Yeah, screw those guys!
(Comment expiration date: good until I decide to sell my game.)

WOOT!!!!!
(Unboxing will take place after work. Will be a painful few hours.)

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He’s welcome to use mine if it helps. LE#1001.
; )

ShinyNick: the only guy I know who brags about “finishing first”
Lol
Congrats my pinball GZLE brother! Enjoy your game.
Mine’s all moved in, just need to level it and get playing!

Just finished playing a couple hours on the LE and didn’t have any magnet issues.
Couldn’t make many shots I was aiming for, but the magnet was definitely not an issue!

Sorry, I didn't take any more after receiving my game. Then ShinyNick did a great job with his unboxing stuff so I focused on moving the game in, setting it up, then putting some games on it.
First thing's first: Keith Elwin is a fraud!
My game didn't play anywhere NEAR as smooth as when he played it on the release video!
: )
Love the variety of shots. Thought I'd be in love with the ramps/ball returns, but I think I enjoyed hitting the mechagodzilla spinner the most. Not sure if it's heavier than normal, but it spins forever on a clean shot. I found the left ramp was much more difficulty to hit than I expected but so rewarding when you do. Managed to loop the right orbit from the upper flipper only twice. Still trying to figure that one out. So... many... misses...
My buddy trapped the ball on the left flipper and tried to see how a post pass would work. The ball hopped straight into the right outlane. So... we didn't post pass after that.
Great game overall. Still figuring out the rules but I like what I see so far. Elwin's a genius. If a player has 2 balls locked in the tower and another player locks a ball, the tower lifts up so that the ball just continues to flow along the ramp. I thought that was really neat.
Looking forward to getting more games in on this one and figuring out what to do using the Insider Connected app.
Everything just lined up today. I woke up and checked email before the morning rituals and saw an email from my distributor one minute after he sent it, telling me the game would be in today. My brother was able to pick it up nice and early and bring it on by, while I was working away from home.
Only reason I'm explaining this is because I feel so fortunate not to have had a heads up on this one. I wouldn't have slept a wink last night.
It's worth the wait fellas! Hang in there. They're on their way and your city wont be the same once it arrives!

I think you guys will lose interest in that shot being makeable from the upper flipper once you understand the code better. When you flip the upper left flipper, it’s usually for something more special than just another right ramp shot.
If the ball is held by the magnet, you usually want to hit the repeatable loop for big points. Also, the lower “tail whip” shot that goes a little lower, into the mechagodzilla area. To spend that flip on a regular right ramp shot would be considered a waste.
My two cents anyway.

Love this game. It’s still very challenging and game times are mostly short. One thing that I appreciate is how many fun shots there are. Like, it’s far too easy to ignore score and strategy and just try for the spinner under the left flipper, or to aim for ramp combos, or upper flipper loops.

Confirmed that you CAN make the right ramp from the upper flipper!
(This is in no way a claim that I did so intentionally)

You have to register the pin first.

How genius is this???
It's the left ramp entrance. It's another corkscrew type that's hidden off the back of the playfield, where the ball goes up the ramp then comes back towards the player, returning to the playfield.
What I find so cool is that this would be fun to see but instead of having it visible, Elwin uses it just to save space (my assumption, since it saves from having a ramp that winds all around to accomplish the same end result).
Once again, he's using playfield space so well that it allows him to have a really full-featured game that's still very wide open, with lots of shots that don't feel cramped.
Love his designs. Anyone complaining about pinball not being innovative needs to find something new to complain about.

Not to discredit the Pro version at all (as I expect that's a Hell of a game too) but the MechaGodzilla turntable is similar to the Bloodbath target bank from Walking Dead. That spinner feels super rewarding to hit. It spins forever if you hit it well. It can be backhanded from the right flipper, and that target bank is great. Deadly far too often, sending the ball into the left outlane. (FYI: if you need to hit the top target, sometimes you can let the ball roll off the upper left flipper and glance it. You're welcome!)

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No coop modes at this time. Looks like there may be more to come under the alternate play modes.

I think it's fantastic.

I left everything at stock settings and hadn't noticed anything different regarding the flippers. Weird.

Another design option that I really appreciate is how Elwin has used the shooter lane on this one. Some previous titles had space reserved for the ball to travel up the side, all the way to the back of the game. That takes an inch or two of the playfield out of play after ball launch, it seems? With Godzilla, the only dedicated shooter lane area is actually quite short (it goes past the slings by a couple inches, but then the ball drops down into the Mechagodzilla lane before veering along the ball guide, working its way to the center of the play field/left side upper flipper/bridge area). The benefit to this is that the whole Mechagodzilla toy was placed a little further away from the center of the game, opening up the play field even more.

