(Topic ID: 21273)
Ann Arbor, MI
Quoted from swampfire:Totally pointless thread. If there are games you hate, rate them. If there's something specific you don't like, put it in the rating comments.
Wow, 4 "thumbs down"? It's way too easy to piss you guys off. You're entitled to compile your list of "worst games ever", but it's pointless if you won't even say why you don't like them. I bet half of the people listing games haven't even played the games they're so dismissive of.
Quoted from Jackontherocks:Let me know which top 5 games Stern has made that you believe are there worst or just can't get into the game play and leave a few notes after each game explaining your decision. I responded to the topic of Stern's top 5 games so thought we could do the worse as well for a fun topic. For example POTC was a game I was looking forward to but just find it is boring with hardly any ramps and slow pace of the game. I will list my worst top 5 games as post goes on.
IM - Way too stripped down and shallow for my tastes.
IJ4 - A perfect theme ruined with a horrible ruleset and layout.
NBA - Copied from another bad game (Space Jam). Stripped down to be sold overseas. Bad.
Striker Xtreme - These early Sterns are embarrassing on many levels.
Sharkey's Shootout - These early Sterns are embarrassing on many levels.
Quoted from swampfire:I bet half of the people listing games haven't even played the games they're so dismissive of.
This is the kind of attitude that bugs me. If you like a game fine, if you don't like it fine, but not being able to believe that people do not like the games you like shouldn't be shocking. Even to the point that people must just be making opinions up without playing.
Also, thumbing down a post does not mean it's pissed someone off, it means they don't agree. 
Quoted from TheLaw:This is the kind of attitude that bugs me. If you like a game fine, if you don't like it fine, but not being able to believe that people do not like the games you like shouldn't be shocking. Even to the point that people must just be making opinions up without playing.
I think there's a partial truth to it, though. Many Stern games haven't been out on location, or if they ARE on location they can be poorly maintained. It's pretty tough to find a game in the right shape to have a good experience on it. So, there's that....and then there are games like Stones that people just ASSUME suck, because it's so simplistic and has a cheap plastic Mick moving around for no reason....I thought it sucked before I played it - I get the instinct to say a game like that sucks. ....but then I played it at a good location,clean, sound blasting, it's f*cking FUN. I wouldn't mind owning a Stones at some point. It's not a Top 5 but I wouldn't put it in a "worst" list by any stretch.
Quoted from Rarehero:I think there's a partial truth to it, though.
....I thought it sucked before I played it - I get the instinct to say a game like that sucks. ....but then I played it at a good location,clean, sound blasting, it's f*cking FUN. I wouldn't mind owning a Stones at some point. It's not a Top 5 but I wouldn't put it in a "worst" list by any stretch.
Fair enough...It's hard because I'm on the other side, so perhaps I'm assuming as much as he is.
I don't blast games I haven't played. I don't review games I haven't played a ton. I don't blow JJP before they make a game, and I don't hate Stern.
As an example, TRS sucks to me because it sucked to me when I played it, there's no getting around that to me.
I just get sick of hearing things like maybe I didn't like a game because "it wasn't dialed in" or I "never played it." This ain't my first rodeo, I know pinball machines and I know what I like. But true, not everyone is like that.
Anyone that put TSPP is in denial period. TSPP has probably the best rule set in pinball. Also BDK is great with the new firmware. I use to be a B/W fanboy but lately I've woke up.
I can see people with low skill sets would say some of these are stinkers but if you're half way decent player the rules on the latest sterns are top notch. Stacking and multipliers and etc. makes them way more fun. I was around MM, CV,CC, MB and all the top notch games this weekend and I played more Sterns than I did those games... They are starting to get boring quick to me. I love the themes, art and call outs on those old games but man they don't hold me like they use to. I can beat them pretty easy and I like more of challenge that Stern is starting to come out with.
I still like the old games but I won't be collecting many of them anymore in my home since they don't keep my attention long.
