I beg to differ. Code may make it somehwat better over time, but it doesn't have 'everything.' There isn't a whole lot to shoot at in this game; it's a very basic 3-ramp-3-flipper layout with color-changing inserts. Yes, it is basically a fast 'twitch' game with pretty much all shots being low-risk ones that feed back to the flippers, and shots are relatively easy to make with relatively wide openings on the not-so-busy pf. Many people like this simple, 'reflex' type of pin (and bright lights), so it is pretty popular with new buyers.

What you don't seem to see are the many people who dislike this game as being bare-bones. The modes are pretty fungible and boring because there simple is not much variety of shots (changing an insert color doesn't make it a different shot!), and the depth will never be there because you're shooting the same few shots over and over in any mode. The graphics are pretty poor, even for a DMD, comparable to mid-90's animations. Look at BoP2 for an example of what can be done graphically on a DMD. Great game for fast reflex shooting of some basic shots. But not an all-time #1 IMO. Other games have more depth and drawing power because of the variety of shots. The lack of variety in ST(LE) can't be cured with software, if the playfield interest and varied features aren't there.

Many people love ST(LE), many don't. Let's see how the dust settles on this thin game before proclaiming it the "best ever"!

I'm curious: exactly what ground was broken with STLE? (Please don't say "the awesome starfield!" ) Layout? no. Display? no. DMD quality? no. Playfield toys? no. Bright LEDs? not groundbreaking. Innovative modes? no. So, although it is an entertaining package for many (still not for me, admittedly) what is new and great in this game?

Don't know why you're bringing in ACDC and WOZ references here. Someone posted that STLE was "ground breaking" and I don't see it. Apparently some people think a pin with reasonable quality components (coated siderails, real backglass, fancy speaker covers--and you should expect this stuff at a list price of $8k!), more/brighter LEDs, admittedly poor/cheesy dots, a pared-down playfield with fewer types of shots that is--consequently--faster, and 6 non-innovative modes (with minor variation/progression on them to give "18") that re-use the same limited shots on the pf, qualifies as "ground breaking." I disagree. It is a lot of fun for many people (and, of course, the newest "best ever!" pin), but I see no real innovation here, and barely any progression over other pins. Wake me when Stern breaks new ground in pinball.

ST(LE) is a ot of fun for many people, and that's good for pinball. But Stern hasn't broken any new ground in a while, nor do they feel the need to, apparently. The groundbreakers are JJP, JPOP, Heighway, perhaps Spooky/Ben Heck, etc. Really new/different stuff coming from them, although not on a regular manufacturing schedule, admittedly.