I was thinking about the under playfield design and how inefficient it is. Instead of making a custom pcb for an area with a lot of leds like you see on any Stern, JJP, cgc, etc. Game, they reuse the same tiny single led board like 30 times. Why? It has to make assembly take longer. My guess is that they cut corners in development and figured it would be cheaper to reuse one board a bunch of times instead of developing custom boards. The more I look at this game the more it just looks cheap.

and cheaper and less impactful than replacing one of those stern nodes...but..sure..

Playfield art just looks really "blah" to me...I can't quite figure it out. Whether it's the fonts, lack of gradients, or something else, it just doesn't do it for me. The mechs and layout is pretty ho-hum for me also. And lastly, the bigger the hype, the worse the hangover when it comes to pinball. The hype train with Munsters was pretty crazy, and then it went thud pretty hard.

Ouch, still too soon.

(you had to be there)

I guess I just suck at math or something.

lol

#2 is biggest reason for me

Even though I got caught up in the Acnc delay last yr and that was aggravating I didn’t believe it would happen again

Not a fan of the artwork

I like everything else and congratulate Spooky for creating the best FOMO marketing campaign in history!

For me personally here's why I didn't jump on this one:

- The theme does nothing for me but that only because I've never watched the show. I'm aware the it exists but that's the extent of it.

- My wife would absolutely hate this theme. Usually she's pretty neutral about themes but she hates animated shows (Family Guy, Simpsons etc).

- If I were going with NIB, I'd be looking at Oktoberfest (or maybe the next API release).

- Lately I've been regressing and have really been gravitating towards the older EM games. I'd rather have several of these than one Rick and Morty.

For anybody that's excited about the game and preordered it, I'm happy for you. I hope the game plays great and satisfies the fans of the show. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just answering the original post's question.

I disagree with 95 % of the substance that comes from Hilton. However, with operating pins and Bourbon he is credible. I’m aware of of other operators of Alice and TNA. No controversy of repairs than any other manufacturer had occasionally occurred.

This game will produce exceptional results in the cash box.

No one is spending $6995 on this game.

I joined the fang club thinking I would have more than a couple of hours to make my decision.

Guess I was wrong .

I really wanted this title since this is one of my favorite shows on tv.

I hope to purchase someone’s spot in line or pick up a used one someday.

It’s only pinball and I have 11 games that I love in my basement that is packed with no room for anything else anyway.

When I got TNA and ACNC, I got in as soon as I could. But even in the mid 100's it's a long wait.
When I finally get to my turn to get the game I've been waiting for, I see that someone that just learned about the game's existence could just mosey over to kingpin and pick one up with ZERO wait.

So, I've learned from this: After I get to play the game and formulate an opinion, there will be several new shinny games released. Deposit payers will start to sell spots (probably at a discount to move it) as they chase the next stern.

It's pre-production at this point. I'm sure a kempt rat's net is the last thing the are concerned about at this point. The final shipped product won't look like that. I have an Alice Cooper and most people who look under the hood comment how clean the Spooky design looks on that game.

Also this.

I'm near 50 yrs old. I dont watch cartoons anyone. Zero connection to the theme. But very happy for those who are in on this.

i mean... if you need to make some room

Dude, I get it. The castle walls and the upper pf really add to ACNC and make it look fuller for sure. I love upper and lower pfs. They are just so fun when done right. ACNC is totally right. That ramp shot on the upper pf is so satisfying to hit but hard to get down.

I think the expansiveness of the RAM universe, the shots, rules, and media content of RAM will be great even without a second pf, a ton of sculpted toys, etc. The shots are all there. The physical locks, The loops, The captive ball, the fun effect with the portal warp, everything there is whats to love about good pinball.

You also have to think about how much AC license vs RAM license is as well.