Yes, definitely. The "staple"/return ball guide for the mechagodzilla shot can cause the ball to rattle if you plunge a little soft.
Try changing the incline on your game just a hair. I was at 6.4-6.5 and changed it to 6.6
I turned the game off, manually popped a ball into the shooter lane, then adjusted the pitch and tried a number of times until it was acceptable.
It's still not perfect but is much improved.
The other thing I tweaked (though not entirely related) was the shooter lane ramp. The pointy edge on the right (nearest the screw that secures it) was just a tad lower than the metal piece that it should sit on, so that seemed to cause a little chaos every now and again as well. I loosened the screw and tweaked that pointy edge just a little so that there's no lip anymore. (Just applied a little pressure and lifted it up so that it's straight/level with the rest of the ramp. I think it may have been bent down when the screw was possibly overtightened?)

The only thing I've considered (but not yet tried), is moving the shooter rod ever so slightly to the left so that the ball is launched to the right side of that path, along the wall. It seems perfectly centered at the moment though so not sure I want to mess with it. Still on the fence and spending more time just enjoying the game.

Elwin Sighting?

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I think he’s bang-on, personally.
You can start either the Godzilla/building multiball or the mechagodzilla multiball without too much difficulty, but it’s best to tie them into modes if you plan on achieving any kind of progress.
Plus, like well walker multiball on TWD, it’s not about how easy it is to start, it’s how well/when you use them that’s the key.
If you look at everything that needs to be accomplished to get to wizard mode, I expect you’ll start each of those multiballs a couple/few times (at least).
This is brilliant because lesser players can enjoy a mecha multiball and/or a Godzilla/building multiball without having to shoot both ramps, then struggle with the scoop, etc.

The rules at tiltforums are pretty helpful.
I’d say a great initial strategy is to qualify and lock 1 or two balls into the building, then Shoot ramps to start the jet fighter hurry ups, and complete 5 jets in order to light “collect ally”. (You can apparently also make (?) repeated loop shots to light ally as well).
Trap the ball on the left flipper. Select the Anguirus ally using the right flipper. Shoot scoop using left flipper, without hitting right flipper again (changing ally by accident).
Collect Anguirus. Start gaiju battle. Lock remaining balls into building ASAP.
Multiball starts while you’re battling gaiju. Hit the lock bar button as soon as you drain to 1 ball, Anguirus ally buff restarts the multiball.
If you complete the gaiju battle, the “Raid” insert (Monster Monitor inserts in the Center of the playfield) will be lit solid.
You can now shoot the scoop to change cities if you wish to progress through four cities to “Planet X” mini-wizard mode, or remain in the same city, aiming for complete destruction (requires bridge completion, tanks, and the Power/Tesla strike modes)

Hope that’s useful?

Edit: Forgot to mention that while in the Godzilla/Building multiball, make sure to hit the Mechagodzilla spinner for add a ball!

Help me understand what the ball guide nearest the Newton ball has to do with the orbit shot (or or you addressing two different things here?)
I’ve experienced the same “ball comes around on a fast loop, away from the upper flipper” as well. Would be great to better understand the root cause of that and be able to address it.

Yeah, I'm considering maybe moving the plunger over to the left just a little such that it shoots the ball along the ride side lane guide?
Haven't done any major alterations yet as I'm still just trying to figure everything out and will likely let the game settle in a bit more before changing anything.
If anyone finds a way to tweak that shot, please share!

Ha! Hadn’t really noticed that, but I’ve certainly noticed that trapping the ball is more difficult than on most other pins.
Just checked and yes, flippers do look lower than normal but they are pointing directly at the little dimples in the playfield so appear as though they’re right where they ought to be.

The building mech is awesome, but I think that because I was expecting it to be awesome, I was more impressed with the mechagodzilla spinning mech.
So much awesome on this game. I love, love, love the ramps! They’re not easy to hit (though I’m getting better), so combos are very satisfying.

One thing you can do (props to MapleSyrup for showing me this, last weekend!) is to lock a ball, then start your Gigan battle (to beat him, you need 8 ramp shots). Get the ball to your left flipper and then repeat that right ramp which will keep diverting to your left flipper. MUCH easier than trying for combo left/right ramp shots.
I hit it 6 times in a row. Saw him hit 8 in a row, easily defeating Gigan.

Question: how long after receiving the game do I have to wait before I can say how utterly awesome it is, without being perceived as still being in the honeymoon phase? There’s so many fun aspects to this title. Progress through a city for full destruction, progress through the various cities as quickly as possible with minimal destruction, focus on # of buildings you can destroy, build towards a wicked Godzilla multiball (collect ally for add a ball and only use it after getting the add a ball from the mechagodzilla spinner) then build as big a destruction jackpot as possible… or just focus on that super satisfying Tesla spinner for a big payout? There’s also an insert for mechagodzilla, possibly indicating another mini wizard mode somehow related to that super-fun mechanism!
Not even sure how to start Rampage. Insert points to the shot under the upper left flipper but is rarely lit. Not sure how to start that?

SHAME ON STERN FOR MAKING GAMES THEY TAKE TO EXPO!!!!
SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!
For letting hundreds of people experience this game and making a few wait another... hour? (Since Stern can make about 70 games each day?)
/s

Yes. Did you register your machine yet? Should be good to go shortly thereafter (within a few minutes but maybe not immediately).

