Quoted from legionsoup:It's kind of funny how this thread went from the "doom and gloom" of negativity to being really positive ever since people have started getting their machines, we've seen more video, and we've seen nothing but love from the lucky new owners.
Thanks to everyone who has shared video and pictures. I still haven't heard from my distributor, but I'm glad the people who did get it are having a blast.
Primary complaints were about: limited number of shots, missing playfield toys, disjointed software, complicated rules, high price, photoshopped artwork, lockdown bar button, Stern's recent lack of quality control and then a big question was how much fun was possible. All these issues still remain, so is anything different?
Software is improving, people are having fun playing the game and enjoying the learning process. There is realization that selecting a character and mode aren't as complicated as initially thought, and the game plays even faster than fast. When combined with a gentle warming to the price levels and an absence of alerts from manufacturing, news is indeed sounding more positive. That every aspect is turning out to be as expected or better than is adding buoyancy too. As SW premiums and LEs are churned out, we'll see how the loop and Death Star perform. If they are at least average, there is an opportunity for more positive vibes.
The biggest obstacle remains price, followed closely by lack of game features. So far there has been no improvement on either front. If the pro and LE were $5k and $7k delivered, and there had been more features - sales might have soared. Instead the high prices and lack of toys on SW have slowed people in their tracks and caused enhanced scrutiny. Not many claimed extreme positions - that the game sucked or the art work prevented redeeming value. Rather the questioning was centered on issues of whether the game would hold its long term appeal and whether it was priced correctly, given the the apparent barrenness. Some are learning that it is a good game. While the jury is still out whether there is enough fun to be had to justify purchasing SW pin, there is no question it is worth seeking out and playing on location.