The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Pinball Reviews => DMD 1991 - Present => Topic started by: Strangeways on September 22, 2015, 02:50:07 PM
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This is my own personal KISS LE #395. It is my first NIB purchase. Here is my review of the game after playing 50 games.
Here's my unboxing thread - http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=14157.0 (http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=14157.0)
(http://australianpinballrestorations.com.au/pictures/misc/KISS/KISS%2034.jpg)
First of all - some context to my review. I am one of those rabid fans in the KISS Army. I was an active collector. I stopped collecting and spending money on KISS after the "Farewell" tour of 2001. I did go to the Symphony Show in 2004 at Etihad and the last concert I attended was the 2014 Etihad Show. I've pretty much put my cue in the rack int terms of spending money on KISS - Unless it is related to the original line up.
Second of all - I'm not a massive fan of stern games. I'm not a stern Fanboi, or a Stern basher. My favorite Sterns are the classic Sterns. However, Ironman, Spiderman and CSI are favorites. I did a review of TWD LE in January. I DO like the game, but I would not own one.
I knew KISS was being done in 2015. Not from Stern, but from music industry people I know. My view always was that if the game represented the classic original line up, it would be a massive seller. If it featured the current tribute band line up, it would be a massive mistake.
When I saw the first photos, I was blown away. It represented the Original line up, but did have subtle references to the current line up. But the art package had me on the phone to Joe (Kids Just Wanna Have Fun). I ordered my game the moment it was 9:00 AM in Perth.
The Cabinet
Amazing. The classic line up depicted. Cabinet was a throwback to the Solo albums simultaneously released in 1978. Subtle changes, but it is Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter. The flames etc really looked good. It is simple and to the point. No need for high detail here. Everyone knows who it is ! The LE artwork with the gold and silver finish need to be seen in person. The red trim initially put me off. Now that I have the game - I'm leaving it. It really looks great. The backglass is cool. Again, strong ties back into the original, classic, game. Historically incorrect, as Gene didn't design or play the Axe Bass until 1982. The stage drawings are of the 1978 Love Gun tour. That's Ace on the backglass and clearly not Peter behind the drums as he didn't play a double bass. I don't really care.
Backglass should be a real backglass. But it still looks great.
Cabinet is a 10/10.
Playfield
Hand drawn with the colour scheme of the original machine. It is mainly a black background with the reds and yellows from the original palette.The drawings are excellent. There's flash bombs and explosions - everything you would associate with the live show circa 1978.
The design is very well laid out. The moment you serve the ball, you are in the game. Unlike TWD - where you calibrate your skill shit, then wait 5 minutes for the bell to exit the pops area, KISS is totally different. The only similarity is that the pops are set up similar to TAF. But unlike TWD - the ball drops onto the flippers or is thrown randomly. Gene's head is smaller than I though, but is 100% better than a bash toy. The spinning effect is totally random, and not as "violent" as I initially thought. If you hit the two targets at the entrance to the head, you active the lock. Do this three times for "Demon multiball". The LE has a real 3 ball lock as opposed to the PRO that has a virtual lock. The only thing about the head mechanism I HATE - These designers are damn stupid. When the Demon muntiball starts, the head spits out the balls - SDTM. How dumb are the designers and testers ? Point the damn thing at a flipper ! Demon Multiball usually starts with the three balls draining in quick succession and then relaunched. The starchild area is one VERY hard shot - and this is the theme with the game (early code) - it is HARD. The drop target does nothing except pop up and down depending on whether the ball is in that area or nit. It does not seem integrated yet. Ramps are smooth. Center ramp is VERY easy, right ramp a lot harder. The Drop targets are hard to hit, but come into play alot anyway. If you drop all targets, you get the "front row" lit on the LHS outlane. This is effectively a ball save. The centre KISS, instruments, characters lights don't do much. If you knock down the DTs and kit the RHS spot targets, it lights the corresponding insert. The inserts also change colours, depending on how many times you have hit the corresponding targets. It is really hard to work out what the other inserts do at this stage. Suffice to say that even with the glass off and hitting everything lit, it is impossible to advance the bouns multiplier and the "Colossal Bonus". But given the the colour changing inserts, there is future rules that can make good use of this part of the game. Pop Bumpers feel a lot better than other games. not sure why - they are the same. The Love Gun mutiball is HARD. You need to spot all the targets in the starchild area and then run up the RHS ramp.