Confirming that you absolutely can backhand that shot (and with good speed) at 6.5

Told ya!

Look at the playfield design. No used space for 3 pop bumpers somewhere, just to “pop”. Mechagodzilla mech is so far off to the right, Elwin shared the path behind it with the shooter lane. Left ramp entrance folds back on itself instead of stretching around, saving space.
And with all the extra space, he has room for more unique shots.

I did see something about the tail whip shot being with twice the points if you combo it, as described.
Dunno if the destruction jackpot is affected though.

Hmmm… score multipliers don’t seem to work on my game. Must be a code bug.
: )

Personally, I'd take the lazy way out and take a Sharpie to that wood area. Doubt you'd even notice it after that unless you were looking for it.

Does anyone know how to cycle through all the top records in the game?
ie: GC, and High Scores 1-5 are displayed in attract mode and can be cycled through using the flipper buttons.
What about "Most Consecutive Loops", and other achievements that the game records?

Is there any transcript of the talk or anything by chance?
I'd love to hear more details.

Edit: FYI for anyone interested, the reference above is in relation to an alternate play mode that’s planned for Godzilla, like the Escape Nublar mode in Jurassic Park.

Mine’s only 621M and I’ve had the game a couple weeks. My buddy has over a billion if that helps at all. Both settings are stock.
I managed to nail 10 consecutive upper loops in the event you need an ego check.
: )

Which Kaiju battle? For Ebira, it’s the three spinners and then the pop bumper (which I don’t find so obvious looking when scanning for a lit lane!).

Magnet use in this game is HUGE. I wouldn't use those.

On mine, a partial right ramp is extremely likely to SDTM. If the ball makes it most of the way up, it’s usually a much more forgiving outcome.

Check out the ratings, sorted from low to high, INCLUDING those without comments.
It’s sad and pathetic that some “grown men” will purposefully tank the overall score by leaving a 1, for example when they score their own “non-Stern” titles at a 10.
You know you need to get a life when…

Depends on how the ball is hit on mine. Initially, my loops record was 3. Then my buddy was over and got 5. Couldn't understand why I couldn't top 3, then had a game where I made 10 in a row. Since then, pretty much back in the 3 range.
I had noticed that if the ball is really ripping around the loop at top speed, it's more likely to come away from the flipper. When I hit the 10, the ball was just making its way around at a decent pace, certainly not top speed.
So not sure if tweaking the loop/ball guide would improve this, or if it's just by design.

His explanation mirrors my experience as well. Typically it’s tough to make more than a couple loops. Once the ball speeds up, it can come away from the flipper. But I have hit 10 consecutive loops so it’s not impossible.

I believe that after you beat a Kaiju battle the scoop will light to change cities. You then have a decision to make: do you continue with the remaining objectives in the current city, or move to a new city and take on another Kaiju battle etc?

If anyone's suffering from a clunky shooter lane (lighter shots seem to bounce off the right wall, then exit the ramp into the mechagodzilla mechanism), I suggest the following:
tweak the ramp. Undo the screw that's visible. Then go under the playfield and undo the nut that secures the ramp in place. Remove the nut and washer and you can then life the ramp off the playfield.
Make sure that you align the edge of the ramp to the metal bracket/wall/return lane that it sits on and then tighten the screw back in just enough to secure it. Don't overtighten it or you may affect the height of the ramp and the way the ball exits.
Once that's tightened, put the nut back on underneath the playfield and give it a try.

The insert that says tail whip points to the lane above mechagodzilla (also the shooter lane exit).
It's my understanding that if you make an upper loop and chain it into the tailwhip shot, that you score double.

I would start by checking to ensure the shooter rod is centered. Then check to see if the plunger tip is on straight. (Twist the shooter rod to see if the tip looks like it's wobbling). If those are both good, the next step I would check is to ensure a medium+ powered plunge has the ball rocketing past mechagodzilla, likely hitting the bridge, give or take.
If that's all happening, and you're just seeing lightly plunged balls hitting the right wall, then bouncing left into Mechagodzilla, I would suggest it's all to do with that ramp.
I had luck today by removing mine, using a pair of needle nose pliers, covering the ramp with a cloth to avoid scratching it, and then straightening the bend in it. Then I bent it back, but not perpendicular to the ball path. I started the bend on the left side a little lower than on the right side. The idea being that as the ball travels up the ramp, it would have more resistance from the right side, keeping it off that right wall.
Hope that's useful? (ie: bend the ramp at about a 30 degree angle. and only a very slight bend.)

They literally created a new pin that has people going bananas, ordering way more than Stern can produce in the near term. They never promised anything to anyone unless I'm mistaken?

If you think this is bad, you should see what's happening to graphics cards for PCs.

It's really a half full/half empty scenario. Waiting is frustrating of course but a better game is ultimately worth the wait at the end of the day and I hope to see Stern continue stepping up its game with groundbreaking new games like GZ.

So are you playing Godzilla then?!?