I don’t think it’s defensive, it’s reality. There are tons of professionals without kids. I just turned 30, and had multiple (10+) friends that had by 27 had at least one new LE (within last 5 years), and the average had 3 pins.

Dual incomes (especially if professionals) can afford to buy a lot of things these days. Does that mean it’s the wealthiest group, no. But if you target that audience, they have the money to buy.

Arcades are packed with 20 and 30 year olds playing pinball and drinking beer every weekend. Some can’t or won’t ever buy their own machine. But with exposure, that age is learning about them and asking “How do I get one?”

We get it... You bought a game, and it didn't turn out to be what you wanted it to be. There are people wanting and buying these games all the time. I see them go on and off show room floors around here when people buy them. Is it a game for the most avid player, or people with a small collection that are in to pinball? Probably not. But does it have a place, yes. I enjoy playing a pro that we have at an arcade here every once in a while, as its a nice change of pace from the deep games that exist elsewhere. Is it very shallow code? Yes, but that was 100% apparent from release and walkthrough with Dwight, he as much said that during that. So if you hear them all but say "This is shallow", and then complain about it being shallow, I don't know what else there is to say...

What's the rumor/known facts with Lyman? Did he leave Stern? Out on leave?

But honestly, this is part of the issue. Getting on lists years (decades?) before something comes to fruition with or without money down is crazy. Some of these people are passionate about the title and want to make sure they get one. Others just do this to sell. I have seen multiple posts selling Mando where they have two LEs (assuming from different distributors). That's just being an asshole to others and price gouging. People are always going to be crappy to make a buck, and that's their prerogative, but its not good for the hobby.

Running prices up because parts cost more is one thing, running prices up because everyone wants to be a flipper is not good for the hobby and getting new entrants. And the hobby needs new entrants, or all of our pins are worthless, as there is no one new to buy them, and we don't all have room for 20 pins. And then used pins go up in price because if a new LE sold for $12k, then my used LE of a different title must be worth $9k. That's not how it works, but when everyone does it, then it becomes norm.

Its everyone's choice what they do, but this is the point to cancel your order. We as individuals have no control over any of this. Not that I want the distributors to feel any pain, but they are the only voice that matters. If they get cancellations and get stuck with games, or in turn cancel their orders, Stern might think again before the next time they raise prices on existing orders.

...All that to say that it won't matter because if someone does cancel their order, someone else will step up and pay the increased price. Welcome to the current world of pinball!

The best "Pin" by a long shot. Very cool and unique layout. Great work!

I expect there will be many Disney-themed games coming. Stern wants to lock down Disney to steal the IP from the other manufacturers (probably a smart move). Doing so is going to make Disney say then give us a game every so often (year or whatever). Given that I doubt "A Bug's Life" is going to make a new game anytime soon, its going to be new Disney content, which is largely revolving around Star Wars and Marvel these days. As long as the two or three releases between are good content that is unique, like Godzilla, then I think people will still have their options. People that buy every machine and hold, will just end up with a ton of Disney content.

Spiderman is Sony, so that's a different licensing deal. But The Prestige is my favorite movie! Not sure how to "pinball" it, but I'd be down for it.

The long-standing rumor is that Toy Story is with JJP. But that's been rumored for years before Stern got into it with Disney the last few years. So my guess is that is one of the last Disney themes we will see from a non-Stern manufacturer.

That’s a weird video… not the aesthetic I was expecting. Either way, not a buyer of this one.

I will take offense to that on every level possible. But still give you an up vote for creativity and freedom of speech!

I think it all depends on skill level. Not bashing anyone. But when you can beat a game in a few sittings, it doesn't last long. The first time I played Mando (3 or 4 games) I got to two of the three wizard modes. I know that they have added more to razor crest to slow it down. But lost a sale from me on that one. I want to barely get anything done on my first few games to know it will stick around. Otherwise with an hour a night on it, you can figure it out and consistently get to the wizard mode, which just isn't as much fun for me.

The answer is cost and space. I can afford multiple $60 games (plus subscriptions, map packs, etc.) without blinking. But buying $30k + of new machines in a year is not attainable for most people. Then the space aspect is I can't have 20 of them at a time, maybe only 2-5 for most people. So you have to be selective.

I enjoy FF. Certainly the big hits, so would be interested in this game. Theme isn't enough to be a yes, but certainly not a deterrent. Need some great game play!

The fact that 70% of the playfield is barren is a bit odd... The mechs look cool, although its basically just two different ball paths. Not sure how the ball stacker on the return wireforms will be implemented. Not a theme I was really looking forward to, and play won't be coming home. However, I will certainly play some games on location.