(Topic ID: 172126)

2016: A Most Disappointing Year For Pinball

By freakandgeek

7 years ago


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  • Latest reply 7 years ago by Baiter
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There are 80 posts in this topic. You are on page 1 of 2.
12
#2 7 years ago

Maybe a disappointing year for NEW pinball, but not all pinball.

-4
#3 7 years ago

it was good until I got to the part about The Hobbit. I realize everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I wonder if you even LIKE pinball if you don't like The Hobbit.

Now, as to whether or not it's a game for a route, or home use? THAT's interesting discussion right there.

15
#4 7 years ago

Wow, that was a lot of whining.

28
#5 7 years ago

They sure left out a lot of stuff.

3 reveals at Expo. First time in 20 years.

Ghostbusters exceeded Stern's expectations.

Batman66 may be bigger than many think too. Series ran in 1966 , and reran in the 90's. I has a pool shooter non pinball person in last night. And he grew up watching it in the 90's, he's all excited about it.

Too bad they concentrated on what they thought were the negatives. They missed a most exciting year in pinball.

LTG : )

#6 7 years ago
Quoted from RobT:

Wow, that was a lot of whining.

I couldn't quite make it through the entire article because there was so much. Call him a waaaaambulance asap. I feel bad that the author apparently can't find joy in anything.

#7 7 years ago
Quoted from RobT:

Wow, that was a lot of whining.

Really? I thought it was more of a plea for someone to buy his sample TZ? lol

16
#8 7 years ago

I can't really disagree with anything in that blog post except for the Rob Zombie praise... I'd also say that Rob Zombie was a disappointment as well.

#9 7 years ago
Quoted from dotEXE:

I couldn't quite make it through the entire article because there was so much. Call him a waaaaambulance asap. I feel bad that the author apparently can't find joy in anything.

Funny thing is that I didn't see anyone take credit for writing it? So the author couldn't even find joy in giving his opinion.

#10 7 years ago

"I am hear to tell you" .... hysterical!!

#11 7 years ago

The reviewer sure sounds like a "glass half empty" person.

#12 7 years ago

One mans opinion means little to me.
2016 was amazing for pinball for me, I met some great people in the industry, picked up new machines for the home, got to go to a expo with the wife, pinball in 2016 was great, sorry that guy had a bad year.

#13 7 years ago
Quoted from littlecammi:

The reviewer sure sounds like a "glass half empty" person.

...or a realist.

#14 7 years ago

Realist suggests he's objectively right though. His view of what really happened and my view of what really happened are two very different views.

Edit: I'll actually go back through the article. An absolutely massive chunk of his article is about the price of pinball making everything disappointing. I'll be up front - price is a discussion I'm way beyond exhausted of. He doesn't like TBL because it's as expensive as two machines he does like. He doesn't like BM66 because it's more expensive yet. Well, the price of pinball doesn't bother me. I'm not EXCITED that prices went up, but it's not stopping me from enjoying pinball. I just bought a NIB WoZRR from JJP and it was over $10,000 shipped. So I'm sorry, but I don't see the price as something hugely disappointing or ruining pinball. I thought 2016's announcements were great, even though I won't be buying TBL, BM66, Dialed In, or Alien.

His stuff about WoZ and The Hobbit is just opinion. I think they're both VERY fun to shoot. So we're at a draw there.

His stuff about Ghostbusters boils down to "git gud".

All in all, I don't think he's a realist. I think he's just being negative. And at times, actively looking for subjects he can be extra negative about.

#15 7 years ago

I'm not happy about the price increases (who is?), but overall 2016 was still a very good year for pinball. We have more pins to choose from, from more manufacturers, than most of us could have imagined only 7-8 short years ago. Pinball is booming compared to then.

#16 7 years ago
Quoted from dotEXE:

He doesn't like TBL because it's as expensive as two machines he does like.

I'm still very much looking forward to getting my Lebowski...but he has a point! I ordered it in 2014 and don't have it yet. If anyone wants to order one now, it's $1500 more than it was in 2014, and there's no way you're gonna receive it any time soon.

