(Topic ID: 227402)

Ghostbusters! Diamond or Dud?

By Squeakman

5 years ago


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  • 58 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 5 years ago by rai
  • Topic is favorited by 2 Pinsiders

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There are 79 posts in this topic. You are on page 1 of 2.
#1 5 years ago

What is the real lowdown on this game? I hear so many complain about it not being good and see a ton for sale. Is this game really a dud or is it just hard? Most complaints I am hearing are the magnets by the slings and flipper gap? I've also been reading about many fixes that needed to be done to make it playable. I am considering obtaining this game and haven't had a ton of time on it.

#2 5 years ago

A good friend has a pro since the beginning and it plays fine. And yes, it has the mod where it gets a pole between the flippers. I declare this as a must for us to enjoy it.

https://pu-parts.com/ghostbusters-pu-upgrade-kit

31
#3 5 years ago

The premium / LE is the best toy and feature offering Stern has put out in year's in my opinion. Ghostbusters is also a timeless theme and the game contains licensed actor audio, licensed music, and custom callouts by Ernie Hudson. The hand drawn artwork on the playfield is also some of the best art ever created for a pinball machine.

The layout is original and the toys in the game are very unique. Love the magna slings and subway ball lock ramp. I think some of the layout complaints come from people who are too used to fan layout right ramp / left ramp games. There's more to pinball then fan layouts.

My main complaint about the game is the state of its code. Hopefully the games code get expanded upon and polished with the games upcoming final update. The game could definitely use another multiball mode or two.

#4 5 years ago

As with all games, you need to take some time to play it and decide for yourself - don't let others make that decision for you.

I have a premium and love it - yes, it's hard, the flipper gap is brutal, but it keeps me coming back, and won't leave anytime soon (especially now with the release of the ColorDMD)

Again, as with most Stern games, it did need some adjustments out of the box - Slimer ass dragging, switch gap for the magna slings, flipper alignment, but its a great game once set up correctly (imo).

#5 5 years ago

I love this game. Most people complain about the flipper gap being too wide, and it is by design error, but it's really not that bad. On the premium the PKE shot can be hard / awkward. I've only played the pro, and that pke shot is hard for me, but I'm also not that good.

People dont like the way the modes are structured, in the sense that you have to play them in order. I dont mind this at all.

The artwork is amazing. The sounds are from the movie so it sounds great, not a voice actor. The lights and sound are great to me. I love when storage facility multi ball starts, and hysteria multiball is just silly and fun.

I get why people dont like it, but I'm not one of them. Definitely put some time on one.

#6 5 years ago

Had this game i loved it. (sold cuz i dont trust spike) But out of the box, there is a lot of tweaks you need to do. Once you find those shots it's fun. I had a pro which I prefer over the Prem, not a fan of mag slings thou.

#7 5 years ago

not a diamond definitely not a dud

#8 5 years ago

So its linear like say Roadshow? I owned roadshow and love the game, but it became old because you always start in the same place and progress pretty much one of two ways every game. I am not the greatest player, but I do like players games that are somewhat tough. For me TZ is a Diamond because it never gets old for me and its one of those games that I never get sick of. Many don't like it because it can be difficult for a casual player. I've collected long enough to know what I like and I prefer shorter game times and harder games that give me that one more game itch. I can't do the hour marathon games. Ghostbusters is an amazing theme and the game is absolutely beautiful. I just hear so much back and forth on how good it actually is.

#9 5 years ago

It did not hold my attention for long at all. It is done up nice for sure, but the gameplay was meh....to me at least.

-1
#10 5 years ago

If you take a look at the angle of the slingshots you'll see they are steeper than normal. This is because it's designed for a different mechanism i.e. Magnets. Because of this the pro plays like a dog. The premium though is a stone cold classic. It's only linear if you play it in a linear fashion, don't shoot for start scene with the skill shot but rather light scenes using slimer. Thought has to be given to the order you complete the shots in the scenes to allow proper progression through the modes. The captive balls are a hugely overlooked strategy too.

