Beer makes you smart, insightful and fun. Vodka just makes you crazy mean.
Good post - I think the issue can be boiled down to just a handful of things:
*B/W: standard and widebodies. Stern: standard only.
*B/W: some games with pops, some without. Stern: all games with pops
*B/W: some games with shooter rods, some without. Stern: all games with shooter rods
*B/W: some games licensed, some games original. Stern: all games licensed
*B/W: most games have subways and in-playfield ball troughs which redirect/divert the ball, as well as multiple wireforms providing unique ball paths. Stern: no subways or ball redirects, ball bounces off things or shoots directly back out the way it came in. (this is probably the single biggest reason Stern games tend to feel the same).
*B/W: some games have original, dedicated skill shot mechs. Stern: no skill shot mechs
*B/W: some games have unique backbox animations and games Stern: no unique backbox animations/games
etc.
Quoted from NPO:TL;DR - a quick opinion on how B/W kept each release pretty different.
This is NOT a direct personal attack; this is more of an observation I've made regarding limited space and B/W games.
Now, the LONGER post:
I dunno, man. B/W did a fantastic job at keeping it pretty varied. Sure, AFM and MM are similar, but let's name off some of their games as they progressed:
TAF --> CFTBL --> BSD --> ST:TNG --> WH2O --> TZ --> JD --> RS --> Corvette --> TS --> JM --> Congo --> AFM --> SS --> MM --> CV --> Champion Pub
Looking at this wide range of titles from 92 to 98, with my limited experience with each of them, all of these titles (with the exception of AFM vs MM) feel very different to me. For some differences:
1. Orbital lanes can vary depending on game (TZ vs WH20 vs SS for example) or don't even have them (looking at you BSD)
2. Pop bumper placement has some variance (BSD vs TAF vs TZ vs RS for example)
3. Ramps are all over the place (ST:TNG vs TS [4 total here if you include the diverters] vs Corvette vs WH2O vs CFTBL)
4. Toys (TAF vs Champion Pub vs BSD vs RS vs Corvette vs JD)
5. Upper playfields were unique (TS, TZ, WH2O, and punching bag on Champion Pub were all different)
6. Interactive ball elements/toys (BSD mist magnet, TAF Thing flipper, Ramp dump cradle on TZ, jump rope on Champion Pub, engine on Corvette, "hidden" pop bumper on CV, TS's ball lock, the Castle on MM)
7. Ball scoop placements (Renfield coop on BSD, close proximity of jackpot scoop on TZ, nearly up the middle on Corvette, middle back on ST: TNG, 2 locations on TAF)
8. Video modes were very different (AFM vs Corvette's Race shifting into gears vs JM "Go Grood" mode vs CFTBL's Peeping Tom Punchout vs Wolf shootout on BSD)
9. 3+ flippers and their placement (Corvette vs JD vs TZ vs TAF vs RS)
10. Very "one of a kind" modes (Strobe MB on AFM, the Powerball and getting it back to the Power on TZ, Seance on TAF)
11. Ball entrance to the PF (SS vs TZ vs ST:TNG [dat habit trail!] vs TS vs CC)
12. The inclusion of SOME non-licensed themes (AFM, MM, CV, Champion Pub, CC) or a license with a cool twist to them (MB stands out)
To me, B/W continually did different and unique things. Yeah, there are some things that seemed to never change: always a cluster of three (or more) pop bumpers SOMEWHERE on the PF, scoops started to happen near the middle more and more (AFM, CC, ST:TNG, Corvette), and some features were lost or nearly completely lost (spinners, kickback ball savers, roll-over star switches), but the sheer level of variances I've already mentioned more than make-up for it.
Again, not meant to be a personal attack. You spoke the words I knew would be inevitably coming sooner or later, and to me, B/W had an incredible amount of variance on a limited amount of space.
I will say that I do respect you made a comparison without using cars, so in that spirit, I'll use a candy comparison. Stern is like licorice: different colors but nearly the same taffy and rubbery flavor no matter what color. More and more with DP and Iron Maiden, that is finally starting to change. B/W is like Snickers, then M&Ms, then Skittles, then Butterfinger, then 3 Musketeers, then.... they always just seemed different to me. I didn't feel like I was "eating the same candy over and over".
