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Aussie Pinball Forums => General Discussion => Your Collection => Topic started by: Strangeways on September 17, 2015, 10:41:38 AM

Title: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Strangeways on September 17, 2015, 10:41:38 AM

As most of you know, I'm your typical KISS fan that spent most of my youth listening to their music, going to their concerts (22 shows) and collecting merchandise. My collection consists of magazines, 1978 KISS machines, posters, belt buckles 29 inch dolls, cards, signed albums and many other items. I bought this game solely because it is a KISS machine, and the main reason was that I was lucky enough to unbox the 1978 KISS machines in 1979 when I was 11 years old. My son Zac is 11 years old. I wanted to unbox my KISS LE with him. Dad is 91 and can't really travel so it was just Zac and I. So it was a very special moment.

I want to extend my thanks to Joe and Angela from "Kids Just Wanna Have Fun" in WA. The entire buying process was so easy and I was kept in the loop throughout the entire process. Fantastic to deal with !

Here's the NIB machines..

(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2004.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2008.jpg)


Try and get an 11 year old to pose for picture with a straight face !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2016.jpg)


Well packed


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2018.jpg)


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2020.jpg)


The sideart needs to be seen in person. It is bloody amazing ! I don't know how they achieve this effect, but I love it !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2021.jpg)


I've set up a PRO next to the LE for comparison.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2026.jpg)


Zac had the first ball.. In fact, I could not get him off the game for 20 minutes !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2031.jpg)


Backglass look amazing. You really see the visual difference between the two playfields. The LED effects on the LE make it look like a different game.


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2036.jpg)


I HATED the red trim. But once I set the game up, I like it !


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2034.jpg)


Here's a picture that is not out of focus !!


(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2037.jpg)


I've only had time to play it for 30 minutes last night and i had one game this morning before posting this unboxing thread. I will write up an honest review once I have the time to go through the game.

First impressions - The game is visually stunning. It plays smooth and the ramp shots are awesome. The demon multiball is incredible as the entire playfield goes dark with only RED lighting. Fantastic idea. The code is 1.04 - and it has potential. The KISS matrix lights change colour based on what mode you need to complete. The code potential will be amazing when developed further. Taking that into context, the game is awesome even with shipping code.

The sound is completely mind blowing. The re recorded songs lack the punch of the original recordings, but that's not a huge issue.

I will write a review on a separate thread once I've put time into it..

The game will be at the factory for less than a week, before I take it home. There are some collectors and KISS fans that want to play the LE to decide if they want the Premium or the Pro. If you are one of those sitting on the fence, then come in for a game.

 <.>


Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Cow Corner on September 17, 2015, 10:49:29 AM
Cool pics! Good times sharing it with your boy too.

Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Strangeways on September 17, 2015, 11:07:13 AM
Cool pics! Good times sharing it with your boy too.



Thanks mate - the highlight was the unboxing with my son.

Over the next few days my buddies will all have a game or two. I wish Greg was here to play the machine - that's been the only "downer" for me.
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on September 17, 2015, 01:40:06 PM
I am glad you are enjoying the game

Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: coon82 on September 17, 2015, 02:07:38 PM
Thanks for sharing Nino. I particularly like the pics in focus  <.> <..>

Who's game is the Pro?
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: oldskool1969 on September 17, 2015, 02:43:27 PM
Yeah Dude!
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: pinnies4me on September 17, 2015, 03:40:07 PM

 
Well done mate, and what a great story - three generations and two Kiss pinball unboxings - that will be a unique situation forever I am sure!   @@*
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: spacejam0 on September 17, 2015, 06:25:17 PM
Congratulations Nino looks very nice.....enjoy .
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: jukeola on September 17, 2015, 07:23:42 PM
glad your enjoying it nino - i still haven't unboxed mine yet lol
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: v8racefan on September 17, 2015, 08:45:15 PM
Congratulations Nino  $#$

Glad you shared this very special time with your son. Enjoy your new LE pin mate.

Looking forward to your write up.

Cheers

V8
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: pinball god on September 17, 2015, 09:48:32 PM
Congrats glad you're happy with the game
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Strangeways on September 17, 2015, 09:58:28 PM
Thanks for sharing Nino. I particularly like the pics in focus  <.> <..>

Who's game is the Pro?

Will be for a customer that may not commit until after playing my LE and considering a Premium. There's a few of my old friends that want to see the differences "side by side" - non pinball folk - just mad KISS fans.

glad your enjoying it nino - i still haven't unboxed mine yet lol

Pull ya finger out mate !

I played it at lunchtime and before I finished work. I'm very impressed and happy that I bought an LE. A contrast in play style than TWD LE. This is not a "stop / start" game. It is bloody FAST and the ramp shots are sweet. I need to play it for a week or so (like I did with TWD LE). It does appear to have a different clearcoat. Much much better than TWD LE.
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: pinsanity on September 17, 2015, 10:54:15 PM
Always a pleasure to see NIB game unboxing photos from good people.  ^^^
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Caveoftreasures on September 17, 2015, 11:10:19 PM
I always said you would like the red trim Nino in person once u saw it compared to gaudy orange trim idea.

The photos are great.

Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: tonyt on September 17, 2015, 11:46:02 PM
Thanks for sharing Nino, glad that you are happy with the game.