I'm VERY grateful there are no magnets. The game flows so well without magnets and useless video modes. That's the key with this game. It is FAST and flows so incredibly well. No "stop and start" which i dislike in any game.
Demon Mutiball and Love Gun multiball are both cool. Demon multiball is jaw dropping. The playfield goes dark with only selected RED LEDs. Needs to be seen to believe. Once multiball is over the playfield GI etc switches back on. I LOVE it !
After 50 games - I can count "on my hand" the dimples. TWD LE looked like the surface of the moon after 50 games. No comparison. This table is 1000 times better.
Playfield - 9.5/10 - Fix the alignment of the Gene head exit and I'll be happier !
Code needs to be developed as there are a lot of functions not enabled - Bonus multiplier andthe method behind obtaining the characters (revolves around the spinner at the moment !).
Sounds
Unreal. Sounds like a stereo system. Turned it up all the way and i had the neighbours drop in ! AMAZING quality. The VERSIONS of the song were my biggest gripe, but it has more to do with what Stern was permitted to do with the license. Given tracks were from the early albums, the production from album to album was not uniform at all. KISS fans know that "Hotter than Hell" sounds like it was recorded in a basement, and "Creatures of the Night" has a missive Bonham drum sound. The re recordings of the tribute line up means ALL the songs sound uniform in terms of qulity and production. they lack the "vibe" of the original recordings, but I'm happy with it. The call outs are from Gene and Paul. Would have loved Ace or Peter's voice.
Sound package - 10/10
The GOOD
Amazing art package - THE best I've seen on a pinball.
Great theme - KISS fans have effectively bought all the LE's within 48 hours..
Great soundtrack and sound effects
Playfield layout and design is outstanding. Fast, smooth flow and 2 really cool multiballs.
The BAD
The Gene Head needs to be adjusted to point to the flippers.
Bloody EXPENSIVE game.
CODE
Needs a lot of work ONLY because there so much potential with the lighting effect, the multicoloured LEDs on the inserts could be incorporated into the code for various achievements. There needs to be a "Spaceman" and "Catman" multiball. The "Demon multiball" turns the table red. "Spaceman" could turn it blue, and "Catman " Green. so much potential..
VERDICT
If Gene's head was replaced with a Shark and the theme was "Jaws", it would be rated very highly. This game is really only going to be bought and enjoyed by KISS fans, or friends of KISS fans. I'm not sure if a "pinball fan" would buy this game due to the theme. These poor sods don't know what they are missing out on. This game absolutely ROCKS. The layout, artwork and sounds are incredible. To SEE the visual improvements with multicoloured LEDs is worth a game for KISS haters. Take the price out of the equation - it is a killer pinball machine, but as a KISS fan - this game was worth saving up for and waiting for.
On EARLY code - and this NOT because I'm a KISS fan - this game is "as good" as any Stern I've played - yes - it is "as good" as a developed Iron Man or AC/DC. With code updates - this will be the BEST Stern table.
One thing I have noticed - Play KISS LE for 10 games and then TRY to play TWD LE. You KNOW you are playing a Stern table when you play TWD. KISS has a NEW feel to it that I cannot put my finger on. It is FAST, smooth and HARD.
My LE is going home as I need to work on pins and not play them. I have not enjoyed playing a game as much as this game for many years.
With code releases it will be the best Stern by a long stretch. I know it is a big call, but this game plays different that what I would expect from a Stern.
I rate the game as a 9.5/10.