Quoted from westofrome:Stern: no subways or ball redirects, ball bounces off things or shoots directly back out the way it came in. (this is probably the single biggest reason Stern games tend to feel the same).
The one exception here is the presence of the subway coffin ball lock on Stern's Metallic Premium and Limited Editions, which surprised the heck out of me, and was one of the reasons I had to get a Metallic with the hammer/coffin ball lock mech. I honestly never thought we'd see any subway in any modern Stern.
The Ghost Busters Premium and Limited Edition subway ball lock is a little bit of a subway too (on a small scale).
Quoted from westofrome:Good post - I think the issue can be boiled down to just a handful of things:
*B/W: most games have subways and in-playfield ball troughs which redirect/divert the ball, as well as multiple wireforms providing unique ball paths. Stern: no subways or ball redirects, ball bounces off things or shoots directly back out the way it came in. (this is probably the single biggest reason Stern games tend to feel the same).
etc.
Quoted from Rum-Z:The one exception here is the presence of the subway coffin ball lock on Stern's Metallic Premium and Limited Editions, which surprised the heck out of me, and was one of the reasons I had to get a Metallic with the hammer/coffin ball lock mech. I honestly never thought we'd see any subway in any modern Stern.
The Ghost Busters Premium and Limited Edition subway ball lock is a little bit of a subway too (on a small scale).
True, but those are both locks for multi ball. No redirect during play. MET lock is my favorite in pinball.
I just think people don't necessarily appreciate the degree to which Stern has dramatically homogenized pinball design on so many different dimensions. This is what people mean when they talk about similar designs, "ramps/loops/scoop"; it's not just a matter of "there's only so much room for originality, what do you expect".
Quoted from westofrome:I just think people don't necessarily appreciate the degree to which Stern has dramatically homogenized pinball design on so many different dimensions.
I think people could appreciate it if it wasn't such a crock of shit. I've been playing pinball for 30 years now and owned well over 100 pins the modern Sterns especially in the last decade are for me the best, as fun as the 90's dmds are and as great as the 80's themes and simple rulesets can be nothing beats the thrills in the latest stuff. JMO. Good Day Sir
Quoted from westofrome:I just think people don't necessarily appreciate the degree to which Stern has dramatically homogenized pinball design on so many different dimensions. This is what people mean when they talk about similar designs, "ramps/loops/scoop"; it's not just a matter of "there's only so much room for originality, what do you expect".
I think Stern favors time-to-market over originality (which often takes more time/inspiration). Iron Maiden's originality was inherited from a design Keith worked on before joining Stern. Even though Stern was late to the party with modern graphics, they are definitely investing in this area...the theme integration with Star Wars film clips and audio from the movie is sweet.
OTOH, I agree with Hazoff that some of the newer games are a blast to play. Great pinball is about combining all the elements, which Stern does well.
Quoted from JY64:Just sold my AC/DC after 6 yr was down to AS , SW , MBr , would have bought TM premium if not for BW will go MGr
Ok, I was keeping up with you until MGr... Magic Girl remake?
Quoted from Bublehead:Ok, I was keeping up with you until MGr... Magic Girl remake?
LOL
Quoted from JY64:Just sold my AC/DC after 6 yr was down to AS , SW , MBr , would have bought TM premium if not for BW will go MBr
Quoted from JY64:Just sold my AC/DC after 6 yr was down to AS , SW , MBr , would have bought TM premium if not for BW will go MBr
The auto complete for initials/acronyms is pretty funny. I'm like, why was this guy thinking of buying a Time Machine, but went for a Barb Wire instead? lol
I guess we need a better acronym for The Munster's than TM.
I will say that pretty much all mini playfields suck.
The only small playfield i ever liked a bit was Medusa's Upper playfield however it is not a mini playfield in the sence it still uses standard ball sizes but has mini flippers.
I may go Pro once i see a code update that rocks on it . No rush For a Pro buyer .
I guess if you have to have a Mini , it will be up to the buyer on Art they prefer with the right now limited options. A color Premium Playfield could have easily been a 4th option but oh well.
Quoted from Guinnesstime:m. I don't want to have to hit SHIFT.
You lazy bastard!
Speaking of shift we are selling the Red 4:30 drag pack Boss 302 w /shaker if your Ready to step up to the plate.