Great innovations, dots are brilliant and with the sound mods available, superb sound too. Colour dots are going to be awesome.

#11 5 years ago
Quoted from Squeakman:

So its linear like say Roadshow?

Not exactly. You have 3 diff'rent "ladders" of modes instead of kind of 2 with roadshow. I didn't plan on this bothering me much as I own a PM which is completely linear but it really did wear on me.

I can tell you what I think just like everyone else but it doens;t matter 1 bit; everyone is diff'rent and what they like is a mystery.

#12 5 years ago

If the game ever gets another code update it will certainly turn into a diamond.

#13 5 years ago

I will also say I have never felt the need to spend monies to get a Prem+ model, but for me GB is a must.

#14 5 years ago

My GB/Pre is totally a keeper for me!! A little slight tweeking,and this pin rocks!Excellent flow,targets are not hard to hit,fun callouts,family friendly,good light show,fun art,did I miss anything????Get the picture????

#15 5 years ago

I've played a pro and a premium and just didn't like the way either played. I think the theme and art are great, but I don't have any particular desire to play it in a lineup of the latest Stern games. I don't hate it or anything, but I got my fill of it pretty fast. I do get annoyed if it shows up in a tournament because of the well documented scoring imbalances.

I'd say it's a flawed diamond. I can see it being a better home game where the challenge will hold interest for a longer time.

#16 5 years ago

Bustin' makes me feel good.

#17 5 years ago

Turdalicious

#18 5 years ago

The magna-slings are billiant, IMO. I love em. That PKE shot can go jump off a cliff though. That thing is terrible. I think for tournament players, it does tend to get old quick, because there is (or at least WAS) a *very* optimized route to take through the game to maximize scoring. For the casual player, it's going to be on the tougher side of things. Many of the shots are very narrow, the magna-slings create a lot of unpredictability, and the YUGE flipper gap just makes people irate. Why? I don't know. It's existed on other games. People just like to whine.

It's nowhere near as good as TZ. Also worth considering if you think it would ever get sold (Which I assume you do since you're asking about it in the first place, otherwise you'd already KNOW you want to own it..) is that the designer is waiting for trial on criminal charges of possessing underage porn...so...yeah. Your market for resale is going to be impacted, whether or not you agree that the history of the designer taints his games or not. I've seen people sell Trudeau games they liked once that all came out, so it's not just hot air...

#19 5 years ago

It’s a keeper!

#20 5 years ago

There’s some games I’ve owned more than once, and some I would buy again. GB is neither. Dud in my book.

Added later: it’s a pretty game, and slimer is cool. I just couldn’t get into the linear play and what felt like poor geometry.

#21 5 years ago

GB came at a time when enthusiasts were screaming for a different layout, they got it and then the shot complaints started rolling in.

If you think GB is a diamond then your probably kidding yourself a little as its not there yet but it is a brilliant linear style game with probably the most gear on it and innovation that stern has brought out in a while. Like avengers it needs tweaking but then is a scream to play... always something going on. Not to mention the beautiful art package and immersive world your given under glass here. definitely this is a premium purchase... pro is just too stripped and changed.

If you think it is a dud.... well you just need to PLAY BETTER!!! as it isn't an easy game... quite frustrating but also very rewarding when you string some shots together with those multipliers going.

#22 5 years ago
Quoted from hawkmoon:

My GB/Pre is totally a keeper for me!! A little slight tweeking,and this pin rocks!Excellent flow,targets are not hard to hit,fun callouts,family friendly,good light show,fun art,did I miss anything????Get the picture????

I couldn’t agree more. I have had my LE, from the biggining, Once you tweak and add a few things, it’s a great pin.

Now that we have the colored DMD, we just need to get a code update.

#23 5 years ago

A diamond for sure. One of the best in my opinion!!!

