Batman (The Dark Knight)
Stern, 2008
Batman 66 (LE)
Stern, 2016
Batman 66 (Premium)
Stern, 2016
Batman 66 (Super LE)
Stern, 2016
Star Trek: The Mirror Universe
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It's cool to see Kaminkow back in pinball. That's a great team on that pin. 2 different LEs and a premium but no pro. 
Excited to see a new game but still resistant to a purchase till I'm for sure they have fixed their playfield issues.
Quoted from DCFAN:Will the LCD have clips and sound from the TV series?
It says TV series on the flyer so I assume TV series. I'm not sure but I think the movie rights and the TV rights are separate so we may not see any Shark repellent or bomb dances.
Quoted from kpg:I would be very interested in this theme/machine if it weren't for the playfield issues and no resolution in sight for them. What's to say their playfield manufacturing process has been fixed? Good luck to those who pull the trigger. I look forward to seeing how this machine looks and plays, the biggest benefit is Lyman on the code. Other then that, i'll wait for reports on how the playfield holds up - or doesn't hold up - before even considering a purchase this time around.
It would be interesting to see the reaction if games that are playable at Expo start cracking like your playfield did. That would be embarrassing for Stern.
Quoted from Jeekayjay:Yes.
However they don't just ghost, they SUPER Ghost!
Basically the inserts just fall out completely so you don't have to worry about it!
They're saving the super ghosting inserts for the Superman pin. These are Bat Ghosting inserts...or Ghosting Bat Inserts...or something.
Quoted from libtech:Something tells me this is not an "all new game" lol, considering all of the same guys who made tdk are listed. Oh well cool Idea even though I much prefer the recent batman and the 66 theme does nothing for me. The 2 lcds do sound interesting, Im assuming the second is a small one on the pf like the hobbits book or something. No pro machine? No confirmation of fixed inserts? No thanks...
After I read this, I realized they probably just brought Kaminkow in for his ability to get the license because he made a casino machine with the license already.
Quoted from kpg:I find it interesting Stern's past two releases are joint efforts- the Pabst partnership and now Ka-Pow Pinball. Could it be that they are also transitioning to manufacturing for other companies so they have less upfront capital risk when releasing a new theme? Kind of how their deal with PPS for MMr is working?
That might be pretty cool if they entered the boutique market. Then all of us with the money and connections can get a pin based on any property we wanted made in a limited amount. 
Quoted from LTG:I can't speak for others. I ordered a LE.
LTG : )
Quoted from Mojosan:I ordered an LE.
Quoted from bayoubilly70:What I mean take some Carmine Infantino artwork, Alex Ross (see his Batman '66 covers) or even photoshopped from Batman '66 movie. Why would they use Nolan's artwork on Batman '66? Silly!
Who's this Christopher Nolan comic artist you speak of? The art for the Batman'66 comic was done by many artists and none of them were Christopher Nolan.
Quoted from bayoubilly70:I have no idea what you are talking about.. I was responding to a post.
Ah I see. Law was joking because you didn't like the figures on the poster but they accurately represent the characters from the show.
Ross would be too expensive no doubt and he would take too long. I also don't want to see repurposed art even if it's Infantino or Ross. The flyer art looks good. It's clean and simple. It may be repurposed as well but it's cool and looks like the show.
We can nitpick over who our dream team is to do art on pins but I'm just happy it's hand drawn rather than just fuzzy screen shots of the show on the playfield.
Quoted from bayoubilly70:No love for Carmine Infantino out there?
Infantino didn't even draw Batgirl and Catwoman like their counterparts from the show. Batgirl is in black and Catwoman is dressed in green by Infantino. It sounds like you wanted a 60s comic Batman pin, not a Batman '66 TV show pin.
Quoted from flynnibus:Stern can simply be thinking that $6k is a reasonable entry point for its new games and that they can get it.
What if they offer this premium for lower than normal? Everyone will be singing their praises because it's cheaper than regular premium msrp. Then they just never bring back the Pro. It would be a masterful way of raising your price on the lower model without having the backlash from customers. That's how I would do it if I was in charge and needed to raise prices.
Quoted from blue95:I like how heaps of people were blowing up that hey shouldn't make a stripped out Pro version and now just as many are blowing up about no Pro version of this game.
I don't think there's a lot of people "blowing up". It sounds like reasoned speculation about the future of Stern to me. There were three "new" games this year and only one had a pro so it's sounds logical. Maybe it's the voices in your head that are upset. Sometimes my voices get out of hand too. 
Quoted from swinks:totally agree and posted here
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/sterns-game-release-history
August 2016 / Batman 66 / Pro - canned
August 2016 / Batman 66 / Premium (probably be the new Pro concept in 2017) / $
August 2016 / Batman 66 / LE (240 only) / $
August 2016 / Batman 66 / Super LE (30 only) / $
Kiss is way overdue for a update, imagine what will happen with a LCD game and they really need to solve the ghosting issues.
wonder if the pricing will be something like this
MSRP
Oct 2016 / B66 / Premium / $7750
Oct 2016 / B66 / LE / $9000
Oct 2016 / B66 / Super LE / $10000
I still wonder if they go cheaper on the B66 prices. They would get praise because it would subvert expectations. They would be lower than most competitors still and no one will notice till later that they have gotten rid of the pro. Current GB MSRP is pro/5995, premium, 7595, LE/8795.
My predictions are
Premium $6995
LE 8595
Super LE 9795
Quoted from CrazyLevi:Sorry, none of the amateurs know how to make code like the Stern guys.
