Thank you to everyone who responded to my panic post. I believe I've been talked down. I'll go into it assuming I'll have some work to do, and if not, all the better. Game looks great though, so the work I put into it should be well worth it.

Thanks again everyone

I listen/watch Buffalo Pinball too, and while I do really enjoy it, their massive bias against Spooky is really distracting. They even criticise the owners of Spooky games saying they are blind to the issues, and just accept whatever mistakes Spooky make etc... They have their favourites (don't we all), and they just don't seem to give anything else a chance. Don't mean to slag them off too much, I like their content, but you certainly cannot call it impartial. Go back and watch previous episodes where they talk about other Spooky games (eg Halloween) and not only is it negative in the extreme, it sort of borders on nasty. If you compare their stuff to SDTM - I dunno, I think Zach and Greg just seem to be a little more fair in their assessment of games from every manufacturer.

I think the build/quality issues really are totally blown out of proportion - I don't know why. It's been said over and over again, but issues happen with every manufacturer, yet Spooky seems to cop the worst criticism. I have 3 Spookys - ACNC, R&M and Halloween, 2 American Pins, 4 Sterns and 1 PB machine. I really cannot see how my Spooky's are any less well built than my other pins - ALL of which have had issues. I've had 3 Sterns with issues out of the box, my Alien (like many owners lol) had several issues too. Spooky is certainly not unique in having a few problems on new machines.

Ultimately, I'm really glad I took the plunge on games like Halloween. If I had followed what was said on the Buffalo cast and considered it from their take, there's no way I would have ordered it and probably would never have played it. That would have been a huge shame, because personally I think it's brilliant. Everyone who comes over is totally surprised at how good it is, they all expect to be a steaming pile of manure, but it is genuinely a great game. I honestly don't quite get how you can be into pinball and not appreciate it as a different sort of game.

Anyway, I guess I'm saying - just definitely don't base your decision on their view, because it is heavily skewed. You might end up missing out on a game you absolutely love.

This will be my first Spooky game and just praying i get a Good one. If i do not freak out ,which i tend to do with out warning and sell my spot ,
However before playing i will be checking everywhere and everything for loose ,non soldered stuff and add mylar to the targets that look like they are getting chewed up. possibly even add something to the wood at the end of the top PF where someone pointed out a possible wearing spot. These threads are a saving grace to the people owning them ,or planning to.

I too am in for the Theme and will endure the wild ride

Thank you. We see everything and we appreciate you guys.

These people look familiar

Screenshot_20230314_210727_Google (resized).jpg

Unfortunately with Zach he seems a bit more biased in the positive to games he’s trying to sell that he has in inventory or coming unfortunately. Shall I say a conflict in interest?

I listen to Buffalo and they do make some good content. To be honest Nick genuinely seems to hate Spooky but he does make some fair points on QC based on his experiences. However, it of course is pretty exaggerated how bad some of it is. As a guy that doesn't have a horse in the race it does appear Scooby has some QC to work through but to contrast Buffalo also completely glossed over the Rush ramp node board 10 failure and scoop issue completely in their review. I love Rush, I have a Pro and it is my favorite game right now but the premium has some issues and I had to put a Ninja Camp scoop mod on to keep it from being destroyed. So Buffalo can be a bit biased, I was waiting for them to rip into Stern on that one but they didn't even mention it literally. So don't let that bother you it is all about the perspective. All games have some hiccups

It's pinball. If the NIB issues are alarming, you shouldn't buy NIB from any manufacturer... Not just Spooky. I just unboxed a GZ Prem that came off the line at the end of February. Mind you, Stern has made untold thousands of these at this point... I had a wicked ding on the coin door decal, there are extra holes drilled under the playfield, and one of the inlane guides had a screw unattached because they used a screw that was too short to catch the T nut. Stuff happens. Bought TNA 2.0 from Spooky, zero issues. Just saying, everyone has their problems, and if that makes you anxious--buy used after someone else has gone through it and dialed it in.

I'm here. 567

With you, Scooby is a dream theme and honestly has been my grail theme forever (besides Evil Dead, which even if it's spooky's next I won't go for for years unfortunately - gotta keep somewhat family themed). Spooky's love and care for the theme and their support has made me confident in this being our first ever machine, and if I have to solve problems, I'll become all the more skilled for it for future machines.

Are we taking about Buffalo Dorkball?

Got sucked in on the GTF pf reveal I think it was.

Never have liked these guys. Awful.

