You know what I think it is, the lockdown bar and side rails. I remember playing my first AP game Houdini at a festival. I didn't like the feel either. It was because of the rough powdercoat texture on the metal. I thought it felt really cheap and mechanical for a game. Like sandpaper. I have grown to like it now. I don't think anyone else does this with their games? Not sure if HotWheels had it too?