I had some time at work on Friday (ha-ha) to read at least 25 pages of the other post here on Pinside. What a train wreck of petty disjointed bickering. I had to discontinue wasting my time on the other post simply because of all the trivial nonsense. This thread (so far) is absolutely much-much better in terms of what a topic discussion should be. Please, let's keep it clean w/ what really matters > Gameplay tips, technical issues, mod discussion, etc. There's nothing worse than a handful of grown adults getting together & stirring things up simply because they didn't receive enough attention in their childhood. Peace!!!

Anyhow, I just placed an order w/ my local distributer on a STh's Pro. Looking forward to this title as it really seems to be a machine that's perfect for home-use. This title has an array of challenging features that truly make it unique. The horror/sci-fi theme w/ the playfield layout of a monster hiding behind a wall of drop targets is simply irresistible. Of coarse, bashing that creature is risk/reward but the payoff will be a pinball rush. Though I haven't played STh's, I do believe that this title will be a winner!

Looking Forward >>>

Looking very forward to this Thursday acquiring the pro version. This is actually my first machine that's being delivered w/ white glove treatment. I've had 60+ machines in & out, as we all know that transporting these bulky wood boxes is all part of the fun.

I'm possibly thinking about smoking a stogy & sipping a glass of Chateau while the delivery guys drop-ship & set up. I will definitely give them a tip just for this out of the ordinary luxury. The only thing missing is > Alexa, turn on the pinball machines.

Yes, the scoop hole is definitely a concern to me, as the ball will travel w/ force clipping the upper back scoop wall depression. Also, hitting the back wall bracket w/ nothing but metal on metal to diminish the velocity of the ball. Is anyone using a cliffy, mylar or foam/rubber to lessen the wall impact &/or protect the scoop?

Just received my STh's pro & we also having an issue w/ hitting the mouth consistently. It might be a 1 in 10 direct hit after increasing the flipper power to 225. Would definitely like a bit more consistency w/ this.

I tried looking for the wire in the back of the demogorgon & wasn't able to locate it. Can someone chime in or take a picture of the general location for this wire.

I agree 100% w/ your concerns >

A damage ability should be added to the code to w/ the difficulty of a direct hit of the demogorgon. This should be adjustable in the service menu w/ consideration to your skill level. Possibly two hits for the first battle, then add an addition hit w/ each level increase.

When the ramp comes up on the second demogorgon battle, I simply do not flip. No doubt hitting the ramp edge would not be good. Hope Stern has replacements for the ramp, as this will eventually happen.

With the playfield layout of the kick-out hole there will be gradual wear. The kick-out hole is situated w/ a steel ball rolling over it & clipping the top edge each time. If there's a compatible cliffy protection I would like to protect this ASAP.

Other than that we are very pleased w/ our STh's Pro. I will give a complete rundown of this machine in a week or so. Right now, STh's is a very good game w/ great potential. Looking very forward to the next code update >>>

As you stated jandrea95 ~ No regrets!

Really enjoying the progression of this thread so far. We are actually discussing what needs to be accomplished to improve this title w/ constructive criticism. The other STh's thread is nothing but a pissing contest of unrelated drama & Stern bashing garbage. That thread just reminds me of a bunch of twelve year olds that have the answer to everything. Human nature never ceases to amaze me.

As documented by others many times before, I was also having trouble hitting the demogorgon consistently. When I received the machine last week I pulled the wires up so the demogorgon could rest on the mounting bracket. But the wires were still pulling the little PITA "monster" back because of resistance from the wire bundle underneath the playfield. Last night I taped the wires underneath the playfield to allow permanent extra slack. I also leveled my machine where the top of the bubble is just touching the above line. This worked great as now we have a 3 out of 5 direct hit ratio w/ flipper strength at 225. This alone makes the machine so much more enjoyable!

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STh's Pro has been in our lineup for ten days now & we are having a ball w/ it. Though the early code is incomplete there is still much to do, as this title will definitely improve w/ code updates.

With the exception of the pop orbit/mystery lane this playfield layout has constant flow potential if you hit your shots. Great flow w/ a fair possibility of hitting the 5 way combo shot within each game.

