(Topic ID: 257038)

Stern Stranger Things

By pinmister

4 years ago


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Topic Stats

  • 7,154 posts
  • 647 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 2 years ago by Collin
  • Topic is favorited by 76 Pinsiders

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Topic poll

“Are you interested in a Stern Stranger Things pinball machine?”

  • Yes, I am interested if it plays well and has polished code 492 votes
    40%
  • No, I am not interested 439 votes
    36%
  • Maybe, not a huge fan of the franchise but maybe if it plays well 100 votes
    8%
  • I like pizza 202 votes
    16%

(1233 votes)

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Topic index (key posts)

13 key posts have been marked in this topic, showing the first 10 items.

Display key post list sorted by: Post date | Keypost summary | User name

Post #972 Stranger things video Posted by halflip87 (4 years ago)

Post #975 Stranger Things screen shots Posted by Rascal_H (4 years ago)

Post #1751 Feature matrix from Stern. Posted by twenty84 (4 years ago)

Post #1774 Pro features video. Posted by proco (4 years ago)

Post #1775 Trailer with intro from Duffer Bros. Posted by johnnyutah (4 years ago)

Post #1793 First shipping confirmation photo. Posted by Tilt (4 years ago)

Post #1829 Pics of official Stern accessories. Posted by RebelGuitars (4 years ago)

Post #1835 Brian Eddie podcast link on game. Posted by C2CPinball (4 years ago)

Post #3236 Nice game review Posted by delt31 (4 years ago)

Post #3275 This Week In Pinball deep dive. Posted by pin2d (4 years ago)


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#140 4 years ago
Quoted from Tsskinne:

Someone, please tell me this isn't it? This is just some random homebrew or something right?[quoted image]

There's probably quite a few virtual pins out there with this theme...

#149 4 years ago

What is funny is that is the pic I pretty much expected to be the backglass since the machine has been hinted at.

#164 4 years ago

I predict a seawitch retheme with Bronze, Gold, Diamond, Platinum, Titanium, Unobtanium levels.

#220 4 years ago

oh man..i'm picturing christmas light string strung around the playfield with lettered targets. When you hit them the corresponding xmas light lights up. All sorts of cool things they could do with this....

A demigorgan that comes out of a portal towards the back of the pf, that grabs the ball as a lock (I guess kind of like the Alien mech in idea)..

I do think it would be hard to do the upside down world on the pin w/o a lower pf....maybe something bigger like HH with a reversed flipper set up...

Of course...I am going to guess nothing like any of that will actually happen.

#280 4 years ago
Quoted from JodyG:

Supposedly all 100 Primus machines were built in a single day.

and from my understanding, the quality..or lack thereof backs that up.

#317 4 years ago
Quoted from Hop721:

Thanks Chuck! Just lowered my blood pressure. Phew

Weird, the rumor I heard was 2 lower playfields. THE HORROR!

#320 4 years ago

I feel like there's got to be lots of magnet magic happening in this pin...

#394 4 years ago

Well that list has me intrigued....

#479 4 years ago
Quoted from jandrea95:

For sure, ive always grown up with video games, and to this play still love them to unwind. My intent was to fill my basement with retro arcade games, old console setups, etc. Then, I played pinball for the first time at age 39. Well, plans change.

Wow, you aren't much younger than me, and you'd never played one until 39?? Welcome to the club!

#496 4 years ago

Hah...I wonder if everytime you power it up it does the Netflix "thunk".

#519 4 years ago
Quoted from Medisinyl:

Built this one for halloween. My fiancee and I dressed up as Scoops Ahoy Steve and Robin. Also built a large mindflayer, created the upside down, had fog machines with red lasers, Christmas lights/letters wall, etc. (don't have many photos on my phone)
In other words, I'm looking forward to this theme [quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

You know what bugs me about that picture. Ain't nowhere in the 80's you could buy a 26 count string of chrismas lights! Or in this case..22 count..

#536 4 years ago

I think I just found the cover to go over the game

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ4B4DC

EDIT: Wrong thread......

.....or was it...hmm.

#669 4 years ago

I think the projection stuff sounds pretty cool! I can't wait to see how they pull that off.

#683 4 years ago

STERNG

#734 4 years ago

Difference is, I've disliked so many Stern pins - even the new ones, that I wouldn't order this until I could play it anyway, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

#740 4 years ago

Draining? Seriously? You need a hobby....I mean..other than pinball.

#771 4 years ago

If you need an idea of what they are attempting, go youtube halloween house projection mapping. I assume it is like this and the interactivity will coincide with this. It's a pretty cool idea actually. They will essentially be able to also create that snow/ash effect in the upside down with it as well.

#775 4 years ago

Yea, it will be interesting to see how they implement it.

#783 4 years ago
Quoted from f3honda4me:

Yea but those house projection mappings are no joke, well done/developed, using expensive projector etc. It's not the same thing.

It 'could' be the same thing. Just speculating based off what little has been given so far. The possibilities are pretty cool because it's not a lot of space so you can do quite a bit of projection with not a very big footprint. However, yes, it is Stern, so hard to say what it will actually be like.

#817 4 years ago
Quoted from Multiballmaniac1:

I have to wonder how many bought a nib game this month or recently and now will regret it when this pin comes out. That’s if it’s as good as it sounds.

Why would they regret it. There'll be a ton of people who will buy this pin sight unseen who will regret it, just like every new pin.

#824 4 years ago

Yep. I hope they are both awesome. Two themes I'm actually excited about. Honestly, I was excited for JP2, but the art kind of put me off...but with everyone saying how good it is, I can't wait to flip it sometime. But I was also really excited about BK3....and well...

#831 4 years ago

You know if you just wouldn't play with it, that wouldn't be a problem. :p

#938 4 years ago

You guys seem out of the loop on how small projectors are these days. We're not talking movie theaters here. We're talking the size of LED bulb, like what they have on watches and tablets. They aren't amazing, but they do the job, and keep in mind they don't have to throw the image all that far.

I anticipate either one on each side of the apron (L/R) or one center..which is more likely.

#940 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

11 is too confusing.
My fav has been STH

You mean like Drain STH?

#945 4 years ago

I can't imagine them NOT doing LED really. It's the cheapest alternative right now. As for life, yes, they will last longer than you'll have the machine in most cases as long as the components aren't bad.

#946 4 years ago
Quoted from Chitownpinball:

I assure you, I am not out of the loop on these little garbage projectors they sell these days. The lumens are abysmal. To compete with the gi, inserts, etc, youre looking at at least 2-3k lumens at least.

Yea I realize that, but I have to imagine they have taken all of that into consideration. It wouldn't even make sense to move forward with the idea if you can't even see it.

I am genuinely interested in how what they plan and how they plan to do it.

#956 4 years ago
Quoted from Tsskinne:

If there isn’t a mode where you search for Barb is it even Stranger Things?

Don't you mean IF you search for Barb it isn't Stranger Things?

#1089 4 years ago

I actually think it looks pretty interesting. There's a lot of interesting things you could do with this set up.

#1096 4 years ago
Quoted from Who-Dey:

Looks pretty interesting to me. Nothing new or spectacular but it definitely looks fun and all of those inserts makes me curious also as to how they will be used. I would be interested if not for being scared of the playfield quality but it just concerns me too much to spend that kind of money right now. Nice game though for sure.

Think of it this way..the more inserts the less wood to dimple

Is it just me or did it seem like the playfield was smaller than normal? Maybe an optical illusion...

#1102 4 years ago

Lots of the old guys aren't going to get this. They complain if their playfield isn't lit up like the sun. They'll need night vision goggles to play this.

#1256 4 years ago

IMO:
Season 1 was great
season 2 was kind of meh even though it had a great iconic monster visually
Season 3 was great again

#1366 4 years ago

Stern upping their game is exactly what we all wanted. I think at first glance, they've done that. Let's see how this plays out.

-8
#1369 4 years ago
Quoted from Vino:

All those extras plus ship is the BSE, which will run higher than current pricing on stern premium.

Really? What is Stern Premium now? Last one was 11k right? Do'nt see R&M going that high (because you still have to add + tax + shipping on a stern as well).

#1382 4 years ago
Quoted from fooflighter:

No taxes or shipping from my Distro

But that's on all, not just sterns.

#1403 4 years ago
Quoted from delt31:

Kind of scary to think what some people might be spending on new Stern's based on some of these estimates for premiums.

If you mean what I said, I was referring to whatever outrageously high prices Elvira went out. I don't know the breakdown of the 3 versions, and didn't really care, just that someone was trying to say Sterns were cheaper than Spooky for what clearly are not even comparable.

#1420 4 years ago
Quoted from bigd1979:

I believe this game has been in development for a while now? I'm sure stern has tested out things including the projector and they must be happy overall how it held up or they wldnt have chosen it ..right? Regardless there are some very well informed people on pinside and I'm sure someone will find a better replacement for cheap or a way to repair or upgrade the stern one cheaply. I believe the lifespan in home use will be fine anyway as most people don't play a whole lot. From my research it looks like 15000-30000 hours for this type of tech. Plus we spend 6-10k on pins if we need to spend 100-200 every few years is it a huge deal?I mean most spend 250-500 before they get their pin on 3d printed mods and lighting lol.

I would say that YES it is a big deal, regardless of up front cost. That being said, I do agree that this would have been tested, granted I doubt they've tested it for life expectancy and relied on manufacturers numbers. However, the bulbs we are talking about here aren't overly expensive and will only go down in cost over time.

#1422 4 years ago
Quoted from IdahoRealtor:

I think IMDN Pro & JP Pro compare very favorably to Spooky pins. For me the ~$6k price point was good for Spooky. $7k+ feels like a lot.

The low end was under 7k, and 7k+ included a lot of things that don't come on Stern Pros and is still cheaper than Sterns higher models...people keep saying +tax and shipping as if Stern doesn't have that to also add on top (basically quit saying it because they nullify each other out). Now that being said you also have to consider that Spooky is a smaller company, ordering smaller #'s of parts, etc, which yes, can up their pricing due to sheer lack of numbers. From what we've seen so far BOM on R&M is higher than many Sterns as of late. I'm not one to consider that a selling point however.

#1466 4 years ago

Free press is free press.

#1508 4 years ago

I only care about the art when I'm NOT playing. When I'm playing I'm looking at the ball and inserts.

#1520 4 years ago

Depends how you are going to use them. If you have more than one game going at a time, it doesn't really matter how you hook it up, it's all going to drown each other out anyway. If you mostly plan to just play 1 game at a time, then you can hook multiple to a single sub and it works fine without any kind of switcher. I think most people keep it to 2 games per sub max.

#1560 4 years ago
Quoted from HookedonPinonics:

Not sure why people are scared that Lonnie is doing the code. His last few Sterns all have been fun games. Star Trek, Aerosmith, Guardians of the Galaxy. Yes some were undercooked when released but the final code all has been great in my opinion. Can't wait to see all the pics tomorrow. Looking forward to playing and buying eventually when the premiums come out.