I'd say Keith at JJP is the closest to Stern and he's definitely not an amateur. I wonder if it's a product of learning new tech as well. They have to get a few games in before they can work comfortably with their software.
Quoted from frolic:As an "LE guy" that likes to own LEs, these Super LEs kill the luster of the regular LE for me.
If I can't have a Super LE, then I don't have the crown jewel, and I'm less motivated for the "next tier" LE. Might as well save my money and get a premium down the road if the game looks good in reality.
I can't be the only LE guy that feels like this.
I don't want to sound crass but 
Quoted from dmbjunky:Super LE 9795
Quoted from Rarehero:ROTFL!!!!! Stern will never go CHEAPER! Never!!!! Especially on a game with super limited numbers. Collectors will pay stupid money if something is stupid rare. MSRP on this game will prob be $9795.
So you and I believe they will offer the same price.
I guess I will laugh with you.
Quoted from xTheBlackKnightx:Market price testing and basic game functionality feature reduction is not over.
I am not talking exclusively about game specific features, but how a pinball machine is BUILT and OPERATED.
Stern pulled back their 3/4 "mini" home pin concept with Xmen.
There is a new direction in development now.
WATCH.
Is it gonna be a system like Heighway's? They pretty much have that already with Spike. Code off a USB. Just pop in a playfield and go. Generic cabinet. It actually could be a good system.
I've also heard they are making VR pinball. Maybe Stern invests a chunk of money into making that system operate with better physics and graphics. Sell a system like this guy made with online multiplayer.
Quoted from Mojosan:Man, I drifted away from Pinside for a few months, coming back I'm really surprised at the endless insults, ridicule and general obnoxiousness going on.
Damn.
Quoted from TheLaw:Welcome to the lounge
Welcome.. to the desert...of the real.
Quoted from docquest:Thats interesting. I didn't know there was some bad blood between Joe and Keith. Even if there is and even if its justified, it seems a little tacky to attack others in your profession on social media.
How's that saying go, if you don't have anything good to say about someone.....
Yeah but how are we supposed to know how things really were back then if people don't speak up.
It's funny but that's my quote on Keith's twitter. I guess I was going on the notion that he was in pinball for so long and has been out of pinball for so long that it's nice to see him back. I thought I read or heard somewhere that he didn't really do much designing but did more delegating. Maybe that's where the animosity is coming from. I'd be interested to hear more inside stories regarding Kaminkow and the DE/Sega years and the reasons Keith and maybe others feel that way.
Quoted from Aurich:Not everyone shares that sentiment apparently.
https://twitter.com/pinballkeefer/status/770375325285019649
I reached out to Keith and he gave a response.
Quoted from flynnibus:DE wars vs WMS/everyone are well know.. and don't center around Keith.. but the DE story does center around Joe.
When he says spamming licenses I didn't know what he meant. Does he mean DE/Sega would horde licenses just so others couldn't have them?
Quoted from lllvjr:Word from insiders is this game blows away ghost busters... Obviously take that for what it's worth.
Wow. That's a big claim after the success of the reveal of Ghostbusters. People were speculating it would cross the 10k units sold. I just can't imagine but we'll see. Do you think a reveal mid September?
Quoted from hawkmoon:Yes,but,only the 240 of us that actually have this pin coming,will see it,before Christmas,as you all know now,they are all sold out!PRe's Valentines Day at the earlyest!
You're pretty optimistic. They'll be doing pretty good if they can get a few out before Christmas. Were they able to ship GOT before Christmas last year?
Quoted from Manimal:Not sure about the actual names, but if you listen to the podcast, Gomez says pretty much the same thing I did. Small runs intended for collectors. The part I found interesting was right at the end regarding the deposits. They said they did it because they didn't want folks "flipping these pins", so they make them have an up front investment. That confirms they are not expecting these out on route....at least in big numbers anyway. But i found the comment intriguing. I don't know if a deposit will prevent that, but it will be interesting to see how many LE'S wind up in the market ads like Ghostbusters.
I don't really see how deposits would lessen the amount of games that are flipped. I don't think you can stop that unless they want to make a bunch of games before shipping them to distributors. If they can keep supply roughly equal to demand then the flippers won't be tempted to sell.
Quoted from badbilly27:MAP stands for Minimum Advertised Price. Advertised. So then why can't disti's advertise their prices? Why can't we get an email or PM with pricing from a disti but instead have to call around? It's the age of the internet and Stern is forcing customers to call disti's to find the best prices when MAP is already in place. With other products where MAP exists, you can find disti's advertising (yes online) and competing on service, warranty, and other things to earn your business. Why the secret squirrel here if MAP is being enforced?
No argument here if that's your preference. Makes sense. Why is pricing such a secret then? If a disti is that good with service & warranty, let them advertise that with their price. $5K base game + $2K for service. Instead of car buying?
Is that something enforced on this forum too? Can we not have a thread discussing which distributor is better on various things like price, service, warranty and other extras?
Quoted from PinMonk:Sure, pick the two best examples from the DE era (I'm actually quite fond of Phantom's, especially), but there are WAY more bad DE art examples, like Star Wars, than good like Phantom. Data East has generally ugly/generic art on their playfields. IMO, of course.
Then why not mention the artists' name instead of painting the whole company with a broad brush. Faris did art for 7 DE machines and they all look very good. IMO, of course.
Quoted from PinMonk:Because I didn't care to go pick out the artist names (which all seem to end in Faris now that I look) for the few I liked in the sea of bad DE art. It was a general statement (they DID have generally ugly art), not a line by line indictment.