Quoted from dotEXE:

His stuff about Ghostbusters boils down to "git gud".

I complete agree about GB & him calling bullshit on it. You can't "git gud" at a game that's designed too horribly to allow it. It does too many things to end a ball that are beyond skill...they're pure bullshit design. I'm a good player and I welcome a challenge. I have yet to play a game of GB that doesn't ruin my game due to cheapness. A great player can't stop airballs over the flippers. A great player can't stop a pops exit straight down a massive gap. A great player can't do anything when the magna slings just dead drop the ball down the middle instead of slinging it. Some agree, some disagree...but plenty of respected collectors/players have messaged me privately to let me know they hate the game. People who we all know and trust. They're just not going to come out and say it publicly.

#17 7 years ago

Pinball is in a great place in 2016
More machines, more themes, wonderful

Yes they are expensive, but you don't need to buy every new game

The games are not perfect, but what is?

Great time to be in the hobby

#18 7 years ago

Re GB: And yet I've seen people, in person, score over 6 billion. I've seen similar scores on Premiums/LEs too. If you're talking house balls, you can still get those on games that are considered extremely fair. The thing on GB I would agree with is some of the rail returns that just bounce back over into the outlane, but there are extremely cheap mods that fix that problem now.

#19 7 years ago
Quoted from dotEXE:

Re GB: And yet I've seen people, in person, score over 6 billion. I've seen similar scores on Premiums/LEs too. If you're talking house balls, you can still get those on games that are considered extremely fair. The thing on GB I would agree with is some of the rail returns that just bounce back over into the outlane, but there are extremely cheap mods that fix that problem now.

The score is irrelevant in GB. It's just a number. Due to the linear modes & cheap design, it's pretty much impossible to advance through the content of the game. Even when I've had a "great" long game, 3 extra balls, and the grand champion score...I barely experienced any of the modes or really had an experience I'd consider satisfying.

I'm convinced everyone is still blinded by the pretty shiny new factor.

#20 7 years ago

2016 was a great year for pinball.

I've bought and sold more games this year than in any other previous, and I've been doing this since the great Hanging Chad fiasco.

I played another several hundred games on my AFM.

My Bar league won its 6th trophy!

And I won my first circuit event and drank in the sweet WPPR nectar of success.

I'm not sure what this dude is complaining about - and in fact I didn't bother reading it - but pinball is what you make of it. Great year for me.

#21 7 years ago

This has been a great year for pinball.

I have picked up several great titles without any urge to spend up to $10k on any NIB game.

If they keep coming up with these overpriced half ass themed machines, then there are sure to be many more great years to come.

#22 7 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

The score is irrelevant in GB. It's just a number. Due to the linear modes & cheap design, it's pretty much impossible to advance through the content of the game. Even when I've had a "great" long game, 3 extra balls, and the grand champion score...I barely experienced any of the modes or really had an experience I'd consider satisfying.
I'm convinced everyone is still blinded by the pretty shiny new factor.

OK, I have to chime in.

This is no longer true. With the new software, GB has almost gone from too hard to too easy.

I now REGULARLY advance all the way through at least one of the mode ladders, sometimes two.

I break a billion on the reg.

My best score is over 7 billion.

It's easier for sure, and I guess a little more satisfying as well. They still need to balance it out somehow.

#23 7 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

OK, I have to chime in.
This is no longer true. With the new software, GB has almost gone from too hard to too easy.
I now REGULARLY advance all the way through at least one of the mode ladders, sometimes two.
I break a billion on the reg.
My best score is over 7 billion.
It's easier for sure, and I guess a little more satisfying as well. They still need to balance it out somehow.

Yeah, I like the new software better...but after spending most of the year TRYING to like the game, I just have to come to grips with the truth....it's just too wonky and broken.

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

I'm not sure what this dude is complaining about

It's very clear.

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

- and in fact I didn't bother reading it

Quoted from CrazyLevi:

- but pinball is what you make of it. Great year for me.

Of course...no one would deny that. Pinball is always there for us and always fun. This article was specifically talking about the new games and developments of 2016.