Quoted from 3pinballs:isn't the premium video from factory supposed to be on twitch video right now at 4pc CST
According to Jack's twitter, a flight delay has him look at 6/6:30 CST.
Quoted from PinFever:I will say that pretty much all mini playfields suck.
The only small playfield i ever liked a bit was Medusa's Upper playfield however it is not a mini playfield in the sence it still uses standard ball sizes but has mini flippers.
I may go Pro once i see a code update that rocks on it . No rush For a Pro buyer .
I guess if you have to have a Mini , it will be up to the buyer on Art they prefer with the right now limited options. A color Premium Playfield could have easily been a 4th option but oh well.
The only mini playfield I like is the one on Shadow. I had FG and that got old fast.
How could i have missed that one as i owned two shadows in the past . I second that . so two Mini Non Mini Playfields . However you slide a opto sensed pong paddle instead of mini flippers but still enjoy it lots
Quoted from beefzap:The only mini playfield I like is the one on Shadow. I had FG and that got old fast.
After watching the Premium stream I decided on an LE! Deposit paid.
Amazing that all 3 art packages are so amazing and it was a hard decision. Stern really stepped it up with this game
Quoted from Project_Pinball:Special Raffle Updates!
Since including The Munsters pinball machine to both our Pro and Premium Raffles we have seen a tremendous amount of support in our raffles! Thank you all so much for your shares, kind words, comments, likes, and more! We are so very grateful for all of our incredible followers and supporters! #forthekids
Win a Pinball Machine Stern Pro Model 19-100:
(62% Sold! ONLY $50 an entry! Limited to 200 entries!)
https://projectpinball.rallyup.com/winapinballmachineraffle-19-100
Premium Pinball Machine Raffle 2019:
(55% Sold! $75 an entry! Limited to 200 entries!)
https://projectpinball.rallyup.com/premiumpinballmachineraffle-2019
#projectpinball #childrenshospitals #ronaldmcdonaldhouses #supportprojectpinball #pinballtherapy #pinballmachineraffles #munsterspinball #therapeuticpinball Munsters (Premium) Munsters (Pro) Pinball
Quoted from EricHadley:After watching the Premium stream I decided on an LE! Deposit paid
When are the LE's supposed to ship out, any idea on any of the shipping for any models?
I got to put some good time on Munsters today at CES. Great game. The lower playfield is awesome! Rest of game shoots really well (the orbits are perfect!!!). Ramps, etc are all satisfying.
I did experience a little bit of that modern Stern “ball hops up on to plastics, jumps into the shooter lane” thing. That was a little disappointing. But all-in-all, I think the game rocks.
I like the premium/LE more than the pro. The lower playfield is so cool. I think it really helps to make the game. And I think the Premium (in my opinion) was better looking than the LE. Didn’t find the b&w playfield distracting (or easy to lose the ball) and the lights and some game parts have color.
Hats off to Stern for making a super awesome game.
Also, I’ve been a Beatles hater. Played it... it’s killer! Loved it. Sound is great. Very much enjoyed shooting it. It just felt right (didn’t feel like a modern Stern to me)!
Premium pics
1FDD2456-6CB8-4545-B79B-59F6C1B61BC4 (resized).jpeg0C432738-6432-49AD-86E2-5ABA29CC92F2 (resized).jpeg9A1D077F-DDE8-4304-826C-955D928999E2 (resized).jpeg721EFEBA-D393-41A6-8AAA-FF2869011F7E (resized).jpeg0437F7E5-22DA-4615-84AA-001F4744BA2F (resized).jpeg7BB8F703-A4AA-490F-83EA-E7629CCB40B2 (resized).jpegD958AB2D-E89C-496A-B71A-2C106AFF2571 (resized).jpegF9C4F35C-E408-4A78-B1D0-C63BD81A9AF7 (resized).jpegLE pocs
3F07A360-FF06-4439-B80E-C716AE8C61B1 (resized).jpeg37D0AFCF-B621-4722-85F5-2F121EC32E04 (resized).jpeg1BD8B1F7-D257-4CE7-B236-28C39B3CD5ED (resized).jpegA29166FB-3F72-494E-88C1-8E6B6A3BA95F (resized).jpegEE7584E0-9242-4661-9430-02F3459980B7 (resized).jpegC931A819-ADFF-4F25-B569-E3EA3430EF6B (resized).jpegQuoted from wesman:When are the LE's supposed to ship out, any idea on any of the shipping for any models?
