I think this is good in SM because of the simple narrative attached to each. You're fighting that villian. Each shot is an attack. If ST's modes were stackable, it would be be a bit confusing because the modes are more story/event driven. If multiple stories were happening at once it would be a mess. However, you can easily imagine Spidey fighting 4 villains at a time.

I think both a really great games. My only hesitation on picking up a SM is that the ball times seemed kind of longish. I prefer IM type games the most and ST is already pushing the ball time limits for me.

I am very interested in this thread. One of these games will be my next purchase. I have searched over and over for ST rules being defined with no luck.

Can someone post or know where one can the rules for SM. I believe there was a video done with Elwin that showed how it's done but can't find it. Thanks.

Is there a more updated written rule set that matches current code and explains the wizards? That tutorial is awesome, thanks for posting.

SM another GREAT pin by Lyman and Ritchie. Overall one of the best pins ever.

STLE def looks better but I just can't get into it.

Lyman is the obvious difference.

Iceman, are ST wizard modes just the 3 modes that follow completing a tier?

I think its 6 main modes that completing 3 in a row, over and over again, help advance towards "Captains Chair" wizard mode, which I guess some say feels like chopping wood.

Eskaybee is the ST aficionado and has gone into some extensive strategy and details.

You refer to Venom, Goblin, Doc Ock, and Sandman as "modes", but I would call those "objectives". Like shooting the castle on MM...that's not a mode...you don't need to do anything to start it and hitting it anytime makes progress.

What you refer to as "timed modes" in SM...I would agree - those are modes. You have to do something to start them. And once you've played them, they're done.

IMO, the play of SM is much more obvious and straightforward. It's easier to understand what is going on with the villains, and doc ock / blacksuit multiballs (although starting a timed mode is not obvious).

ST has much more nuanced rules, that seem shallower at first, but are deeper once you really understand them. Which modes to choose (in which order), GAT, bringing in multiballs, 2x scoring or add-a-ball from the warp ramp, combos for double point values.

BTW - In SM, ideally you'll start a mode, then start a multiball. Then make some progress towards the next multiball during that one. The reason to complete villains is that after you've defeated them all once, it lights extra ball. When you've defeated them all twice, it lights Battle Royale. Not sure what happens if you defeat them all three times.

In the rules above, it says that defeating the villains for the third time lights the special. How does one get to the final wizard mode "Super Hero" then?

Yes. Finish all 6 first level missions for Kobayashi maru. The better you do on the first missions (more shots) adds a medal bonus before Kobayashi maru.
All 6 second level missions for Enterprise amok.
All 6 3rd level for 5 year mission.

Extras are all 6 first level missions have the away team shot that adds extra scoring and modes for each mission.
Any 3 in a row on the matrix lights super spinner, super ramps, super pops.

Then there is Klingon multiball by locking 3 balls by lighting the locks. Vengeance multiball. Vengeance scoring . Vengeance battle hurry up.
Warp 9.1 double scoring. And 9.9 add a ball.

The captains char lights when you get 3 in a row. And before the start of a wiz mode.

SM - Three rounds of villians earns a special. My award is set for an extra ball.

I believe you have to play all the modes in addition to defeating each villain three times to get to the Super Hero Wizard Mode.

Jethrodium is correct, defeat all villans three times and start (no need to complete) all white modes for super hero.

Don't know much about st but spiderman is ond of the best games off all time.

I had both too!
SM is probably a better game but I told it because I like STLE more. Don't know why

I was once very attached to STLE. One day it disappeared from the arcade, and I was bummed. I remembered people saying "ST is just a rethemed SM". So, missing ST I decided to give SM a shot.

I went from being sad about ST to finding out SM is my all time favorite game. I think it's always going to come down to personal taste, but SM was exactly what I was looking for. I fully understand the rules of ST, but I feel like the rules all come together in a magic way on SM.

SM's wizard mode (super hero) is as good as they get. Five levels of increasing difficulty culminating in the greatest final shot ever.

Triple the Doc Ock shot, beat super hero for a score doubler, then start ripping x6 Armed at the Dock super jackpots. It's just about the best feeling in pinball. ST never had anything for me that feels as good as that.

I still think ST is a fantastic game, but SM will never leave my collection.

love SM.I think its my fav Stern and my fav Ritchie/Sheets game.