I think O'Connor and Hudson made some great DE art packages as well. Rocky and Bullwinkle, Robocop, and King Kong. They aren't the upper tier but better than most. I think the majority of DE games look good. It's just the few egregious examples of bad art make a strong impression.
Some of the B/W stuff of the same era is also pretty generic. If you look at Doug Watson's stuff, all of his games have the same border around the inserts, ball trails colored, and a character in between the flippers.
DE games don't play as good as B/W but let's not confuse their art for gameplay.
Quoted from thundergod76:Not sure about the staging but the artwork is fantastic
That picture isn't the backglass because Green Hornet is in it.
Quoted from thundergod76:Colored wireforms? Wouldn't the balls scratch the paint off?
Like the ghosting, they probably think you won't notice.
Quoted from Taxman:Much simpler. I think Block-Buster paid him to come there for a Saturday afternoon. Free if you stood in line. But for probably $20 (or less) buying the movie you went right to the front of the line. That was the whole point, to get people into the store and try out video renting. * Don't forget to rewind!
I know this was in the 80's but I'm not sure if it was before or after Michael Keaton got the role in the first modern Batman movie giving Adam a big disappointment. It was probably a "Come meet the 'real' batman" gig.
Here is an ebay picture of what I probably have. This guy is asking $250.
That was probably in Adam West's dark days. He wasn't much in demand back then and was kind of the butt of a lot jokes. He was doing a lot of low, low budget movies and guest starring on a lot of TV shows. Zombie Nightmare is one of my favorite MST3K episodes but it's a pretty bad movie. He never stopped working but I think it was Family Guy in 2000 that really got people to appreciate him again.
Quoted from o-din:I didn't down vote that post, but when you show catwoman that looks like Lee Meriwether and not Julie Newmar, I can understand the sentiment. Let's hope Stern gets it right.
I downvoted because it's stupid to complain about the art when you haven't seen the game yet.
Everyone knows Pfeiffer was a way better Catwoman than Hathaway. Hathaway was a minor character in a let down of a Batman movie. I just watched Batman Returns recently and Pfeiffer was electric, stealing the movie from everyone else. I'm going to watch Dark Knight Rises again but I'm pretty sure Hathaway won't impress.
Quoted from badbilly27:The Dark Knight Rises isn't a bad movie by any means. Just when I started to like Christian Bale they turn to Afflack! (in a goose voice). Hathaway had her moments in the movie. I actually like her as an actress and was so so on her in Batman. But, she fits the costume really well, especially when driving the bat motorcycle. She did ok.
Yeah it's not a bad movie but it was definitely a let down when compared with the previous film. It has so many obvious logic plot holes. I never understand why Catwoman shows up with Bruce after he goes into hiding. I didn't feel like the film built any meaningful relationship between Bruce and Selina unlike Batman Returns where you root for Keaton and Pfeiffer but Selina says at the end not to pretend this is a happy ending.
I have to laugh at the buy back clause. There's no way they can enforce that. Different states have different consumer protection laws not to mention they are probably shipping some overseas.
My guess is they are probably keeping a list and if you cross them they will take your name off the list for future SLEs.
I'm keeping a list of my own Stern.
Quoted from flynnibus:Who is being jerked on a string? The dozen people here posting that aren't even the audience for the game edition? Don't you get it? Internet rage over shit that doesn't even apply to you. That's what makes people look like brats.
I don't know. It seems like there are a dozen posting that ARE the audience and half are OK with it and half don't like it. None of it seems like internet rage to me. Stern takes the risk of upsetting people when they change their strategy with SLEs and home models. I find the discussion interesting and like some others posting, are just making amusing comments.
I think most of the distress is over pricing, quality, and communication. Prices are going up and the sale of SLEs has the potential of driving them up further.
Questions of quality because of Stern exchanging established parts and mechanisms in the operation of a game with perceived inferior parts and mechanisms. Also questions over recent problems with playfields.
Communication of said quality problems and communication about the release of this game. Stern will say on Facebook that B66 hasn't been revealed yet but will post pictures of playfield parts, deposit info, and applications. Also Gomez says only this game will get 30 SLEs yet their Facebook posits the question of what games do we want SLEs to be made in the future.
Quoted from kpg:Hitler reacts to Stern's Application Process for BM66 SLE:
http://captiongenerator.com/105231/Hitler-Reacts-to-Sterns-Application-Process
Be sure to include that with your application. 
Quoted from Manimal:They saw what was happening to the GBLE's and what folks were getting for them.
The thing they fail to realize is that was one LE being flipped out of the past four. You can still buy a GOT LE, Kiss LE, and WWE LE for a normal price and most distributors still have them in stock. At the prices they are asking, they are going to have to hit every one of the next few games. I don't know if that's possible.
What's going to happen when these games start gathering dust at the distributor?
Quoted from Manimal:Really think about this.....a $10,000 (MSRP) game sold out at 240 units sight-unseen. They are going to sell an additional 30 with a bunch of extra goodies and better sound at $15K sight-unseen. Why would Stern NOT charge these prices if they can get people to pay it? I know, there are some that will back out of the deal when reality hits, but all in all, most folks knew or at least feared this was going to be the price range when they ordered. Gotta give Stern credit for generating some good short-term cash. Time will tell if the customer will sustain this business model, but so far, the need to feel better than the other guys in your league, is bringing a lot of seemingly unlimited cash to the surface. Maybe pinball has really come back that strong? Maybe not.......but the one thing I do know is that quality will need to get much better fast, or all of this will come crashing down. With inflated costs, come inflated expectations. I sincerely hope this new pin is something special........
