I know getting a game early has its unique thrill and obviously LE's are limited, but why do you feel the need to pre-order a game that will be produced for a while?
I can say only for myself that the game looks really fun, art, layout, animations (so far) all look really awesome and I'm excited for it but have never pre-ordered any game. I'm increasingly thankful for stern's marketing making strides to inform people of their product more and more though because "playing one in the wild" is definitely going to be a challenge. The live streams really help as well.

I don't care one way or the other. Certainly not trying to sway anyone from making their own choice. I was simply asking the people who were deciding to pre-order why they chose to? Someone mentioned operators and that makes perfect sense. I tend to wait with most things to work out bugs/ not take a depreciation hit if I sell later fyi. I'll happily take a gold star and high five either way though.

It doesn't matter one way or another, I'm just trying to inquire about why some people are choosing to pre order...
You asked why I didn't/don't so I put it out there. No judgement either way.

Stern puts out a pretty great product from my experience, but their marketing/ promotions have definitely improved a bunch recently and it's nice to see. Really looking forward to the stream tomorrow to see how the game is coming together with call outs, animations and rules.

Yeah you get it. Stern is doing a great job. I just wondered why some were so happy to hop on a brand new situation. I guess it's mostly just having the shiny new thing for streamers or operators. Honestly I'm usually the first to drop coin or try out a new game but am very leary on being the first to purchase for reasons I mentioned. Levi is right too, no real risk with stern putting out product. Game looks awesome either way. So pumped to try one out. Hopefully no problems or clear issues.

The only game to 100% knock out of the park with movie/tv assets imo was hobbit. The layout left something to be desired but asset use/integration was killer. I think the choice to stick with the comics will allow for a better endgame
As long as none of the voices are x-men level of corny, I'll feel ok. The original avengers pin had a questionable Nick Fury but everyone else was pretty well done so if they can match that level I'd chalk it up as a win.

My biggest question is how things are handled on a pro? I suppose this will be answered/seen on stream soon, but the lifting disc/subway seemed to pull alot of weight with starting modes and allowing for selecting time. Portal locks will be virtual obviously but not sure where any of the staging will happen on the pro.

Ray explicitly said combos will light "portal locks" which are the physical ones in the subway. They are also a bingo grid award. Then the lower subway locks a ball for a multiplied gem quest mode.

Let's be honest the subway lock mech feels a lot like Flight 2000 as well
It's a best of 80's Stern widebodies lol