I originally ignored this title because of the bad reviews. Then I had a chance to play a PRO and I really liked it. I played it some more and decided to purchase a Premium.
I have had the Premium for a little while now and I love it. It is definitely a keeper. The code is great, the shots are challenging, the light show is awesome, and it just has a great vibe to it. Like you are in a battle to survive against zombies. I think this is one of the things I like most about the game. There is a story and you are in a battle.
I also have AC/DC Premium, and as much as I like it, I feel like the lack of story progression holds back my enthusiasm for the game. That's just me - I like games that progress a story/modes.
As far as the call-outs, I don't mind them at all. I know a lot of people have complained that the voices are not the actual actors. I even tried the modded code that adds in the sounds from the show. As great a job as was done on those mods, I actually went back to the original official Stern code. For me it just was better integrated.
The post above about Pinside ratings is spot on:
Quoted from dzoomer:My experience has led me to consider the pinball ratings on this website garbage. Too many people gaming the ratings, vendettas/agendas on pinball manufactures, new vs old game wars, etc. Trust what you find you like above any comments. Some of the early and loud denouncers of TWD now report really enjoying the game, and have even purchased it.
If you like the game, that's all you need. No one should tell you what is a "good" game or a "bad" game.
It is definitely a keeper for me.