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If Gene's head was replaced with a Shark and the theme was "Jaws"
Don't know about highly rated, but it sure would be a lot better <.>
I call Demon multiball, swallow my balls multiball too! &&
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If Gene's head was replaced with a Shark and the theme was "Jaws"
Don't know about highly rated, but it sure would be a lot better <.>
I call Demon multiball, swallow my balls multiball too! &&
+1
First thing I thought when I saw KISS was a Jaws re-theme.
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I wonders if there is any adjustment in the head? It is a pain when she goes down the guts trying to get multiball.
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Well done on the NIB, The LE sure does look impressive, Honest & detailed review also ^^^
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I wonders if there is any adjustment in the head? It is a pain when she goes down the guts trying to get multiball.
Yes, the left/right angle of Gene's head is adjustable.
I would guess that factory setting is for a level setting on the leg levellers (normal playfield slope). Gene probably can't spit his fire balls where intended, if the machine is not at the factory slope setting. That's my guess.
PS.
I saw a KISS LE on the weekend. Very nice. Best pinball machine since Metallica, and probably better than Metallica. (And I'm no KISS or Metallica fan. They are simply great games)
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I wonders if there is any adjustment in the head? It is a pain when she goes down the guts trying to get multiball.
Yes, the left/right angle of Gene's head is adjustable.
I would guess that factory setting is for a level setting on the leg levellers (normal playfield slope). Gene probably can't spit his fire balls where intended, if the machine is not at the factory slope setting. That's my guess.
PS.
I saw a KISS LE on the weekend. Very nice. Best pinball machine since Metallica, and probably better than Metallica. (And I'm no KISS or Metallica fan. They are simply great games)
The assembly can be adjusted. Also, the simple action of holding both flippers at the point of the balls flying out saves them all from draining. I didn't want to do this as it fries the older Stern flippers coil setup. Simple fix.
I think almost everyone has had a game or two and its coming home. My son (on holidays) came to work today and played it for an hour. The attention span for 11 year olds is about 25 seconds these days.. So I was most impressed. But he wants it home now.
Further playing of the game leads be to believe that Stern need to move away from dot animation and upgrade to LCD. This game lacks good animation and was the perfect title to be the first.
The funniest remarks I've had from almost all pinheads - "It does not play like a stern". Not a criticism - just an interesting observation. Consistent with my findings that I almost cannot play TWD LE - it "feels" different. I'm loving my LE - really has rekindled my interest in "playing" rather than working on pinballs.
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don't have to worry about holding the flippers now with SPIKE setup and I am stoked your youngin likes it too!
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Doesn't feel/play like a Stern comment gave me a bit of a laugh. I think that's the fanatical KISS mind clouding your judgement. Certainly doesn't have any different feeling as far as I'm concerned. B/W to Stern, yes, Stern to Stern, no.
It's a very good all round package, but far from the likes of LOTR, Spiderman and Metallica as far as I'm concerned. Cabinet art is the biggest let down. Playfield , BG very good, gameplay good, cab art is terrible.
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I didn't think it felt any different to play than any of the other Sterns at Timezone when I played it.
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Kiss pinball in Pro or LE is great.
Stern has hit a lot of home runs for its last half a dozen titles.
Kiss feels and plays nice like ACDC or X Men or Mustang or Star Trek etc etc and the list goes on.
Sterns have felt great for ages.
The budget years of Avatar and Transformers were a bit basic but the rest have been very nice.
Thanks for the review.
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Well done on the NIB, The LE sure does look impressive, Honest & detailed review also ^^^
Agreed.
A lot better to read a detailed objective review from someone credible like Strangeways and get a proper "feel" for the game itself, rather than the typical meaningless superlatives, mixed metaphors and hilarious malapropisms from the usual fanboys.
The local Stern agent over here had a KISS machine set up in their front showroom when I drove past there yesterday so I might check it out in person this weekend.
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Nino, really appreciate your review, but have to say I am surprised (perhaps shocked) at you giving the soundtrack 10/10 given your earlier comments on the pin using the tribute band recordings. What's the deal here? How can it be perfection?
