I’ve watched Stern closely since 2004 (when I bought my first 2 NIB games...LOTR & TSPP). They seem to give tremendous freedom to each designer. Whenever an old school designer comes back to pinball, it’s always a risk. When Pat Lawlor returned, JJP gave him the freedom to do great work. Stern is a production pinball company and Brian Eddy’s first effort in many years looks pretty “meh” to me.
Keith’s JP is the most exciting game I’ve ever played. Strongly recommend.