Helped set up all 3 at the SPF...I'm not overly impressed. It's more glitz than anything else. I would applaud Stern's creativity and out of the box thinking...if they had applied any here. Lately it's, 'Pick a popular license', 'make a pin', and then 'sucker all the license-whores into buying one.'
The last great Stern was LOTR IMO...and for the record, I hate that trilogy. Loved the pin, though. TSPP also made for a good, challenging game, and heck, I even enjoyed CSI. But what have you done lately, Stern? It's the same pump-and-dump mentality you've been using since TRON.
It's not about licensing, Stern...it's about making games that are *gasp* actually fun to play. Now, my standards of fun are not the same as everyone elses, I tend to get off on the gadgets, and how they fit into gameplay. But there have been a few "pingasmic" moment's in my life, Two thanks to Williams and one was even provided by Stern, so I know you are capable...just not inclined. Licensing means precisely squat to me...SHOW ME YOUR SKILLS.
As the post asked, is it a case of Overblown Wang Envy? No. I think, however if people are going to spend this kind of money on a machine, it should be because they love the game for it's play, and not because it is an objet d'art, which lately, is what Stern has been selling. And I think on some level, the people that love the Silver Ball know it.
-Dan