#24 7 years ago

I love the GB machine so for me 2016 was magical.

#25 7 years ago

If nothing else were to happen in the final two months, 2016 will be fondly remembered as one sweet year for pinball!

#26 7 years ago

I'm surprised he didn't bring up the decline in Stern quality, and general delays across multiple new pins (BG, MMR, TH...).

#27 7 years ago

Exactly, the only thing that was disappointing this year was Sterns quality.

#28 7 years ago
Quoted from Lethal_Inc:

Exactly, the only thing that was disappointing this year was Sterns quality.

So you're good with the price increases?

#29 7 years ago

I thought there was lots of great stuff this year, at least for me.

- SFGE was freaking awesome.
- I got to play a pinball machine I built myself.
- I met so many cool, new pinball people this year.
- Ghostbusters!
- Free Play Florida (upcoming)

#30 7 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

I'm convinced everyone is still blinded by the pretty shiny new factor.

Nope!

Rob

#31 7 years ago
Quoted from RobT:

So you're good with the price increases?

No I'm not, but I can't afford premium games and I won't be buying anything NIB unless it's under $5K.

#32 7 years ago

1976, the year EM's died.

#33 7 years ago

Not for me. Got Met pro and smve. Would.like to add TH. Also had a great time at the Expo one of the best I've been to.

-9
#34 7 years ago

You can't blame Dutch pinball for taking so long to ship. Their socialist system means mediocre quality, high cost, and lengthy delays. But at least they are not stressed....

#35 7 years ago

Wasn't there a thread about whether or not GB was the best ever Stern game? It went from that to a disappointment?

#36 7 years ago

2016 is not disappointing for pinball. I find myself paying more attention to pinball than ever before.

I was reading about the reveals at Expo like many people eagerly awaiting details with anticipation. I wasn't the only one as Pinside's server crashed under the load. That's a pretty good sign regarding interest.

The issue is the machines revealed are underwhelming especially when the price is factored in.

That blog touts Rob Zombie and Spooky but if we're honest Rob Zombie is not some awesome game. The sound and art are excellent but it lacks in the gameplay department. However, it is priced right in this climate and it has attitude. I really don't care for themes aimed at kids. Are kids buying these machines? I'm in my early 30's and most of you are older so these themes from Stern designed for nostalgia and technology buzz word wannabe hip stuff like Dialed In! just doesn't do anything for me.

It's very critical but much of the criticism is valid. Especially the points about Sterns absurd pricing and media policies.

We need more companies like Spooky and less arrogance which is all Stern is providing. I'm just happy I didn't have to ask Gary for permission to make this post.

#37 7 years ago
Quoted from o-din:

This has been a great year for pinball.
I have picked up several great titles without any urge to spend up to $10k on any NIB game.
If they keep coming up with these overpriced half ass themed machines, then there are sure to be many more great years to come.

Great year here too. 16 new pins to me so far this year, one of the better is Capersville from Odin....big thanks...GREAT YEAR...GBLE is the best so far. Soooo many others to one day play and love!!!

#38 7 years ago

Pretty decent pinball year for me so far. Didn't think I was going to buy any games due to financial setbacks earlier this year but ended up getting two awesome games. I also got my Congo running which was full of issues from day one so it was like a new game as well. Learn a lot about working on games and met some more people in the hobby. I will end up going to 2 shows this year which is awesome and I think all the new titles are all pretty interesting. Life can get pretty serious so I'm happy that I can still have fun with pinball.

#39 7 years ago

Like a few others, got the bug and several more games in 2016!

A great year for pinball your focus wasn't just on NIB games.

#40 7 years ago

2016 has been a rocking pinball year. I added 4 new games this year, I won first place in the classics league, my board soldering skills massively improved, and I hosted another pinball party last week. Whoever wrote that thing is worried about the wrong stuff.