I don't really look at coders/designers typically, but I can say I didn't like those 3 games at all :/

-4
#1574 4 years ago

It's not intended AT ALL for children. It's intended to hit nostalgia for those who grew up in the 80's. Saying that doesn't mean children don't watch it. It's no different than everything else that's having a comeback right now, like pinball.

#1644 4 years ago

I was having this discussion with some coworkers. At some point one says "how much was it, 3-4k?" I laughed and said, maybe in 2000. When I told them the average price of a pinball today they were in disbelief. The point is, MOST people wouldn't pay that kind of money on these items, doesn't matter how big a fan they are. It doesn't need to be millions though, it only needs to be hundreds/few thousands.

#1682 4 years ago

That is a metric ton of inserts.

#1709 4 years ago

Going to flat out say, I don't care about pro gameplay. The INTERESTING thing everyone wants to see is the projection...It does not appear that gameplay between the two is going to vary much.

#1723 4 years ago
Quoted from benheck:

Why don't companies create paid DLC code packs for future seasons when a pin is released before a movie/series is over? Like the last 3 seasons for GoT, seasons 3 and 4 of Stranger Things for this pin...
Like, leave some blank mounting spots on the game with a data header and a small toy is included with the "season pack". This toy attaches to the header and has some DRM to unlock the content which is encrypted in the future game updates. It would be like selling a software dongle to license the additional content.
Now the "I hate EA" YouTube gamers would string me onto a cross for this idea but let's face it - pinball is bizarro world. Companies do this same thing with test equipment that costs less than a damn pin. Why not?

They barely finish the code that is supposed to be released with the game years later, and you want them to have a reason to NOT finish the code and abandon it so they can make more money off it?

#1727 4 years ago

I like the looks of it. Can't wait to give it a go!

#1785 4 years ago

The pro trailer shows a lot more of how the gameplay works.

#1864 4 years ago

It dropped 2k in price simply because there's no box.

#1925 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

That would be shitty if you ask me.

If I just spent 6k x 2 on toys I'd do as I please. If they wanted to be in charge of marketing, they should have already done it before releasing the games.

#1953 4 years ago
Quoted from whitey:

With the projector I would think you can ad images for years as well as code

If I was Stern I'd use it for putting ads up before you can start a game and in game. Lots of ads for bifocals, hearing aids, hemorrhoid cream, and viagra. Why not milk those ad dollars?? Oh and D.A.R.E announcements.

-6
#1957 4 years ago
Quoted from Chitownpinball:

Its all the fan layout loving old dudes with disposable income. Who else is buying all these MMR and AFMR? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
People keep eating these shit fan layout games up. Not sure why. Ive played that game before, just with a different theme and rules.
Honestly this game looks like a lot of chipping wood like Avengers with all the same inserts on each shot.
Ill still throw a quarter in this unlike I would ever do with Elvira, yet another fan layout for the masses. Slurp it up dummies.

I know everyone hates on the fan layout, but realistically, that's about the extent of making the most out of a pf. There's only so many angles you can use for flow and you consider how many games have been made throughout history, and then add that they are trying to basically make them as cheap as possible...it doesn't leave much room for anything else. I have some ideas for PF layouts I haven't seen before, but in the end, to get the most shots possible, it STILL works out to being a fan layout..because that's just the geometry of pinball.

#1958 4 years ago
Quoted from benheck:

Pinball 2000 the giant head contained the CRT but also acted as a way to block/control light.
I think this might have issues - obviously laser shows work but that's using units far larger than what would fit in an apron and consuming massive amounts of energy.
It's still a very cool idea, not even the screen really but moreso being able to "label" targets.

Waiting to see what high power mod projectors people put in these.

-17
#1970 4 years ago
Quoted from snaroff:

Just the geometry of pinball? Ridiculous.
Keith’s JP2 design is a perfect example of interesting shots & flow. Takes creativity...has nothing to do with cost.

Having not played a JP2 yet, I can't speak to it, but uh...that's still a fan layout, even if it is prettied up.

#1975 4 years ago

I mean I can draw you a map if you need, but I think you can figure it out. It's plastered all over the internet.

#1978 4 years ago
Quoted from kermit24:

Code is supper early. .62
New game setup menu when you first turn it on.

How long until they just start shipping games blank?

'whaat? It's got balls, they move...whats the problem?'

#2054 4 years ago

Definitely interested in flipping this, but not sure I'd want to own one. We shall wait and see.

23
#2061 4 years ago

Don't know if it's the players...but that stream makes the game look pretty boring :/

#2077 4 years ago
pred (resized).PNGpred (resized).PNG
#2112 4 years ago

Looks better on this stream.

#2116 4 years ago
Quoted from Guinnesstime:

Prepared to order an LE, but the code in the stream isn’t grabbing me yet.

Code is bad at this point. There's even video that is missing audio....

#2126 4 years ago
Quoted from DS_Nadine:

I only heard the gal screaming.
Only thing really bugging me (at the moment) is that there ios no real "upside down" indicator in the Pro.
The projector is missing, ok, but maybe some different colored GI? :-/

That's what I was thinking too? It didn't even seem like the lighting changed at all?

34
#2129 4 years ago
Quoted from dangerwil:

In on an LE. Game looks like a wood chopping snore fest. No quirky humor, no goals to reach, no narrator to help move game along. No linear mode progression, just modes and random multiballs. Shoot x ramp 15x for extra ball.
Hoping code evolves into something fun. Stern has been making some great games, I hope this becomes one.

and you're in? And people wonder why Stern doesn't feel the need to raise the bar...

10
#2135 4 years ago

I think putting these out now with such primitive code is bad practice. I'm sure in the grand scheme of on location games it probably doesn't matter, but it sure doesn't make me want to buy one. Especially given all the other potential issues Stern is known for.

#2137 4 years ago
Quoted from pinballaddicted:

I do not agree and this is definitely not bad practice. I like when the games come out with early code. Watching the game progress is awesome. Lonnie will do a good job on this game.

Yea, not a fan of being a beta tester. Been there done that too many times. Rarely ends well. I just want to play the finished product.

#2143 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

Should try it sometime. It’s rewarding to see stuff you suggested get into a game.

Why'd you leave out the 'been there done that'?

#2152 4 years ago
Quoted from Mahoyvan:

Sorry I haven't had time to burn through every recent post, but could someone tell me how this title went from a mere rumour to physically in peoples hands within a week!?

h4x

#2153 4 years ago
Quoted from Russell:

Looking forward to playing this on location=backhanded compliment of the year?

Not really...I look forward to playing every game on location. We can't all buy them all :p

#2161 4 years ago
Quoted from kermit24:

After playing the game on location, I enjoyed it a lot. Satisfying shots. I think the stream looks pretty great. I expect the premium to really shine also. Lots of haters but this wouldn’t be a pinside reveal without them.

I don't think there's many haters, just some sitting on the sidelines. It's one I'd have to play before committing to.

13
#2169 4 years ago

I heard the next one was Andy Griffith.

#2198 4 years ago

I could tell you, but then I'd have to drain your bank account.

#2227 4 years ago

Oh don't worry, there'll be that one guy who lives and breaths Stern and pre-orders them all and claims that everyone who doesn't like them is stupid while shitting on every other manufacturers' games. He probably hasn't drank enough yet.

#2229 4 years ago
Quoted from Darscot:

I really don’t get the concern over the projector. Didn’t they say it was basically off the shelf. I just bought my daughter a portable projector and it was half the price of pin stadiums and way more than you would need in a pin.

It kind of goes two ways...it's either expensive or cheap. If it's cheap, then what justifies the price jump? If it's expensive, that scares people for how much it will cost to replace. The other is just wondering how much it is actually integrated into the game. It's really the more interesting part of the game in my opinion. I'm still curious to see how that works out. Maybe since the code isn't too terribly far along, they are holding off on showing it off more? Also, I think it will be one of those things you really need to see in person, a video/pics of it won't show nearly as well as people will want it to. It's not a bright clear 4k projector.

#2320 4 years ago
Quoted from CyberNinja24:

Nothing surprises me when it comes to pinball and pinside, and clearly everyone has the right to dislike something and change their mind, but it really is interesting to see guys in on an LE change their mind after watching one stream of a pro.

Not at all. You are betting 9k on a stream. If it doesn't capture you, why would you drop 9k? It makes more sense than just buying it anyway. It will be around, buy it later after you've played it.

#2333 4 years ago
Quoted from Toppers:

Anyone else get irritated by the sound of the multiball music on last nights stream. It’s the same 8 bars/measures over and over and over. I feel like it’s a 80’s pin on loop... I don’t think the sound on this game is promising. The music also seems very lack luster (besides the main theme song of course) today I was playing some TNA and I could literally just sit there and listen and not even play. Or pirates jjp Mode music. Same thing. Trap up and just listen to the amazing work done. It’s seems like stern took music from an online database and dragged and dropped (example) dead pool pop bumper generic downloaded online sound) I hope this is just because of early code. Side not while I’m ranting, I feel like the jackpot callouts are super lame. Eddy Games are known for some of the best callouts in history. Stranger things missed that boat.
Overall. I like the game, not sure it a NIB purchase for me yet. Premium stream will help determine that I’m sure.

I think due to the very early code most of the sound/music is still very early and placeholders. That can all be fixed eventually. Same with the lighting. One of the things that stood out to many was the lack of any visual indication you were in upside down. We are crossing fingers, this is all just due to code not being ready.

#2350 4 years ago
Quoted from kermit24:

I wouldn't call it that, but yes it is not done. Watch the stream. Far from a box of lights.

True, hardly any light show at all. But it does have BALLS IN HOLES!

#2361 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

It’s Christmas. People been cooped up in their homes with relatives they can’t stand, stressed out about any number of things. Their teenage niece keeps arguing with them about politics. Mother in law on your ass. Grandpa won’t shut the hell up about some Fight he’s having with his neighbor.
And of course the holidays can put people who don’t have any loved ones to commiserate with in a foul mood too. Hey, shitting all over Stranger Things is better than suicide or a mall rampage, for both you and society at large.
Plus - and this is a huge factor - this is the first chance the Rick and Morty cult has had to dump on a new release since they paid $1,500 for a game they won’t see in two years and haven’t seen a stream for yet.
It’s a perfect powder keg for over the top hatred. It doesn’t matter WHICH game was released, these rabid jackals we’re going to tear into it like your alcoholic uncle into the egg nog. There was more pent up energy here than the sexual tension between Diane and Sam at the cheers bar. And it had to be released!!!
As usual it’s representative of nothing. stranger things will sell like gang busters both here (the upside down) and in the real world, which pinside remains completely out of touch with.