Quoted from Sc1f1:Anyone that put TSPP is in denial period. TSPP has probably the best rule set in pinball. Also BDK is great with the new firmware. I use to be a B/W fanboy but lately I've woke up.
I can see people with low skill sets would say some of these are stinkers but if you're half way decent player the rules on the latest sterns are top notch. Stacking and multipliers and etc. makes them way more fun. I was around MM, CV,CC, MB and all the top notch games this weekend and I played more Sterns than I did those games... They are starting to get boring quick to me. I love the themes, art and call outs on those old games but man they don't hold me like they use to. I can beat them pretty easy and I like more of challenge that Stern is starting to come out with.
I still like the old games but I won't be collecting many of them anymore in my home since they don't keep my attention long.
Well I'm sure I'm not as good as you are 
, but I really don't like overly complex games (TSPP, TZ, LOTR and other "deep" games). I'm sure I would like them better if I knew the rules, but honestly I don't even like the playfield layout of TSPP to hit the ball around.
RBION is the perfect example of a complex game that I, at least, like the layout....TSPP...not so much.
Quoted from DugFreez:RBION is the perfect example of a complex game that I, at least, like the layout....TSPP...not so much.
+1 and I owned TSPP and had it dialed in.
5 based on what i have played
5-RCT- owned it worst call outs ever lasted 2 weeks
4-TF- nothing new and and another boring kids theme complete with dollar store toys
3-TSPP- Wanted to like it but deep rules do'nt pull it through for me
2- Monopoly- Snooze fest friend has it and i do'nt want to finish my games
1-WPT- Bad backglass added to monopoly description
Other early sterns already mentioned are obvious.
I'm surprised people are only mentioning new Stern titles. What about older ones like Orbitor I and Lightning? 
Quoted from pinballlife:Wow, some surprises here.......
Elvis pops up a lot, but barely any mention of CSI which is very high on my "bottom five" list.
Terry.
I counted 5 mentions of CSI, but not a word about why. My avatar makes it obvious that I'm a big fan of the game. In fact, I'm sending a NOS playfield to Chad Keller. I suspect a lot of people just don't like the theme, or haven't had enough time with CSI to discover what it offers. I don't *need* other people to like it, I just think people who are upset with Stern for using TV shows as themes are missing some great gameplay.
I'd put CSI in the same category as Congo, which was on a lot of "bottom" lists about 10 years ago. It's a rare, under-appreciated game that will come into its own over time.
The OP said: "leave a few notes after each game explaining your decision." I appreciate the few posts here where people did that.
Quoted from DugFreez:Well I'm sure I'm not as good as you are , but I really don't like overly complex games (TSPP, TZ, LOTR and other "deep" games). I'm sure I would like them better if I knew the rules, but honestly I don't even like the playfield layout of TSPP to hit the ball around.
RBION is the perfect example of a complex game that I, at least, like the layout....TSPP...not so much.
I can see that a lot of people like to knock the ball around and not care about accomplishing the rules not liking deep games. Chances are you aren't as good as me 
and maybe I should have stated that different but for me rules is what makes the game IMO but others may look at it different. I know that I am leaning way more toward Sterns now than B/W. RBION is a great game too. I still haven't touch the tip of the iceberg on TSPP and that is the reason it will not probably leave. I need the challenge or games get boring that is just me... sorry if offended anyones skillset 
Quoted from Sc1f1:Anyone that put TSPP is in denial period. TSPP has probably the best rule set in pinball.
What is your definition of "Best" when it comes to rules?
For supposedly having the "best rule set in pinball" TSPP sure is boring. 
Quoted from RobT:What is your definition of "Best" when it comes to rules?
For supposedly having the "best rule set in pinball" TSPP sure is boring.
Keeps me coming back for more. Alien Invasion is tough to get to... Deep if I can get to the end/jackpots on the 1st or 2nd ball chances are the game will not be in my home very long.
That me... we are all different
Quoted from RobT:What is your definition of "Best" when it comes to rules?
