I got about 20 games in over the weekend at a mix of both locations and thought I'd give my review as well as some feedback on the game.
Gameplay/layout: The game really plays like a well oiled machine. I've played all of Pat's games pretty extensively and I think this is his best layout. Tons of flow, lots of satisfying shots, everything just feels really well designed and thought out. Not many cheap drains, a pleasure to play! It feels like a solid/finished game already and this game isn't even released yet.
Toys: The use of magnets in this game is really awesome! The under playfield magnets really thrown the ball around and create chaos. The theater is a well implemented modern toy that actually does quite a bit. Cool use of diverters, pop up trap door in left orbit, etc. The drones are also kind of neat. If you like toys you won't be disappointed.
Theme: It wouldn't have been my first choice of theme but the theme is integrated really well and it is fun to play. It fits the Pat Lawlor universe well and feels like a Pat game through and through.
Sound/Audio: Sounds and audio are all well done. When you play this game you feel like you are playing one of Pat's WPC games in the 90's except it's been upgraded with modern day technological advances.
Video: I think the phone is implemented really well and does a good job of telling you what you need to do. This is what an on the playfield LCD should do and it is a huge improvement over what WOZ and Hobbit did on the playfield. The backbox LCD i was less impressed with. Yeah you have a big "Sim City" type visualization of the city but it seems busy and is hard to really decipher what is going on by quickly glancing up. I think it's a step down from what JJP did with Hobbit. I would prefer more "action" but I understand with the limitations of doing an original theme why that content would be difficult and time consuming to create. It could also do a better job of telling you your progress as well as more details on what you are supposed to do.
Overall: If you're a fan of Pat Lawlor I can't see how you wouldn't like this game. Even if you aren't a fan I think this game takes many of the things people don't like about Pat games (stop and go, etc) and improves them by adding flow and making it really satisfying to shoot. I think the game will go down as a modern day classic.
Issues/suggestions: The game at Schwoegler's had some issues with the Theater magnet dropping the ball SDTM. I would suggest that it pulse the magnet (like TWD) or give you a 2 second ball save as it was super frustrating to lose the ball like this.-It was either that or waste a tilt warning to save it. The Alt game released it better but it still seemed too dangerous for a shot that should be safe.
Other than that the only thing I'd really suggest is that the game gave you better feedback for what you are supposed to do.-Hilton hit on this earlier. You can look at the screen and sometimes see what your next shot should be, but the playfield inserts are pretty busy and it isn't easy to always tell what you should be shooting at. It could also use more audio queues to let you know what you're supposed to be doing in the game.
I think the game is a ton of fun and will be a good seller. If you are interested in buying one look no further than Chris at Kingpin games. He is the best!