I've had my game for a few days now and can echo all of the other owner's reviews. This is STERNs best pro pin on release since possibly LOTR and one of their best pins ever even when comparing to fully developed games like TWD, MET, etc. I just sold my GOTG and all I can say is the swap was the best pinball move I've ever made.
Highlights:
- Many levels of "wizard" modes in this game. Cyborg Multiball and Two Minutes to Midnight both seem achievable on really good games but definitely not on every game. The final epic Number of the Beast wizard mode looks like it's going to be a big challenge to get to, but at the same time seems reasonable that some time in my owning the game I will get there (those soul shards or whatever they are, are tough to get but cool as hell when you get one).
- Zombie Yeti nailed the artwork. I mean nailed it. I'm a huge Riggs fan, but honestly, I'd go with ZY's art any day over Riggs as it just lends itself to pinball so much better. As a fine art piece I'd hang on the wall, maybe not, but even then it'd be a tough call. I can't wait to see the Powerslave premium art package.
- Four flippers. I mean four $%&@ flippers. This game has the flow and fury of a fan layout but looks and feels anything but. My line-up is stacked with two flipper games with mostly standard fan layouts and I was getting tired of it. this layout is a breath of fresh air and really offers a new pinball feel in a decade of very similar playing games.
- Modes and theme integration. I can't state it enough how awesome it is that they really took some time to think about the modes and how to make them really relate them to the playfield. Rime of the ancient mariner and how you have to shoot the albatross down by hitting the target like you're sharpshooting it in real life and then the boat is veering left and right and you gotta get it back on track is just brilliant. the aces high mode shooting down planes, flight of icarus and how you're literally trying to combo shots of getting the ball up off of the playfield like icarus trying to stay up off of the ocean, etc.
- Skill shots - i mean, it' simple right, but every game you've got at least 3 of them and it's great to see the skill shot options. and I love that the EB is potentially redeemable on the skill shot. I was on my third ball with the EB lit, and then I hit it off the skill shot and it just felt GREAT to do that, see that shoot again insert light up and then move on to the next task at hand.
- Every shot matters. I love this. I can't tell you how much it sucks hitting a ramp or an orbit and have it be worth nothing and no advancement towards something greater. with the power modes constantly being built up by their variety of shots it just feels good.
Some of my initial concerns have been squashed. Long ball times may be an issue for some people, but it hasn't been for me. I've had really good games and some really, really short games. set-up will take care of whatever ends up happening as I get better and better at the shots. The video integration was initially a concern too, but in real life, during normal game play I think it's been great. there are some really cool animations and the overall screen presentation seems to work and jive with the theme. I can only imagine this is going to get better too as they do more with the code and polish not only that but the presentation as well.
If I had one wish at this point, the only thing I would honestly want (and this is really nit picky) is maybe fewer mode based multiballs. with trooper MB, mummy MB, and the wizard MBs, it feels like there are already plenty of MBs to go around and I'd rather tackle every one of the song based modes in single ball play; but to each their own.