#24 5 years ago

Absolute, 100% Dud!! Couldn’t get rid of it fast enough.

#25 5 years ago

Fun factor:
Diamond = 0
GB =8

Therefore:
Gb > diamond

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#26 5 years ago
Quoted from Squeakman:

What is the real lowdown on this game? I hear so many complain about it not being good and see a ton for sale. Is this game really a dud or is it just hard? Most complaints I am hearing are the magnets by the slings and flipper gap? I've also been reading about many fixes that needed to be done to make it playable. I am considering obtaining this game and haven't had a ton of time on it.

It's certainly not a dud IMHO. I don't regret picking up my GB Pro, it plays great and didn't require anywhere near the amount of dialing in I have heard some people talking about on the LEs and Premiums. Is the game difficult, sure, but it is a fully featured and packed game...especially with the Pro version vs. game cost. Theme is top notch, integration is well done. Sounds and dots are great with custom call outs and it has a more unique layout...those are all pluses for me. Now with a color DMD out and a potential code update coming, it gets even better. I think the main reasons you see them for sale often is the game is hard and for that reason can be a bit repetitive if you are constantly losing and choosing Who Brought the Dog as your first mode each time. That and Stern made a ton of them.

#27 5 years ago

Unfortunately, the designer was too busy looking at other things on his computer other than re-fining the GB design. Awesome theme, outstanding art package, great sound; but lackluster design and a software package that is drowning with no life preservers in site puts this in the dud dept for me.

#28 5 years ago

I have a GBLE. The game is really really good. You don't have to start WBTD mode every time.
The magma slings add to the effect of a ghost theme. Very similar to the magnet on Addams Family in that you can get some funky drains but it sure makes it different every time. I had ghosting on my playfield and Stern let pull the playfield, drive over and drop off the crap playfield and bring home a new populated playfield. Took 10 minutes to drop in and plays perfect. I got rid of all my. Sterns except this one. Now I have a Deadpool LE too.

-1
#29 5 years ago
Quoted from Eskaybee:

Unfortunately, the designer was too busy looking at other things on his computer other than re-fining the GB design. Awesome theme, outstanding art package, great sound; but lackluster design and a software package that is drowning with no life preservers in site puts this in the dud dept for me.

Be more specific with lackluster design. I actually like the design. The right ramp is a hard shot but I hit it all the time.
Dud? That's a stretch.

#30 5 years ago
Quoted from kklank:

Quoted from Eskaybee:
Unfortunately, the designer was too busy looking at other things on his computer other than re-fining the GB design. Awesome theme, outstanding art package, great sound; but lackluster design and a software package that is drowning with no life preservers in site puts this in the dud dept for me.
Be more specific with lackluster design. I actually like the design. The right ramp is a hard shot but I hit it all the time.
Dud? That's a stretch.

When I posted this I was hoping to get a better idea why exactly people do and don't like it. Some have written some great relies and some not so much. KKlank you have quite a diverse collection. Very nice mix of old and new.

#31 5 years ago

Diamond. Its been my favorite game since joining the collection. And its really not even close. Simply awesome.

#32 5 years ago

Middle of the road. I really like the playfield design and geometry, but the rules are fairly boring. Many of the modes play very similarly. The pop up targets (Scoleri) are awful. Good code could have used the playfield features in SUCH a more interesting way, both for modes and multiballs. Also, the wizard mode, Mass hysteria, is a gimmick that is just plain awful. I WANT to love this game but just can't.

11
#33 5 years ago

I guess its 2 years? or is it 3?

With all the games Ive had in 45 years, GB is going no where.
It isnt fast flow like IM, it isnt a game for tournament players in General, but to me
it simply is an amazing amount of fun!
I still hit the button over and over for just one more.

#34 5 years ago
Quoted from kklank:

Be more specific with lackluster design. I actually like the design. The right ramp is a hard shot but I hit it all the time.
Dud? That's a stretch.

