Los Angeles, CA
Had a chance to see TBL in person and flip an early version. I am extremely impressed. The game looks gorgeous, and the shots are fun. The software really isn't much more right now than a few graphics, a few licensed songs, and some random callouts when you hit character shots, but the rolling carpet mech is really cool, and the upper playfield is fun. I wasn't able to get down to the bowling alley during my limited play time.
Overall, the presentation was really very good. It seems like DP really is less interested in making a profit than they are in making a great game, or are at least very shrewd when it comes to positioning themselves as customer-centric. They clearly have a gameplan that will leave themselves in a very good position in this ever-crowded field. The only critique I have for the team moving forward is that they don't want to be too cocky.
I think they know that they're the belle of the ball right now, and that there are a lot of people who are interested in TBL and what the DP team is capable of. But the presentation came off as cocky to the point of being stand-offish, and they took a lot of swipes at their competition during the presentation. Granted, some of it is well-founded, but none of it seemed good-natured. They seemed out for blood.
I'd say to the DP team: let the work speak for itself, and let the customers do the trash talking for you. You don't need to bash Stern and JJP to convince everyone that what you have is the next great thing in pinball. This is a tough business, and you never know when you might need an ally. Put another way, you don't need to point out where your competition falls short to outperform them in the high-end marketplace.