For supposedly having the "best rule set in pinball" TSPP sure is boring.
While I respect your opinions, please elaborate on boring....Because TSPP has:
Mystery Spot - One of the best uses of MPU controlled flippers by reversing them. Certainly not boring and no other pin has this feature
Couch Lock - Brilliant design
Upper PF jackpots - one of the few games with an upper PF where you MUST have control of the balls down below AND shoot for the couch which takes two successive shots in the upper PF.
FIVE shots to make off an upper right flipper - name another game that has this many shots from a secondary flipper (Treehouse, Quicky Mart, Hurry Up, QM Target and bank shots to bullies)
Alien Invasion - one of the most creative, intense and downright difficult multiballs to beat...And what multiball mode requires 5 locks and even has a place to lock 5 balls in another machine
Add to that I&S hole guarded by targets, two orbits, an additional ramp, otto's hole, a spinner, and so many varied modes (8 TV modes, Daredevil bart, I&S, Treehouse modes, Secret Stash, Pretzel Multiball, Mystery Spot, 5 stackable jackpots)...
I just don't see how anyone can say it is boring....Maybe difficult and long ball times to achieve all the bonuses, but never boring.
And speaking of long ball times....I've never understood this argument. Do most of you play 5 minutes of pinball and stop. Or do you play multiple games in a row on a machine? I'd rather play 30 minutes and feel a sense of accomplishment on TSPP, than play 6 5 minute games on a drain monster.
Quoted from robertmee:While I respect your opinions, please elaborate on boring....Because TSPP has:
Mystery Spot - One of the best uses of MPU controlled flippers by reversing them. Certainly not boring and no other pin has this feature
Couch Lock - Brilliant design
Upper PF jackpots - one of the few games with an upper PF where you MUST have control of the balls down below AND shoot for the couch which takes two successive shots in the upper PF.
FIVE shots to make off an upper right flipper - name another game that has this many shots from a secondary flipper (Treehouse, Quicky Mart, Hurry Up, QM Target and bank shots to bullies)
Alien Invasion - one of the most creative, intense and downright difficult multiballs to beat...And what multiball mode requires 5 locks and even has a place to lock 5 balls in another machine
Add to that I&S hole guarded by targets, two orbits, an additional ramp, otto's hole, a spinner, and so many varied modes (8 TV modes, Daredevil bart, I&S, Treehouse modes, Secret Stash, Pretzel Multiball, Mystery Spot, 5 stackable jackpots)...
I just don't see how anyone can say it is boring....Maybe difficult and long ball times to achieve all the bonuses, but never boring.
And speaking of long ball times....I've never understood this argument. Do most of you play 5 minutes of pinball and stop. Or do you play multiple games in a row on a machine? I'd rather play 30 minutes and feel a sense of accomplishment on TSPP, than play 6 5 minute games on a drain monster.
Thanks for putting it into words way better than I could. I still don't know all the bells and whistles but I know it's not boring or worst game by any stretch of the imagination. Like I said TSPP will probably never leave my collection.
Quoted from Rarehero:Sweet...maybe I'll be able to buy one for 2k or something if everyone hates it, lol
That is surprising that TRS is #1. I wonder how many of those people have actually played it or played more than a couple games on one. Sure, it is no Picasso, but the worst Stern ever made?
Quoted from LesManley:That is surprising that TRS is #1. I wonder how many of those people have actually played it or played more than a couple games on one. Sure, it is no Picasso, but the worst Stern ever made?
Uh...um..yes, it's uh...TERRIBLE...yeah....the worst! Uh huh....so - anyone who wants to get rid of their crappy, embarrassing TRS...I will give you $1000 out of sympathy and take it off your hands .
Quoted from Rarehero:Uh...um..yes, it's uh...TERRIBLE...yeah....the worst! Uh huh....so - anyone who wants to get rid of their crappy, embarrassing TRS...I will give you $1000 out of sympathy and take it off your hands
Okay, based on that, here's my top 5 worst...
