Ava, MO
Pros
-The artwork is gorgeous. The cabinet graphics are extremely nice!
-The playfield clearcoat appears to be thicker/shinier than recent Sterns. Does Stern have a new process for this?
-The gameplay is great, especially for version 0.92 of the software.
-SPIKE is really cool (this is my first experience with seeing a SPIKE machine's innards). Inside the well-lit backbox, there are easy-to-read indicators that explain almost of the connectors on the SPIKE board.
-The spinning disc under Gene's head provides some WICKED spin!
-The music quality (stereo--it's about time!) is easily the best I've heard on a Stern.
-The LEDs are fantastic. They are fadeable and many of them are able to change color--nice to see on a Pro. Love the color-changing bumpers.
-Stern pre-installed t-nuts for playfield sliders on the end nearest the front. Still need to drill the others, but it's nice that they provided these.
-Really fun! And the code will only make it better. Stern has a hit on their hands. This is going to bring a whole new wave of people to our sport--try to be nice to the noobs!
Cons
-The spinning disc marks up the balls with rubbery scuffs which transfer to the playfield. The scuffs just wipe off, but it's a PITA and makes the playfield look like it's been through 500 games after just 30.
-KISS songs are SHORT! Can't do too much about this, but when you compare this to the long songs on Metallica, things repeat quicker.
-The KISS songs are the 2009 re-recorded versions. This doesn't bug me too much because sonically, they're recorded well. But if you are hankering for the original versions, they aren't there.
-Stern pinballs suck. Trash them and use the Shiny ones from Pinball Life.
-Paul...er, The Starman's face looks goofy as hell on the backglass.
-The shot to get up into the Starchild area is really tight. I might just need better skills.
-There are areas of the playfield (Starchild, upper loop, under Gene's, er...The Demon's head) that are difficult to access for cleaning.
-SPIKE power supply fan noise when idle. Admittedly, not an issue while playing, or in an arcade environment, but it sounds weird in the house.
-No slider rails under the playfield. Not a surprise as this is expected on Stern Pros, but the provided pegs are pretty much useless and greatly increase the possibility of breaking something on the underside of the playfield while sliding it out. I installed some sliders from Pinball Life--all is good, but I wish I didn't have to drill into the bottom of my brand new playfield to install.
-Dangling plug for "Optional Slam Tilt"? Again, this isn't a surprise, but this should be standard issue.
-Playfield wiring is too tight. Want to move wiring around to get to a nut? It's more difficult now than it's ever been. A little more slack would be appreciated.
Unexpected
-The plastic apron feels a little cheesy, but I'm sure it's strong enough. Unexpected benefit: It appears that the plastic provides more rebound than metal, so there are more "Lazarus Balls" that bounce back up into play.
