I’m picking up an Elvira House of Horrors on Monday. Super excited by the way. Are there any must have mods? Thanks in advance!

Has anyone heard any rumors about a topper?

Just picked up an EHoH this afternoon. I’m excited to be part of the group and am looking forward to reading everyone’s thoughts and opinions from here on out!

I can’t agree more and did that a week or so ago. I first played it and reviewed it earlier on, but had to make some edits. It’s a different pin now.

I agree. I know everyone has their personal preferences, but, for me, the true test of a pins greatness is how broad of audience does it appeal to? This is the first pin where my entire family loves playing it. Me (46), girlfriend (39), son (15) and daughter (10). It accomplishes that broad appeal through a theme that doesn’t appeal to many. I think that says a lot in terms of gameplay and, most importantly, fun factor.

I’ve been very mindful of the recent playfield issues. I’ve had a lot of “air balls” during play and my playfield still looks great. I’ve taken the glass off and inspected the playfield and do not have any craters. So far so good....

They just happen. I notice them on the left ramp. I guess I don’t have a clear explanation, but they happen.

I put a shaker in my EHoH. In my opinion, it’s a must have for any modern pin. However, with EHoH, I will admit it is not as impactful or thematic as a shaker is with a pin like TWD. With that being said, shaker’s are $100, which in pinball money is pocket change. I say go for it.

Can anyone fill me in on the action button in terms of function and when best to use? Seems like from jooky’s post you can use it to complete a mode? Thanks in advance.

Plug and play it is! Bolt it down, put the cap on, plug it in. Done. Super easy.

I think it looks great without mods! I’m not against mods, but I think it’s a beautiful pin as is.

I’ll concede that is a very fair point!

I’m fine with the DLC with the Topper so long as it’s DLC that is quality, worth having and reflective of the price being charged by Stern. I’m not sure the goat mode with the JP topper falls into that category in any respect.

I don’t have any specific information, but I have to wonder how many more EHoH games Stern will make, especially with the success of TMNT and all of the other “active” titles they have at the moment. With that being said, I’m sure they would sell whatever they make.

I’ve only seen Double Header. No clown.

I just can’t see paying $600 for any topper. The price just seems so outrageous for what you get. After tax and shipping you are getting close to 10% of the cost of a HUO premium, which, to me, seems insane. However, with all that being said, I definitely want one for me EHoH. And there lies the problem...

Does anyone happen to have any more info on the topper other than that one pic?

Toss the Elvira theme out the window. It doesn’t matter. I could care less about Elvira, but I absolutely love the pin. It’s top notch in every way. I like it much more than JP, but that’s just my opinion of course.

It’s always a matter of personal preference, but I think a shaker makes sense for any modern pin.

That looks like a mess. You need a replacement. I’d just contact Stern.

Dude, that’s pretty rad. I think I need to find me some side armor. I’m checking but assuming it’s sold out!

Yeah. It’s not even on the Stern site at all, not even listed as sold out. It does look great. Hopefully, they will get more in stock. I’m also excited to see the topper. I just hope it’s not $600.

That’s insane. I hope for your and all our sakes that is a typo. If it’s not or the topper is even close to that price, there’s no way I’m buying it. That can’t be the price, can it??

I was in before I saw the price, but now I’m out. I’d just rather apply the $1000 to another pin.

Stern has one coming at a $1000 a pop, supposedly limited to 200. Not sure if you already knew that. Apologies if you did.

It would be nice if Stern came up with a process or update coding system that is a definitive standard followed for all of their pins. It always seems like a bit of a guessing game for those of us that purchased a pin before it is completed. It’s a bit of a leap of faith and really shouldn’t be given the upfront cost of a pin. Maybe they guarantee that it is 80% complete on the ship date with the code to be fully completed no more than one year from the release date. Ideally, it would be 100% complete on the ship date but I don’t see that happening.

Based on the recent intel regarding the static image, I’d hold that thought pending more info.

So, your topper has been paid for and shipped and you have no idea what it does or what features it contains?

I don’t believe you are missing something.

If I recall correctly, you are not the first person in the thread to raise the issue. I guess all we can do is wait and see, but it would be in poor form if it wasn’t included.

I was on a list with a distributor to get a topper. The distributor got in touch with me yesterday and said he had it and it was ready to ship to me. I had to pass given the price and apparent features (or maybe better said - lack there of).

I’ve never bought anything from the distributor, so, given the fact there are only 200, I was really surprised to get the call. I figured I’d be a low priority. Maybe they aren’t selling well?

Also, how are these toppers being sold without any info as to what they do? For a $1000 (plus tax and shipping I might add), I think you should know exactly what you are getting for your money. However, maybe that’s the point. You aren’t getting anything for your money and Stern doesn’t want you to know that until after they all sold. Anyway, I’m done b$&@hing about the topper. For those that did buy it, I hope it is way better than everyone is expecting...for your sake.

