Sorry for another lame poll and another thread involving Maiden.
We have a baby on the way (our first) and this next addition to the home lineup may be the last for a while. Trying to choose wisely.
Thought I was getting ACNC as I have one pre-ordered with an early spot in line, but after playing all 3 of these titles at a show last weekend I'm torn.
Love the looks, animations, sound, etc, on ACNC but am not yet sold on the layout. First impressions felt clunky. Could have just been me shooting poorly.
First impressions (on layout alone) were better on Houdini and Maiden.
Maiden shoots like a million bucks and is probably worth owning, but it played surprisingly long. I put up 200M+ on first try and a few games later 400M+, with some shorter games mixed in. Music and theme are fine for me. Feels like the safe choice. Maybe too safe? And is it too easy? The playfield is wide open and no shots felt too dangerous. Plus they will be everywhere on location.
Houdini was a surprise. Not previously on my radar at all. Looked great and well-made. Packed with features. Played well. Some tight shots, which I don't mind. I like a challenge. Good music. Animations and speech were just okay. Brand new company though? Maybe some risk there. Reliability? Serviceability?
Bottom line:
Preference to ACNC based on looks, concept, animations, uniqueness and my early pre-order spot.
Preference to Maiden Pro based on layout, price and lack of unknowns.
Preference to Houdini based on looks, layout, features, challenge, uniqueness.
Would love to put more time on all 3 b4 deciding, but I think the only one nearby is Maiden.
p.s. I'm a big Stern fan, but I also enjoy owning the occasional pin that you don't see everywhere. Makes it more fun when your pinball friends are over. Current home lineup is Stern Pirates, GOTLE, WNBJM, Comet and F14.
Thanks!