You're projecting. There's only been a handful of R&M people even comment. I'm one of them, and I've not bashed the machine, but I won't sit here and pretend I'm blown away by it. I haven't pretended to be blown away by R&M either. It's not even comparable to Ice's idiotic rant a few pages back about it. No, people have been pretty tame about their dislike of the game. If you can't see that, you're the one with the issues.

If anything, I'd say the hype around this game is nowhere near the R&M hype, but that is mostly Stern's fault. It probably shows here more than out in the wild, simply because of all the QA issues people are getting tired of. I agree though, I think this will sell just fine. I don't see it as an either/or, but speaking as a home owner, I do decide what I will and won't put my money down on and when someone says their reasons, it doesn't make them wrong - which seems to trigger everyone who does put their money down.

#2367 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

Yeah just like a rick and morty cultist to bring up the projector. Again. For the 500th time.
The projector will be fine goddammit! It’s not rocket science! It’s gonna be super fucking cool and everybody knows it.
If spooky did the projector it would have brilliant innovation. Kind of like how their space ship on a spring is perfectly cool and when stern does it on a game that costs $2,000 less it’s a war crime!

So what you're saying is you didn't actually read the thread at all and talking out your ass.

-5
#2370 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

No what I’m saying is you are owned.

Right..go ahead and quote anything I stated that remotely has anything to do with what you said. Go ahead, we are all waiting. You're acting like a certain person in charge of the country spouting fake news and trying to pass it off as truth.

-3
#2373 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

Really? I’m going to need everybody to tell me they are waiting before I do that. You are nobody.

Didn't think so. We'll just start calling you Fake News.

#2379 4 years ago

It's funny watching an adult sling insults and lies on the internet, and expect people to take them seriously. Stand up people I'm sure.

#2382 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

It’s funny seeing adults get on a cross over a pinball discussion. Perfectly socially adjusted people I’m sure.

It's funny seeing people lie, and name call over a pinball discussion, yet, here you are.

#2383 4 years ago
Quoted from jonesjb:

Seems like some selective perception. I'm in on a Rick and Morty and think Stranger Things looks like a lot of fun and the projector looks quite innovative, good on Stern for trying something new.
Is there a term in the pinball glossary for 'White Knighting' in pinball, just wondering? If not, we need one. Not saying it applies here in this case, but some Pinsiders do seem to be vehement defenders of pinball brands.

Same things I said, but some people are too Ford vs. Chevy and can't stand any criticism at all. You're always going to get the oddball who hates on one or the other, but this thread really hasn't been that way...yet. In fact, this thread is dead for a just released pin...but it could be the holidays.

#2386 4 years ago
Quoted from kermit24:

SNFLXSTNGRTHGS

Make it so!

#2392 4 years ago
Quoted from KozMckPinball:

The projector would have been a great idea on CFTBL.

In the future as flexible/transparent lcd becomes more available and cheaper, think of the possibilities of it implemented on pinball or even mods for older games such as this.

#2403 4 years ago
Quoted from f3honda4me:

Everyone is all Rick n Morty vs Stranger Things, and I’m sitting here like “I bought both” cuz why the hell not?

The thing is it isn't like that really. There's people who think both look like crap. There's people who like them both. No one is expected to have the same opinions regarding both of them, but there's a trumped up view from some people who seem to think any negative thoughts towards one means they are pro the other. Those who have issues with Stern in general, have them regardless of R&M.

#2407 4 years ago
Quoted from f3honda4me:

I know, my comment was a bit tongue in cheek. I sold a pin to make some room and free up cash etc.

admit it, you're bragging Congrats though.

#2566 4 years ago

Everyone keeps saying it has 'deep code'. No. It does NOT have deep code. We've seen it, it is not deep at all. Until the code is much further along, and actually near/finished, it's all fluff. It doesn't matter how many things they SAY they plan to put into it, it isn't there until it's there. Many people are tired of paying those prices based on 'hope' and waiting years for updates if at all. For those who are happy with it, get it, play it, have fun.

#2574 4 years ago
Quoted from rai:

I really don't see Stranger Things as a better theme than funny generic Martian pin but that's just me. Stranger Things is serious drama. Not saying it's bad but that sometimes the funny or goofy theme translate better to pinball.

Yea, it makes it more lively usually. That being said, ST lends itself to being a good theme because it has monsters. It also hits on a plethora of nostalgia for most people. Almost anything with monsters can be used in pinball/games. It's all about how you insert said assets. This game should be a home run if done right. There is enough subtle dialog/character humor that can be put in it, and save the drama for the monster battles, etc.

#2576 4 years ago
Quoted from benheck:

There isn't much humor in Stranger Things - it's a drama. It's never going to be as funny as AFM or MM because those games are basically parody farces.
Why is the code only being compared to AFM? Isn't MM basically AFM with better toys and mode stacking?

MM has probably the single best interactive toy in all of pinball. (IMO). The stranger things toy pales by comparison, it is indeed much closer to AFM for the toy.

#2578 4 years ago

Speaking of which, I have a new idea for a pinball machine.

Dodgeball

The game has no playfield glass, and as you play it, you have hurry up modes that you have to hit certain targets within a time limit or the game starts throwing pinballs at your face.

-5
#2582 4 years ago
Quoted from T3quila:

I wonder if there should be different scoring systems for tournament play and just overall enjoyment for anybody / casual players here on pinside.
Casual players like often long playing pins with good theme integration and novel toys vs score balancing, strategy and difficulty for tournament players.

Tournament players like to hold the balls indefinitely to set up shots. Games need to integrate point penalties for ball cradling. Easy enough to do. No ball hits + flipper held X over 1 second = start penalties.

#2585 4 years ago
Quoted from T3quila:

That's an interesting concept! Adds a new strategy element!
I meant in my above post actually the pinside rating though, sorry for the confusion.

Sorry, yes, I realized that, it just made me think of that idea.

-4
#2588 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

Man this is a dumb idea. Like, even for pinside.
Hey you know what? For pro baseball we should make it that the batter isn’t allowed to hold his bat and needs to swing away at everything. It’s cheating otherwise.

Look, I'm not happy about me being right any more than you are.

Apparently you aren't a fan of basketball...or any sport with 'holding up the game' penalties.

-1
#2594 4 years ago

Nothing about making it easier or harder or being good or bad at it. Watching tournament play is like watching paint dry. Cradle ball 3-5 seconds, take shot, cradle ball 3-5 seconds, take shot, repeat repeat repeat. Just play the game. You want to see who is good at the game? It's like a constant hurry up mode.

I don't care how you set it up at home. I just want it to be more entertaining to watch the streams!

#2597 4 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

Most DMD era to modern pins are objective based. Start modes, finish modes, destroy the castle, sink the ship, etc. I could tell you every objective in LOTR and how it relates to advancing to the end...I’ve had the game for over 10 years...I couldn't tell you what scores what...but it doesn’t matter, as objective = score. I know more jackpots =more score. Finishing modes = score + elf gifts which = score. The best games are the ones designed with some obvious things for casuals to do & nuance for the pros who want to dig deeper. No need for two separate rule sets if a designer & programmer knows how to craft a great pinball machine design & ruleset.

That's a game I need to get my hands on some day. I've played it a handful of times over the years and really enjoyed it.

#2614 4 years ago
Quoted from cooked71:

Wait, what? You aren’t a Stern employee already?!?

I'm sure their quota of yes men is already full.

#2684 4 years ago
Quoted from NeilMcRae:

Nobody can possibly critique it until they've played the game.

Yes they can...

#2704 4 years ago

Something like what TZ had with the magna flippers would have been cool on this.

#2725 4 years ago

Even those who have played it feelings seems to be mixed around here. There certainly doesn't seem to be as much hype over this as past games.

As for old ideas vs new ideas. Hard for us to compare the innovation of the projector when they've yet to show us much. I certainly can imagine what it SHOULD be, but we don't know yet if it is. What we can do is look at things we are familiar with and think about possible gameplay elements that would have fit well with this theme and are sadly missing and the only reason is cost.

On the plus side we can say they didn't just take a license and slap a coat of paint over a generic playfield because the backbox magnet lock at least shows some intuition of the show content. I too feel they could have done more with the demigorgan mouth rather than just a static gaping hole. The projector really has nothing to do with the license and most likely between this and the license costs ate up much of the budget. In the end, code is going to make this a great game or a mediocre game (but then...isn't that true with all modern games?)

#2732 4 years ago

I do think for the topper it needs to be some form of this:

st (resized).PNGst (resized).PNG
#2752 4 years ago
Quoted from kpg:

Yeah but you remember how bad the playfields on Shadows became in that Sanctum area. Then you'd have Pinside going crazy about how they shouldn't have had that feature because of playfield issues. Can't ever make anyone happy lol

People are much more familiar with mylar and cling plastic these days...oh...and not routed...

-2
#2794 4 years ago

Well...that means it comes up too often. That is basically the end game shot. It shouldn't be coming up that often, and shouldn't be possible every time you play the game. To me that screams how shallow this game really is... I do agree that if it is using 'hit points' then just hitting it should register as damage and score, maybe with a diminishing timer score to get it in the mouth.

#2797 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

Huh? Do you think the ship on AFM comes up too often? The demogorgon is harder to make appear than that.

Been awhile since I've played it, but there isn't a single hit that kills it right?

#2799 4 years ago
Quoted from Dr-Willy:

That shot is basically the equivalency to the final shot to destroy a castle on MM. Did you watch any of the stream of the game?

I watched like 10 minutes and they had it in the mouth pretty quickly.

#2821 4 years ago
Quoted from kpg:

From the stream the shot looked easy and they made it a lot. Strange, maybe a setup issue?
Its too bad they just didn't make the Demegorgan head pop out of a wall, then you have to hit it X amount of times to spell something to start multiball... A'la TWD. That to me is a super satisfying way to start a multiball - feels good everytime you get Prison MB going and it never seemed to be too easy to too hard to get it going, but just right.
If they could have a mode where the ramp comes down and you have to hit it X amount of times to start a MB, or even lock a ball in its mouth during MB to save one/kick another out like Metallica, that would be a good use for the toy.
Imo, so much can be improved on with code.. lots of potential

Yea I like this - I assume this isn't already coded then? Using it as a lock for MB would be a good implementation.

19
#2886 4 years ago

If this thread has showed me anything, it's that I really need to play a JP2.

#2921 4 years ago

Licensed themes are also why prices continue to go up and less is going into the games. Pretty soon all of them are going to look like supreme but not be worth nearly as much.

It's easy to hate on the old games and play it off as nostalgia, but the reality is those games hold up well for a reason, and it goes beyond nostalgia.

