I don't get adults being into this theme but that said, I have interests in other similar things so cannot judge. Game does look killer. Spinning magnet, diverter, upper flipper, under flipper shot, physical ball locks, ramps going through back panel - all get a thumbs up from me. Don't think I can get past music and callouts, though. Definitely will hurl some quarters in one when I get the chance. Hope game does well so maybe we get some other popular cartoon themes from 70's and 80's.

Not the ones that have obsession over pizza and scream cowabunga every 2 minutes. But hey, I like turtles.

One thought - in coop mode does that mean one person can load up a 4 player game at a show or on location and basically play a 12 ball single player game?

Like I said, I am into other similar stuff and kid from the 80's so no judgement. After all, I do have a sizable toy *cough* collectibles collection. I did show my teenager daughter pics of the pin and she gave me a funny look. That said, she thinks all arcade/pinball stuff is stupid lol. Just seems like a theme that will be tough to get past if you are not at least somewhat a fan.

I won't necessarily defend but not a big deal for me. My MET has two targets side by side that do the same thing. FH has three targets for hotdog and they all do the same thing. Those targets don't really make or break a game imo. Like it not, Stern has to make cuts somewhere otherwise everything is a premium+.

I'm surprised it was not done sooner. No manufacturer likes people hacking into their ip and having free will. Not only could you do damage and claim warranty but it has to be a liability as well. Not sure if Stern would be at fault if someone routed a game with altered music/sounds but not good in Stern's eyes. Just saying.

It honestly needs to be pinned to the front page of pinside. Truth is there is no template for code completion. No rules how many modes there needs to be or if there is any modes at all. Code depth is all relative and not the same game to game. Stern can make a game simple or deep. That is their choice and your choice to buy. People expect Stern to update code for every game for years. Why should they? There is no contract or agreement there will even be any updates. Once you give them money the deal is done. There is no reason to buy any game early. Most games are in production for over a year.

Stern needs to tell you what you are buying? You make it sound like they just ship you a mystery box and you have to open it up to see what is inside. Stern shows you exactly what you are getting. They do extensive videos on features, gameplay, and commentary from the team on both the LE/premium and pro. There is a feature matrix, hi-res photos, and the pinside community critics the game down to the dust on the playfied. Games are in production for months so you have plenty of opportunity to play one yourself. What more do you need?

How is it naive to make intelligent buying decisions? That makes no sense. Naive is buying that $9000 LE the minute it's announced because it's a cool theme with no memory of Stern's past and the expectation it will be magically transformed into a great pin by some software update.

That's part of the intelligent buying process. Lyman does deliver but it can take years. Again, why buy early? I see no reason to buy a game if it's not fun regardless of who is coding. You never know what will happen. Maybe Lyman leaves Stern.

Not so sure about logging into a pinball machine to be honest. Could be nice to get perks like free games if you played a certain number of games or unlock special content. Sounds all good if implemented well but that requires Stern to be continuing coding for a large number of games on top of just getting game code finished. I thought the Add A Ball feature on past games was bad for routing. Players would pay to complete a game, see all the features, and then lose interest in playing again. I remember pumping quarters in some arcade games back in the day doing just that. I still think it's a great feature, especially for the home environment.