Dud is a stretch but my options were diamond or dud, and it's certainly not a diamond

#35 5 years ago
Quoted from Eskaybee:

Unfortunately, the designer was too busy looking at other things on his computer other than re-fining the GB design. Awesome theme, outstanding art package, great sound; but lackluster design and a software package that is drowning with no life preservers in site puts this in the dud dept for me.

I can see your point but dialed in almost every shot is smooth... you just have to hit it smoothly. The black widow ramp for example also shoots like a pig unless it gets a good dial in then it's one of the best shots in pinball.
The geometry on this game works... it's just different.

#36 5 years ago

As a previous premium owner. The game was beautiful. Loved the artwork. The toys. The shots. But man, the flipper gap and the rule set (granted it was pre 1.0 code) I just was very frustrated with the game. The only machine I ever really wanted to flip over on it’s side in the middle of my living room floor.

All that being said it also kept me from ever dropping quarters into it on location. I should probably give it another shot with the current code set.

I wouldn’t say diamond, but I feel dud is cruel and not deserving.

Just my .02.

#37 5 years ago

I’m a fan, diamond = possibly

#38 5 years ago
Quoted from RatShack:

Bustin' makes me feel good.

#39 5 years ago

Yo Chad you can come over and play mine all you like to decide if it’s for you.

#40 5 years ago
CB60CE6F-5B01-4A39-834F-BD91C6ABDD34.gifCB60CE6F-5B01-4A39-834F-BD91C6ABDD34.gif
#41 5 years ago

- The Skill Shot bug is an F'ing embarrassment!

- The flipper gap is stupid unless you want to remove the tilt bob and then, hell go to town!

- The right ramp and left orbit require pin point accuracy, and if the game is 0.000005% out of alignment, those shots are a royal B**** to hit.

- The rules are boring as hell.

- Did I mention that stupid skill shot that awards you s*** tons of points for cheating... but apparently is within the rules as it's in the current code?

- The outlanes with the metal post/wireform between the inlane and outlane allow for zero critical nudging which F's over the replay-ability of this game, more than GOTG and MET.

- Also maybe it's the artwork, but this has one of the most wavy translites I've ever seen. It's like a high schooler hanging a rock poster on their bedroom wall. Every GB I've seen (and I've seen a lot) in the right light shows ridiculous waving in the artwork in the backglass as the paper thin translite isn't taught. They need to tighten these translites asap as they look like hell!

PS - Despite all this, I choose this game in my league nights because knowing all this gives me an inherent advantage over the casual player who won't be able to start a mode by the time I'm at 100M. Thanks GB, for being my easy league points!

-23
#42 5 years ago

Literally the worst game ever made. It’s an anti-fun garbage box from
the depths of hell, designed by a deplorable pedophile...and if that wasn’t bad enough, boring rules that make no sense for this design are attached. Most players who’ve played almost any other game in existence knows what hot trash this thing is...it’s uterly shocking that anyone is still going to bat for it. This game created some dimensional rift in the pinball space time continuum....there must be an alternate universe where there’s an actual good GB game, and that’s why there are such starkly different opinions about it. I’m from the Shitty GB dimension, if you haven’t noticed. Maybe this alleged good GB game was designed by someone else and coded by Lyman

#43 5 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

Literally the worst game ever made. It’s an anti-fun garbage box from
the depths of hell, designed by a deplorable pedophile...and if that wasn’t bad enough, boring rules that make no sense for this design are attached. Most players who’ve played almost any other game in existence knows what hot trash this thing is...it’s uterly shocking that anyone is still going to bat for it. This game created some dimensional rift in the pinball space time continuum....there must be an alternate universe where there’s an actual good GB game, and that’s why there are such starkly different opinions about it. I’m from the Shitty GB dimension, if you haven’t noticed. Maybe this alleged good GB game was designed by someone else and coded by Lyman

Ahhh the never ending rant about GB. It's crap how you beat on this game.
An anti fun garbage box? Seriously? It used to be funny reading your crappy comments about the game but now it's just tired. Even if I didn't enjoy a game that much, I wouldn't take a shit on it like you do.
You're like school in the summer man..............no class.