Now sell me one cheap! 
The Rolling Stones, Avatar, and Wheel of Fortune are WORSE than Striker Xtreme, Playboy, and Sharkey's Shootout????
I suspect many folks haven't played some of these earlier Sterns and I guess it's more typical, or fashionable, to bash the newer games.
Quoted from DrJoe:I suspect many folks haven't played some of these earlier Sterns and I guess it's more typical, or fashionable, to bash the newer games.
So you want people to say the earlier Sterns are awful even though they've never played them?
Very fashionable.
Quoted from badbilly27:Copy cat that's my list. Wait for it....wait for it....Rarehero will give me a thumbs down.
You love it 
The title/OP is confusing. I take it we are doing the 5 worst modern Stern pins?
If that is the case, it took pinside entirely too damned long to finally post IJ4 in a list. Worst. Hands down. There are people who will claim to differ, but they are typically delusional.
Quoted from TheLaw:So you want people to say the earlier Sterns are awful even though they've never played them?Very fashionable.
No, I'm just suggesting that there is more bias on current games than those from a decade ago. I don't think 10 years from now The Rolling Stones will be considered Stern's worst game of all time.
Quoted from DrJoe:No, I'm just suggesting that there is more bias on current games than those from a decade ago.
More people have plaid the newer sterns I'm assuming, therefore those are the ones they know, and they are voting on them. I've never played a bunch of the early games, so obviously they are not going to make my list.
Quoted from Sc1f1:Anyone that put TSPP is in denial period. TSPP has probably the best rule set in pinball.
I agree, but I think this just shows how some people have dramatically-different tastes in games.
Quoted from TheLaw:More people have plaid the newer sterns I'm assuming, therefore those are the ones they know, and they are voting on them. I've never played a bunch of the early games, so obviously they are not going to make my list.
We're saying the same thing here. I suggested that many folks haven't played the earlier Sterns, therefore the newer games make this list more than they might. Plus, folks seem to "choose sides" when new games are released as to whether they are the best ever or worst ever.
Quoted from DrJoe:We're saying the same thing here. I suggested that many folks haven't played the earlier Sterns, therefore the newer games make this list more than they might. Plus, folks seem to "choose sides" when new games are released as to whether they are the best ever or worst ever.
Agree with the first part, disagree with the second.
Quoted from DrJoe:No, I'm just suggesting that there is more bias on current games than those from a decade ago. I don't think 10 years from now The Rolling Stones will be considered Stern's worst game of all time.
I think a lot of it has to do with prices rising & and mechanical features dropping. The new games aren't mechanical marvels by any means, and I empathize with those who resent it. That being said, fun is fun - and I've found many of the "simpler" Stern games to be really fun in the way Getaway, BSD or other "fast and non-deep" games are fun.
i was sure to find NBA in good (heu... bad !?) position in this list
this game is really underated, i think simply because it seems easy (and it is in a way), but its NOT if you try to finish it and reach the NBA FINALS (and than got big points !!!)
and than, if you only play/test it for few games, you'll not like it, but the more you play it the more you enjoy it
well, it's the way i feel mine, and of course its a personnal feeling (my son feeling the same)
(ps to aeneas : if you have to came near Luik, PM me on Eric forum, and may be you'll change your opinion)
Quoted from Rarehero:So, there's that....and then there are games like Stones that people just ASSUME suck, because it's so simplistic and has a cheap plastic Mick moving around for no reason....I thought it sucked before I played it - I get the instinct to say a game like that sucks. ....but then I played it at a good location,clean, sound blasting, it's f*cking FUN. I wouldn't mind owning a Stones at some point. It's not a Top 5 but I wouldn't put it in a "worst" list by any stretch.
I agree. I played TRS at a location that had an ACDC Pro and I thought TRS was more fun and sounded better. It wasn't great, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if I found it on the cheap. I think Elvis is the best of the Stern music pins though.
I didn't like Playboy because it was too easy. Ball times are ridiculously long.
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