The challenging rule-set is very deep even w/ consideration to the early code. The modes are random which always mixes up what will be playable from game to game. The mode progression is an exciting build up to Total Isolation/etc.

The LCD display is absolutely an upgrade w/ consideration to any of the Spike 2 previous titles. The graphics are crisp w/ clarity, just as you would except w/ HD resolution.

The art serves it's purpose to let one know that you are playing STh's. The color combinations are especially dark, though this was purposely done considering the sci-fi/horror theme.

The sound/theme music is phenomenal! The sound expressions changes dramatically from demogorgon, upside down to the various modes. This articulates into a mostly dramatic/eerie mood demeanor which defines the game. The spinner sound effects that have that "dripping of water in a cold dreary cave effect" is simply awesome.

Overall, this is a very fun title that will only improve w/ code update. We are very please w/ our purchase & will have STh's in our lineup for the long term future. Besides, the cat & my wife made it very clear that this machine isn't going anywhere so it's here to stay. No arguments from me!
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The dumb-downing of society has reached it's peak here on Pinside. There are a small horde of overgrown opinionated spoiled babies that have nothing better to do than stir things up. The only way to silence them is to completely ignore their lopsided pessimistic attitude. These pathetic individuals are craving your unwavering steadfast attention which indicates their low self esteem. Be oblivious & just remember that misery loves company.

These machines are intended to be played w/ a steel ball pummeling the playfield w/ constant force. Sort of reminds me of buying a new pair of shoes & complaining about that damned scuff mark that will eventually appear. So wear those shoes & flip those flippers w/ authority. The way I see it, dimpling gives the machine character. Play On America!!!

With the exception of the left target entrance & the right orbit this game has some excellent flow. The five combo accomplishment is definitely achievable when your in a groove. When playing keep your eye on the ball, control the ball & hit your shots.

My wife has the same problem where she is great w/ control but has some trouble hitting those key shots. There's a sweet spot on the flipper for the ramps, orbits, etc. on every machine. For the right playfield side of STH's, the ball needs to be approximately 1/4th's to the end of the flipper to hit that right ramp consistently. Any further down/up the ball will either brick or you will hit the right orbit at 1/8 from the end flipper.

Just visualize the sweet spot for each shot & you'll be competing w/ Keith Elwin on the pinball circuit in no time. Never mind the aforementioned gibberish, just have fun!

Yes, since you mentioned this I have the same issue too. There's a small line that's visible & also can be detected w/ fingernails. New machine owners might want to consider mylaring that section for protection. This is only going to get worse w/ more gameplay & I'm positive we are not the only ones.

I just submitted my gameplay review in the top 100 thread. For what it's worth, STH's is rated as 258 overall. There are many reviews that have followed the pessimistic viewpoints of a few that do not have a clue. Also, there are a handful of negative reviews where the criticism is assessed after playing a handful of STH's on route.

As the rational majority knows, this title has the potential to be a top 10 overall Stern & beyond. At this moment this title is pretty damned good, but after all the unnecessary bashing STH's reputation has taken it's toll. So do your part & submit your honest & fair-minded review of this machine.

Really enjoying this game even more w/ the latest code update. The demogorgon shot is much better w/ the damage bar, though we are able to hit bulls-eye 2 in 5 x's. The second demogorgon mode w/ Trap'Em is phenomenal. Hitting all the jackpots after eliminating two monsters, then one in the pie hole for the super jackpot is a fulfilling challenge. Last night was able to complete the second Telekenesis multiball round w/ a score just under 900,000. With future updated code releases, this title will absolutely be embraced by the pinball community.

Is anyone aware if the CoinTaker UV's are interactive w/ the code? I believe the UV's are to be on during upside down & flashing while in the demogorgon modes. Plus curious to know how much of the playfield area the lights will cover.

Thanks chuckwurt, among others just looking for the best UV light option available. Not necessarily the full package w/ the plastic set, but overall playfield light coverage.

Had the Morse Code drain reset last night. Everything else is improving on the latest update, but there is definitely some gameplay glitches throughout.

Looking forward to what is the best UV install ~ Stern, Pinstadium or CoinTaker. Might be leaning towards Pinstadium since I really like how the ramps glow w/ the light radiance.