#44 5 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

Literally the worst game ever made. It’s an anti-fun garbage box from
the depths of hell, designed by a deplorable pedophile...and if that wasn’t bad enough, boring rules that make no sense for this design are attached. Most players who’ve played almost any other game in existence knows what hot trash this thing is...it’s uterly shocking that anyone is still going to bat for it. This game created some dimensional rift in the pinball space time continuum....there must be an alternate universe where there’s an actual good GB game, and that’s why there are such starkly different opinions about it. I’m from the Shitty GB dimension, if you haven’t noticed. Maybe this alleged good GB game was designed by someone else and coded by Lyman

Seriously? I admit I didn't care for the game, but the worst game ever?

#45 5 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

Literally the worst game ever made. It’s an anti-fun garbage box from
the depths of hell, designed by a deplorable pedophile...and if that wasn’t bad enough, boring rules that make no sense for this design are attached. Most players who’ve played almost any other game in existence knows what hot trash this thing is...it’s uterly shocking that anyone is still going to bat for it. This game created some dimensional rift in the pinball space time continuum....there must be an alternate universe where there’s an actual good GB game, and that’s why there are such starkly different opinions about it. I’m from the Shitty GB dimension, if you haven’t noticed. Maybe this alleged good GB game was designed by someone else and coded by Lyman

tell us how you really feel, don't hold back...…...oh, nevermind!

#46 5 years ago

GB is a diamond, especially the Premium/LE models. It is absolutely a fantastic game, dont listen to the haters.

#47 5 years ago

My GB still gets played daily after a few months of ownership. The challenge of the shots has made me a much better shooter on other games. It has also taught me a lot about how to make safer shots, which has translated well to more flow-driven games. If anything, the outlanes are more brutal than the center drain, even without the center post mod. I expect the stock on this one to rise once Stern decides to actually put effort into some final code updates. I actually enjoy GB more than Iron Maiden...to each his own.

#48 5 years ago

It's an acquired taste. Drains from the pops down the wider flipper gap are super-annoying and the sling angle makes the outlines more brutal. This is countered by the shots being pretty intuitive despite some narrow gaps, and good extra flow created by the ejects - use these to bounce-pass to the opposite flipper and set up a shot. Unless there have been major changes to the code since the location game I played some time ago though, the scoring is REALLY unbalanced and starting a quick Storage Facility multiball, and hanging onto that long to get close to or start Mass Hysteria, makes a huge chunk of the game redundant for all but committed tourney players.

But then what do I know? I liked WWE. :p

#49 5 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

Literally the worst game ever made. It’s an anti-fun garbage box from
the depths of hell, designed by a deplorable pedophile...and if that wasn’t bad enough, boring rules that make no sense for this design are attached. Most players who’ve played almost any other game in existence knows what hot trash this thing is...it’s uterly shocking that anyone is still going to bat for it. This game created some dimensional rift in the pinball space time continuum....there must be an alternate universe where there’s an actual good GB game, and that’s why there are such starkly different opinions about it. I’m from the Shitty GB dimension, if you haven’t noticed. Maybe this alleged good GB game was designed by someone else and coded by Lyman

Play Better

#50 5 years ago

Try Again....There is like 20 games set up here.
When Pinheads come over...those that play competitively, They want little to do with GB.
uneven Flow, uneven scoring, etc...all true....
But when the neighborhood kids come over, or casual Pinheads that could care less about scoring rules,
they play GB the most, and have the most fun.

Its like a review of TNA.....I have no fun playing it alone, but with others, or in competitiveness, its
amazing....

Kind of opposites of each other.

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