You're not alone in not liking a 'new' game or being unable to make shots.

I bought XMLE and for the first year plus I disliked it. I couldn't make most shots, I suck. I didn't like the rules etc... At times I would not play it for months and months. So I was about selling it. Even though I love the theme, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I though I made a huge mistake etc..

But on the way to selling it, I decide anyway I payed for it, might as well play it before I sell it. Funny thing happened, I started making shots that I never made before, Beast/Gambit, Ice, Storm. I started defeating modes and progressing and understanding the rules. It didn't happen over night or even in a year. But now I think I'm 30 month of owning it and it's one of my top pins. I just rated my pins and put XMLE ahead of SM I might add, and I like SM a lot.

My point is, maybe you need to work at it and find the shots.

I'm not sure, maybe there is a defect in your machine or maybe it's just different and you need to adjust your muscle memory to playing the game.