#41 7 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

I complete agree about GB & him calling bullshit on it. You can't "git gud" at a game that's designed too horribly to allow it. It does too many things to end a ball that are beyond skill...they're pure bullshit design. I'm a good player and I welcome a challenge. I have yet to play a game of GB that doesn't ruin my game due to cheapness. A great player can't stop airballs over the flippers. A great player can't stop a pops exit straight down a massive gap. A great player can't do anything when the magna slings just dead drop the ball down the middle instead of slinging it. Some agree, some disagree...but plenty of respected collectors/players have messaged me privately to let me know they hate the game. People who we all know and trust. They're just not going to come out and say it publicly.

Tell those cowards out with it. We can handle the truth!

#42 7 years ago

I think this was a great year in pinball. We now have so many new games in works which is awesome. Yeah the prices are getting crazy and i do agree not letting pinball news into stern party was kinda wrong in so many ways.... I think stern is scrambling right now as this 1st time they have to worry about what everyone else is bringing into pinball.

#43 7 years ago

"Pinball machines are nearly as complicated to produce as an automobile." - freakandgreek

I suggest that freak take a tour of an automobile assembly plant. Final assemble is only part of the process. Does freak know what it takes to an engine or transmission? Tolerances as tight a 50 millionths of an inch. What moving parts in a pinball machine have those kind of tolorances?

lt1 (resized).jpglt1 (resized).jpg

#44 7 years ago

There were some good points in the blog but I disagree on GB.

-I think it has a ton of features...a 4 ball captive ball, 2 ball captive ball, 2 scoops, slimer, subway ramp with diverter to a physical ball lock, the ecto goggles, and the magna slings. I love the magna slings and the left ramp is one of the most satisfying in pinball to me. There is a lot to shoot for at different levels and angles...I love it.

-It's hard but you have to play it to get better and dial in the shots. I have mine pitched at 7.5 and it plays crazy fast, but I can work my way through most of the modes now on a good game...after the code update.

-The art, callouts, music, and sound effects are great. I think it's the best world under glass Stern has made. It looks like a game thats already been fully modded out.

-The video modes are a little weak and I wish it had an LCD. I would like to see the left captive ball more integrated into the code and do more than just a hurry up. I would like to see the gear awards do more as well.

#45 7 years ago

This article is terrible.

Although it did bring up something which I hadn't heard about, and that was Stern banning Pinball News from their events. That's honestly pretty awful. Martin has done nothing but incredible service to the pinball community, Pinball News is amazing journalism that's presented in a clean and entirely ad-free manner, it's honestly one of my favorite things on the internet. Pinball companies should be rewarding Pinball News for the incredible work that has been done over the years, punishing them is completely ridiculous.

#46 7 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

drank in the sweet WPPR nectar of success.

I only got a few drops but man am I yearning for more. That stuff is more addictive than Slurm.

giphy (8).gifgiphy (8).gif

#47 7 years ago
Quoted from LTG:

They sure left out a lot of stuff.
3 reveals at Expo. First time in 20 years.
Ghostbusters exceeded Stern's expectations.
Batman66 may be bigger than many think too. Series ran in 1966 , and reran in the 90's. I has a pool shooter non pinball person in last night. And he grew up watching it in the 90's, he's all excited about it.
Too bad they concentrated on what they thought were the negatives. They missed a most exciting year in pinball.
LTG : )

I respect your opinion but have to disagree

While I don't agree with a few points in that article I would have to agree in general that this year has been a complete shit year. Hiked prices, and the f$&ked up ghosting from stern. I'm personally a victim with my gble.
Just read the 'hey stern are you serious' thread.... and this has been a good year? Well not for a lot of enthusiasts and a pricey year also.

#48 7 years ago

This is a great year for pinball. Go back to this hobby in 2004 and let's talk.

#49 7 years ago

To each his own, I absolutely love my Ghostbusters and The Hobbit! In fact I am going to close out of whiney pinside and go play me some pinball right now!

#50 7 years ago
Quoted from John1210:

the f$&ked up ghosting from stern. I'm personally a victim with my gble.

Are you in the camp that thinks Stern won't step up and make your play field right?

If so, then ya, that stinks.

I'm in the camp that thinks Stern will step up and make it right. I just enjoy playing the pins and have no worries! It's a nice way to live.

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