NC_Pin's ratings

I am not sure why there is hate on this game. IMO it is one of Stern’s better releases. Sure it is hard, and is a little too video gamey, but it has tons of assets and they are well used.

A couple of things…. This is a game where the pro plays much differently than Premium/LE make sure you play both types to see which one you like the best. Also, the LE doesn’t pack many upgrades - this is definitely a game you go with a Premium (or a pro) and save some money.

I am not a huge Steve Ritchie fan- but Star Wars ranks with Spider-Man as my two favorites that he designed.

I am not sure what I was expecting with the Cactus Canyon LE, but it definitely beat my expectations. Before receiving our LE, I had played 10-20 games of the SE at various locations... and it was definitely fun. The locations were loud so you really couldn't hear the music or many of the call-outs. When I started playing the LE I realized how much more fun the game is when you can hear it!

Also, I try not to be too much of an LE snob, but this is one game where the LE (or SE+) makes a difference. The topper really does add quite a bit to the game. The topper game mode is fun, but the overall effect of the topper actually adds a lot to the game.

Overall, I'd rank CCr over MBr, but probably behind AFM and MM. It's a fun game that every casual player seems to enjoy.

***Update 0.97**** I can't beleive how much this game has improved. It went from one of my least favorite Stern LCD game to... perhaps... my favorite. The code updates have totally transformed this game.


** Update 0.95** Amazing... I started out hating this game... even the layout, but now, I can hardly stop playing it. I love all of the modes, and the music is amazing. This isn't just a honeymoon rating either, we have had the game for 9 months. Also, the topper for Bond is very cool. It is one of Stern's best!


**Update 0.89*** I have about 250 games on our LE... and I am really starting to enjoy it. The music really plays well with the game... there are some fun combos and the scoring is starting to round in to shape.

**Update for 0.88 - I think it is a pretty big improvement - definitely more cohesive - I am updating the score****

I've owned the game for 3 months, so it is fair game to be rated. I'll update the rating and review oncee the code is more complete, but right now the game is a mess.

What I like
- The left oribit shot
- Love the Bond theme music
- I think the LE cabinet is very well done - one of my favorites from Stern.

What I dislike
- Not a fan of the shots from the upper flipper. Nothing seems very smooth
- Hitting the rocket reminds me of hitting a wet sponge. It is one of the least satisfying shots in pinball
- The left hand scoop is a total flow killer
- The upper diverter is poorly implemented
- The ramp placement makes the game a bit clunky
- The left scoop often fires directly into the tank target... which usually rockets the ball the ball SDTM.


What I hate
- The code... it is a mess. It is not a fun game... I expect the code will be improved, but it needs a massive improvement.

Right now, after I play a few games not only do I want to stop playing Bond... but I usually stop playing all of my games (no joke) it is a total buzz killer. You absolutely need to play it before buying it.

There is hope that the game will improve - the art, music, and a couple of the shots are there.... but it will need a lot. People mention Batman 66, but that was a Lyman game. Others mention Stranger Things, but STh has that AFM layout and a bunch of cool gimmicks. IDK, but despite owning it for only 90 days we almost never play our Bond.

IMO BM66 is pretty close to being the greatest game of all-time. I wish the playfield was a bit smoother, flowed a bit better, the turntable was faster, and it had a couple more toys, but the rest of the game is perfect. I think it has the best rules/code in all of pinball and I'm not sure there is a close second. There are just so many different ways to play the game. The SLE is the coolest looking version - the side art is my favorite in pinball - but the LE isn't a slouch. Again, the game has some flaws - but I think the Lyman code is just so over-the-top awesome that it makes it one of Stern's top 5 games.

Toy Story 4 is a game that you will know in like... 30 seconds if you will like it or not. If you are ok with the theme, lighting, and music then you will enjoy the game

Gameplay - a smooth Pat Lawlor special. In some ways, this game might be a little too smooth since both ramps are very easy shots. In fact, with the possible exception of the Road Trip Multiball lock... all of the shots are very makable. Of the games in our collection, I think TS4 has the longest ball time.

Rules - Very straight-forward and while not super deep they are broad. There are a lot of modes and multiball to shoot for. Again, the rules are pretty basic (not like Munsters basic) but we find them very fun.

