The newest title from Stern Pinball, X-men! Errr, Rush!
The Pros:
The good news is I really like playing X-men and listening to Rush! I’m joking, but that’s how playing this game feels to me. The Radical ramp diverter is implemented perfectly and makes the ramps more fun and is a great part of this design. I am curious to see how it is implemented in the rules and modes. The 1-2-3 shots and their variances in lit shots make for great and easily followed sequences. My other favorite bit with the layout is 3 bank of targets and the TWD inspired sequence to multiball (R.I.P. LFS). Is there a drum solo mode? I haven’t found it yet.
The Cons:
The holes in the middle of the playfield seem to swallow up the ball from indirect shorts meanderings and caroms more often than direct shots. The artwork on the cab is a mess of iconic Rush imagery. The playfield artwork is functional to direct the player, but looking at the band, they look like they are made out of play dough. Except for Lemmy, he looks GREAT! Where’s his hat? Video footage is quite varied in image quality throughout their career. I know that something like this wouldn’t happen while Neal Pearl was alive (damn... two R.I.Ps in a single review), but I wonder if they will take any audio and put it into call outs. I don’t expect to hear him. Try to read the rule sheet. Just try...
Poorly adjusted scoops will put the ball between the flippers. Yay!
The Takeaway:
I know the code is early, but right now it feels like the rules are well thought out in its direction. Other than the wolverine holes, this game plays really well. Earnings-wise, this game design may end up like x-men. The theme fans and technical players will love it. But most casuals will probably dismiss it as a "dad thinks he's rad" jukebox and walk on by. I’d love to be wrong on that call. Rush is one of my favorite bands of all time and I am happy that they got a pinball game. It just seems strange to me as they never really licensed anything with their identity before... Looking forward to playing the Preem / LE!
Update:
Played the premium last night and it was more of a noticeable difference than I expected. The third ramp goes to the the left inlane on the right. All 3 inlanes can now be scored with ramp/ VUK shots. The rising ramp on the time machine magno-ring is a simple and well done toy. The lighting on the side is similar to the lanes on the side of Led Zep. Is it me, or all of the children of the 70's happy with their happy place tunes now? Grandpa rock... rocks on! The good news, is that this layout is solid. A more refined and tuned x-men playfield with incredibly well done code. Code balance is the key here and while the risk/ reward isn't as heavy as multiball scoring, stacking modes and bringing them into multiball is always a solid path of gameplay. The modes are challenging and well directed to the player on the tv screen as well as with the playfield lighting. The "stacks" of inserts by the shots reminds me of metallica. There is a LOT to do on this design. multiple goals are placed for the player and the little things that matter, are paid attention to. The touring of the music is well placed and nothing feels so right as Mr. Lee and Mr. Leifson gurning you out as you play as any proper Canadian would.
For me, I like the premium/LE more than the pro for playability reasons. Lighting is well done and the game is a shooter's delight. Didn't like it when I first played it, now. It is on the want list! Wait... didn't that happen with X-men???