#2925 4 years ago

^^. Same reason I own a MBr, and not a MMr or AFMr. I never played MB over the years, but I played MM and AFM to death. As much as I love them, I figure my money is better spent on something I hadn't played a ton of. Regardless though, to drop 6-9k on something has to mark a bunch of boxes. Not all of us are millionaires. Any objections to any pinball machine are perfectly acceptable, because entertainment is always about personal preference, not what the masses think. Some people need to be more objective and quit taking any negative criticism about a game personally. You don't need to justify why you bought one...unless you had nothing but negative things to say about it, and still pre-ordered an LE anyway.. :p

#2928 4 years ago
Quoted from jimwe5t:

Wrong why? Because your beloved old timer games say so? No one says they are not good designs, cause they are. It is only being very shallow and original themes that would not cut it into today’s market, that is why your continued assertions are plain silly and wrong. No manufacturers are going to take a chance on these type of titles today, because pure business acumen and sales logic wouldn’t allow them to do so. Just look at the poor sales of a well playing game like Oktoberfest if you have a difficult time understanding this point. Sales have been very poor to say the least and it is also an excellent game to play.

Except..you keep saying no one wants them. People DO want them, and they do just fine on routes as well. You are not wrong about original themes not really doing well these days, but that's really not the point. Most original pinball themes are based off of a license anyway...

#2971 4 years ago

Someone forgot to carry the 1.

#3014 4 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

Dialed In: It’s about...a basic 90’s guy in mom jeans with a magic cell phone? And drones? And a hologram theater? And disasters?
It’s an instant WTF...it doesn’t draw over potential players with the promise of an exciting and understandable premise. It’s a fine & fun game...but it’s failure to catch on is 100% its theme.

I always thought the art looked like Shia Labeouf in Transformers....just without the Transformers.

#3222 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

No. If someone goes ape on a game they’ve never played and goes on and on about it, that’s dumb. If you don’t like it, fine. Make you take, then cya later. Why stick around to beat the drum for days on end?
It’s much more fun to be in a thread about a game talking with people that like the game.

However, LOTS of people who HAVE played it have said it isn't that great...are we going to sit here and pretend everyone who doesn't like it hasn't played it?

#3224 4 years ago
Quoted from f3honda4me:

I went back over the posts of people who actually played it and most were positive not negative. *shrug*

You may be right, but it looked more around 50/50 to me, but not that important. The question is do those people like it enough to drop the money on one? Because ultimately that is what this discussion is about. There's lots of pins I don't hate that I have no interest in owning.

EDIT: Let me expand a bit. I'm more of a buy and hold person, not a buy and see if I like it and turn around and sell it in a few months person. That is probably the distinction here. In 99% of the cases, I won't buy something until I've played it a bit, but the online gameplay videos that are available these days are usually a pretty good indicator if you'll like something or not. In this particular case, it's hard to say because the code is so early and we've only seen the very much cut down pro.

#3237 4 years ago

I swear some of you must go to every movie ever made, since apparently trailers are pointless.

#3295 4 years ago

Flipper power?

11
#3308 4 years ago

What if....24 was only...23?

#3340 4 years ago

better the code is finished to begin with. Waiting 3 years shouldn't be the norm.

#3455 4 years ago

No point arguing about it, the dude is insane. If it did come to that, plain and simple wouldn't purchase it to begin with, and it would come out pretty fast if it was held back. They can barely make working code now, I don't even want to think about them having an incentive to put out crap code.

#3475 4 years ago
Quoted from Darscot:

Just to be completely open I work for EA and was the lead software engineer on the most successful DLC in history. I know the amount of internet hate we get. I also know how popular and loved the feature is. Clearly I’m just insane and have nothing to offer on the topic.

To be completely open, I stopped buying EA games long ago. It's predatory marketing feeding on peoples pokemon syndromes. I'm not disagreeing it works, but I also won't pretend it's not been used to screw over the consumer as well.

#3478 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

paid DLC is one of those “works in video games, doesn’t work in pinball” things people love talking about, like online competitive play.
As long as the pinball home buyer base is what it is - old and stubborn - this will never be a thing.
The natives are restless about a $700 toppers and their place in line on a spooky game. They’d riot at the mention of paid code.
I doubt it would be worth manufacturers’ trouble either. Add two seasons worth of code to stranger things so some home buyers bite with a few hundred bucks? Why waste time and effort on that. Better to just invest the time on a NEW game that the same home owners will buy anyway, along with ops as well.

So, intent is really what it comes down to. I get it, Stranger Things was started before season 3....so...sure...additional content down the road, paid to get? Probably wouldn't have an issue with it. However, we all know how the software paid content has went over the years. When it becomes about planned milking rather than delivering a quality product first and foremost, the curmudgeons such as myself, walk the other way. I mean, the whole price difference between what he's talking about and pinball are astronomical.

#3494 4 years ago

At least it's supposed to be that color..otherwise people would be throwing it in the puke thread. People around here hate purple

#3505 4 years ago

In most cases it should be different - even from what little the video showed.

It will be projecting the building most of the time I think - the LCD screen will be projecting clips. Obviously the ramps and targets will have their own images based on the mode as well. For some reason, I think the rotating arcade image will pretty much be static.

#3523 4 years ago

N/M Happy New Year!

#3551 4 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

True, but you're not figuring in the HUGE savings on the manufacturer side when media cost for games went from $18 roms to $1 CDs to $0 downloads. The media costs, which were a huge part of SNES/Genesis fell precipitously. Of course, the console manufacturers sucked up some of that savings in more in royalties, but the overall costs to the publishers went down, and the order requirements fell, too, reducing upfront costs and risk.

Not to mention that distribution went to nothing, and they sell more games than ever, even in the face of blatant piracy. No, they are not hurting by any stretch of the imagination. The ones getting screwed are the developers, but that is between them and the corporations they work for. It's no different than hollywood saying 'we didn't make any money' to avoid having to pay royalties to screenwriters etc. No, we as the consumer have every right to be against anything that can be manipulated, because it happens all the time. It isn't some tin foil hat conspiracy theory. It's the natural progression that happens when you allow things that are anti-consumer to begin with. If they want to cut costs, maybe not spend hundreds of millions on advertising.

No one complained about expansion packs back in the day, there's reasons for that. People started complaining when it was obvious games were being planned around making people pay for more content from the very beginning.

#3559 4 years ago

Today their main problem is the huge birth of options (and # of games in general) that people have to choose to spend their money on, and free content as well.

-4
#3563 4 years ago
Quoted from Aurium:

Nothing like filtering though BS posts about whiny giberish and DLC content... This thread is crap, start a new one that is actually about the game in the title....

In case you haven't been keeping up with current events, there's diddly to talk about. Go over to the owners thread and listen to the crickets.

#3568 4 years ago
Quoted from kpg:

The day DLC becomes a thing for pinball is the day I stop buying NIB machines.

Pretty sure a lot of people said that when Stern announced tiered games. Look how that turned out.

-2
#3578 4 years ago
Quoted from John1210:

In case you haven't noticed check the title of the thread... Nothing to do with all this DLC garbage that's filling the thread.

Actually, the whole reason that topic got brought up is because of the lack of season 3 assets on the pin. So yes, it has everything to do with it.

Never fails to amaze me how 'me me me' people are on the internet. "Don't talk about things I don't want to talk about or disagree with me, or I'll throw a fit - or be passive aggressive and downvote you even though I didn't read the whole conversation". SMH.

#3597 4 years ago
Quoted from pinmister:

I thought I have seen some Stranger Things but this one takes the cake...[quoted image]

Think I just found my topper.

#3644 4 years ago
Quoted from Rarehero:

Speaking of pricks...

No, narcissists like you who think YOUR way to “hobby” is the only way are what ruins pinball. Have some fucking respect for the people who buy machines. They’re part of what keeps these companies alive so you can run around putting quarters in games. Pinball doesn’t exist on route alone. Everyone here plays a part in making pinball still exist. So - if someone is spending money on a machine, whether it’s an operator or homeowner, quality is expected. Stop insulting and gaslighting people for having expectations and principals.

If he never buys games (and I wouldn't know one way or the other), that would definitely explain why he has no issues with any Stern games. Completely different mindset. I'm way less picky when games don't cost 6 grand+ ...the bulk of my collection was had for under 1k. No expectation for them to be flawless.

#3652 4 years ago
Quoted from kcZ:

oh god, another thread about dimpling. I skipped to the last page to hopefully read about people's opinion on the game and I got a bunch of dimpling talk.

There's plenty of opinions on the game. You aren't going to find those on the last page in most threads.

These hype threads need poll 1. Love it 2. It's okay 3. Not interested 4. Dimples

#3659 4 years ago
Quoted from DBLM:

This thread has devolved into a shit show. Everybody is just babbling random junk because there is no news and they want to run their mouths. Ugh

Thank you for your contribution.

#3662 4 years ago
Quoted from frankmac:

Works for me! All in !! Let’s go!!![quoted image][quoted image]

Looks good next to the Tron

#3703 4 years ago

To be fair, my MBr with 500 or so plays has dimpling. It is definitely visible during normal play (although it doesn't look as bad as some of the things posted). My 2012 AC/DC with around 4000 plays also has dimpling but not nearly as bad as any of the things people are talking about.

#3728 4 years ago
Quoted from pinmister:

I am generally curious how many layers your playfield is? Same with your STTNG Greg? As long as we are having this discussion again, let's try and figure out the discrepancies. Is it a 5-7 layer with a dark dense wood on the top, or is it a 9-11 with a lighter colored layer in the plywood? Just curious

If you're going to get down to that level of detail (which I think is an interesting idea), probably should start a dedicated thread to it, lest the Stranger Things people off themselves out of frustration.

#3747 4 years ago

At least the post issue seems like an easy quick fix..

#3756 4 years ago
Quoted from Trindawg:

So I just ordered a Pro model. Will be getting it in about a week and a half. I didn’t order the model with the shaker motor in it. But as an after thought, now I want it. So I see we can buy shaker motors to install in our machines, but I’m not sure wether this machine is SAM or SPIKE. does anyone know which setup this machine is using so I can order the right shaker motor ??

New games are SPIKE.

-1
#3759 4 years ago

deleted

#3762 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

Not true. ACDC is SAM on all versions.

Wait what? Seriously? I was told otherwise. It was one of the primary reasons I bought an OG edition.

#3766 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

Yep. Unless my premium vault is the only one they did SAM haha.

Interesting. I stand corrected then.

#3791 4 years ago
Quoted from Trindawg:

Awesome! Thanks for all the info! I love this site. I feel like I can ask any questions And not get hammered for asking something. You guys and girls are the best. This will only be my 2nd machine and my first NIB purchase. Super excited !!!

Give it time, give it time. About the time you question the status quo, it comes swiftly.

#3795 4 years ago

I do like me some zombiyeti art, but I am not sold on a TMNT pin at this point, unless it's the 80's cartoon or old comics and even then, I've been over it for decades.

16
#3850 4 years ago
Quoted from IdahoRealtor:

If I have to read about one more dumb newb freaking out over dimples I'm going to snap.

I wouldn't be dismissing the newbs bud. They pay the bills.

