Respectfully, I disagree.

I’ll agree, in stock form Xenon can be simplistic, gameplay-wise. The light and sound package is great, but that won't save it if you don't like the gameplay. A few simple mods can make a world of difference.

This mod is so simple, yet has the most dramatic impact on gameplay.

Before:
1BA8BE7F-2234-4436-AA38-4B64ACC0BD9A (resized).jpeg
After:
27ADB830-492E-48E7-88ED-83F1AE3BB32D (resized).jpeg
Replacing the metal ball guide with rubber adds more side to side action from the pops and also bricks tube shots if your aim is not spot on.

Also, replacing the two piece inlane ball guides with single, curved classic Stern style guides and removing 200 turns of wire from the pop bumper coils will liven up the game immensely. I used to have scores in the millions, now scores of 500K-600K are the norm. It's very humbling.

I've also added reverb sound and multiple lighting mods to further enhance the overall experience.

It’s really not fair to judge Xenon based on competition play. The tube shot is THE ONE playfield feature that makes the game unique. It’d be like me saying I never shoot for anything but Sonic Booms on Doctor Who. I’d be missing out on everything else the game has to offer.

If you just don’t like the game that’s fair. I don’t judge. There are plenty of games I don’t like that others love.