I couldn’t have said it better. What’s the big secret?!?! Distributors have them so let’s see one

That’s really too bad about the topper. I know the topper code probably isn’t complete, but it seems like the only other thing it could do is have the front of the crypt flip up. However, it does look cool, but that by itself isn’t enough to justify the price tag. Bummer because I was certain I was going to get the topper.

I just wish everyone would pass on the EHoH topper. Pinball should always be fun and $1000 toppers that have no features that are limited to 200, simply aren’t fun. Why encourage this type of practice by Stern? I know what some will say - because they can and they will sell and Stern is making a lot of money, etc. However, you can have integrity, take care of your customers that spent between $8000 and $15,000 for a pinball machine AND still make money.

Now that you know it’s plastic and not a sticker, why do you now think it’s necessary for the entire game experience? It’s a sincere question and I’m not being sarcastic. To me, it doesn’t seem to add much of anything.

It’s really lame. The front only flips up to a 45 degree angle.... Prepare to be disappointed.

I’m sending Stern an email expressing my extreme displeasure regarding everything relating to the topper. I encourage anyone that feels the same to also do so. However, if you do send an email, please keep it thoughtful and don’t go for low blows. I think well thought out emails may garner more attention. We do have a voice, even if it’s a small one. It only takes a minute or two to send an email.

I’m NOT buying it. However, sometimes there is a reason to be negative and the Elvira topper is one of them. There is no way anyone can justify any aspect of the topper. Simply put, it’s a ripoff. There’s also other ways to support the distributors. They sell lots of items in addition to the Elvira topper. Buy something else.

Easy solution for you. If you are tired of the negative talk, then don’t visit the threads.

I don’t think I’m “bitch and crying”. I’m expressing displeasure regarding Stern’s business practices with respect to the topper. There is a big difference. I’m also not just expressing displeasure. I’m also not buying. NOT buying is what will force a change. So, my actions are consistent with my words.

I agree completely. I don’t mind paying a premium for something with premium features. I’d glad pay $1000 for multiple (not one) quality game modes (not that I’m advocating for DLC) and something more interactive.

I think it’s in a bit of poor form for Stern to be so cryptic with it’s intentions regarding the topper. Those spending $1000 should know exactly what they are buying.

Because it’s the honest thing to do. It’s also just good business to treat your loyal customers well.

I see a lot of chatter on the thread from people having various issues. However, I’ve had zero issues with my EHoH. Now that I’ve said that, I’ll probably have issues the next time I turn it on

He’s probably referring to the EHoH topper. I agree everything related to the release of the topper has been poorly handled by Stern.

It’s almost too much to soak in at once! Will have to read it in “chapters” tonight

Looks like an amazing update, but I don’t get all the gushing with the need to thank Mr. Sheats. It just seems like such a fanboy thing to do. I mean, shouldn’t he be thanking us for (1) purchasing an $8000 - $15000 pinball machine that was incomplete at the time of purchase and (2) waiting patiently for a year in order for it to become close to complete? Again, I love Lyman’s coding but he is just doing his job and fulfilling his commitment to complete a pin that we all purchased a long time ago. No need to act like he’s doing us a favor.

I’m excited!!

Easy...

Hey. Thanks so much for the nice response. I do always try to be reasonable and thoughtful with my posts. I probably went a little too far with that one. I guess the point I was trying to make is that everyone just seems to to settle for and accept what they are given by pinball manufacturers. I just think expectations a lot of times are so low that when someone actually does a good job (which is what that person should do) everyone acts surprised. Why be surprised when it’s something to be expected? The answer is based on history, it’s not expected and there lies the problem.

Someone mentioned Dwight Sullivan in a post and insinuated that he is a poor coder. I’m not knocking Mr. Sullivan and am just using him as an example, but if he’s such a poor coder then why does he still have a job? It’s because people keep buying his games, probably largely based on theme only. How about this? Don’t buy them and then you’ll have a new coder. There’s just a lot of complaining sometimes and zero action on the part of the community.

In the end, I just feel like we are the pinball manufacturers most rabid and loyal customers. We deserve their respect. Yes. Mr. Sheats definitely gives us that respect, but the point I was trying to make is that he should and he shouldn’t have to be thanked for it. With out us, he wouldn’t have a job.

I sent Stern a very nice and reasonable email about how they have handled the EHoH topper. I mentioned the lack of transparency in terms of features, production run, price, etc. My theme was you can do what you want, but at least tell us what we are buying. I sent the email two weeks ago. Guess what? No response.

