Moe
Quoted from iluvak9:I watched the stream, watched the SDTM video, read the TWIP detailed review, and reviewed the rules flowchart and here are my current opinions which you can consider, ignore, trash or whatever you choose to do...
(1) I first watched the stream and this really turned me off. After watching the stream from about 5:30 to 7pm, I decided to give up on the game. I've got the cash in hand and space for a new game and walked away from both the BKSOR and Wonka videos with no desire to buy either based on their reveal streams.
(2) However, after watching the SDTM video, reading the TWIP detailed review and reviewing the rules flowchart I am now considering Wonka primarily because the game has a great playfield layout, great shots, I am fine with the playfield artwork and simplified toys. The main things that are lacking and have me hesitating may all be corrected as the game development is finalized and so I am left with some key questions:
(a) The SE cabinet artwork (why? no cost savings in cheaper version - just to push folks to LE)?
(b) How will SE virtual lock work and how will player know # locked? I hear no lock stealing in SE? disappointing
(c) Watching stream had me very disappointed in screen - reviewing other info had me liking screen layout and info
(d) By far, biggest issue is integration- pinball machine based on a musical, but you wouldn't know playing it
- Did not hear a single song from the movie except Wilder boat ride which is more a poem
- Oompa Loompa bumpers were cute, but not quite the song(I see the rule set has a hurry-up so maybe?)
- No Candy Man song (again, see there is a Candy Man mode, so maybe?)
- I understand that Pure Imagination is the ultimate wizard mode, but that means few will ever hear it
- Saw the Veluca I want it all Good Egg, Bad Egg video clip- silent - no "I want it all quote" or song?
(e) Continuing integration issue, I'm hoping there is still a long way to go in developing sound, quotes, background
- All the video clips were essentially silent and not very well integrated with game play, no progression award
- Not sure a novice would even know that they had started most of these events - feedback was lacking
- I see the smaller LCD has instructions, but novices don't take their eyes off the ball(s) in play
- Screen has lots of useful info, but novices won't get it (I didn't until I read the TWIP detailed review)
- All the multiball starts were boring (compare to Lawlor multiball starts like TAF, TZ, NGG that ARE events)
- The background music became very repetitive and seemed similar even when modes/events were running
So, I'm hoping that just like with other JJP games such as WOZ and Hobbit, the final version of this game is very different from the version we are seeing now and mainly I am speaking about items d and e above which are code related and so, again, there is hope. Also, my reaction to the reveal confirms what others have been saying about JJP reveals being problematic. In fact, my reaction to the reveal was negative enough to almost totally write-off the game as one for potential purchase.
This is a good post, very constructive comments. I too struggled with the release streams of both BKSOR and WONKA, the top down viewing gives absolutely no perspective to the playfield and leaves me with the view I don't really understand what's going on from a players point of view. In future I'd like to see video streams include a view from the players perspective. It seems like others are of this opinion as well.
What's really important for a game reveal is the shot selection and flow of a game, these determine if the game has potential for improved code to make a good game a great game. The video from SDTM did this very well.
Being a JJP game and knowning how they polish the software of each game until it shines, I honestly believe WONKA will be no different. All the songs and voice clips that are being spoken of will most likely be included, along with other video images and sound effects.
Mapleton, UT