Anyhow, very pleased w/ this game so far. Can't wait to see future code progressions, as this title will eventually be embraced by the majority. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Last night I was getting irritated w/ the side gate issues so I just pulled it out completely. As everyone is aware, the ball would get stuck unpredictably but this was happening more often than not. Tried adjusting the gate several times w/ no such luck. I really don't see any functioning purpose w/ the side gate, so now it's in the garbage where it belongs. Other than that, all's well!

The demogorgon shoot seemed to become more difficult to hit the bulls-eye as gameplay increased. After leveling the machine a month ago, we had a 2 in 5 direct hit. That ratio declined over the last several weeks. So I positioned a single flipper rubber under the demogorgon to keep the monster in a stationary upright position. Now we are back to an approximate 2 in 5 success hit.

If your shots are going just below the mouth, simply use a flipper rubber underneath to bring the demogorgon forward. Also, this rigged method will keep the demogorgon from moving backwards with close approximate hits. Now the monster is front & forward, as the pinball will enter without backwards resistance. This should be a challenging shot, as a 2 in 5 success makes this shot a decent accomplishment.

Yes, sort of like hitting the right ramp 100% of the time. The only problem, those damned target posts get in the way sometimes.

No doubt, that's the solution to hitting the demogorgon consistently. The monster needs to be positioned forward w/ minimal movement. After situating the rubber rigged job underneath, there is now a solid target that won't succumb away from the impact of a shot.

Just be sure there's enough slack w/ the main wire that connects to the demogorgon. The main wire extends underneath the playfield & binds w/ other wires below. Though this trick is unseen, it would be nice if Stern came up w/ a permanent result?

No doubt the flippers on GOTG seem to be more firm & free-flowing. Last week I had the playfields raised on GOTG, JP3, STh's & didn't notice a difference in the mechanisms.

JP3 & STh's have the same flipper response, as GOTG is almost in comparison to the Bally/Williams flipper smoothness. Though the old fliptronics setup isn't as efficient, it's hard to match the ease of the Bally/Williams flipper play.

Had the chance to wax the playfield earlier this week. I use Meguiar's Carnauba Plus as I always let the finish stand for an hour to adhere/cure. Wow, that silver ball is just a blur now w/ the trajectory blazing w/ speeds at what seems to be 90 MPH. My scores have decreased now but will need to let the playfield settle down eventually to normal play.

Has anyone noticed that the other STh's bashing tread has slowed down to a trickle? It seems that all the bad criticism has slowly reversed since this title has been developing w/ updates & fixes. Plus when this machine is played in home-use, one is able to completely grasp the STh's atmosphere/gameplay. STh's is simply another Stern example that will eventually transcend into pinball excellence.

dsmoke1986 > Just want to let you know that you have an excellent lineup. It's great to have three machines in a limited space that really compliment each other. All three are different in their own way, but incredibly entertaining. Though I have to sell one to swap out a machine that we desire, STh's, JP3 & GOTG will not be going anywhere anytime soon. Though you have already acquired the ideal lineup ~ dsmoke1986, I wish everyone else well in their pursuit of the perfect pinball collection.

Though I must admit in my humble confession, there are many here that have the dream gallery.

Carry on >>>
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Hey fellows, I have two issues that just occurred several days ago on my machine >>>

The first is a problem w/ the optic sensor detecting the ball when it hits the demogorgon. The sensor suddenly became sporadic when registering hits on the demogorgon. I cleaned the sensor w/ alcohol then repositioned the plastic guard many times w/ the same results. Has anyone else had this problem?

Also, the ramp has seized up three times in the past two days. When starting a game the ramp should go automatically up, but it stays in the down position. The only way to free the ramp to move it up & down, is to lift the playfield then reposition the plastic arm that maneuvers the ramp. The plastic arm moves too much then becomes stuck in the 12 O' Clock position.

Any thoughts?

Having an issue w/ the Demogorgon shots. When hitting the Demogorgon at least half the shots do not register a hit. I've tried cleaning the opto sensor w/ alcohol, as I've also repositioned the plastic protector many times w/ still the same results. Any suggestions?

I've had this machine since release. Very pleased w/ all the updates as this title has come a long way since it's inception. Everyone is really enjoying this machine. One of the better Stern titles IMO. Very pleased!