#3928 4 years ago

It looked to show up pretty well in that video. I don't think it's going to be an issue.

#3945 4 years ago

You'd think all these pinheads who demand pics without the glass on market ads would understand that... and also know how projectors and cameras work by now.

#3986 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

Whenever I think I'll never see anything dumber than what I've seen posted here before, some dark horse always comes from the back of the pack to destroy the field.
I'd venture to say no pinball flyer or promo in 50 years has featured a game with the playfield glass installed. That may be the slightest hyperbole, but it would certainly be a statistically irrelevant anomaly. In 15 years selling games semi-professionally, I've taken pictures of hundreds of games, and maybe twice featured playfield shots with the glass installed due to extreme laziness, a temporarily broken lockdown bar lever, or just an old-fashioned hangover. When you are trying to sell a pinball machine, it looks better with the glass off, simple as that.
You'd think with the waves of brilliant and wealthy doctors, lawyers, scientists, and internationally recognized intellectual geniuses who have been signing up for Pinside daily this place would be getting smarter, but it just seems to be the opposite. And it makes baby Jesus cry.

So what you are trying to say is you agree with me, pictures without the glass are better.

#4016 4 years ago
Quoted from twenty84:

Thats old news, people are worried about the cratering now[quoted image]

That looks way more interesting than what we got.

#4055 4 years ago

Quick someone with a big collection through history go take the glass off all of them and drop a pinball from the ceiling onto the playfields and measure the dimples so we can put this to rest once and for all. For science!

#4060 4 years ago
Quoted from pinballOsp:

Agreed, but that means it's an automatic NO on location where it's pretty much always bright. That means only the pro is going to get public exposure which seem like a bummer (esp with this pro).

I'm not sure about the locations you go to, but nearly every location I've been to is dim at the most. None of them are 'bright'. The short video that was shown in the bright lights it was clearly visible. I do not think it's going to be an issue.

13
#4223 4 years ago

For their next pin stern should just sell a whitewood in a cabinet for 10k. Then you guys can discuss upgrading it into what it should be for that price.

#4234 4 years ago

I honestly don't think that looks bad.

#4313 4 years ago

that's what is indeed interesting...all those people that have seen it in person..and not a single comment for or against...

#4340 4 years ago

looks good? That was the worst one yet.

#4347 4 years ago

I expect it might be just fine in a dim room, but what did they expect? It's 2020. Everyone has a cell phone and wants to be a 'somebody' on the internet. If by 'professionally done' he means in a pitch black room, it's too late, they did that already and it won't impress anyone to do it again.

#4360 4 years ago

I think the part he doesn't quite understand is that if we wanted them, we'd have them. If we don't want them, well..not sure why he thinks his opinion trumps everyone elses. If you enjoy them, have at them, quit telling everyone else how to spend their money. If you want an echo chamber go sing in the shower. Always amazes me people who get so worked up over people being critical of a product (that has NOTHING to do with them). It's almost like they are trying to convince themselves.

#4382 4 years ago
Quoted from dnapac:

The projection mapping could be a great addition to pinball! I expect to see it more and more implemented, from all manufacturers. This is Sterns stamp. They will either set the bar, or just add the idea...and be left behind. Will Stern go all in, or want a cost grab? This could be revolutionary, but they have to go all in and not try to milk the money yet. Remember. The first generation of anything is the bar...it is the beginning, unless it is done with no holds barred.

Rather than projection mapping I think the better alternative would be the new advances in screens. Not cheap enough at the moment, but imagine everything having translucent programmable lcd screens on them (of course with some sort of protection).

#4387 4 years ago

I got my projector upgrade all ready to go.
helmet (resized).PNGhelmet (resized).PNG

#4397 4 years ago
Quoted from aingide:

[quoted image]

`LMAO

#4402 4 years ago

I'm almost in tears here. Good stuff.

#4490 4 years ago
Quoted from kpg:

Oh yeah man, I have been using one for a few years now. I currently have a RecTec smoker that has an app and I can monitor internal temps with 2x probes and it will send me an alert anywhere I am when the temp is getting close to done. Then I turn the temp down or shut it off wherever I am at.. or in some cases, noticed the cook is taking longer than anticipated, I just turn the temp up right from my phone.
Technology is awesome. Then again, I am a career tech geek which is why I borderline obsess over geeky tech shit like pinball machines and projectors

My toilet is wifi enabled. Sends alerts to my phone everytime someone drops a deuce. Weight, bouyancy, makeup, consistancy. Best app ever!

#4518 4 years ago

You were hard pressed to get a TZ for less than $1000 in the late nineties, even one that didn't work at all, but it may have just depended on where you were located.

11
#4560 4 years ago

Pinball was created by the devil, so I'm surprised any true religious people would even touch it.

#4564 4 years ago
Quoted from Shapeshifter:

OMG I don't know what to say anymore.

Stranger Things Holy Ghost Trinity Projector Easter Egg!

There..back on topic.

#4568 4 years ago
Quoted from phil-lee:

Using obscene euphemisms that include references to Jesus and God in an attempt to sound cutting-edge and forceful is not a good look for your tribe.

I mean..I get it, I think the guy needs to come down a few pegs in his dramatic rhetoric, but this was hardly the breaking point.

#4570 4 years ago

Macho podcasts are all you need to know about this pin.

#4578 4 years ago

I think many of us are truly interested to see where this goes and if it gets better...there just isn't enough information to really talk about it. Throw Sterns history into the mix and the outlook is dim.

#4580 4 years ago
Quoted from Shapiru:

Back to the topic at hand.
I consider myself a newbie even though I have lucked into collecting a few of my favorite themes over the past couple of years.
Trying to talk the wife into getting a Stern Stranger Things as we love the show!
I am hesitant though because of what I've read about the excessive dimpling and pooling (whatever that is).
Thoughts?

Ultimately you have to ask yourself if you like Stranger Things enough to have a 6k paperweight. That is worst case scenario. For most people, the dimpling and pooling isn't really a 'play' issue. It's a cosmetic/resale issue. The same people who say it isn't an issue, are the same ones who will try to drive the price down if they were to buy one with these 'non issues'.

You cannot expect Stern (or apparently even the devs) to be honest about it now as they've clearly stated it's normal. It may be less of an issue for operators, but it is a completely different story for the home use market. A market where people spend thousands to bring old games into like new pristine condition...and stay that way.

#4585 4 years ago
Quoted from Whysnow:

I thought religious talk was immediate reason for post deletion/moderation?
If not, please make it so. It is a sure fire way to ruin/ further ruin any thread.

According to the 'we ordered it so we have to talk good about it' thread, the thread was ruined long before that. It's pretty much all they talk about over there.

#4588 4 years ago
Quoted from Shapiru:

Do all the Sterns have these playfield issues? When did they start?
Thinking of picking up an ACDC Lucy edition but don't want to get hosed with the playfield getting torn up in short order.

Luci is great. Can't go wrong with that one if you don't hate AC/DC.

#4597 4 years ago
Quoted from Shapiru:

Exactly why I'm leaning toward not buying any new Stern at this point even though again, I love this theme.
The Stern playfield talk that I've heard is that they "don't make them like they used to".
And until they get their act together, I'll be looking at older titles (2012 and older?) that didn't have nearly the playfield defects these new ones seem to exhibit.

You can get 2012 AC/DC Luci it doesn't have any of the newer issues. You'll get mild dimples, but not craters.

#4602 4 years ago
Quoted from littlecammi:

When playing premium or LE Stern requires using a Bell + Howell Tac Visor for projected images to be legible on the screen.
Tac Visors will be available in the Stern accessories store. Not sure if they will have limited edition number stickers on them.

??? So they are recommending headgear to enhance the image?

#4604 4 years ago
Quoted from kermit24:

he is trying (really hard) to be funny.

Seemed plausible.

#4612 4 years ago
Quoted from Metengo:

But then you get old issues like cloudy windows. Every time had his own issues. Whitestar, SAM and now Spike.

I'm not 100% on this, but I believe most of the cloudy window issue was solved by the time Luci's were released...at least for the most part. Mine doesn't have the issue.

11
#4702 4 years ago

Always funny when people dismiss the rankings of long standing highly regarded games, and in the same breath try to spin newly released games and their rankings as some sort of proof of their greatness. No bias there...none at all.

#4720 4 years ago
Quoted from Who-Dey:

We need to rename the title of this thread became nobody ever talks about the new Stranger Things game in here.

You had your chance and you blew it, Jerry. Wubba lubba dub dub!

#4725 4 years ago

EDIT: maybe not, pan over is pretty dark.

That being said, I don't think it is horrible and I definitely still like the overall idea they are going for here. Execution is still..eh...

I do think the upside down is still pretty lackluster. There was barely any change in lighting. The normal game needs to be brighter, and the upside down needs to be dark.

I do think the changing animations on the drop targets are the best use...we could still do without the movie theater. The ramps work, but looks like they pretty much stay the same all the time? I didn't see the arcade sign change either.

#4843 4 years ago

That demigorgan was the real bad guy.....breaking and entering, kidnapping, murder, bitchy disposition, bad breath...

#4917 4 years ago

Not bad. Can't wait to try it out when it is further along.

#5049 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

Young millennials have punted on the shift key too. I’ve never received a text from my daughter with a single capital letter. Haha

Your daughters phone doesn't have autocorrect? Cheapskate. On the flip side, all of my texts from my elders is all caps.

#5065 4 years ago
Quoted from Trindawg:

I just don’t get it. Yes I’m new to the hobby in the aspect of OWNING a machine. But where is the QC on these machines? I just don’t accept it as being status quo, it is what it is, whatever. We spend a lot of HARD EARNED money for these things NOT to work out of the box. To me, as a consumer, it’s unacceptable. Will I ever buy another NIB machine. Doubtful. And if I do, I’ll wait for all the problems to get ironed out first. Just my 2 cents. I know I’ll probly get roasted for my opinions. But oh well. It’s how I feel. I love the game though.

I think most of us agree with you, however if you've reported this to Stern and they are working on making it good, that is good and normal business practice. I can understand it is frustrating, but as long as they continue to offer good customer service regarding it, you will eventually be happy. The real test will be how well it keeps up over time. Most home use only games should hold up really well. We should all expect good QC out of the box on any consumer product we buy, but the reality is there's always a percentage of bad items that get out the door. The real test is how the company handles those issues.

#5094 4 years ago
Quoted from Trindawg:

Well. Maybe I exaggerated a little on the wife giving me heat. I mean. She just asked what’s up with their quality control and I said it’s a normal thing with pinballs. I mean, she likes to play too. And this is my second pin. I have a South Park as well; that I bought from this site. And yes, we played a little tonight even without the ramp working. So. Yeah. It is what it is. Hopefully I’ll get my replacement parts early next week and I’ll be able to swap them all out. Luckily, I do like to tinker under the hood, just didn’t think I would have to this soon out of the box,is all I’m getting at. Really. Messing around with my South Park kind of got me used to working on these machines so I’m not scared to get under there. I just didn’t think I would have to do soon. Oh well. Like u Guys said, it’ll get fixed. I did have one hell of a game earlier today when it was working after I put in the replacement board. I actually had a hell of a fun time with it.

