Yes. Location pinball has been going on in this country for almost 80 years now. Way, way too long. No need for it anymore as we can all just play alone in our basements now. Our only needed connection with the outside world is Pinside. No need for actual face to face contact. We should probably go ahead and kill off pinball shows and tournaments too while we're at it. Totally worthless. I can order my games and everything else I need from my basement.

That's a load of crap. I'd suggest you search on youtube for Steve Ritchie and AC/DC as he has explained more than once in seminars how it was handled. You're not even close.

I like the pro model just fine. The 'plastic train' doesn't affect gameplay in the least. Are things that have nothing to do with gameplay that important to you? Not me. The compensation for the missing moving bell is perfect.

As much as I don't like the direction they're going, they totally nailed AC/DC. All three models. If you can't see that, I don't know what to tell you.

You're focusing on money too much. All three versions of AC/DC are fun. That's all that matters. Not sure what you owned, but if you weren't happy with the purchase, I'd suggest you see and play the game next time before you buy one.

Again, you're wrongly focusing on the money. The BOM does not make the game. Suggesting either XM is somehow better than any of the AC/DC's is ridiculous. They're not. Flintstones had a huge BOM. Does that make it a good game? Tell me how you think the games plays, not how much you think each one is worth.

Now that's funny. Are your scores way higher with the sculpted train?

I'd rather be a player with low standards than a collector who only focuses on the bling.

Gary Stern had it right. When he had to cut costs, he did it in areas that didn't affect gameplay. Somehow I'm guessing you still weren't happy about it.

http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/enfantprovocateur.htm

Most shots to the bell don't make it past the bell. They go back down to the flippers, just like the pro.

Not all pros go SDTM. Either way, a player needs to adjust accordingly. Some here want a ballsaver after a cannon shot. That's stupid. It's often a risky shot, just like the bell on either model. Adjust your play or buy an easier game.

I get that and for the most part, I agree with you guys. The thing is, Stern is selling boatloads of games right now. AC/DC appears to be a big success for them. Your timing couldn't be worse. You guys are jumping up and down screaming and they have no reason to listen. They're too busy building games. You say 'Time to listen to your customer', yet you aren't a customer. Your newest Stern is LOTR and you don't have any Stern's on your wishlist. Why on earth would they want to listen to you?

AC/DC is also the only recent game with the proper amount of development time. I believe Steve was back at Stern for more than a year when AC/DC finally shipped. The rest of the games are being hurried out the door. TF shipped about 6 months after Gomez came back. It showed. Judging by just the software, XM was being built before the software department even got the memo.

If you don't like what they're selling now, wait until after OZ ships and see if they change their MO. If you can't wait, then go to a show and talk to Gary. Screaming here accomplishing nothing.

I think many here underestimate just how much influence Stern's new investors have. The 'full featured' games came out not long after the new investors showed up. So I wouldn't say it was Gary's next step, more like their next step. Gary is no longer making all the calls solo.