Lighting - It is a just non-stop color. The game is well-lit and it does a great job of showing where to shoot.... but man there is a lot going on with the lighting. We love it.... it really gives the feel of being at a carnival. All of the RGB's is big part of how the game ties in the theme.

Music - See lighting... but think of the Toy Story theme. Yes, you will hear the JJP version of "You've got a friend in me" ... a lot! Again, we enjoy it... others might not.


Theme - Yeah.... TS4 is a downer, but they tie in the carnival theme very well. We view it as more of an off-shoot of "Toy Story Mania" more than TS4.

Toys/Gimmicks - Definitely kind of a let down. The giant screen in the corner feels like a wasted opportunity. I would have loved to see some sort of cool Buzz or Woody ball lock, an upper playfield, or some other interactive toy. The screen doesn't provide too much... and I am not a fan of the Tiki Party pinball game that you play. Having said that... I think the game gets too much hate for it... basically it is missing one mech. I'd like to have had it, but the reality is that we don't miss it too much.

Final thought - You are going to either like it or hate it because of the theme/music/lights. People complain about the cost and the missing mech... but we really enjoy it, and it moved ahead of Dialed In as my favorite game from JJP.

***Update.... if you have this game, and haven't already, buy the Medisynl Mod set. It is just amazing. ***

The first dozen or so time I played Stranger Things I didn't care for it. The early code didn't do it any favors - and it just seemed like a cheap knockout off of AFM.

Fast forward a few years, and I got to play it in a dimly lit arcade. The code was updated and the UV kit was installed. I really couldn't hear the game too well, but It was a totally different experience. It was definitely fun, but I didn't really ever expect to want one.

Fast forward again... I picked up an LE in a trade. The game has the UV kit and the Cleland code... and wow... in a home environment this game really shines. It really is a deeper modern take on AFM. It has the same fast flow and risky shots. While AFM has far superior art (the LE cabinet is pretty terrible) and callouts, Stranger Things has the best "mood" of any game I have played. When you add the Cleland code the them integration is fantastic. Lots of intensity. Then you add a projector/ramp and bash toy.... and it really does make for a great game.

Things we like

- The UV kit is a must. I know it is a gimmick, but it is a great one.

- The projector adds a lot to the game. Also, try updating the screens to more of a high contrast backing.

- Fun, fast, and deep. Just like AFM the center shots can be deadly. Unlike AFM, the scoring seems to be more balanced - the side modes are important for scores.


It is not perfect.

- The TK ball lock isn't very reliable and is a flow kill when it is rejected. Ultimately, I just disabled the diverter. The lock is super cool, but not worth the hassle.

- Lots of ball traps and airballs galore. This is a game that really must be dialed in.

- The cabinet art is.. bad. The backglass is ok - but the playfield is excellent.

IMO it might be the modern day IJ:TPA. Batman 66 integrates the theme perfectly and the rules/code might be the best of all time. However, like IJ:TPA the playfield layout leaves a lot to be desired. The left ramp and the orbits are not smooth. The spinning table is great, but there is quite a bit of real estate on it that is basically dead. The game just isn't a smooth shooter.

Despite not being overly smooth the game is still a ton of fun. The rules are brilliant. The stacking of minor villains. The manipulation of the multiplier. The theme integration. The callouts... really everything is perfect with the exception of some weird angles and ramps on the playfield (like IJ:TPA).

I waited until I played the game 100 times before attempting a rating. It really isn't a difficult game to rate. If you *get* the theme, and enjoy it, this will likely be one of your alltime favorite games. If you think it is just a "dumb cellphone theme" then you will probably won't like it. I think JJP should have named it "Quantum City" instead of "Dialed In." In a way... it is this generations version of "The Shadow."

For us... we really enoy the game. It really feels like a very modern version of Twilight Zone. The Quantum Theatre is a fantastic toy. The ramps are fun to hit... the lighting is fantastic. The callouts are subdued, but that is intentional. If I had a complaint it is that the art is a little too generic.

"Dialed In" is very much a new take on the B/W 90's era games. The callouts are cheeses and it doesn't take itself too seriously. I think it makes a nice compliment to the newer Stern games.