That's the crux of the issue. Things like you are seeing shouldn't be 'normal on pinball'. Breaking things because a ball is beating them is 'normal'. Regardless what anyone tries to say otherwise, this is indeed a QC issue. That being said, again, it does happen on most all consumer products, even the expensive ones. I bought my first NiB last year, and it has been flawless (different company). However, there were others that bought them that did have issues out of the box though. As long as the manufacturer is willing to make good, then all is well. The issues that people are most upset about are the ones that they try to claim is 'normal' and won't do anything about it.

#5096 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

How do you recommend they fix this particular issue? This could be the only one of a thousand cases that had this issue. Should they play test every game 100s of times before they go out? Doesn’t seem feasible to me.

I don't think it is a matter of playtesting necessarily. I think it is a cheap parts / bad assembly issue. I've worked in manufacturing. I know how this whole scenario goes. The whole objective is to not stop the lines even if there's bad parts. Of course, that may not be it at all. It could be as simple as 'it's 4:30 on Friday' syndrome. They should be working to determine what the issue is and remediating. Even then, there's still an acceptable number of 'issues' for every product. To be clear, I'm not pointing to Stern, just manufacturing in general.

#5099 4 years ago
Quoted from chuckwurt:

But this particular case is rare. Possibly completely one off. How do you prepare for that as a manufacturer?
I’ll admit, playing devils advocate here. It’s easy to say places need better QC, but as we’ve all seen, every company has issues with every release. Either all these companies are insane or QC is hard. I’m going with the latter.

I agree, it isn't easy. It's just something every company should continue to refine and not get lazy about. It is far too easy to say 'we'll fix it in the field'. I don't think we can deny however that Stern's direction with node boards is problematic when it comes to a little issue creating a larger one and preventing quick fixes.

EDIT: also, I think for further clarification, my statement about 'it shouldn't be normal' was meaning in general, it shouldn't be considered normal to have game breaking issues out of the box with a pinball machine. Issues out of the box should be considered outliers.

#5103 4 years ago
Quoted from Trindawg:

I agree with u here bro. About parts being sub standard and cheap. And I also get the 4.30 syndrome too. I work on An assembly line myself for one of the big 3, and I can totally see how all this tied together when it comes to assembly line and quality. I see it on a daily basis. What I think should happen is tighter QC on the suppliers. That’s where it should start. Yeah. I get it. Bottom line and all that crap. But they should hold their suppliers to a higher QC standard. I would start there. Personally.

I agree, if it is indeed sub par parts, then yes the suppliers should be held to a higher standard. That is always difficult when cost is your primary concern (or profit margin).

Quoted from Trindawg:

Like here’s a for instance. So I’m hoping that these cases get logged and forwarded to a QC person, they see that there was a bad motor that caused a node board to crap out. Ok. So wouldn’t common sense say: hey; let’s start testing these motors more frequently to see if we get any more failures then what is acceptable. That seems pretty simple and straightforward. Don’t ya think?

Yes, however as stated for all parts/products there is what is considered an acceptable % of bad parts (which hopefully got caught before they were even sent out), but we all know that some slip through. Some people just get the bad luck. As mentioned, I think your issue represents a rare unfortunate case. It's good they are trying to get you fixed up.

#5266 4 years ago

Tinkering was fine on a sub $1k used/routed game. It is a bit different with a NiB $6k+ game. Dialing in isn't the same thing as 'broken after a few plays'. I think some of you have been in the hobby too long.

#5269 4 years ago
Quoted from j_m_:

<begin soapbox rant>
I can't believe that some people here think that any company shipping any product that is DOA straight out of the box is acceptable. yes, I get that we as owners should know how to fix basic things (when they go wrong) to avoid costly repairs. however, that doesn't mean that we should have to play the role of technician straight out of the box.
if your brand new microwave, tv or videogame system were DOA straight out of the box, would you feel the need to break it open and start troubleshooting it on your own? I don't think so.
<insert cargument>
even if your $9,000+ base model car that you just drove off the lot died within 6 months, I'm guessing that you'd be right back at the dealer pitching a fit over the fact that there's no way that this should happen.
the fact that it has become acceptable to say "because it's pinball" has become synonymous with "you will need to adjust and fix things in order to enjoy your NEW purchase" is truly crazy. it's this type of mentality that has allowed [some] of the manufacturers to continue to get away with shipping games that "are a box of lights" at launch, take upwards of a year or more to get to v1.00 code (though still not complete) or remove a major feature via a code update rather than correct the physical issue just to name a few things that have occurred over the past 2 years.
and yet we (as a group) still continue to throw money at these companies for fear of missing out

Exactly. As I've mentioned before, there's a % of acceptable duds from a factory, and as long as they do their best to fix it, so be it. It is up to that consumer to decide if they ever purchase another. That's business. However, there is an odd attitude around here that you should just be fine with broken things because its pinball and it should be expected. I really do disagree with that sentiment. I wouldn't accept it for any other product I buy. I wonder if it is actually a throwback to routes. They broke frequently due to the nature of the use.

16
#5277 4 years ago

The only people I've seen telling people what to spend their money on is the 2 or 3 people consistently calling everyone who says anything negative dummies and idiots because they aren't 'looking at the whole picture'.

#5342 4 years ago
Quoted from HarrieD:

There are different reasons for that. Ease of upgrade, cost efficiency, availability of components. I myself love the ease how a complete playfield unplugs and how it's servicable. I also dislike the servicability (and that sounds contradictive, I know.
As 'pinballkyle' stated I am also concerned about the lifecycle of the boards. Will those still be servicable and available 30 years from now? We will see I guess.

General thought is that in 30 years, our ability to replace all the small parts / make our own boards will be easier/cheaper than it is now...same as with the tech in the current 30 year old games are.

#5410 4 years ago
Quoted from kpg:

This is the worst new Stern release thread in the history of Pinside.

You guys sure have short memories.

#5572 4 years ago
Quoted from Diospinball:

So, I have a question for everyone in this thread. Maybe a few questions and observations. I'm a big fan o Brian Eddy's. I mean two of his games are two of my all time favorites and I really do want to play and own a shadow one day.
There seems to be a lot of dislike(hate is too strong) for this game. Is it the theme? As I thought Stranger Things was really popular and people are always clamoring about a new relevant theme(even if Stranger Things is based on nostalgia). This theme isn't for me as I've never seen the show and no desire really to watch it. But, again a lot of people really seem to love it.
Is it the art package? The use of video clips in the game?
I personally think the layout is good. Maybe not great.
Could it be the pro is awful and that this game should only have a prem and LE?
Because, the projector is really cool. And when I watched the footage of it I was impressed by a lot of what I saw. The ramps being lit. The drops changing the movie screen of course acting as dmd backbox basically. That is just amazing and keeps the players eyes on the playfield.
So I really think that the projector is one of the coolest innovations in pinball in a long time. And perhaps other games can expand on it.
But, then you have the pro and no projection. And as a result the coolest feature is missing. And so that movie screen really just seems even more lame and out of place. And also no mag lock for the pro. That lock feature is a nifty and cool ball lock. I get that pros need to be scaled down. But, I think stranger things without the projector isn't scaled down, but a shell of the game that it was meant to be. I think a good pro should retain the core features and spirit of the original game. And I don't think Stranger Things pro does... I could be wrong. But, I think if you compare it to Deadpool or Black Knight(which is missing the upper playfield) you'll find those games still have the same feel and spirit. Not so with this. Pro just feels barren.
Then lastly about barren.
When I was watching the deadflip stream. I couldn't help but think that the prem lacked pop. The music is a bit dull, the callouts are non-existent and when they are there they are DULL! The clips are good and I like the asset use. But, because of the projector you know have the big LCD that is just scrolling the stranger things logo most of the time. And that is boring.
To me(and maybe just me) pinball should be frenatic and I like gonzo animations and callouts and sounds. I want to be bombarded as the ball caroms around and smashes into stuff. It just to me feels rewarding. Don't really get that yet.
Now, I know the code is early. And I also haven't played either of these games yet. These are just my thoughts and questions.
But, I was just curious, because a lot of people are dumping on this game. And I see a lot of really amazing potential for it. And I know if never realized potential is useless. Just curious your thoughts on this.
And this isn't Stern bashing. I own 2 sterns and I'll buy a lot more in the future. Just curious why people think this is a bit of a lame duck, when I think it could turn into a beautiful swan.

I don't think it is the theme that is the issue for many people. When I heard this was coming I was very excited. When it was released, the artwork...well..it's..okay...it is pretty much what I expected it to be. Nothing too surprising there. The game layout however, didn't get me excited. The gameplay videos have not excited me either. The LE (projection) had me most interested but it is very early along as well. Basically as stated, there is NOTHING that pops about this game IMO. I have yet to play the game though - seems no one in my area is really buying new Sterns as none of the last 3-4 are anywhere around. I don't have enough free time to justify dropping the money on it, just to try and sell it and move it in a month or two like some of these people. Some of us don't live in areas where games are dropping out of trees. The code that was shown so far is pretty early which is a huge turn off for buying a game for home use as well. If I were to buy one, I'd wait a year or two.

#5642 4 years ago
Quoted from Pinball-Obsessed:

This one is ST related and straight from Stern... (kind of)
[quoted image]

Bravo.

#5663 4 years ago
Quoted from kpg:

That's my plan.
TMNT coming out will be my next purchase.
This one can simmer on the back burner for a while and i'll re-visit it in a few months.

But what if they have a giant Vagina Monster Shredder toy in the center of the playfield?

#5665 4 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

You may be disappointed. I don't think the TMNT pin will be about them coming out.

Woke Stern?

#5732 4 years ago
Quoted from twenty84:

Overall I get the impressions that these videos are about him much more than about the game.

That pretty much sums up every 'podcast/youtube/review'.

#5846 4 years ago
Quoted from Rob-T-800:

I mean yea the demogorgon is awesome but thats the only toy in the game.

No, it isn't awesome...that is one of the main complaints.

#6002 4 years ago

I really don't care if a game has metal or plastic, as over the years it has always been a mix of both. What does kind of bug me is the lack of diversity in said ramp placements and returns in the last 10 years. Of course, there really is only so much variation you can do that doesn't interfere with the rest of the game.

#6044 4 years ago
Quoted from noob-a-tron:

I just want a decent Horror Theme horror was huge when i was a kid. Halloween Friday 13th Evil Dead. The kid in me was horror not Turtles or Stranger things whats next He man or She ra or My little pony.

