Here's a cut/paste of a comment I made previously in a response to a JP/STh comparison question:
"I had a JP pro for about six months. Sold it and used the money for a STh pro. Probably one of the best trades I have done. JP is unique and impressive, but just wasn't satisfying to me from either a layout or code standpoint (yes, I am aware I am an oddball in that). STh on the other hand actually surprised me by being even better than I expected. Fairly standard but very satisfying layout, but then you throw in getting to launch a freaking ball into a freaking monster's mouth! The code has come so far, and while it isn't anything earth shattering, it is a lot of fun, utilizes the entire playfield in unique ways, and has a ton of different things to do. Even the demogorgan modes which are just a "side thing" are quite varied. There are five of them, all with killing the demogorgan as the central goal, yet each one is entirely different and unique. The main modes are fun, and there are a lot of them, each different, and they build wonderfully to mini-wizard mode "check points" along the way. That way, even in a non-great game you can likely at least get to a Total Isolation mode and feel like you accomplished something. It's just a great progression. And some of the modes, especially as you get deeper in the game, get INTENSE! I love the atmosphere this game creates. The lighting and sound effects are killer. Great game all around, and one that I think was written off by many people way too quickly."
Also, I really do not understand when people complain about the theme integration on this one. Like so many shows or movies, Stranger Things has multiple major themes. Yes, one is the funny, heartwarming, coming-of-age story of the kids. That is not what they focused on here (though it does pop up wonderfully in a few modes). Instead they focused on the dark, atmospheric, spooky side of the story. They nailed that 100%. In my personal opinion, when people add arcade signs, video games, even the Blazer and Camaro mods to their game, it stands out against the art and atmosphere that this game focuses on (I'm glad they make some of you happy though!). I haven't even tried the Cleland sound mod as to me, those songs would stand out. Yes, they were in the show, but they were used in appropriate places. That just doesn't jive with what the game is about to me (that said, I should at least give it a try as I know Cleland puts a lot of effort into how he integrates his code). In my opinion I can't think of very many games that I would say have better theme integration...it's just apparently not the side of the theme that many of you hoped for. It would be like if they made Princess Bride and instead of focusing on the action and adventure, they chose to focus on the love story and character development. That just wouldn't make sense for a pinball game. If you love the dark side of the show, you should love this game.