You're saying "sold out" but people just put down a deposit to hold a spot. Most distributors allow people to move that deposit to another game if they want.
Also some of the sales are to distributors. Is it really "sold out" if it just sits in a distributors warehouse? I guess GOT, Kiss, and WWE sold out too then.
Quoted from BagAJellyDonuts:The poll could be RIGHTFULLY edited to include the clear winner, Julie Newmar, right now and she would still pass up the other pretenders that were listed.
Quoted from kvan99:Edit: We really shouldn't be surprised they've rehashed so many games, IM is said to be like Austin Powers, Sopranos is basically LOTR. TWD's crossbow borrowed from AP....etc...etc. To rehash a game for the 30th is a bit of letdown. I think almost all potential buyers would have prefered a fresh design.
That's true. I wonder how long this game has been in development. There were rumors that Ghostbusters and GOT were supposed to have LCD screens and also that SMVE was done really quickly to give a little more time to work on Ghostbusters.
Quoted from kpg:half ass animated dots.
Hey! I like dots.
I think it would be great if it was like a ColorDMD with different filters. That would be a let down though with the price they are at. Also they said they were using TV footage and that produces the worst dots.
Quoted from Who-Dey:have you seen JJP's prices?
I really hope the Alien reveal is great at Expo. It would be nice to see them steal a little thunder from Stern.
Quoted from Air_Pinball:I see no way these wont all be sold despite the prices they are charging.
I'm not sure what you're going by. A quick google search shows that I can buy a NIB limited edition of GOT, Mustang, WWE, Kiss, Transformers, Xmen, Avengers. That's 7 out of the last 12 limited editions. Only 5 I can't find from a distributor Metallica, TWD, AC/DC, Ghostbusters and Star Trek but maybe if I made some calls and really searched I could find them somewhere. I can definitely find them on the secondary market.
There's a more than even chance that B66 won't sell out of LEs.
Quoted from o-din:Nobody here has a legitimate complaint about this project for two reasons-
1. Nobody has seen, played, or taken delivery of this machine.
2. Nobody has sent in pre-order money that they did not do so willingly.
Well you're first point actually seems like a legit complaint.
Quoted from Pimp77:Sadly, I think I'm priced out of their NIB offerings on principle alone, but please all you crazy rich guys...keep buying. I'd like to buy your used games in the future at a serious discount.
I am definitely in that market. I have been the beneficiary of rich people who buy a pinball, rarely play it, and then dump it on CL for a low price they plucked from their brain. I would love to do that again so rich people, keep buying.
Quoted from o-din:How's that? Nobody was told the machine was ready to be seen, played, or delivered yet. They laid it all out pretty clearly I'd say.
True but going on past history when Stern has revealed a game it usually comes with pics of playfield, cabinet, and pricing without deposits. They've even bragged about it at times. I think they've opened themselves up for criticism in this way. They could still release the pics and have a great 30th anniversary party. It would probably be better because you're always going to have some people disappointed with a reveal and those people most likely won't go to the party if they see the game beforehand.
If you look at last year's reveal of GOT, there was a lot criticism about the art. Then at Expo there were still long lines to play the game. Revealing the game before allowed people to vent their frustrations and then enjoy the game for what it is when standing in front of it. There may be some upset people at Expo if they don't like the reveal and they've plunked down a non-refundable deposit.
Quoted from CrazyLevi:THe big collapse across the board that people have been predicting for 15 years isn't happening anytime soon, sorry.
I don't see it either because there are buyers and there are players. The only collapse I could see happening is if a few of the new companies making pins go out of business. I'd say used prices won't go down though especially with rising NIB prices.
Quoted from iceman44:You know what they say "the road goes on forever and the party never ends"
I'm not sure why it's so hard for people to believe the pinball industry can't take a hit.
Something unexpected could happen. It's happened in the past within pinball. It didn't take long for Gottlieb to go from industry leader to bottom rung. It didn't take long for B/W to go from industry leader to dust. I'm happy the industry is healthy now and excited for what all the new manufacturers can come up with but I do wonder about the future, even for Stern.
Quoted from Chambahz:I'm FAR more concerned about the mental health of Pinsiders than I am the financial health of Stern Pinball.
Financial health is not what I'm referring to but ownership or leadership changes. It's good now but it could look very different in a short time. I'm not worried, just something I'm curious about.
Quoted from MK6PIN:The garage door for my house was almost $7k from Home Depot ....had to pay IN FULL and took over 12 weeks to get it....all I had was a color brochure to stare at....that's a " homealogy" to debate....( door was great when it finally showed up, btw)
That must have been some garage door.
Quoted from MK6PIN:Wasn't that amazing, but insulated, and fit the double car size requirements.....those damn things are expensive. If you ever price one, or a good front door, prepare to be bent over....
I don't know. I looked at Home Depot's site and the most expensive door was 4K. I assume they installed it too which would make it closer but still unbelievable. I would travel to NC if you paid me 3K to install a garage door.
I think you're being modest and that door was probably awesome looking.
Quoted from MK6PIN:Yep, Installed, and new auto open system with it. I suppose it's nice as garage doors go, came out of their special order catalog....I was just blown away when he told me " pay in full, upfront" and took so long to get. They did the same for my front and back doors too....those have the fancy, faceted glass in them....won't tell you what they cost, but same deal.
I can safely say I will enjoy this ( or any pinball machine) far more than what I paid for those fucking doors.....