Totally agree re Joe and Angela from Kids Just Wanna Have Fun, great to deal with
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Caveoftreasures on September 18, 2015, 04:24:31 AM
If you had a Kiss Pro to keep Nino, would you add the red trim and do u think it would be a massive visual n cheap improvement ?
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: ddstoys on September 18, 2015, 11:54:01 PM
Looks good mate glad you got one wouldn't be to many people who can say they have unboxed one of each kiss new and old.  Was hoping to have to deliver it to you but sadly not :(
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: dealers choice on September 19, 2015, 08:11:47 AM
Great pics Nino, thanks for sharing. How's your p/field holding up after playing a few games. My mates had already got dimples in it after only 6 to 8 games. Also mirror blades look great on this title, well worth installing.
Enjoy your new machine.  @@*
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Strangeways on September 19, 2015, 11:37:39 AM
Great pics Nino, thanks for sharing. How's your p/field holding up after playing a few games. My mates had already got dimples in it after only 6 to 8 games. Also mirror blades look great on this title, well worth installing.
Enjoy your new machine.  @@*

All Sterns have some degree of dimpling. Mine has some, but nowhere near TWD LE. I've had over 50 games and I can count one or two. That's to be expected. The clear looks completely different - but I know it is the same product, but it has more a mirror finish than orange peel.

I do have this black crap on the balls and the playfield. I think it is from the spinning disk pad. Both machines have it.
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Strangeways on September 19, 2015, 11:43:53 AM
I should also mention that after 50 games, this machine is absolutely an amazing player. Just take the theme out of the equation (for the non KISS fans) - the game is so different from TWD. TWD is "stop and start", wait 10 minutes for the pops to finish after the skillshot. KISS just FLOWS FAST. Very hectic game. I'm so happy there are NO MAGNETS ! Demon multiball is amazing - the light show sets the mood for the game. I just hope the balls thrown out of Gene's head can be pointed to the flippers rather SDTM. Very annoying when you lose time far the balls to be re launched !

VERY pleased I bought this game.
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: pinball god on September 19, 2015, 08:35:48 PM
Thanks Nino for a chance to play a game. Great flow and shots feel sweet when you make them. First ball was disappointing, (thanks Nino for leaning the manual on the tilt mech  %.%). After that a dream play. Left ramp shot nice and smooth, right ramp dunno, couldn't make it, star chamber tough but you feel like a champ when you repeatedly make it, demon multiball looks great all lit red.

You gotta be proud to own such a beast. Very envious of you, but also happy for you  ^^^
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: pinball god on September 19, 2015, 10:23:44 PM
Forgot to mention, the game is really well lit and great lighting features. One thing stern has nailed is pf lighting with leds
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Crashramp on September 21, 2015, 06:47:59 PM
Very nice Nino, thanks for sharing the unboxing pics. The game looks great, nothing beats new pin day.  ^^^
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Strangeways on October 02, 2015, 04:30:03 PM
It has come to my attention, that certain fledgling business have a vested interest in the Stern NIB pinball machines that resided in my factory at the time of the unboxing. Some of us promote the hobby and help each other out, while others spend their energy creating incredible stories which are not based on facts.

Business must be slow.. ::)

Here are the facts ;

1) In the first picture, you clearly see MY PERSONAL KISS LE - SN:E253888 - Denoted as #395. It is currently located at my residence.
2) In the left foreground, is a KISS Pro purchased by a customer that was shipped to my factory to store - SN:E254569
3) Directly behind that game, is a TWD Pro purchased by a customer that was shipped to my factory to store - SN:E250600
4) Behind both these machines is another KISS LE that was sent to me to store for a week for a customer (don't have that box - Game picked up)
5) Against the wall is the box for AC/DC LUCI SN:E245202 - Owned by the late Greg Berry.
6) Against the wall and on top of the LUCI is the box for TWD LE SN:E249662 - Owned by the late Greg Berry.

Clearly, there are only SIX (6) Stern boxes, and only TWO (2) are KISS LE's.

Just to set the record straight - There has NEVER been a "secret stash" of KISS LE's in my factory. I OFFERED my factory space to HOLD games, and the customers were able to pick up their respective games when it suited them. It was convenient to utilize my storage until they arranged pickup. I know that providing a FREE and SECURE facility to help other pinheads out is foreign to certain industry heavyweights.

On a personal note - this thread was SUPPOSED to be about my KISS LE and my son. Ironic that it is always the SAME individuals that the truth catches up with, time and time again..

It is true what they say, a leopard never changes its spots and an Elephant never forgets.
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Toads on October 02, 2015, 04:59:19 PM
Nino was kind enough to offer me storage of my kiss LE for a week or so and I have thanked Nino for helping me. It's really nobody else's business apart from Nino and the person he is trying to help out. I don't know what you have heard Nino, but it sounds like porky pies to me.

I hope you AND your son are enjoying your LE.
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Strangeways on October 02, 2015, 09:08:27 PM
Nino was kind enough to offer me storage of my kiss LE for a week or so and I have thanked Nino for helping me. It's really nobody else's business apart from Nino and the person he is trying to help out. I don't know what you have heard Nino, but it sounds like porky pies to me.

I hope you AND your son are enjoying your LE.

I was accused of "buying several KISS LE's" and that I'm obviously selling them to the public. In fact, I'm "supposed" to have a DOUBLE FIGURE amount of KISS LE's. I've looked EVERYWHERE, and I can't find them. My earlier post has served it purpose. The internet can be a wonderful tool in exposing people who simply must have nothing better to do than make stuff up. Clear as day, there are not 10+ KISS LE's in that photo..

I love playing my LE - awesome game. No worries about storing your game. I will continue to do it for friends and customers, much to the disappointment of certain individuals.
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Pop Bumper Pete on October 03, 2015, 12:46:20 AM
Ignore the trolls, there will always be people who are envious of your success

glad to know you are enjoying your KISS
Title: Re: Stern KISS LE #395 Unboxing
Post by: Mick71 on January 17, 2017, 04:14:17 PM
Great feeling getting NIB machine  :D