I can't even beat my old scores from before the last software update. I'm getting distracted exploring the shots I find, instead of really focusing on a strategy. There's just so much fun geometry in this game.
And that's part of why this is one of Stern's best games ever to me.
— John Borg did a great layout. To me it feels like the peak of what he was trying to do, and TWD and Kiss got too off course. I'm calling this his best game. If you don't think so, I'd love to hear which one you prefer!
— Dirty Donny man. It's not my favorite work he's done, I'm actually a bigger fan of his slightly earlier, more painterly style better. But still, he put together a great pinball package. Hand drawn, and totally original. Even the Metallica logo is hand drawn.
— Lyman Sheats. Stern's code assassin. I love the code on this game. To me it's the superior evolution to ACDC. It's like the hybrid of a modes-based game and an more pure score-based game. So many ways to approach it. And the job on the lighting is great if you have the Prem/LE especially. Or get the new aftermarket lights and do up your pro!
— Best. Dots. Ever. I can't think of any DMD game with better dots. Though TWD has some nice ones too, and I haven't played that enough to see them all. Still, Metallica, with the ColorDMD, just looks incredible. I love the fusion of full color and the pixel art.
— Original toys. The Prem/LE snake is really awesome, one of my favorite features. Love the hammer. It's finicky sometimes, but whatever, it's still fun. Sparky, voiced by one of my favorite cartoonist/voice actor/musicians?
When Stern gives budget and freedom (with a flexible license for instance, that allows for new ideas and art) to a designer paired up with Lyman then we might see Metallica topped. So far though nothing since it has bested it. IMHO.