There are some subdivisions that won't allow garage doors to be seen from the street. I'm into that. A standard white insulated garage door facing away from the road. Maybe spring for arch windows.
Quoted from MK6PIN:Just saw this....curiosity retracted....my happy hour was last night.....have a headache from hell today, so I can't join in...
I enjoyed his original post. It provided a good laugh.
You said there are bolts on the track of the garage door. Is that something for security? Is it different from the normal latches that you push through the slot of the track? Is this door more heavily insulated? I imagine it's a wood look on the outside. Sorry for the questions. Just piqued my interest.
Quoted from Elvisinmypants:I still haven't had the time or will to read all this, but who wants to bet that Joe's Batmobile will be at Expo?
If you look at the flyer for the Stern party, it says the Batmobile will be there along with Ecto-1. It's possible that's Joe's.
Quoted from Elvisinmypants:there's only two i think and maybe two replicas.
I don't think that's true. Anyone can buy a replica today.
http://www.gothamcruisers.com/index.htm
When you buy one, I want a ride.
Quoted from spfxted:I missed the last 150 posts or so. Are there going to be backglasses at the meet and greet for Adam to sign?
They'll probably give you an IOU napkin to get Adam West's signature so you can prominently display it on the machine.
Honestly won't buyers get his signature on the machine like the Hulkster's with Wrestlemania?
Quoted from o-din:Then why not Mission Impossible too?
It would probably be based on a new Tom Cruise movie but you could look forward to the Vault Edition retheme in 10 years that would be based on the old show. The Lalo Shifrin theme would be so great to rock to while playing multiball.
Quoted from Air_Pinball:Not from Stern....Distro could be lying....
It was stated in this thread I believe that Stern said a nonrefundable deposit and some distributors were allowing the money to go elsewhere if you change your mind. That may have changed lately but that was the initial impression.
Quoted from frolic:Well, exactly. We've not been given the information. Every previous announcement came with a feature matrix (and usually playfield mock up photos). This time I'm being told to make a deposit and not even know these things. How can anyone feel good about that?
Quoted from Mr68:I was told its a refundable deposit until we can see and find out more. I was also told the deposit will likely have a commitment date after which it becomes non-refundable.
Quoted from sleepless:I have been told its non refundable deposit! With no feature matrix between the Super LE,LE, Premium this is a new level of Chutzpah or its a crazy marketing experiment by Stern.
Quoted from docquest:I heard that as well. Once full pricing and pics are revealed there will be a window of time to back out and get your deposit back. Once that window is past the deposit is non refundable.
Quoted from hawkmoon:Yes,docquest,thats what i was told as well!!
Quoted from MK6PIN:ditto to what i was told.....and 9kish on the LE
Quoted from SuperPinball:$10.5K US MSRP for LE, deposit non refundable as per Stern's new policy. Not sure why Stern would announce the existence of an SLE if they are only for his "friends" and not for any of the rest of us. To hype this pin and force $2000 deposits without so much as a simple picture or feature matrix is ridiculous. I was going to order an LE but I find this to be such an disgusting marketing ploy that I can't bring myself to give Stern any money. I hope they change this policy in the future.
Quoted from SuperPinball:Sorry iceman but you are ill informed, my distro told me today that Stern's new policy is that the deposits are not refundable. Stern was burned in the past by people backing out of their orders.
Quoted from iceman44:Ok, my deposit is "refundable" although I'm not refunding it because I'm happy with what's coming.
Stern "burned"? Maybe distributors but not Stern.
$10k for an LE? I don't think that's reality from what I'm told. Maybe there are scalping distros out there but not what I have agreed to.
Pricing will come out in a couple of weeks and if its in line with a modest increase from GBLE based on what I know then I'm in.
We all have a choice, "pony up" or not. Stern has 240 people that did this time, like it or not.
Quoted from MK6PIN:My distributor said the deposit WAS refundable, and I've bought from him before....I'm in....think this will be a great pin
Quoted from Manimal:Because folks can cancel their deposits, at least with some distros. Stern is a non refundable deposit, but many distros are covering that and allowing cancellations, given how this game was announced, else they would have had trouble getting committments. If Stern mucks up the artwork, or if it is a re -hash, or crazy expensive, you will likely see several back on the market.
Quoted from taz:I don't know, to be honest. Even my distributor doesn't know, and I guess that's the problem. The title could flop and be available immediately on the used market, but if it's a decent game, it might be few and far between. The fact that both LEs and Premiums require pre-orders and large deposits makes me think that this title is something different than what Stern normally issues, hence no pro models. I grew up with the Pow, Kapow, original Batman series, so this title is probably the hottest title for me since TBL. Only Scooby Doo would trump it on my remaining "grail" pins.
Quoted from LTG:Stern isn't giving deposits back. Some distributors may.
LTG : )
Quoted from FalconPunch:I am looking through the press released, the they mentioned 240 units for LE, but never mentioned the SLE amount. Was it ever written by them, or was the information 'leaked out' so they could change the number like they have depending on demand?
Cannot find the number 30 on their application website either, but the word document is gone so cannot check that.
Can anyone found it written by them
Press release
---------
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – September 15, 2016 – Stern Pinball, Inc., the world's oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball machines, proudly announced today the availability of its highly anticipated Batman ‘66 Anniversary Edition pinball machine.
