I played about $15.00 at .75 per play $2.00 for three games at my local / walking distance bar tonight. (The Ye Olde Saloon-Royal Oak, Michigan.
Disclosure, due to recent debates- I am a future WO# LE owner, a non Star Trek license fan, and an average player in the Detroit Pinball League.
Playfield Art- The playfield art is to my liking, simple clean lines that appeal to my modern art sensibility.
Lights- The inserts and overall lighting is the best I have seen in a pro model. They looked great and seem to add to the value of a pro machine. As I played non pinhead patrons oohed and aahed over the light show. (Patron-"I had no idea they still made pinball machines. Those lights are crazy man.". Patrons friend- "I guess they do." Patron- "So...Do they make one of.. like every new movie that comes out?" Me- (Laughs inside) "No man. Just every so often."
Rules- The rules seemed to be fairly standard for an early release, basic yet accessible and fun. They did not feel that different form mode to mode at this point. When I say feel, I mean sense of urgency and importance. How much can I know though, and rate based on a few games? I am looking forward to updates.
Shot layout- It feels similar to other games by Stern, XMEN, RBION, but varied enough to not be a rehash (refake for those who like the term
Game play- This is where the game shines, setting aside rules for now, and comparisons to other games, ST PRO is a blast to shoot. Its mega fast like most Sterns. The shots have a fair amount of "flow", minus the center shot and far left saucer. I loved the warp ramp, and trying to string together as many loops in a row as I could. The best I could do was 4. My best game was about 46,000,000. give or take a few mill.
Cabinet Art- Who cares, just play the game.
Overall opinion- I like it. The only current game I would compare it to is XMEN. I say this because of the layout, and the ball locks for multi ball, The left saucer is one of the locks, so that differs from XMEN, but the overall "feel" was similar to me. (not a bad thing, I like XMEN) The game was better to me in some aspects then XMEN, and lacking in others. The main toy in ST Pro is much better then the lack of "moving" toys in XMEN. If I had to choose between the two games with money in hand, it would be a hard choice. If the themes were of equal value to me, I would likely go with ST. That being said, with ST being so close to my house at my local watering hole, I will just play it there and save myself a few thousand.
Important part of the review- While playing, a few guys and girls were watching me play. I invited them to play with me, and paid for their games. They had no idea that pinball was a multi player game. They were first time type players. I explained basic rules to a few people who were interested as well as basic flipper skills (one flipper at a time) One player was interested enough to ask questions ranging from points, flipper skills, history of pinball....etc. I believe it is a nice gesture to ask people to play with you, and buy them a game.
I had a great night playing and I look forward to more plays on the latest from Stern.