Thanks @jfh. I appreciate your response. Sometimes I just get frustrated with Stern’s business practices and I let it get the best of me. That post was one of those times. I just feel like businesses in other industries would never get away with the things Stern does. Anyway, no arguments for me as to Mr. Sheats abilities. I owned a TWD as well. EHoH is an awesome pin. I love it and the code is great.

I’ve said my peace and will now focus on the positives. Thanks for listening!

I’m out of town and can’t do the update right now. If you don’t mind me asking, how does the DJ mode work?

Cool. Sounds like a unique feature. Thanks for letting me know.

I would imagine that was a huge selling point - the fact that they were limited to 200 - and a big part of the reason people were willing to pay the $1000.

Now that you know that, just give the pin a nudge and you should be fine.

I love the idea of the B-movie trailer at the end of the game. However, I agree that it shouldn’t play after every game. I think it should tie to a certain level of progress and/or maybe absolute failure.

At the end of the day, EHoH is just plain old fun and that’s what is most important. Everyone that has played mine has had a great time and a smile on their face. That goes for people that could care less about Elvira as a theme as well. I mean, I fall into that camp. I could care less about Elvira and never thought I’d own one when it was released. I’m as surprised as the next guy. It’s really one of the best pins I’ve ever played for all the reasons listed.

I always think a shaker is a must have for any pin.

It’s all about having fun. If having fun for you is playing with 3 balls, then play with 3 balls. If it’s 5 balls, then play with 5 balls. When you own the game, you can do whatever you want. It’s not tournament play so be yourself and don’t bend to others wishes or opinions.

Amen brother. Well said.

You got my vote as well! Medisinyl

In terms of the $500 price increase, I think everyone should cancel their orders. I say that fully admitting that I already have an EHoH. It’s an awesome pin, but I don’t think it’s worth getting taken advantage of to get one. Have some pride and move on. There are other great pins out there and more to come. Shame on Stern.

And there lies the problem....the mindset that any of us NEED any pin. No one needs an Elvira. They may want it, but they don’t need it. Stern is taking advantage of that mindset and laughing while they run to the bank. Besides, the real issue isn’t just about $500. It’s about how the $500 was implemented and the lack of respect Stern has for its customers.

You just need to insulate the glass a bit. I’ve done it with other pins using some foam tape in a couple of places on the underside of the glass on the outside edges. That should do the trick.

There’s just one thing I can’t get past with GnR. It’s that soft plunge. It just bugs me and seems completely the opposite of what it should be with GnR, which is an in your face rock band. I know this will seem really petty, but it’s enough of an issue for me to pass on the pin. Anyway....

I believe it is Mr. Lyman Sheats’ birthday today. Happy Birthday!

I agree. I don’t consider myself to be a high level player. I have played in one league, but that’s it. I don’t often get over a billion, but scores in the 800M, 900M range come up on a regular basis. Obviously, a big part of putting up a score is knowing the rules. So, if you know the rules well and are a decent player, you should be able to hit a billion.

Switch hits is what gets you to Gappa Angry, so hitting the pops helps build the Freak Fryer quickly. During the beginning stages of multi ball when the ball save is on, I let the balls drain so they shoot back into the pops which gets you a ton of switch hits. Also, the better you do in the modes, the more points you will get during House Party, so don’t be afraid to keep hitting shots during modes before you shoot the house to close it out.

I think it’s always worth putting a shaker in every pin. Given the cost of pins and everything related thereto, it’s a no brainer for $100 - $150. A lot of bang for the buck so to speak.

If you are worried about $20, then the pinball hobby isn’t for you

I care about money. Just not $20... Is everything I’m your collection available?

I’m fortunate to own an EHoH, but those that don’t and have paid a deposit that has been accepted by Stern should get a game. It would be such bad business to lead people on and not come through in the end. I know Stern isn’t in the habit of treating it’s customers with respect, but if they aren’t going to make any more just tell everyone, so no one else puts down a deposit. I just don’t get the lack of transparency with Stern. It’s just bad business to keep everyone guessing with some of this stuff.

I think that is the logical conclusion. I don’t think distributors are taking deposits for games without any guidance from Stern. If that’s not the case, how could any distributor take a deposit without specifically telling a customer that they have no idea if they can fulfill the order?

I have these as well. They look great. Very happy with them.

It’s time for me to mix things up a bit, so I’m planning on listing my EHoH Premium but I’d thought I’d reach out to the group first. It’s HUO. I’m the second owner and have owned it for about a year and a half. I’ve had zero issues with it, like none. Stern shooter knob, shaker and purple plastic protectors. I’m asking $9,000. If anyone is interested, just let me know. I can send pics, etc. Also, I will make a donation to Pinside if it sells. Feel free to check out my feedback. Thanks everyone.