Stern Pinball is celebrating its 30th year in business and the 50th anniversary of the iconic American TV series with an Anniversary Edition pinball machine featuring the world famous “Dynamic Duo” of Batman and Robin. The game will immerse players in campy fun and heart-pounding action as the crime fighting Dynamic Duo comes to the aid of the Gotham City Police. Throughout the game, Batman and Robin work to deduce clues and discover super villain plots in an effort to thwart evil plans and capture bad guys. Players are guided through the game by the voices of none other than the original Batman and Robin, Adam West and Burt Ward.
A Hall of Fame pinball development team created the all new Anniversary Edition machine. The project was inspired by Joe Kaminkow of Ka-Pow Pinball and spearheaded by Stern Pinball product development chief, George Gomez, who, along with renowned programmer, Lyman Sheats, brought the game to life.
In addition to the fun title and game experience, the machine features a full color high definition display replacing the dot matrix display. In conjunction with Stern’s new SPIKE-2 electronic pinball platform, the display enables high definition graphics and innovative animations. This enables the game to feature actual TV footage from the iconic series. The game includes a second high definition display on the playfield as part of an interactive game feature.
"We are very proud to celebrate our 30th year in business by making a 50th anniversary Batman ‘66 game in collaboration with our good friend, Joe Kaminkow. Joe, who was instrumental in starting Stern Pinball 30 years ago and served as our company’s very first game designer, is now one of the gaming industry’s leaders,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.
Pricing and Availability:
The Batman ‘66 Anniversary Edition pinball machine will be available in Premium, Limited Edition, and Super Limited Edition models. The company has no current plans to produce a Pro model.
In celebration of Stern Pinball’s 30th anniversary and Batman’s 50th anniversary, Stern Pinball will build a Super Limited Edition model. The Super Limited Edition model also includes a one-of-kind art package plus multiple translites, a unique included topper and accessories package, and a high-fidelity 3-channel audio system that is three times more powerful than audio systems of previous generations. The Super Limited Edition model will be allocated by invitation and through an application process open to pinball collectors. Collectors can apply for a Super Limited Edition model by completing and submitting an application located at http://www.Batman66Application.com. Applications are due by 11:59 pm CST on September 30, 2016.
The Limited Edition model will be offered in two series of 120 games each. Each game in the first series will be named for one of the 120 episodes of the television show. Each game in the second series will be named for one of the iconic “bat gadgets” used in the series. In total, only 240 Limited Edition machines will be produced.
All purchasers who make a deposit on their game will also receive a VIP invitation to an exclusive “meet and greet” with Batman (Adam West) at the Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel in Wheeling, Illinois during the weekend of Chicago’s Pinball Expo.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price:
Premium Model: $US 8,599
Limited Edition Model: $US 9,999
Super Limited Edition Model: $US 14,999
The Premium and Limited Edition models of the Batman ‘66 Anniversary Edition pinball game will be available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. Please contact your distributor or dealer for more information. The Super Limited Edition model will be available direct from Stern Pinball.
About Stern Pinball, Inc.
Stern Pinball, Inc., headquartered just outside Chicago, Illinois, is the oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball games in the world. Stern’s highly talented creative and technical teams design, engineer and manufacture a full line of popular pinball games, merchandise and accessories. Recent Stern titles include Ghostbusters, Spider-Man Vault Edition, Game of Thrones, KISS, WWE WrestleMania, The Walking Dead, Mustang, Star Trek, Metallica, The Avengers, X-Men, AC/DC, Tron, Transformers, Avatar, Iron Man and many more! All of Stern’s pinball games are crafted by hand and assembled by Stern’s expert team. A broad range of players enjoy Stern’s games from professional pinball players that compete in high-stakes international competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit http://www.sternpinball.com.
All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
Well it does say it right at the bottom of the flyer that was posted by GAP. I think that flyer was on Stern's facebook as well.
Quoted from flynnibus:I just don't get why people are so wound up about a move that doesn't actually impact them personally at all.. but instead just want to be wound up over the company. Best thing to do is simply stop buying 'fake' limited stuff.
Well it could affect people not into this game in the future. Pricing, customer service, game quality. These are things people will worry about now because if they decide they would like one of Stern's games (or anyone else's games), they would like these problems to be solved. While pinside may not be the majority of buyers it is the most vocal group and pin makers have shown that they listen to our opinions for better or worse. This is a forum where the activity is discussing pinball related topics so there should be varying opinions.
It's the anti-bitching bitching like Air Pinball or your posts today that I find amusing.
Quoted from docquest:After the interview came out stern facebook page they said they would have an announcement regarding the SLE's this week before expo. Since Stern isnt denying it right away i'm assuming its true.
Please don't post my private Facebook conversation with Stern.
Quoted from T-800:Yeah, I don't know. I know everyone *loves* LCD screens, but seriously how much time do you actually spend looking at the thing? Besides, frankly, I really really like the hand rendered animations on TWD and GB. There's a sense of artistry to them that gets lost from just copy/pasting frames from the movie. If I wanted to see those clips I'd just watch the TV. Plus, ColorDMD is doing such an amazing job on color conversion for these old games I think I almost prefer color dots over some of the high res stuff I've seen on JJP games. To each their own.
You and I think alike.
Here is my prediction:
I'm gonna say the layout will be disappointing (because it's mostly the same not because it's a bad layout). The art will be acceptable. The display and sound will be awesome. Initial reveal on here will be negative because it's hard to see the display or hear the game. After people have seen the game in person they will be pleased.
I'm not saying the price hike will be worth it. The price hike will mostly be attributed to attaining the license and won't be visible on the game in the form of toys or gadgets.
Looking forward to seeing it.
