For me, this game falls into the category of “just one more time”. I will agree that the rule set isn’t very transparent. However, as with many things, you get out what you put into it. Once you understand the rules, this game is a blast. There’s just so many different modes and ways to approach the game that keeps it from being stale. It’s also not easy but that makes a high score even more satisfying.

I think the theming is spot on and at the end of the day it’s about killing zombies. Maybe I’m simple but I like to see them drop off the DMD as I do so. I also run the Cleland code. If you can handle the language, it’s a must have.

Lastly, I’ve played all the “Top 20” games on the Tol 100 list and this game certainly belongs right there with them.

You can pick this machine apart and it certainly is far from perfect. However, I find myself really enjoying the play. It is a bit of a ball drain, but it makes a good run that much more satisfying. In my opinion, high scores are illusive but attainable. The mirrored back glass is awesome and the playfield and cabinet art and color scheme is excellent. It’s a great machine that can be found for a reasonable price. A good entry level machine.