Plus, scott put 16 opto pairs in this game that is nuts as well as rgb every where. Its like tna on steroids. Tna looks unimpressive until you play it. If you dont get it, then you arent a pinball fan as far as im concerned. TNA is fun, ACNC is fun. These are the games that are pushing spooky forward. I think the price point is still fantastic considering how small they are and how nice the games are built.

The ONLY reason I didnt buy a RAM was because my daughter said I couldnt sell the games I would have to to fund it. Luckily I got one for my bro in law so it will not be far away. Can not wait.

Im 42 and cant stand Family guy, simpsons ect. Rick and Morty is a very different show. The writing is fantastic. Once you get past the fact its a cartoon and understand what the show really is you become a fan. My brother told me the same thing your saying. He recommended a show to me and I told him I wouldn't watch his show unless he watched 4 episodes of Rick and Morty. He's now a bigger fan of Rick and Morty than I am.

ACNC is definitely more dressed up with visual flair on the playfield, so I could see where some would say that game blew them away more on first sight. But most of that budget went into lights and mechs on this game. One if the first things Charlie says in the video is Scott blew his budget on lights. Anyone can dress up their games with mods after the fact and tons of people love doing that.
As for the individual light vs. PCB I'm glad I can replace one light that goes bad rather then repair or replace a whole custom made board. Noone gives you the old William's boards with individual sockets anymore.
They have used those single light boards since TNA and have had little to now issue with them that I've seen.

bd9dbf116d0a874440f3fe081161d3c5 (resized).jpg

I was actually interested in picking one up, until I saw the cheap plastic ramps, and sparse playfield.

...the reason why I don't buy/like most Sterns.

The theme is amazing though. Props for choosing something that's not just pandering to old, tired fare like rock bands and superheroes...

I didn't realize age was a deterrent to specific types of entertainment?

I suppose if you've already made the connection of "Cartoon" to "Immature", then one will never cross that threshold.

This show is not a kiddie show. That's why it's on at 11:30 PM. There is more adult humor in this program than any other cartoon show I've seen. They don't pander to younger audiences.

Actually yeah, several people are. Is anyone spending $9,500 before tax & shipping? Because that's what a JJP LE costs.

I never said RAM's cost as much as a JJP LE though yancy. Why so defensive?

Just watched available video of the release. Underwhelming, to say the least. Back glass looks cool, like a ripoff of Bally Star Jet without the nice colors. Didn't see 7000 dollars worth of fun. Didn't see a machine that will increase in value. Too long a wait time for these to get in the hands of Buyers, sure to take the wind out of excitement and hype.
Still better than Stern, the Spooky guy mentioned a improved computer running the thing.

I hear you. Spooky games are a lot of fun - I'm a fan! - and I agree with everything you're saying about TNA and ACNC. I own an AMH so I do see value in games beyond just aesthetic appeal. My first thought when I saw the playfield was that it looks like TNA with ramps. Obviously there's more to it than that. It looks like it could be fast and fun but no one really knows at this point. Although I'm confident it is, we can't just assume it's a good game, can we?

Thanks for proving my point yancy.

Whatever, semantics dork.

Semantics dorks are almost the worst, but Grammer Nazis still hold the title.

That's a trap!....although you said nothing about spelling Nazis.

All those fucks are the same to me.

I did join the FANG club a few weeks ago to support them anyhow

I don't get the purpose of this thread, they sold 750 games. No mas.

Who really cares why somebody didn't buy or not, its irrelevant.

That's true. Spooky certainly doesn't need to care at this point.

The playfield is deceiving. There is so much flow in this pin, with such a high number of combo shots chaining together. There is genius in the geometry.

da faq?

The game was announced -- when no one knew what it was
They show ONE trailer worth of teaser video
They open up sales... and all of this happens in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS

Where is all this hype?

Im fully thronged, spot on.

Not here to disagree, until I play.

Why would a pin have to increase in value to buy it? Is that why you’d buy a pin?
I buy shit for fun factor and entertainment, isn’t that what the hobby is about?