The difference in pins and video games with buying DLC is pins physically break down so we already have to pay money periodically for parts and eventually buy a whole new game if it wears too much. Pinball doesn't need DLC because it already has a constant revenue stream with mods and parts.
Quoted from tslayer71:Heavy Metal - Such a cool movie. That would make a great pin, but a little dated. But then again 30 year old themes seem to be all the rage these days.....
I have found this pin called Valkyrie on IPDB and thought I would blow your mind.
I really like the look of it. The art is very colorful (almost too colorful) and the little extra details are cool. That said I don't see the reason for price increase. The value isn't there. Also when they put them side by side it just looks like Pro, Premium, LE models. I totally expect Stern to sell the topper and armor separately.
The speaker grill looks very barren without art on it. The extra real estate makes it look worse than normal. It's gonna take some getting used to.
That price is gonna scare away most of the positive feelings. Maybe they should have placed this game firmly under the Kapow imprint kind of like WNBJM was a Whizbang game. Then people might have been more accepting of the price hikes.
Quoted from badbilly27:I think you just pointed out one main difference in LE and premium.
LE no spinner. TV mounts above and targets with magnet below.
Premium no playfield LCD TV, spinner with magnet.
Towards the end of the video you can see the TV is facing forward and spins to the left a knotch. The camera is focusing on the main screen but after it pulls away at the end the TV is facing the back. This is on the SLE.
It's funny how most pics are of the SLE but the premiums are what most will buy. Great bait and switch.
Quoted from iceman44:Can we all stipulate as FACT that the "price is too high" for all versions. That way, you guys don't have to whine and bitch about it in every post.
Again, FACT, prices are too high!
You can't really separate that. The game looks awesome but the price hike is too much compared to what is given. Premium model Ghostbusters is $1000 less than B66. It's always going to be a factor looking at this game. I will enjoy playing it if I ever see one on route though it sounds like there's one less arcade to do so.
I'm curious what they could have done to make the price worth it. They just went overboard on the hike. Widebody? Full backbox LED screen? I think they took too big of a jump. I wonder if they're just trying to cover the development cost of the new screen with this one game. Maybe they should have just kept making DMD games because it wasn't affecting game sales.
The new screen is really the first significant upgrade to their games since 1994?
Quoted from dgarrett:Does the TV do more than just play clips? If there isn't some information during game play, beyond score and player/ball #, seems like a waste. This is all attract mode video so far - but its not a 5 section or 9 section used of the LCD like WoZ or Hobbit.
I'm curious as well. Someone on facebook asked if the game would be at Expo and they said they are going to try but it's still undecided. I was hoping to play it.
Quoted from KeithinMI:that's just obscene.
Would I be correct in surmising that the 80 SLE's are already purchased and spoken for?
I don't think so. They announced 30 SLEs first and it was invitation only to buy. They just recently announced the extra 50.
Quoted from forensicd:so, nitpicking here, but the Super LE backglass composition is not well done. Robin is standing on penguins hand, needs to be behind penguin, like batman is on other side.
The backglasses are probably my least favorite things about the machines. Just a bunch of images slapped on there. GOT pro is smurking from behind.
Quoted from kpg:JJPs LCD and graphics interface from WOZ in 2012 looks more advanced then this. Sure, its color- but wow, you have to admit JJP beat them 4+ years ago to the market with an LCD and it is still more advanced then Stern'a offering here.
Just from watching video, it looks better than Spooky's but worse than JJP. I never really studied DP's or Heighway's display.
There's $1400 price difference between Premium and LE. Do you think you could get powder coated armor, topper, and the non interactive toys for less. Stern sells on their site toppers for $500, custom armor for $250, and inner side art for $80.
Quoted from solarvalue:Thought this was interesting in the Pinball News report:
"Unfortunately, because we had the temerity to question the $15,000 price tag for the new Batman 66 game, Pinball News was banned from the Stern factory. "
That's a bunch of poppycock.
Quoted from taz:Wow, what an amazing turn of events. This thread was a real Debbie downer by the price police and then JJP #3 was announced a little while ago and now Pinside is in wild fire mode in 3-4 different threads where people are self-immolating over JJP's new "Dialed In" game. It's looks and price actually make BM66 (non SLE of course), look like the Belle of the Ball.
Batman is still plagued by the high price. That hasn't changed despite the disappointment of JJP #3.
Quoted from iceman44:I don't know why its so hard to understand this part. It's a big winner for the 80 people that got one, and SLE with 400 people on the list.
And yes its a big win for Stern too, because while somewhat sleazy, they executed it 10x better than Jack.
It's also a big win for the 240 LE's. Why? Because few are backing out and there is a line there too.
You may not agree with price, I don't either, but NONE of that matters when it sells out huge. Price matters when it doesn't sell, like JJP#3
I'm sure most are going to distributors to gather dust in a warehouse. So they aren't really sold out. We'll have to wait and see how soon the ebay ad comes up.
Quoted from hawkmoon:NO,dmbjunky,the les are all sold!
We'll just have to see. I expect some distributors to start putting up ads for B66LEs pretty soon. Stern did keep the number very low though which helps to sell out to the guys who buy every LE.
Quoted from iceman44:I just don't know what you do about putting out an LE, that people want, for $8k, like GB and people fighting over it to get their hands on it so they can make a quick flip profit and sell it for $9500. Maybe nothing
Somebody else said and I think it's correct, if you want to get rid of flippers, get rid of the LE. Sell a base game that everyone can buy and then offer all of the additions as accessories to buy separately. They could even sell a version of the base game that had all of the options already installed for people who don't want to do that. It's the LE that makes people try to flip them for profit. Raising the price just hurts all of your potential customers not just the flippers.
