I just got my AS and have been playing the hell out of it for the past two days. Now that i have a lot of quality time on it I can honestly say the code feels very little like Kiss (yes i own one to compare it to). In my opinion the code is most like Star Trek but also draws from many other games (Metallica, MB, Avatar, GOT, Mustang) It takes the best bits from each of them. I'm still learning the best scoring strategies. So far it seems like a really fun addictive game for the serious player. I'm very pleased that i've added it to my collection.

I just picked up an AS with 1.03 code- it still has smart missiles. I haven't seen them often but have been awarded them from the mystery scoop.
a question for other AS owners-- during the multiball start the spot light on Jacky doesnt come on when he starts to shake. Is this normal behavior? Seems to me it should be like Sparky on Metallica and have some sort of light show featuring Jacky.

i'd disagree- i own both. each are very good in their own rights. Kiss is a more balanced game with better risk/reward shots. Its takes more than one good multiball to beat it and the shots are tougher. both are a very fun to play. If Kiss ever gets the code update it deserves i feel it will be the better game for sure for the serious player. On the other hand the new LCD display on AS is pretty sweet and the art is spectacular (kiss art is pretty damn good too- and a translite will never match the mirrored backglass that's on a Kiss LE).

i stand corrected- I was thinking the AS LE was using a translite. Glad to see Stern kept up with a real backgalss on the LE's It doesn't make the game play any better but looks so much nicer to a collector.

you have to start every mode and the two multiball modes then hit the scoop to start the first wizard mode (medley multiball). I believe you have to start and finish all modes to get to the next wizard mode (i've yet to do that ).

a bunch of games in the 300's, one fluke game around 530

She's the women mentioned in the song Back in the Saddle.

I have both and feel Kiss is a smoother playing machine, however the right ramp is just the opposite on mine. its much easier on my AS. While the layout is similar on the machines the game play is very different. I'd compare AS more to ST with touches of Metallica and Tron. Scoring is a lot more balanced on Kiss and the Playfiled multipliers are blast to earn/play.