Congrats to Spooky. I think they announced 750 because the last game was 500, so add 250 opposed to 500. Testing the waters go into the middle of the water and see what happens. Personally I think they should bump up the number if the demand is there why not? With more orders at a higher price point they could hire more staff and build more machines. The entire pin is good news for Spooky because it could help them grow a little faster. I personally think they should take this time to think about building up their staff, investing back into the company. Time to make a move.

I personally didn't buy one because as the designer said 'theme matters'. I'm have never watched Rick and Morty cartoon. Furthermore I'm not a fan of Stranger Things either I think the show is weak at best. Theme matters. I think Spooky did a great job pulling off the theme, but I want games where the theme resonates with me. So I didn't buy one because I'm not a fan of the theme nothing other than that. I'm hoping down the road Spooky does "Halloween' 'Friday the 13th" or something along those lines.

Again congrats to Spooky and I hope they hike the number, make more money, and invest in their company to grow a bit faster.

LOL - seriously a knock out punch right there. Well done sir.
I mean no disrespect here, but as a HUGE RAM fan I felt completely underwhelmed. Yeah yeah I know it's just a video, but even a video gives a person somewhat of an idea of game play not to mention even the playfield artwork is lackluster. I just couldn't help but feel like this machine is more of a novelty pin.
I would gladly play it if I saw it in the wild - but not likely to happen.

I love the artwork and its a cool theme, but the playfield seemed like a snoozefest to me. Gimme toys man, toys!

The cynical side of me said they put a simple and lower cost layout on this pin because they knew the theme would make it instantly sell out regardless of the playfield. Heck, even some data east layouts look cooler (Last Action Hero im looking at you!).

The super cynical side of me wondered if they had a better playfield layout ready to go and saved it for a weaker theme. There, i said it!

For those of you complaining about a lack of toys, have you ever played Scott Danesi's first game TNA? He's not known for filling a game with lots of toys. Compared to RaM, TNA is really stripped down yet it manages to be fun as hell to play and had probably the best sound and light show of any pin! RaM has even more lights and also features Scott Danesi music but now you also add ramps, a magnet, an extra ball trough, captive ball lock, and an awesome theme with custom callouts to tie it all together! I do think that if you didn't care for TNA than this game may not be as appealing but I find that it's impressive that a Scott Danesi game sold out that quickly without showing any of what his first game is most loved for and that's the sound and light package and addictive game play.

I think the playfield looks killer. I like the subtle starfield and don't think you could pull it off with a ton of artwork.

It's supposed to be space, yo.

Space is not crowded. Mind blowing, I know.

...but. That's kinda why we call it space.

Not in love with the theme ( have never watched the show) and I've never played, let alone, seen the actual game in person yet.

Plus ... I'm confident that there will be PLENTY of opportunities to take over another buyer's spot down the road if I should decide that I want to buy this game NIB.

Lots of reasons form me - theme doesn't interest me, I am out of buying nib, price is too high (my acnc was just less than $500 cheaper than my DILE here in Europe - RaM is really expensive then for what it is hardware wise). Posted my opinion on my blog
http://flippersbe.blogspot.com/2019/12/spooky-released-rick-and-morty.html?m=1

Space is crowded in Rick and Morty though. You go out to change a tire and a space snake comes and bites you out of nowhere. Before you know it you have to invent time travel because space is literally filled with everything.

People on a pinball forum shouldn't discuss why they like or dislike a certain machine because it sold?

Ok everyone, close up all the threads. We're done here. Remove the ratings too. They're irrelevant.

If we're going to pretend I could afford it, there wasn't enough of the game shown before ordering for me to try and make it happen. I love the theme and hope maybe one day in the future I can buy a used one or I get a big raise or something maybe buy someone's spot in line. I've never owned a new in box pin, my newest game is like 27 years old :/

The potential 18 month wait is also a hard pill to swallow.