Quoted from Amused_to_Death:Is it too late to get an order in on one of the LEs? I watched Batman on TV as a boy, obsessively so, which makes me a card-carrying member of the group Stern is targeting with this one. I'd even be down for one of the $15K SLEs, had I known about them in time. Looking at them, though, I think I actually prefer the artwork on the regular LE.
If I could "kit-bash" one of these, in order to come up with own my dream machine, I'd add the inside side decals, extra toys, and possibly the enhanced speaker grills to an LE, and call it a day. Do we know if any/all of these options will be available on the after market?
Anyway, I'm down for an LE, if someone can help point me in the right direction. The last NIB pin that I bought was ST:TNG, some 23 years ago, so I'm a bit rusty as to what is involved.
Maybe you should put an application in to Stern. You might still be able to get an SLE.
Quoted from iceman44:If 240 people would pay $9500 for the le
Why would they sell it for $8k?
Buy the 7600 premium
I think you meant 120 right? Aren't they still available in Europe?
Quoted from someoneelse:They are still readily available in EU.
Quoted from cooked71:Same here - AUD$14.5k for the LE. Definitely no profiteering left here.
You guys are just approaching the psychological $10k price point. I'm guessing sales will hold up ok to that point. We've well and truly jumped it. Now it's all stupid money - $12k, $14k it's all ridiculous and I as I type it, I can't believe I'm even considering buying one.
Move to America where the beer flows like wine and beautiful women flock like the salmon of the Capistrano.
Quoted from docquest:Who said that? Im pretty sure at expo George said they would make as many premiums as dictated by demand.
It was said somewhere, maybe Nate's podcast, that Stern knew the price was going to limit the number of games they sold and they were OK with that.
Quoted from stpcore:I thought this was funny as Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies takes a little jab (in good fun) at the BM66 price model during a live performance at the Stern party (Viper Room). Sorry if this was already posted.
» YouTube video
Quoted from Litedpinballmods:At Gary's talk they said they were working on the licensing for years, and it needed a license from 2 parties. That finish on the sides of the superLE made me think of all of the different finishes they have on sports cards now. I think those finishes were influenced from the Topps collectable guy.
It reminds me of comics in the 90s before the crash. Time for a comicgument.
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Maybe on the next SLE they'll use holograms.
Quoted from 82Trooper:and to confuse us even more...lets start a poll...who is hotter...Catwoman or the Invisible Woman as pictured on the Fantastic Four cover above??
I prefer classic costume Sue Storm. Her 90s costume makes her look like a stripper. It still funny though for it's 90s cheese. Did anybody notice Thing has a helmet on in that cover?
Quoted from fnosm:No to mention that the crazy Stern agreement did not allow for for this particular type of sale. So does the agreement apply to all? Or just to those people who aren't distributors?
I think it's pretty obvious what the answer is to that question. I would say Stern knows every distributor very well and knows which ones are buying SLEs.
I hadn't checked this thread in about a month. Shame no new pics or gameplay vids have been shown. Nice to see the discussion is the same versus the haves and have nots.
I guess my feeling is I wish Stern would have kept with a low cost model, mods that you could buy at your leisure, and a higher cost model with mods installed.
Oh well. Hopefully I'll get to see some gameplay next month.
Quoted from Hazoff:I like the 27" displays but I prefer what Stern has done
It looks odd to me. I like DP's for a small LCD and Heighway and JJP for the larger display. I'm sure it's just cause it's different. It may take some getting used to.
Quoted from docquest:Looks like in addition to the premium, LE, and SLE there will one 1 more version of the game, well sort of.
The main artist if the game, Chris Franchi, does a podcast and in his latest one he talks about the machine he is getting. He says its a sort of "frankenstein" machine because it will have parts from all 3 versions. At expo he told Stern it would be cool if he got a custom plaque for it. He recently got an email back from Stern saying they were laying out the plastics and said the had room on the sheet for his unique plaque if he still wanted ine. So he sent them a design that has his signature and says version 1 of 1 "Super Extra Limited Edition". He's a toy collector as well so he thought it was funny to joke about the whole limited edition thing.
He also said he was still working on the bat gadget plaque designs. At the time if the recording he had about 30 left to do out of the 120 gadget plaques. The podcast was recorded the weekend after thanksgiving. I hope he got them done by now so the can finally start building the machines this week.
Thanks for that info. That was super interesting.
Quoted from iceman44:When you get your game just cut off the bottom portion of the ramp. Problem solved.
If the solution is that easy why hasn't Stern done it?
They may have too but we'll just have to wait till Jan. to find out.
Quoted from RobT:90 posts by someone who has zero interest in ever buying the pin that is the subject of the thread. Do people have a right to give their opinions even if they aren't a buyer? Of course! I am the first one to defend that. But 90 posts? Ridiculous.
Quoted from Chambahz:et's support the whining, snivelling, the complaining, the absolute USELESS comments from people who have no interest in actually buying the game.
90 posts in 6400 comments is less than 2 percent of the posts in this thread. I've made 145 posts in this topic (which is a very surprising number to me because I rarely check this thread).
We are all potential buyers and more likely all players. A miss in QC or PR on one game has the potential to affect future sales so everyone's opinions should matter.
The best tactic if someone is annoying you is to ignore them. It's hard for a person to have a conversation by themself for very long.
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