We had company over for a late Xmas celebration so only got a handful of games on my Hulk LE last night. First impressions were "Wow, this thing is cool looking!". Apart from some visibility issues that are already mentioned in this and other thread, I liked the game... a lot. Should probably mention that all games played were on the new code. So, no idea how it played with the prior version..
Sound is not bad at all. Was concerned the voices would be bunk, but the script is well written and funny and the voices are good. The worst voice (least like the movie character voice) is the Fury voice and its not bad. The music and effects are really good. Most of our guests commented on how cool the sound effects and music were. It also got played almost as much as ACDC, which is a first as ACDC always gets played a ton by guests...
The light show is very impressive and while I have seen just a few modes, the GI is similar to Xmen and ACDC in that it changes colors with modes. It's got more flashers than any game I've seen, or at least it seems that way. It's impressive to see the game in action IMO. You can't miss it and in a room with multiple pins, it stands out when its being played or just sitting there. It has a dark look to it since all the GI is colored.
The DMD is way cool and love the green. Wasn't expecting much out of the animation. But, I thought the dots were impressive for the few modes I got into last night. Would take them any day over the movie clip animation I've seen in other games. They're well integrated and there is quite a few of them. Glare is an issue. It really affects the upper portion of the playfield. I've tried to avoid using Invisiglass or PDI glass because I know I'll end up buying it for every game. But, I'm ordering some today for this game. It's needed...
The shots are tight and very rewarding. Had no issues hitting the Widow ramp. Out of 8-10 shots only had a couple come out. The spinner takes speed off. But, it wasn't an issue on my machine unless the shot was not clean and even then it made it more often than not. The game played fast and it's a flow game with several cool combo opportunities. Seemed like I could hit shots pretty quickly compared to X men which take some "learning" to get a feel for.
Hulk Multiball is awesome. Never counted if the game released all 6 balls on the new code. But, damn! It's a rush as is now and probably the best multiball in my lineup. It's fast and a cool rush. Forget trying to control anything until you get down a few balls, It's a flail away fest with all the balls initially. I forgot how much fun that was. Made me miss STNG. The hulk show is cool and the bridge throw is impressive. The ball does just fly off the widow ramp during Hulk multiball. It was hard to watch the flight path with all the balls in play but got a few looks as balls drained. The balls were typically hitting the flap that is in front of hulk as they came off the ramp or the area just in front of the flap. Gonna lay down a little contact paper around the drop targets and Hulk eject saucer. Those seem like the most likely wear spots.
Visibility is an issue and a few tweaks need to be made. Loki target blocks views, and the drop targets are hard to see. Wasn't as bothered by the Loki lanes or top lanes. They're blocked, but you can see enough of the light and reflection to know whats lit IMO. It's less than ideal though and could see where some people would not like it. Guess I've gotten used to seeing reflection since I've played so much ACDC and the cannon blocks the lane completely... Drop targets and Fury target are pretty much out of sight to the point where you need to alter your position to get a good look at them. Used the lights in front of the drops to aim more than the targets themselves. Fury is completely blocked. Loki needs to be moved as Gambit suggested or taken out more like LOTR since you can see the lock.
Had no issues with Hulk ball traps at all. Not sure if its the code change since I never played the early code. But, Hulk reacted almost instantly anytime the ball was near him and never had him catch or trap the ball for what seemed like a flaw. the longest the ball was near him was a half a second, if that. When the ball was behind the drop targets, it takes a second for the ball to roll down to the opening. But, it's not catching or getting stuck for me. It seemed to react as intended and I was pleasantly surprised to not have any ball traps around Hulk as I was expecting some and hoping to not be too bummed about it. Did get one ball stuck at the widow ramp where the bridge separates on a slightly off shot that lost speed through the ramp. Took a slight nudge to get the ball moving but wasn't much of an issue IMO.
All in all, my first impression was very positive. Way too soon to say much more than that as I had nowhere near enough time with code or playing he game. But, I'm happy with my purchase and think this is one of GG better games in quite a while.
Denver, CO
Paris
