After disappointments from Aerosmith, SW, and GotG (largely from poor use of the LCD and lazy designs), Stern releases were no longer as exciting to anticipate, but Iron Maiden looks awesome, and I expect premium will be the way to go on it. It looks to be some mix of a better flowing TZ and perhaps some LOTR/AP and MET.

However, I prefer the art on ACNC and am intrigued with the unique layout and atmosphere that nails the essence of 80s toys/board games (IMO), thus triggering a bit of nostalgia. Mystery Castle has been on my radar for that reason, but ACNC appears to kick it up a notch.

I can see that I'd like to get a Maiden at some point, but perhaps second hand with fresher code. I'm in on Alice and am happy with that decision--I prefer the artist and atmosphere there, and also have no concern that I'd be able to grab a Maiden at any point I desire.

With Bowen Kerins tackling rules on ACNC, it's far too early to assume which will be better. No previous Spooky effort could be compared.

Bowen Kerins was hired by Spooky and he is working on ACNC rules. Many would consider him an Ace up Spooky's sleeve. His tutorials alone would lend many to believe in his vast ruleset knowledge. I would expect at the very least a far more mathematically sound ruleset than Rob Zombie.