Update - after 1 year I still enjoy the occasional game, but the rules are pretty frustrating. It seems like everygame is exactly the same. Open the portal, start a battle... rinse and repeat. Occassionaly I get 2 or 3 gems, but usually I struggle to get more than 1. at this point, I feel like too much of the code is inaccessible for someone at my level. I definitely rate JP2 higher than AIQ.

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I have AIQ set-up next to my JP2, both are LE's, and I have debating on which game I prefer. I am just going to rate the game and see where it falls!

I have waited about 100 plays before attempting a rating. It is definitely a top game... but I think I will need to let the honeymoon phase wear off before I can claim that is the best ever or even in the top 5.

Notes -

- The game is a shooter's dream. It has tons of fun combos. Once you get dialed in a bit you can really make the game hum!

- I think the LE/Prem is the way to go mainly because of the Captain Marvel ramp. I honestly can't imagine the game without it. It is one of my all-time favorite shots. IMO, CM ramp > JP2 moving dinosaur. I really like the portal, but I probably could do without the subway. It is loud and needlessly slows down the game.

- Going back to my JP2 comparison - AIQ is more forgiving. The shots are not nearly as tight - the "C', "O" and tower shots are all tighter than anything on AIQ.

- Tons of depth already int he .91 code. Collecting the gems is more fun he clearing the paddocks in JP2. However, the AIQ rules appear to be pretty nuanced and can be complicated. This isn't MM or AFM where you can have solid strategies within the first 5 minutes of playing the game. Understanding which gems to after and how to maximize your portal locks will take some time. I think a casual player will understand JP2 quicker.

- I think better players are going to struggle with long ball times. The shots are all long, and not especially tight, so I suspect skilled players are going to have pretty long games on average.

- I love the backglass and playfield, but I am not 100% in love with the LE cabinet art. I will say that the yellow looks better in person than in pictures.

- Animations... they are fine. Honestly, I barely notice them. They certainly fit the theme.

- Call-outs - I think they used the guy from the Spiderman VE do the IronMan callouts. IMO the call-outs are perfectly ok... nothing too memorable, but there is nothing that annoyance of, "Where is Nedry?"

- Theme - I like the Avengers and I think they did a great job tying everything together.

- Shots - I think I counted 11 shots (not counting the drop targets). All of the shots are satisfying - while a few are absolutely epic.


Finally, I think anyone who enjoys Elwin's other two games will probably enjoy AIQ. Personally, I could take JP2, AIQ, and a 90's game (TS, AFM, IFPBA, or MM) as a 3 game collection and be very happy.

Definitely a fun game. The Shadow may have my all-time favorite playfield layouts. It is loaded with shots - none of them are especially tight, but a misfire can drain quickly. Everything is pretty unique between the pong-style upper playfield, to the player controlled ramp diverters to the ball lock in the Sanctum... it is all so unique. I really wonder if someone like Stern would even attempt to make a game like The Shadow again?

A few notes
- Not a great game for beginners. The game plays fast, and the rules are always the most obvious... i.e. most of the casual players never use the ramp diverters

- The game is under-rated because of the theme and the backglass (IMO the playfield and cabinet are fine). There are plenty of updated translites (with Aurich's being my personal favorite). As for the theme.... It's ok... for what it is... the music and call-outs are actually pretty good. The crazy thing is that with the right translate (like Aurich's) and a few well placed upgrades (lighting and powder coating and such)... this game can look awesome...almost menacing.

- The Sanctum is prone to wearing out. The PF is thin in that area so that the magnet can grab the ball.

- Others have mentioned it, but if you have issues with the wleds on your ramps by a set of Mantis ramps.

Update - after about 1000 plays I had to amend the score a bit. The lastability for this game is great! The combination of depth and shots makes it my current favorite game. I did go back and knock it for the callouts... the early ones are getting to be annoying. Another issue is the T-rex not always catching the ball. It seems to be a common issue. However, on our machine clean shots are caught almost every time. As a whole... absolutely fantastic game.

*****

Not a perfect game.... I am not 100% in love with the backglass, and the callouts get old. However... this game is so much fun that I had to go BACK and amend some of my ratings on other games. I had to drop them.... because most of the games don't measure up to fun-level of JP2. In fact, my wife and I had said that we were done buying new Sterns... until we played JP2 at a location. Within about 15 minutes we both decided that we needed to make an exception to the rule and get a LE.