In his defense, he's going to try to sell any machine and has been equally positive to every manufacturer. He's happy to sell you any game regardless of his opinion if it makes tou happy. I would say they are harder on Stern games (i.e. Batman 66) at times and they will say that of all the distributors, Stern handles things arguably the best (they have the most resources as the biggest company in the business after all). I've seen him hype up games he has sold out of though, or, previous to scooby, games they did not sell. They went all out on their Halloween review and never sold that. What I really love is how they do an awesome job with their development videos, as they just did with Godfather and Pulp Fiction.

SpookyLuke - I know you guys were on the podcast with Zach back in December, any chance you could set up a really cool making of video with SDTM in the future? You guys deserve it and it would be awesome to see you guys at work, especially when the new facility is up and running.

I don’t even bother to listen to their bullshit ass streams/casts anymore after I noticed the very obvious bias against Spooky. Buffalo and Kaneda, I’m done. I’m straight up over the negativity in pinball. We’re living in the golden era RIGHT NOW. I buy Spooky games because I f’n like them. I like new innovative shit. And I like companies that take chances. So…maybe there are some issues and necessary tweaks. When they pop up. I fix em cause I’m not goddamned whiny crybaby. So…maybe the code takes more time to bake then the leading manufacturers. I have patience because I’m not a child. I know what I’m getting into when I buy a Spooky and I choose to get into it anyway. Because…I’m fucking into it. They grow every day and you watch it in real time. They are exactly what is needed in this hobby and I really wish that a bunch of big mouth goofy ass mega nerds wouldn’t drag down this younger company and their buyers/ supports because THAT IS JUST STRAIGHT UP TRASH. They ought to keep they’re trap shut and attempt to build their own machines. Build their own company. But…anyway…*sips tea*

Also mutha fuk the Stern shills and opportunistic flippers that get their own balls flattened because of their greedy ass bulls#it and then come after the companies they couldn’t profit off of all over the goddamned internet. These people are enemies of the hobby and they ought to have the taste slapped out of their mouths. *pours more tea*

AND ANOTHER THING….!!!

JK I’m done, carry on.

I watch the Buffalo guys when they stream new Multimorphic stuff because they are generally the first to do so but I learned not to take their opinions too seriously when they reviewed Houdini and said there was no light show or sounds that correlated to the trunk shot - ya' gotta be blind, deaf or just really biased to miss that.

Everytime I hear about Houdini it makes me want to play it more. Doesn't help that I hear, just like Spooky, that American Pinball has wonderful customer service, and I just watched that Columbo episode "Now You See It" with Jack Cassidy as The Great Santini and am in a magic mood. Would be a great theme next to Scooby someday...

Also makes me want to see that Ghost Clown side mode and his hypnotic coin even more! It's great that he is prominent on the topper and by the start button.

It’s Kevin only that streams all the Multimorphic releases. His streams are always great. I’ll keep my opinion of his cohost to myself.

I watched them stream Halloween - they all seemed to be liking it while they were streaming, even with the early code on the machine - no issues on stream that I saw - even a few “that’s cool” or similar comments.

Then the next episode, the guy is just ripping it to pieces. Like - did I watch a different stream or something?

Pretty weird. Don’t think I’ve watched them again after that.

rd

Oh that was another review that didn't make much sense at all.

Yeah that comment about the trunk, he said they should dim the lights and put a spotlight on it - but that is exactly what happens....? Literally the game stops, all the lights go out and then a strobing spotlight hits the trunk alone and the catapult flings the ball into it (every single time I might add).

They complained it was too verbose - but you can configure the level of verbosity in the game, and you can turn off the shot indications etc, which is such a great feature - you can leave it switched on while you figure out the shots/rules then turn it off when you don't need the verbal cues anymore.

... and as for the shots being too tight, I just don't get that at all. It seems to be a common opinion but how many of those people have actually played the game? Visually yes they appear to be narrow, but I can consistently hit orbits/ramps/ball locks and yes it can be combo'd even by an average player such as myself. The only really hard shot on the whole game is the left hand milkcan loop.

Please play it - I think you'll be as surprised as I was at how great it is.

Ok back on topic... For Scooby - any other Aussie orders on here?

This pin looks fun to play. Brings back memories of watching the show. Loved it.

I had the same fears after following the R&M thread, but mine has been flawless

Have to agree. That is a nonsensical statement about Houdini. It continues to be one of our favorite games. Almost owned it at one point and still would. Had the opportunity to buy it from a pinball bar, but it got scooped up from under us...just about 5 minutes to slow on the draw. Like Spooky, and obviously Scooby, American did things a bit differently with Houdini. Like both Scooby and Halloween, it is a beautiful game. Listened to the Buffalo guys for the first time after reading some of this...yeah; not a fan!

Ditto. Awesome game...Houdini that is and Scooby is/will be!

So many new games- what to do? Running out of $ and time. Love listening to pinball podcasts. I really enjoy critical unbiased reviews which are really hard to find.

