My wife & I played all the versions at the reveal and for the next couple of days at MGC off and on (several times). Met some of you fellow pinheads and that was pretty cool to compare notes on this one in person. For those that really like DI, this "kind of" has the same feel and emotion to it. Same designer and coder (I was told Ted was lead at the reveal … maybe not since others say Joe). This is not like JJPOTC and TH with the theatrical lights, sounds, and call outs that pull you right in. Like DI, it is more of a happy, fun game that you want to play again … and that every few games just kicks your butt with SDTM returns from missed shots. Like Pat said at the reveal … not too hard, but not too easy either. I hope that they improve the music to be more dramatic at critical times and more call outs, maybe a little heckling too please.
I think for locations, the standard would be the one to go with. I didn't see anyone while I was there get the wonkavator multiball. That is real tough if you look at the rules. So it's not "real" important game play wise for locations that don't usually have tournament type players there. For home use, I think the extras for the LE make it worth while. Like someone else posted, I want the complete playfield with all of the gadgets and gizmos possible. I will have to learn how to get that wonkavator. The CE was nice, but not $3K more nice for us. We are in for an LE, but not a rush.
We met and talked to Pat's wife at the reveal too. She's very nice and talked with us for 5 minutes or so. Shhh - she said Pat has already started the drawings for his next game. She said that he really enjoys this work again and will be staying put at JJP for a while. A very nice conversation. All (or most) JJP people are sociable and that is great for us customers. It adds to the pin hunt experience.