The WPC era was filled with some beloved gems and all around great games, They pumped out a ton in a short span of what, 8 years or so? but has Stern succeeded them?
When I think WPC, I think TAF, TZ, AFM, STTNG, CC, MB, MM- Big shoes to fill, and when I think Stern I think SM, LOTR, Tron, TSPP, AC/DC, POTC, X-MEN- all equally or beyond imo.

I'm going to say they've succeeded, what's your vote? WPC is still incredible over 20 years later, something about that platform and build quality was magic.

Edit: Just to make this clear, I do not think Stern succeeded in build quality, WPC has that over Stern, especially in the last 5 years. I meant more of gameplay and designs.

I could! I just pulled games off the top of my head. I wouldn't say a game like Avengers is their finest hour (though I like it personally) Elvis is really good for an older game in their lineup that is often forgotten.

Newer stuff, I would say TWD, MET, Star Trek, and probably Maiden now, but I have yet to play it.

Both great games, I like either of them as much as any WPC.

Good points, and barely. I heard that Automated Services placed an order for 75 SM back around 2007 that ''kept the lights on'', the rest is history.

I think LOTR matches the every possible feature that AFM has.

Features or toys, there are different things. I'm thinking diverters, 3 bank down wall, ship that moves, jumping martians, video mode, etc on AFM. LOTR has diverters, falling tower, balrog, the jump ramp/ring, etc. That's what I was thinking in comparison.

The remakes and new Stern technology is great, but the elephant in the room is, what does the future hold for support down the road? How easy will those micro part pcbs be to change out and fix, and at what cost? Nobody knows exactly the shelf life of these beyond right now. Will it become as simple as the support for Early Bally SS with the likes of Rottendog or Alltek 30 years later? I would be surprised if so.

The great thing about WPC is that there is a wealth of information, and any weak points in their designs are well documented. One can easily stock WPC parts and repair the gremlins/problems with ease. This is not the case with newer Stern or remakes.