I am really curious to see how these three models vary in print quality as well as clearcoating. I hope for once they stay all fairly similar in quality, and that quality is high!

The issues I saw with countless on THIS forum. Too thin, too gunky, artwork removed, artwork seeming of poor print quality, etc.

I was trying to make a point of positivity. No need to throw shade towards me as a non owner.

Never was at the Battle of Marathon. Wasn't alive back, doesn't mean I can't accrue knowledge of it because I wasn't there. Just because we don't experience everything first hand, doesn't translate to us not having possible concerns or input. Yeesh.

I'm really hopeful issues do NOT exist, as I'd like to definitely consider a Stern at some point. Secondarily, I have lightly bounced in and out of the TMNT thread, and issues seem rampant, hence me head scratching why so many people leap immediately at a new game from Stern.

I didn't start a thread to say Stern sucks though. And I have mixed feelings about Stern, as I do API, JJP, P3, etc. Kinda healthy to not be all in or all out on a company, for me anyway.

Since you're counting Dave. I had one issue with Houdini. Had no significant issues with the Hobbit, and had many nagging/reoccurring issues with Pirates. It's been a mixed bag, which is definitely pinball it seems. The MAJOR issue I've had, was the clearcoat on POTC. Also, why I posted what I did.

Battle of Marathon is an analogy for me not having to directly experience something to have thoughts/opinions on it.

Anyway.........

I think I agree with you, still going over your ideas some though.

My issue has been reading and witnessing many issues with TMNT, JP2 last year, and ST seemed to have some issues initially, but other than clearcoat ones.

When everyone wants to buy and buy, and no one is wondering just a bit IF prior issues will exist again, well...that's when manufacturers REALLY don't have to give a shit. That being said, ideally I'm a potential customer for all manufacturers, so for me personally, that's a bad trend to see.

Sounds more straightforward than JP2, and I feel kinda confused when having that gameplay explained to me. Sounds more accessible and straight forward for sure, especially for collecting characters.

I'm assuming that's not ZY's art......

Definitely looks complex rules wise, but man I already miss the direction that JP2 had. I suck at that game still, but when I've watched players have good games, (Karl IE Pinball) there feels like a distinct branching path that ties mode goals together in a way I really, really appreciate.

So far for this game, battles seem detached, direction seems aimless, and well that weird focus, (at least visually as it seems to be the main screen) on trophies feels literally alien to whatever direction this game might be heading towards. It just doesn't feel like there IS a direction/narrative.

The shots, made by amazing players, look incredibly fun, and I'm definitely excited to shoot it, it's just nothing feels connected at this point.

I understand and have read that, but my issue there is they seem to be an integral part of the main GUI. Initially I thought that area is where Avengers would stand, once collected, but instead it's a trophy case that's prominently on display, that whenever modes cycle through, it returns to that backdrop.

I'd understand it more if that trophy case was featured either at the end of the game, or by holding the flipper to access game info. This....is why I feel people have mentioned it multiple times.

Because it makes ZERO sense context wise. And it's visually a focal point. (I think one is the Gauntlet, which makes sense. That was collected when Raymond ripped the shit out of those loops. Crazy skill!)

When I first saw them, I wondered if Stern was implementing an achievement/trophy system across their games. That...would be following suit.

Sony's trophies followed achievements by Microsoft. The concept makes some sense as a system wide bragging/incentive system, in an ONLINE user based ecosystem.

What a weird existence to be only all in on ideas or all out. I like a lot of what I see in the game so far, and this and any form ideally exist for....uuuuh, discussion?

Who says I'm not a potential owner? Keith's game all seem really worth buying, and frankly the idea of Pro ownership seems far more likely for me than the other brands presently.

Also, this thread temporarily was downgraded to a hype thread, and if a bit peculiar a small bit of criticism from someone you don't even know regarding a game you might own ruins enjoyment for you. As an owner of a Houdini game, I definitely understand people's criticism, and it doesn't at all affect what I do value in that game.

It's cool, I do appreciate that!

I get that people putting out bigass money don't want that idea in doubt or incessantly shat upon, hence the Owner's Club's. Unfortunately I'm the type of person that's critical with all my purchases, which are all pretty ridiculous.

I'm more excited to shoot this than even JP2, and Maiden! Though I still keep wondering if I should buy a Pro JP2......but if this Captain Marvel ramp is interrupting flow, possibly, maybe the Pro with a spinner there might be a better choice...? We shall see, tomorrow!

(And I am far, far, FAR more irked at Houdini's LCD work than this or any Stern game.)

Excellent stream today DeadFlip !

You two provided a great balance of back and forth banter, combined with basic rules instruction of the game AND pinball!

This is a massive issue I have with lots of games, pausing gameplay to create tension, and the inevitable explosion of then playing a mode, often multiball.

I love the up post on the inlane on JP2, when it locks in and pauses, though a bit long. I feel like light shows can often be added in those moments, along with building audio, callouts, and neato onscreen animations. So far, I don't see that in this game, though the Bruce/Hulk eye animation is a form of that.