I consider myself a reluctant Spooky fan- biased by several “expert” reviews. My buddy sold his R and M - he was frustrated with the shots (especially the damn left ramp). I bought it. My son has it at his house (I have his TS4 which he tired of in 3 weeks). After some adjustments and precision flippers, it is his #1 game. He is a very good player which helps. Theme is killer (we need more adventures!).

Since then I have bought Ultraman and TNA. These games are so much fun!! UM/Halloween shots are very unique, somewhat difficult, but addictive. “People” crap all over this. Yes the game does have some bugs and I still need to replace the servos. TNA is well known and fun-no problems with it after initial set up.

I have all of the Stern spike 2 cornerstone games, as well as some JJP, AP, and PB games. I like variety, but mainly stick to new games.

In general Spooky is killing it with themes and unique gameplay. Yeah tournament players may be biased against them, but tourney players are an extreme minority.

As far as podcasters- Nick and Kevin are disappointingly very biased- especially positive for Multimorphic and JJP, who happen to be sponsors. Very negative otherwise. We all know that they hate Spooky pinball machines. Nick also went on a rant about “no name” people working on galactic tank force. Imagine being one of these folks and having some ill informed Podcaster talking crap about you, and that you are a nobody. Not cool. They give their opinions with very little or no gameplay and often with very little or no research. In Nick’s defense I did warm up to LZ which I now own and enjoy. I ordered a P3 a year ago…still waiting.

SlamTilt also slams Spooky games, but they do seem interested in SD. Anecdotally from what I’ve heard from other operators, Spooky games can be challenging to keep running. Unfortunately, it is hard to get really good data as to how good or bad machines are overall in the operator environment.

Scooby Doo is a beautiful looking game and I am very happy I have one on order even though I have not even played it. Fortunately, the market is going to a point where we potential buyers will now have opportunities to play games before we buy them. Part of that of course is the unfortunate price increases.

So I continue to read the forums and listen to podcasts every day. It is entertainment, both positive and negative. As someone who worked in the medical industry, flippant biased remarks are very annoying. I like honesty in Podcasters, but Buffalo pinball is quickly losing its shine. I certainly do not look at them for recommendations. Unfortunately, they are one of the few podcasters that I will actually turn off. That’s too bad because I think they have done a lot for pinball.

Sorry about the long write-up. I am retired And I have a choice between writing this or working on taxes.

Cheers!

I will not buy one until I know what this sounds like, and if it’s resolved.

Flawless has a different meaning to me.

It’s being addressed in the next update so it likely that you’ll never hear it.

Thanks that’s awesome news.

SUPER DUPER psyched for 955- even with all these other great announcements- even with the likes of Kaneda and buffalo crapping on it- This will be the central PIN in my basement for my whole family to enjoy- and I think that's what its all about- Buffalo Craps on Alien- I have had no serious issues with mine and play it almost daily- just regular maintenance - It is fine for everyone to have there own opinions but its all supposed to be about fun- I can't wait to play Godfather and FF hopefully at Pizza J soon- Pulp and GTF might turn out to be amazing as well- this is going to be an amazing year for the hobby -

If k-hole hates it I pretty much immediatly like it.

It may not have been in their official review but Nick and Kevin absolutely destroyed Stern over the scoop nonsense on Rush.

They also scorched them when Nicks Godzilla power supply arrived with incorrect wiring out of the factory.

Frankly - Kevin’s P3 bias aside - they are pretty equal opportunity when it comes to ripping manufacturers.

Came here for the scooby snacks… got force fed buffalo wings.

(Don’t care about some streamers)

Those things aren't even real buffalo!

pasted_image (resized).png

Love the nickname! I called him Punchy Face but got a "warning"

You, my friend, are the king of the memes

Agreed.... Houdini is an amazing game. I absolutely love it!

What are the shipping charges averaging for Scooby deliveries?

Streamers and influencers make their $$$ off hits and visits. The more they sensationalize something, good/bad/indifferent the more notoriety and thus money they make. I don't really follow streams much, i find them rather boring.

Played Scooby last night with a friend, so played and got to watch so I could pay attention to things. Just my quick thoughts:

My honest take is it's clunky but charming. Things I enjoyed:

The art is great. Really captures the Scooby vibe. The LCD stuff is mostly pretty good, I don't love the typography choices, but I'm admittedly pickier than most. Instruction text was clear though. Cartoons make for good clip content (mostly, see below).

Sculpts and powder coated wireforms all look great.

The bookcase flipper is really unique. That's no small thing, not often you get an actual original flipper in pinball, hats off to the team for the whole idea. It's super on-theme, the way you use it to capture a ball shot to the upper playfield is clever, and learning how to use it without flinging the ball, or, learning to fling the ball on purpose was fun.