One thing.. I do like the nods/tribute to the original Data East game. The 1993 JP had a lot going for it. The game had a pretty awful looking playfield, the cabinet was super plain, and the sound wasn't that great.... but the game was fun to play. Elwin took some of the elements from the '93 game (Mr. DNA, Spelling "CHAOS", ball eating dino, Smart Bomb, and etc) and made them his own.

So for us... it is the top Stern game that we have played (It beats my previous favorite TSPP). I have it ranked 4th overall.... that seems about right. It is essentially tied with Monster's bash.... I like the art package on MB better, but JP2 is a deeper game.

By coincidence, our Monster Bash LE arrived at the same time as our Munsters LE. At first, I thought the games were pretty comparable but now that I have a few weeks on both machines I can definitely say I prefer Monsters Bash. For me.... it is currently in my alltime top 5 (with MM, TZ, TSPP, and AM).

This is a super fun game. It is fast...and while it is on the easy side... it is still lots of fun.

I think CGC knocked it out of the park with the new animations. Honestly, I like them better than anything that I have seen on a LCD screen. I can't speak highly enough on the upgraded animations and DMD.

I love the topper - definitely a classic.

I have some additional tweaking to do since the occasional skill shot finds its way between the flippers. I also notice that the flippers don't quite behave like the standard Williams/Bally. Not much of a negative, but it does take a bit of getting used to.

First of all... this does not affect my rating but Stern changing the LE quantity from 500 to 600 after taking deposits is an absolute joke. In the world of toy collectibles, art, and other industries such an unethical practice would have destroyed their reputation beyond repair and/or gotten them sued.

Now..off the soapbox and on to the game....

By coincidence, this game arrived at the same time as my Monster Bash LE. I was more excited to get the Monsters bash LE, but the Munster holds up very nicely.... it certainly does not pale in comparison. Both games are sitting next to my Spiderman Vault... which suddenly looks very bare.

The game is well done and plays very smooth. I love the entire art and sound package on the LE... I am not sure how they could have been done any better.

Grandpas basement is fun, but I am afraid it may not age well. It almost feels like you are playing a small toy pinball machine. However, it really, really sets off the playfield.

The music and callouts are great... the music is awesome and takes full advantage of the Munsters classic theme song. The animations are also pretty cool... lets of show clips... again.. it is very well done.

Game play.. so far we love it. I may need to update it once we get a few hundred more games under our belts. I wouldn't necessarily call it "Easy" but it is definitely an approachable game for newbies.

Code... the code out of the box is certainly acceptable, but I am excited to see what the future holds.

Getting back on to my soapbox... A totally great game... It is too bad that Stern wasn't a more reputable company when it comes to releasing Limited Editions. In the future, I will struggle mightily ]IF I decide to buy another LE from them.

This whole game is a gimmick, but it is a good gimmick! A few people have mentioned that it is a horrible game for a small in-home collection. I agree with that, but with this one caveat.... it is a great game for a mid-sized or large collection. We own 7 games and Champions Pub is the perfect change of pace game. It is completely unique and brings a totally different playing experience. It definitely has a few flaws, but we really enjoy it.

Some of our basic notes

- The sound and the callouts are great they really fit the game well.

- EVERYONE who visits our little arcade loves the theme. It might be the top game for our visiting pinball newbies. Someone described it is a pinball version of the old Nintendo "Punch Out" - that is a pretty accurate description. The surprising thing is that they were able to capture the quirky fun of the Nintendo game.

- Other have mentioned it, but I don't get the bottom right side of the playfield. It is almost like they had extra unused space and decided to stick in some pegs for no apparent reason. As a result, the game is very unforgiving on the right-hand outlane.

- The scoring is a bit weird -you need to crank up the multiplier in order to score big.

- The nature of the game leads to a lot of crazy bounces and unintentional drains.

- The jump rope and punching bag gimmicks are great... but they are a bit temperamental and don't always works as they should.

- The lighting isn't great and the game is pretty dark.

I know that seems like a lot of negatives, but most of them are relatively minor and the gameplay more than compensates for them.

I have waited to rate the game. We have owned it for about a year - and of the 7 games we own - Spiderman might be the one that gets played the most. It is fun and can be readily picked up by newer players. The game itself is a bit basic with the Sandman being the biggest gimmick in the game, but we don't mind. I understand that it can be a bit too easy for the hardcore players, but for us, it is about right.