Stranger Things is basically 80's horror. I will assume you didn't watch it.

#6048 4 years ago
Quoted from noob-a-tron:

I got through the second season it was a snore fest. Season 1 ok, I would not class it as horror though maybe more of a Supernatural Goonies feel. I heard Season 3 improved but i already gave up enough pinball action for the first 2 seasons. Maybe i should say Slasher horror or Ghost like The Conjuring or something like Exorcist horror you know something for adults.

Season 2 was definitely not as good as season 1, but I did think season 3 was much better.

#6084 4 years ago
Quoted from jeffspinballpalace:

Do you think if Stern had added season 3 material it would have had any impact on game play?

From the way they designed it? Nothing beyond artwork and a few modes maybe. They could even still do that with the LCD and modes in a future release if the powers that be let them. From a simplicity standpoint, I can see how using a demogorgan made the most sense, but I really would have liked to see something with the Mindflayer or even the Season 3 big monster addressed more on the PF as your actual goal somehow - or at least something to bring some scale to it for theme integration.

#6090 4 years ago

n/m not worth the effort.

#6095 4 years ago
Quoted from Rockytop:

I don't think the ones coming off the line on a daily basis get played or tested as much as they should.
I think the overall game itself gets played and tested a bunch internally, but the individual games getting boxed need a little more attention in my opinion.

Explain the ball stick (pro lock) issue? They either didn't do ANY play testing at all because they rushed it out because of the R&M announcement or to meet some deadline, or they knew about it (which is more likely the case) and sent them out anyway. Either scenario is bad. I find it hard to believe that if they had actually spent any time testing it that they wouldn't have caught this.

Now, having said that.....well....that's the shitty direction many companies are going these days. Rush it out the door and fix it later. QC isn't priority these days. It isn't exclusive to pinball. Many companies take no pride in longevity of a product. Money over everything. People hate to hear it about companies they like, but it's the truth. There is very little reason to be brand loyal these days.

#6104 4 years ago
Quoted from Who-Dey:

I haven't bought any games since Munsters. I would like to buy a JP and a Elvira but dont have the confidence to pull the trigger.

Finally a place near me that has both, so I plan to go try them out in the next few weeks. Since everyone says JP is awesome it probably will be. Elvira seems to have fallen off the map pretty quickly and no one is talking about it. I loved the previous 2 Elvira games, but this one just didn't call to me for some reason.

#6162 4 years ago

cool and kind of...hey at 9k you'd think that could have maybe been included.

#6165 4 years ago

Yep, the only way to stop this trend is to not buy. It was clearly planned, and purposely left out - and only (as far as I'm aware) brought to attention after people had already bought it. Now, if it had been a code change only, with no additional purchase required...that would be different. It should have been included on the high end models.

#6168 4 years ago
Quoted from MikeS:

It does look like a cool feature but I wonder how many of us will actually get to see the effect in person? I can't really see many route operators adding this in after the fact and don't know anyone that's bought it for their home yet. It's too bad it wasn't included from the factory. I wonder how much work it involves to install it? Wonder if it will be an option from the factory going forward?

Didn't it look like just a set of those XXXXXX lights that everyone either loves or hates? My assumption is someone will make a mod that is just lights that is cheaper.

#6173 4 years ago

It's a stupid thing to even have to discuss. You'll have the apologists who will say 'you would spend X amount on mods anyway' and 'you don't have to buy it', same as people who champion DLC. No matter how you cut it, it looks pretty 'milk your customer' to everyone except the fanboys.

The plus side is it is there if the pro owners want to get it.

#6177 4 years ago

What is the need to replace the apron? The video doesn't show any art work glowing on it? Are the lights mounted to it?

#6194 4 years ago
Quoted from Shapeshifter:

Stern just keep pushing how far they can go, until they get enough push back to retreat.
They will have a number in mind of how many kits they need to sell to call this move a success.
If it is a success, well, guess the rest.

What I find interesting is that UV light isn't exactly unheard of in barcades or even the new really nice gamerooms people are making. No one noticed the UV artwork?

#6197 4 years ago
Quoted from flynnibus:

Where's the topper that you think should have been included?
Where's the shooter rod... the floor mats... the whatever else they will come up with.
It's a add-on Accessory... something Stern has been doing for a long time now.

And here come the apologists.

#6203 4 years ago
Quoted from flynnibus:

First? Where have you been? Stern has been selling Accessories for their games since Ghostbusters, TWD, etc.

This goes beyond an accessory really. Many people were already complaining about how the differences in pro vs le/prem didn't justify the price difference. This was built into the game from the beginning and left off. This is not an accessory. Even if you try to spin it that 'well it saves you some money if you don't want it', I don't buy that point of view. It's a cash grab. Maybe the others were too, but it wasn't as blatant.

I'm sure many people will buy it and enjoy it (I will admit it looks badass), but it is just the beginning.

#6210 4 years ago
Quoted from flynnibus:

No, the one being objective.
I don't think they should be doing it... but I'm not going to rewrite history or reality to try to justify my stance.
Truth is Stern has been selling accessories or keeping things out of games to sell as add-ons for years. Ghostbusters side rails anyone? Toppers for games with plugs built-in and ready for them?
This is not new. People are wound up that it was something planned and released later. That's not new... I guess people are just oblivious?

I truly understand what you are saying, but this really does feel like a different beast.

#6231 4 years ago

I'm going to buy them all and resell them for $1k.

#6235 4 years ago

3 years later....

What, you bought it without artwork? You expect the playfield to have artwork? You should be happy they even have the option. It's no different than when they used to actually give you balls with the game. You always replaced the balls anyway.

#6237 4 years ago
Quoted from kpg:

Honestly its an awesome enhancement. I felt like the Upside mode was very weak and they didn't integrate it well.
What pisses me off is they saved what should have been a normal mode effect as a "mod"
I think long term about stuff. Long term, and seeing where Stern's head is at, this is not cool. Pins will start to feel like a bare bones cheap Mobile game that you need to pay to unlock stuff all the time. This isn't what pinball is about. This is not headed down a path I wanted to see...

And the only way to stop it (even if it leads to the demise of a company) is to speak with your wallet. No matter how much the loyalists may not care how much they take it up the rear, there aren't enough of them to keep a company afloat. It sounds like we may be over reacting, but long term outlook is always where this is pointed. If they had sold the kit with UV patches, even if it was planned from the beginning, this would spin better than it does as they are selling it now. Sure maybe the intent is the same, but the customer would be none the wiser.

#6272 4 years ago

What people don't realize is, while pinside may be an island and not deemed a threat, twitter/fb/instagram are. All it takes is the right people saying the right things and it unravels pretty quickly. It's been shown repeatedly. Don't piss on your customer base.

#6334 4 years ago
Quoted from PanzerFreak:

It makes you wonder why Stern didn't list UV playfield ink on the games feature matrix since they always list even the most basic of features (ex. super smooth action spinner). Did Stern think they would piss early LE buyers off and wanted a good chunk of games sold first?

Nah, they didn't want modders to get to it before them for cheaper. This was planned, and underhanded. Sure, in the grand scheme of things it probably isn't a big deal...but after spending 9k for them to be like 'oh surprise' give us more money is pretty low.

#6337 4 years ago
Quoted from iceman44:

Shhhh....don't tell anybody, it's called "marketing".
Please don't tell the shitty plastic mod people what Stern is up to? It's blasphemy. We want FREE shit!!!
The game itself doesn't matter? LOL

So you're another of those dishonest commercial types? Seems about right given some of what you've posted here. Money over everything am i right? LOL (did I do that right? Adding LOL at the end makes it fine right?) Used car salesman ethics. Gotta love it.

#6361 4 years ago
Quoted from f3honda4me:

Nobody can really mod this. You need sterns proprietary add on node board for the integration. Otherwise you just have always on UV which isn’t really the desired effect.

Well supposedly Pinstadium already has something...(I don't know more than that).

25
#6376 4 years ago
Quoted from flynnibus:

10hrs ago... no one felt this way. And people spent 5-9k based on those feelings.
No one bought with a false expectation of what the game was. The game was revealed and people bought based on what they saw. Not based on some UV kit they felt was coming.. or was lacking.

That isn't true at all. It's been talked about repeatedly about how bland the upside down was and how they could have done more with it. And here we find out they did, they just held it back. Most everyone thinks it is very cool and makes it look like how it should have looked. Perhaps more people would have bought it if it had been released with this - or even revealed that it would be released later. No, they screwed up here, and deserve the criticism.

10
#6629 4 years ago
Quoted from iceman44:

Lol, you don't get it do you.....it makes ZERO difference.
Stick to your Brick thread Jerry

It's funny that the guy calling people names for voicing their opinion makes a point to not only call people names every post but also keeps referring to a game as 'brick'...a game that he's not played and only seen videos of. Pot calling kettle shill? Pure hypocrite.

EDIT: adding LOL to my post because LOL negates all the negative things you say about people.

#6632 4 years ago
Quoted from fooflighter:

I am just worried as watching what DLC and Digital Management Rights has done to the video game world. I don't want Pinball to crash as I'm just getting started in this hobby only the past year, and it already looks like there is a HomeUser market demand surpassing the Operator in which space and money can dictate a specific limit as to what the market can absorb. I hope you're right, but if I were planning a DLC everything future rollout, the way the UV went down could be an indicator. Give them a taste, then start with featured add-ons...There is an evil genius to it actually.

Well that's the thing, he's trying to say 'it's not happening', but the fact is, it already has. Inch by inch is how it works while trying not to upset most of your customer base. We've seen this song and dance multiple times over the last decade or so. We know what is coming. Waiting until it happens is too late. If enough people just accept this, it will basically be something that will now happen on every release, planned from the beginning as things to cut out of the game to be able to charge for later. Companies trying to milk every last dime out of people while quality falls. People have a right to be critical, whether they bought one or not. The whole point is people WANT to want a game, they don't want to hate a game. Unfortunately you have a handful of people that take criticism as a personal attack on their choices when the reality is no one is telling them what to spend their money on...the issue is we live in the current society of everyone needs validation and if you don't validate their choices you are the enemy. If you like it buy it, but at the same time those who are upset about it have a right to voice it.

#6636 4 years ago
Quoted from Aurium:

Like I said allot of you guys are making some big speculations... I've been in this hobby for 8 years and have friends that were in it 8 years before me. I've only seen the market on the rise since being in the hobby with the resurgence of the barcade etc. Do I wish I could go back to the pricing I paid 8 years ago? Of course but its supply and demand, with the resurgence Stern is selling more than ever, we have 2 other companies now that weren't here 8 years ago. Things are great for pinball, whats going to kill it is when this barcade / hipster retro Fad isn't cool anymore not speculations of DLC content

Ask yourself this. If when Stern rolled out the tiered model everyone had skoffed and not bought into it do you think they'd still be doing them? Or heck if everyone only bought one or the other rather than a mix. (and take the whole they'd be out of business out of the equation). It was a business decision to make more money and it worked. This new thing is no different. We'll see it again....and again...and then you'll see more things magically happen as well.