They are building and shipping Pro’s now. Line will switch to LE’s next week with most shipping by the middle of February. They are firing on all cylinders. Amazing how many games they can crank out!
Two things to note:
It feels like a long playing game (at least how they had the prem/LE) set up.
Also, the flipper button stack takes some getting used to. I had to adjust my preferred hand position to keep from hitting the lower playfield buttons. It was notable enough that at first it bothered me. Not a deal breaker, tho.
I walked away thinking that it’s a game I’d like to own at some point.
Quoted from 27dnast:LE pocs
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The red on the side armor almost looks like fabric...is it? Some of the most unique I've seen. The LE is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Quoted from MK6PIN:The red on the side armor almost looks like fabric...is it? Some of the most unique I've seen. The LE is absolutely gorgeous!!!
No, I think it’s all decal.
Bottom line: art work on these games is insane. CF killed it!
Beyond that, it just plays like fun pinball. Lighthearted sound. Lighting is cool. Great theme.
Lots of people were playing the games... lots of smiles. Exactly what pinball should be: accessible.
Quoted from 27dnast:No, I think it’s all decal.
Bottom line: art work on these games is insane. CF killed it!
Beyond that, it just plays like fun pinball. Lighthearted sound. Lighting is cool. Great theme.
Lots of people were playing the games... lots of smiles. Exactly what pinball should be: accessible.
Simply sick!!!! Cannot wait!!!
Quoted from Budman:Beer makes you smart, insightful and fun. Vodka just makes you crazy mean.
That's why I'm a genius I guess.
Quoted from EricHadley:They are building and shipping Pro’s now. Line will switch to LE’s next week with most shipping by the middle of February. They are firing on all cylinders. Amazing how many games they can crank out!
Man, Stern really pays off in production with those temporary work flows I've heard about. Thanks for the info!
Any idea who that running character on the LE Backglass is on the lower left? I've seen him on the playfield as well, the man in the suit.
Watched Dwight walk through the rules on Deadflip, looks really good.
The basic “collect all characters” mechanic seems interesting and easy to understand, plus there’s lots of multiplier jazz on top of that for tournament players. Nice balance.
I've gotta say this is one of the most beautiful Stern pins in recent memory. The artwork, layout and gameplay from what I've seen on video is fantastic....even on the Pro model it's solid. This could go down as one of Stern's best pins. And without question one of the most unique Premium models I've ever seen. I love the Black & White it's how I remember the show. However my supplier was able to hook me up with an LE Model and I just couldn't say no! Can't wait to get this pin in my collection it's BEAUTIFUL!
Quoted from wesman:Any idea who that running character on the LE Backglass is on the lower left? I've seen him on the playfield as well, the man in the suit.
Not sure about the backglass, but on the playfield Dwight is running by the left outlane, and Borg is on the right. Prob another caricature.
I like what I'm seeing with this pin... we love met and this looks very similar layout wise with a few different aspects and the ramps are different. I think with the way the code is and the slightly different things we will love it. Also its a fun lightheartedtheme with humor and nice lcd work . Also the lighting and everything else looks great even with early code .The only thing I'm slightly worried about is that it looks fairly easy to complete ... but i think it will have great replay value non the less. I'm probably gonna order a pro tomorrow and if we love it i will upgrade to the premium . Only difference i see is the lower playfield gameplay wise ... and of course the art work. I like the b@w art but the pro is gorgeous with great color's.
Quoted from wesman:Any idea who that running character on the LE Backglass is on the lower left? I've seen him on the playfield as well, the man in the suit.
That's Marylin's date from the pilot episode with candy and flowers, and he runs away when Herman opens the door, and Marylin assumes it's her fault.
Wow, watched about 5 minutes of Dwight explaining the rules. Sheesh! And people say Pirates is confusing?
Quoted from Crile1:Wow, watched about 5 minutes of Dwight explaining the rules. Sheesh! And people say Pirates is confusing?
Don't think the rules were confusing but while I Love Dwight he is Clearly excited about what he created. I was Lost when at least 50 times he said "we'll get back to that" yet didn't lol. Just excited to show his creation but the game looks amazing.
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