A couple of notes

- A color DMD really does add a lot to the game. If you are buying the game make sure you have enough $ left over to pick up the color DMD.

- The game really does look cool. The art on the VE is spot on (IMO), and the LED light show is great. It makes for a fun-looking and inviting game.

- We have had it in our collection for about a year and we have no plans on getting rid of it.

I can't claim to have played every pinball machine... or even most... but of the ones I have played the only one that comes close to MM is TZ. The game is the ultimate addiction. You can never just play once. I always get drawn in for more than I had planned.

The game itself is nearly perfect. The playfield is awesome - both open and interesting. The game is also super smooth - I never feel cheated out of a ball or shot. The exploding castle is my all-time favorite gimmick. The voice acting is second to none. The art is both funny and intricate. AFM is obviously very similar, but MM has a few extra shots and just a little more interesting. If I were to only own two games it would be MM and TZ. If I were to only own 1..... ugh... I am not sure if I could handle that hard of a scenario!

One of my very favorites. Indiana Jones IMO has the best sounds and music of any of the games that I have played. MM has way more humor - and TZ has more variety - but for me all of the sounds in IJ makes me think of adventure. All of the aspects of IJ really work together and it is the closest I have to come to playing a pinball machine that is more *game* and less *pinball* - if that makes any sense.

The game has a couple of minor flaws. The game can be a bit slow, and at times the video modes can take you off of your game rhythm. However, it offers a great variety and some very fun multiballs. It is a keeper.

Of the games in my collection WOZ is my least favorite, and honestly, it isn't even close. As for my wife - it is her favorite, and honestly, it isn't even close. I guess that proves that to each their own. What can't be debated is that this game looks fantastic. The RGB lights and LCD screen give it a very unique and cool look.

A run down on my hit list.... I love the look, lighting, artwork, display, and I am ok on the theme (although it is very confusing), however I just don't care for the game. It has a few bad angles which seem to always pop up. I guess I should study the rules a little deeper, but I rarely know what my objective is... I can't lookup at the uber impressive LCD without fearing to lose my ball. I also find the play field a little to congested with Dorothy's house taking up way too much room. I guess I could be nit-picking!

My wife (on the other hand) loves the integration of the RGB's she finds the lighting to be much easier on her eyes and less headache inducing. For whatever reason... she just really likes the game.

Update - the game definitely looks dated next to the 2019 JP2. However, it makes a nice compliment to it.... the DE JP has more movie callouts and JP2 takes multiple cookies from the original. JP2 kinda shows what the original DE game could have been (with 2019 electronics).... however.... it someone ways... it makes the original even more charming. Really - the main thing that keeps DE JP from being a Top 30 game is the art package.



My first crush in Pinball. I played JP daily for about 2 years while in college. I loved the game so much that I knew I had to add it to my collection. However, this game is sitting right next to my pristine TZ ... and that comparison doesn't do JP any favors.

The game itself is a bit of a contrast - it has some very cool features (t-rex, skill shot, smart missle), but it also has several warts. It is not rare for me to launch a ball and have drain on the sides without the ball even approaching my flippers. There are definitely some unforgiving angles in the game. I wouldn't say it makes the game hard... just more random and prone to luck (again... compared to TZ sitting next to it).

Another reviewer mentioned that if JP had been made by Bally/Williams in value (and ranking) would have soared. I agree with that.... only because they would have fixed some of the flaws with the game. The physics would have been tweaked, the playfield art (and art in general) would have been improved, and the flippers would be much more smooth.

The game is fun, but it can also be a bit a frustrating if you are used to Bally/Williams or some of the newer games out there. In the end... I still play it as much as any of my other games!

One of my favorites. I think I prefer its sister game MM a bit more, but AFM is definitely a keeper. The playfield is very open, and deceptively simple. However, the game really makes you think about your strategy and approach. I own AFM but I am intrigued by the new remake... it seems like a color DMD would be very a cool feature.

I am a huge fan of the show so I may be a bit biased. However, this is the game that has it all. The game is so deep that it allows every game to feel very unique. Personally, I continuously change my mind between TZ and MM as my all-time favorite game. TZ is probably the more impressive machine, but MM may have a slight advantage in play ability.