If it isn't obvious, we (i.e. hardcore enthusiasts) are in the minority. Most people walking up to a pinball just want to have fun and bat the ball around. Pinball for most folks is more of an experience and less of a game. While we worship intricate rulesets, most folks are intimidated by them. The folks that designed Beatles are targeting the majority, not us. Had neighbors over this weekend and they loved/preferred it.

Music pins should celebrate the band/artist, and Beatles hit the mark.

snaroff

I don't have access to Stern/distributor sales data, so who knows?

I think it's wrong to assume hardcore Beatles fans wouldn't consider an 8k Gold a "collectible". Collectors come in all shapes and sizes and it's wrong to assume only the rarest examples are worthy of collecting. If you are a collector and typically keep stuff "forever", it's not like you care about price appreciation or fluctuations. I bought what I thought looked best (the "Gold" Edition). Considering the number of Beatles fans worldwide, the "Gold" could be gobbled up if Stern & their distributors are successful selling to an outside-the-Stern-box crowd.

From my perspective, this deviation from the normal Stern formula was about going outside the box (retro design, software outsourced, etc.) and throwing the distributors a holiday "bone". Not merely about pushing the price envelope.

Without knowing the "margins", it's impossible to know how much of a "money grab" this is. To be honest, I could care less, but you and many others seem focused on pricing.

snaroff

Interesting, and kind of supports my earlier assertion about non-pinheads being happy with "Gold" as a collectible.

I believe Beatles Gold will be successful if Stern and their distributors can reach the target community (of non-pinhead Beatles fans). If Stern really wants to reward distributors, they will spend more marketing $$ to help sell more the games!

I admit Beatles Gold won't be played by me as much as my other games, but I'm still happy with the purchase and know my neighbors/visitors will enjoy it! Not every game needs to cater to me

snaroff

I remember when IM came out and EVERYONE was whining about how stripped down it was (yet prices skyrocketed when folks realized it was a fun/brutal game). No doubt Beatles is never going to compete with IM on gameplay, however the appeal of the band and cool retro design is why I took the plunge. And worse case, I sell it and lose 1k. Little difference from past NIB purchases. The Pinside obsession with prices is hilarious, since there are enough addicts to keep Stern in business. I use to talk tough about prices, but I've learned from experience that I still open my wallet for a hobby that interests me. Beatles may not be the most exciting game, but it interests me.

Oh yeah, it's BS that "it's part of our pinball DNA". Most folks see Beatles for what it is, and yes, everyone would love to pay less for their games!

snaroff

I doubt it.

If Beatles sales stall, it's more likely that Stern marketing (and it's distributors) isn't reaching the target audience. If Stern could wave a magic wand and place all the Beatles Gold's in Apple Stores, they'd be sold in a heartbeat.

My first game was purchased in 2004, after seeing/playing it in a Sharper Image store (LOTR, 2004). "Dicks" sporting goods also had a TSPP at the time...right next to the ping pong tables!

Most folks outside our community don't even know pinball machines are still being created/manufactured.

snaroff

My only issue is all the airballs and balls violently hitting the glass. I believe Stern is working on some plastic mods to solve the airball problems...has anyone else heard this? Any eta? If someone has come up with other remedies, lmk.

Thanks,

snaroff

Sweet! I occasionally get them on the "FAB" targets as well. "1964" is already protected.

Don't know what's taking Stern so long on the kits...trying to limit my play until I have a solution (some of the airballs are pretty violent).

snaroff

Changed out the 2.5" sling rubber for 2" Titans. Also added pink post/flipper rubbers. Game plays much smoother and the post rubbers don't have an effect on ball time (especially since the slings are more active with tighter rubbers).

snaroff

IMG_1053 (resized).jpeg

Wow...posting your wonderfully insightful editorial in multiple Beatles threads...you must really think it's important!

Absolutely nothing you've said about Beatles strikes a chord with me...and I'm not saying that to "defend my purchase". In fact, I own every Stern music pin and I'm plenty critical of other Stern releases. Most recently, IMDN (because the Premium/LE mechs are so poorly implemented). You'd think that inheriting a design from Keith would give them a leg up and really nail the implementation. Nah. From my perspective, THAT's a cash grab...improperly implementing an otherwise fine design. Shit, the shooter lanes don't even serve up the ball reliably! No service bulletin? Give me a break.

Yes, it's richly priced. Yes, it's not a deep game (like most/all 80's pins). The video clips and music aren't annoying at all...they are well done.

snaroff

omg...now car pricing analogies? If cars were all priced based on BOM's, the spread between cars wouldn't be so dramatic. My Honda Civic Sport Touring has as much tech as cars that cost nearly double. People pay lots of money for labels/status...that's life.

Expensive BOM's don't necessarily make great games. Just to be clear...I don't think The Beatles is a ground breaking game. I think it's a fun, well-executed effort combining retro design with new tech. Other than having no ramps, the BOM is what you'd expect from Stern.

snaroff

Please stop arguing with me (or trying to convince me). I DON"T SET THE PRICES. I'm sorry you are offended by Stern's pricing on this game. I AM NOT.

And with the exception of occasional airballs, it works! Unlike wonky, half-baked mechs on some recent Stern Premiums (IMDN captive ball, IMDN sarcophagus, KISS levitating ball). The effort to "dial in" some of the recent mechs is unacceptable...

snaroff

If you want to make Beatles a lot more challenging in a home environment, set "Choose Song At Ball Plunge" to "NO" (Feature adj. #8). This forces you to complete "FAB FOUR" to quality for a song (which will cause it to blink). Shooting the top loop will start the song.

Now try and complete all the songs!