I'm very pleased w/ all the code updates since the inception of this machine. We & many others took a chance since day one to eventually have a game that has certainly progressed tenfold. There have been approximately ten code updates, as I'm not sure if that's the most compared to any Stern machine. STh's has come a long-long way, due to the attention to detail from Stern. Though you absolutely cannot please them all, the majority of the pinball community has appreciated your efforts to transform STh's into one hell of a game!

I am having issues w/ intermittent hits (health bar) on the demogorgon & the ramp gets stuck in the down position. I tried e mailing Stern last week w/ no reply. What is the best way to communicate w/ Stern to fix these PIA issues? Is there a link that could possibly speed up the process w/ a reasonable timetable answer. This game is excellent, just want to fix these issues.

Our STh's Pro has been having several issues for quit some time w/ Demogorgon hits & problems w/ the ramp. The ramp becomes stuck in the down position when turning the machine on & sometimes during gameplay.

I have tried contacting Stern w/ these ongoing issues w/ no such luck. After two attempts w/ a wait of over six weeks of no response from Stern, this is becoming frustrating.

We have had the majority of modern Sterns in the house, but STh's has lasted the longest. This game is excellent as long as it's working 100%. What is the best avenue to receive a quick response from Stern?

No problems whatsoever w/ the ramp switches registering. The problem is, when I turn the game on the ramp mechanism activates but the plastic "elbow" prawl overcompensates then becomes stuck in the down position. The playfield needs to be lifted constantly to undo the straight rigid plastic ramp guide to slightly angled. When slightly angled the ramp can now move feely up & down.

I will definitely try this link since I wasn't even aware of it. I'm sure there will be somewhat of a wait time since the very unfortunate incident w/ Chas. I had several conversations w/ him as he was great as a professional & person. He is/will be truly missed. Thanks Chuck, you're the best!

Okay, I understand exactly what you are implying. The sensing arm is most likely too much in the up position causing the ramp to go too far forward. I will try slightly bending the sensing arm down to alleviate the push forward on the wheel that guides the ramp. I'm sure this is the problem, but us rookies need extra explanation. I appreciate your help!

Thanks Pin Monk for guiding me in the right direction. Though it took 4 to 5 different adjustments, it seems the ramp mechanism is back to normal. Pablo finally did respond back today, as he stated the exact same fix w/ the switch adjustment. I appreciate your insight as well as what you contribute overall to our pinball community! Without you & chuckwurt the majority would be wondering around aimlessly >

I have a very oddball problem w/ the ramp motor. I was able to readjust the switches that controls the ramp, as the ramp now works as it should. But each time a switch is triggered the ramp motor activates. No matter what switch (drop targets, flippers, slings, etc.) the ramp motor runs. The ramp still works at it should, but I also have very intermittent hits on the Demogorgon health bar as well. I do have a PM to Pablo, but would rather not wait till Christmas. If anyone has any suggestions >

Already tried the switch test going to every switch w/ no oddball results. I even tried tapping my fist on the playfield to try to trigger the problem area. The ramp motor activating w/ each switch hit is really unusual. There is also no error display for any switch. Though it's probably something simple, this is something I've personally never seen or heard of before. Maybe the ghost of Sam Stern is messing w/ me?

Pablo did just respond back w/ some ideas on what may be causing the switch trigger anomaly. He suggested to redo the latest code or doing a factory reset. I was actually thinking there was possibly a glitch when I downloading the code on my end. I'll try that first, then if that doesn't correct the problem I'll do a factory reset. Though I don't want to erase my beautiful high scores I'll do what it takes to get the machine back to 100%. I'll keep everyone informed >

Just wanted to confirm that the ramp is working as it should. What happens is w/ every switch hit the ramp motor is activated. The ramp doesn't move, but there is the constant sound of the ramp motor wailing. Even Pablo stated that this is really bizarre. If he is amazed then that says a lot!

Thanks Chuck, I never even thought of that. That's exactly what I might have to do. There's a reason why you're the president/director of our STh's club > I appreciate!

The wheel that is not actively on the ramp mechanism underneath the playfield must be spinning. One switch wheel goes up & the other activates the wheel down. That's the only thing that makes sense to me.