Also, regarding the barcade stuff, most new games are going to home use. I would be interested to really know the actual numbers breakdown. I think it would be surprising how much home collectors are keeping them afloat. I've been in this hobby for 25ish years, I've seen a lot of changes. The resurgence is mostly due to people my age who loved pinball as a kid now having money to blow - those same people are also opening barcades...but that fad will die sooner than later because bars are harder than pinball....when you combine them both (with the astronomical price of pins these days) it's a recipe for burning through money.

#6658 4 years ago
Quoted from NeilMcRae:

“Profit is profit” FRoA #202 and if stern can make profit then crack on! I predict nearly all games will have this accessory added!
No I’m not apologising for it, in my view they have nothing to apologise for.
Now if it was some new mech for the game that changed the game play I’d feel very_ different about it. But this is a fancy light nothing more or less.
Neil.

You are correct! It is completely in their right. No one says it isn't. It is also in the customers right to call them on it. See how that works? Also, 'fancy lighting' now 'gameplay' later. Wait for it.

You don't think Stern charged everyone for that UV paint that they can't use without this other part? Highly unlikely. It was rolled into the price of the playfield cost.

#6661 4 years ago
Quoted from jeffspinballpalace:

Looks boring if that is the best they’ve got. Is this the last season for STh?

That's not 'the' trailer, it's just a teaser. And a mighty fine one at that. I believe they do plan on a 5th season, but it was up in the air the last time I heard read anything about it.

11
#6678 4 years ago
Quoted from flynnibus:

There's a reason 'mob rule' is considered the less informed path...

You are really arguing a point no one cares about. Nothing you keep saying changes the perception created by this stunt. You know what stops uninformed emotional reactions? Transparency. Something Stern doesn't like at all. It isn't about the money, it is about intent. This isn't a did you buy it or didn't you buy it. This is essentially the split between pro/le/premium all over again just on a smaller scale. Some people won't care, some will. It's the state of consumerism. If the consumer feels they were duped, nothing short of some sort of action from the vendor is going to fix that feeling. Some random guy on the internet isn't going to make them see the UV light. If Stern doesn't address it in some manner, it basically makes everyone assume they were correct and that the intent wasn't to the benefit of the consumer.

#6680 4 years ago
Quoted from NeilMcRae:

how can't they use it? the ball rolls the same...

If that's where you are going to go, you may as well step back from the discussion.

#6683 4 years ago
Quoted from NeilMcRae:

Levi has won the Internet LOL

You have low standards

#6685 4 years ago
Quoted from NeilMcRae:

why? The gameplay hasn't changed. Frankly that's what I care about the most!

No one is trying to convince you to not buy it. We don't need to validate your purchase for you. Enjoy your game. Not everyone is going to agree. That's the way the world works. If you have even bothered to read anything people have stated, then there's no need for me to once again iterate why people have an issue with it because everyone has said it more than once, on more than just this forum. It doesn't matter if you think it's a valid concern or not, because just like you saying you like the game and no one is going to change your mind, you aren't going to change theirs.

#6688 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

Yeah, I know when I buy anything, the most important thing I’m thinking of is “transparency.”
I still won’t buy chef boy r Dee products because their web site refuses to divulge how many cans of beef a Roni annually.

Boy that whole thing went over your head didn't it. Doesn't surprise me though.

#6690 4 years ago
Quoted from NeilMcRae:

I'm not trying to change anyones mind. I'm trying to understand how the game has changed.

It isn't about the game changing, that's never been what the negativity is about (for most people).

#6696 4 years ago
Quoted from drfrightner:

I think one pinball podcaster slash pinball sales guy showed his true colors by posting a link to buy this mod, then spamming basically every single facebook pinball group with the same info! What Stern did here is a joke! They put blacklight paint into the playfield then after they shipped ALL OF THE LE's they announce this for sale! They knew going it this was going to happen so pay $9200 and you don't get a blacklight for that feature?
Stern has got into the mod business, they're making more money. Jersey Jack would never do such a thing. This is beyond even Stern.
But wait the games don't work the balls are getting stuck left and right why didn't they just take the time to fix that issue before ever trying to make a mod.
I guess they had to get the game on the line doesn't matter if the game works. I know of only one podcast that will call this issue straight down the middle!!!

Ultimately, given the pricing of pinball now, I think that is going to be the big downside, just like with tiered gaming once it is 'accepted' it will continue on and on. Just like JJP higher prices made Stern see they could charge more, Stern making held back modding for the sake of cash flow an acceptable thing will carry over to other vendors eventually. The more people say 'oh it's not a big deal' the more shit like this happens and the higher sunken cost is, and the less value you get. For some unempathetic types with more money than maturity they won't understand why it upsets people. Fortunately, I've learned over the years, I don't need to have every piece of crap someone releases to be happy. It doesn't mean I want it creeping into the things I do want.

#6697 4 years ago
Quoted from iceman44:

Yes!!! How could i forget.
Bunch of Sad Sack haters from the Bricks thread as usual coming here to take their daily dumps. LOL . Nothing going on over there?

Some of us are just here to give you moral support for your bad decisions. (LOL)

#6701 4 years ago
Quoted from flynnibus:

Oh they care - they just don't want to face that music. Your 'I dont care' is really 'I dont want to hear that'

What intent? That Stern has something to sell you? What world are you coming from where that's never been the intent? Did Stern tell you something different than "Here is my product, please buy it"?

Most certainly -- especially when they refuse to listen to someone trying to reason with them.

They are selling stuff... what 'benefit to the customer' were you expecting when a company offers you a product to buy?

This is a bad business practice. Period. It's an opinion, but it's an opinion shared by many. Seriously, if I have to explain this (which I know I don't) then there's nothing more to say between us. If you think it's acceptable, we have differing opinions on integrity.

#6720 4 years ago
Quoted from FYMF:

Anyone else experience this before?
Literally typing this in front of the machine. STHLE. 36 hours new.
I was shooting to knock down the default 130 mil GC... I had just finished MB and completed all lanes to start Isolation mode. I then shot all isolation shots and right as the next part of the mode was starting I shot the center scoop shot and immediately the entire machine shut down and did a hard reset.
If not experienced I imagine someone would want the logs right?

Probably a hidden feature they haven't revealed yet.

sorry..couldn't resist.

#6725 4 years ago

I think what is funniest is someone calling people who don't want to pay 9k for a pinball machine cheap bastards.

#6748 4 years ago
Quoted from DBLM:

Wait a second! How can this be numbered 464 if they only sold 200 premium/LEs?

You realize these come from distros right? The plaque numbers don't reflect sales numbers.

#6751 4 years ago
Quoted from iceman44:

This isn’t Bricks Robo. Check yourself.
No tax, no delivery fee, no crappy topper
Boom boom

You keep referring to bricks. I can only imagine you mean the demogorgon on Stranger Things.

#6753 4 years ago

Next on Pinside: Rumble of the Sleezebags.

#6756 4 years ago
Quoted from BoJo:

He is referring to the inner orbit on R&M. Guess we'll find out tomorrow during the stream if it's still the case.

Yes..I am aware of what he was referring too. <wink wink> We already saw a later stream, and it wasn't bricking. he's just being his normal prickish self.

#6774 4 years ago
Quoted from Manic:

Ahhh a ray of sanity. To add to this you don't have to LIKE every thing a company does... even if you are usually supportive of them. It shouldn't be an "all in" kinda proposition.
But that's the interwebz... you feel attacked so you get in a defensive crouch and find you're arguing from a far more "radical" point of view. No moderates allowed.
Been there.
.

No one but the fanboys have made it an either or. It's a false narrative. They are mad because people aren't sucking Sterns dick.

#6779 4 years ago
Quoted from Aurium:

Good point. What about Spooky and there pay for a membership just so you can get first dibs on ordering games.
This to should burn all you UV light folk that are so upset with Stern, they are making you pay to be in line to pay more first . (By the way neither of these things bother me one bit)

You realize it WASN'T a requirement right?

#6782 4 years ago
Quoted from Aurium:

Either are the lights.

Still completely different, no matter how much you want it to be the same.

#6783 4 years ago
Quoted from iceman44:

Let the Spooky Bricks guys do their thing
No need to stoop to their level in this thread despite the non stop BS from them
We aren’t in that thread because we don’t care

I think you mean stoop to your level. Which no one has. You're the only one who's consistently been trolling and name calling. Weren't you going to play your happy games like 20 posts ago?

#6786 4 years ago
Quoted from Aurium:

I know it’s different.... but both companies are using new ways to make money and build hype about there games. I don’t disagree with either, but both are 2020 ways of marketing. You guys can’t jump all over stern and than praise spooky and I’m not biased as I love my Alice but when they announced paying for the membership I was like no thanks.

I can respect that, and while I can't speak for everyone, I'm in this thread because I love the theme and WANT to like the game. I'm not in any other threads of games I don't have an interest in.

#6838 4 years ago

Anyone hyping STH with all it's stuff that doesn't work consistantly, and in the same breath making fun of R&M are only showing their shilling. I can understand not liking the theme itself, but the gameplay looks way better than STH. Additionally, considering how you berated people who hadn't played STH for saying it looked boring, and then you turn around and do the same thing? Yea....

#6841 4 years ago
Quoted from CrazyLevi:

LMAO "triggered!"
Everybody Just fucking around bro, relax. Yeah everybody super amped up around here for some reason, but for you and delt the "anti-shilling" is like a cultish religion!

You consistently do it, that's not fucking around. Just calling it like I see it. I have no issues with people not liking particular games. We all have our own opinions, but people need to quit being dicks to others for it.

#6842 4 years ago
Quoted from beelzeboob:

Not really where I was going with that. I said the cartoon is super annoying TO ME, and for that reason the game is too. And it didn't seem like anyone could get anything going. I can't get anything going on my STh either but that's also a hard game.
I own a TNA and as I said I love the guys at Spooky. They sold out of this game already so any negativity wont have an effect on their sales.
I forgot I have to spell things out when I post on Pinside. Especially for Rarehero.

My post wasn't directed at you, so no worries. As I said, I completely understand someone not liking a theme. And yes, the game does look difficult. I get that it may be a brickfest, I don't know yet.

#6848 4 years ago
Quoted from jimwe5t:

This is solid proof Stern recently put out, that TMNT Is coming soon (see the turtle left of the pinball machine?):[quoted image]

By that, you could also infer it's putting out a Aqua Teen Hunger Force machine next...

#6854 4 years ago
Quoted from pinballaddict78:

I went to there thread and posted some thoughts on this brick and stucky I have been watching and they acted like no one has been on this thread talking crap for weeks. Dish it out all day but can’t take it.

What drugs are you on? Seriously.

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