Modes and objectives seemed pretty clear, wasn't hard to figure out what to do. Though I got the Captain Cutler multiball but I wasn't entirely sure why. Like, clearly I was bashing him to get it, but the various lights on him and the targets and lanes around him were confusing, I couldn't tell if I was supposed to move my shots around, if I got it because I just hit him enough times, or what.

I thought it was fun enough, even with my complaints below. If you're a Scooby fan it felt very on theme.

Things I didn't love:

The drop banks on the left are awkward and don't feel particularly useful or enjoyable. I love drop targets, but they don't seem interesting to shoot, and mostly just seemed to get in the way of the ball in sort of dribbly ways.

I'm just not a big upper playfield fan, in general, and this one is kinda dominant. The bookcase flipper is awesome, and makes it more interesting, but it still has the fundamental problem with that kind of upper playfield, which is that the physics of the ball in a small area (it's big, but not that big) just aren't super fun, and they are by their very nature safe, since your only penalty is to go back down to the lower.

With the big upper playfield and the Mystery Mobile and lock behind it you basically cannot see the entire back of the game. So you spend a lot of time shooting up into lanes, the ball vanishes, and then you wait to see what happens. Sometimes it come back out right away, sometimes it doesn't, and it was never really clear if it was being held on purpose or stuck or slow or what. There's just no visual feedback of the ball path, and I didn't enjoy that.

The game felt very stop and go. As I said it wasn't clear sometimes if it was even meant to stop. I'm still not sure why the ball took longer to come back some shots. The clips to start a mode look nice, but are very long, I wish they were edited to be more punchy. There's just a lot of time spent waiting, and the rhythm of it felt slow.

Overall the game felt very easy. The middle flipper drop target save seemed up a lot. It's clear once you learn it a bit more that ball times will be long. That's good or bad depending on your taste. I think for the theme it's cool that it's more kid friendly.

Overall I thought it was fun and pretty, but also clunky, and not overly interesting to shoot. A lot of basic fan shots that disappear under things until they come back, so you never see the ball curve, just shoot straight up, wait, it comes straight down. Not being able to see the ball a lot, or seeing it a lot on the upper playfield which is slower by nature, meant the game didn't feel very kinetic.

I'd play it again on location, but for me not seeing the ball movement is a design flaw that would make it not my first choice to play.

Scooby (resized).png

I sincerely hope that everyone that's waiting for a game, gets one in working order and enjoys it.

Looks like Scooby Doo will be at PinBrew. If anyone wants to show me what I'm missing on the game (or any other Spooky games there), I'm open to that. I'm willing to change my mind and happy to report a positive experience.

Last 2 posts...

You are not owners. Nobody cares. Take it to the hype thread.

Really don't want to disrespect anyone, but for non owners to keep coming in here with whatever... it's just garbage I have to weed through when I'm looking for useful information regarding the scooby doo I own.

Thanks

I care.

I don't.

There's a bunch of games I don't own, that I've played recently. I'm not running to those owner threads and giving my thoughts.

This game is on release level code. It's awesome hearing from people who own it and are getting some real time on it.

It's lame to hear what someone's take on the game is after playing a game or 2 last week. Totally fucking lame.

It's weird that pinball has gotten to the point where it's so about ownership that location play is supposed to be gate-kept into some kind of ghetto.

I'm not going to argue about this, you don't like that I took the time to write up my thoughts after playing the game for people asking questions about the game so be it. I think your outrage is misplaced.

Stay open minded. Most of the problems are real. It is good for a company to hear the pros and cons of their pinball machines so they can make adjustments. Hopefully.

I agree with you Aurich. You wrote a spot on review too.

Agree, Owners threads can be a pretty strange place. Your review was a good read. Thanks for posting it.

Problem is many treat one of them as if it is EF Hutton speaking and value that persons ramblings! Therefore you are wrong on your statement

Scooby doobie doooooooo

You're reading it wrong if you're reading outrage.

I didn't make this the owners thread. I jumped over here from the hype. The hype is still there to post whatever you want. It's like the easiest thing to give some respect to. I'm totally serious that I don't understand why someone who's not an owner, and thinks they never will be, would want to come here and post anything.

If you wanna help the 3 iffy guys who aren't sure about their purchase, why not pm them? You can still help them while you help me.

There's still an active hype thread. Why's it so difficult?

It's not the content of the post. Wrong place is all.

Non-owners always have and will be welcome to post in any individual game threads as long as they aren't a troll, being disrespectful, breaking rules, etc. You don't need to own a game to provide input or gain knowledge about it in these threads.