AIQ seems to be the most polarizing in the bunch. Either #1 or #4 in lists. It has some stigma that it's impossible to learn, and that's bogus. If you're posting on a pinball forum, you know how to play a mode-based Stern - light a mode, start a mode, beat the mode. Anyone here should be able to walk up to AIQ and get some progression on that alone.

Where it shines (especially in a home environment) is the nuance in the countless ways to take the game to the next level. The gems are power ups given for completing modes. Your next shot on an Avenger after completing a mode places the gem on that Avenger. Based on how well that Avenger is levelled up gives you varying degrees of the gem's power up. There. That's 90% of AIQ's rules simplified into a few sentences.

I still revisit the game and try new ways to approach it. Many swear by the Mind Gem --> Soul Gem approach (where the Mind Gem gives you "Boom buttons" and you use it on Soul Gem's Hard Mode for 10x scoring), but I can't get there consistently. Therefore I have a default approach for tournies right now but love revisiting the game and trying out new things. PERFECT game for a small home collection! You just got to learn that the flippers don't change the inlanes, there's a vertical magnet, and the disc can potentially block a shot you need.

Only thing I'd change in AIQ is the audio. All the "I am... (insert Avenger)" callouts can F right off. We know who you are. Someone once said "the callouts are for kids on location" and I'd counter that it's hard to hear callouts on many location games and there should be more variety for home buyers. Rest of the game though is amazing.