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Nino, really appreciate your review, but have to say I am surprised (perhaps shocked) at you giving the soundtrack 10/10 given your earlier comments on the pin using the tribute band recordings. What's the deal here? How can it be perfection?
maybe he's scoring the sound quality as opposed to tracks/performers. Dunno??
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Great review Nino :) 9.5 gee Stern would be very happy with that score. Yours seems to have avoided any real issues which is fantastic-QC seems to be an issue with all pinball manufacturers reading pinside and when your making 90% of the games statistics say your have more issues. Glad your happy 3 ball or 5 ball?
LE is set for 3 ball. Pro is currently 5 ball. No real reason.
Yesterday I "somehow" achieved a bonus multiplier. no idea how, but I had the "2X" lit during play and awarded after the ball.
I have an issue where the sound cuts out randomly. Could just need the code updated - but V1.05 only offers support to the validator and topper !
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Great review Nino :) 9.5 gee Stern would be very happy with that score. Yours seems to have avoided any real issues which is fantastic-QC seems to be an issue with all pinball manufacturers reading pinside and when your making 90% of the games statistics say your have more issues. Glad your happy 3 ball or 5 ball?
LE is set for 3 ball. Pro is currently 5 ball. No real reason.
Yesterday I "somehow" achieved a bonus multiplier. no idea how, but I had the "2X" lit during play and awarded after the ball.
I have an issue where the sound cuts out randomly. Could just need the code updated - but V1.05 only offers support to the validator and topper !
Yeah sound cutting out happened after V1.04 dropped I'm sure it'll be fixed soon. Backstage pass can award 2X bonus.
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Nino, really appreciate your review, but have to say I am surprised (perhaps shocked) at you giving the soundtrack 10/10 given your earlier comments on the pin using the tribute band recordings. What's the deal here? How can it be perfection?
Covered that in the review - although I reviewed the SOUND, not the SOUNDTRACK;
Sounds
Unreal. Sounds like a stereo system. Turned it up all the way and i had the neighbours drop in ! AMAZING quality. The VERSIONS of the song were my biggest gripe, but it has more to do with what Stern was permitted to do with the license. Given tracks were from the early albums, the production from album to album was not uniform at all. KISS fans know that "Hotter than Hell" sounds like it was recorded in a basement, and "Creatures of the Night" has a missive Bonham drum sound. The re recordings of the tribute line up means ALL the songs sound uniform in terms of qulity and production. they lack the "vibe" of the original recordings, but I'm happy with it. The call outs are from Gene and Paul. Would have loved Ace or Peter's voice.
I know for a fact Stern were only allowed to use the re recorded tracks that were recorded for an obscure Japanese album. This was done to avoid paying Ace and Peter a performance royalty. The songs "Love it Load" and "Lick It Up" were not recorded by the original line up - which the pinball is paying tribute to. Both songs were written by Vinnie Vincent who signed over his songwriting credits to KISS many years ago.
To elaborate on my point regarding the soundtrack, here the point I'm trying to make ;
This is the original studio version of "Hotter than Hell"
Background - This was KISS' second album released in 1974. Probably their heaviest album with the original line up, the production is easily KISS' worst effort. It sounds like it was recorded in a basement (not far from the truth). But some of the songs are absolute classics. My AP name is named after the song "Strangeways", which has a long story.. Suffice to say, many grunge bands look back at this album as a point of influence.
Here's the re recorded cover version
Uninspiring. Going through the motions. But better production.
I Love It Loud
Original version has an absolute MONSTER sound. Drumming on this album is bonham like.
Re recorded rubbish
Black Diamond
From the debut album. This is "the" song that you hear the chemistry between the original four. The production is far superior than the album that follows (Hotter than Hell)
Re recorded version ;
It is not too bad - Until Eric starts singing. Peter is 100 times what Eric is as a singer.
If you listen to the disparity in production of the three original recordings, you can see my point. The production is too far apart. The re recordings have the same production - so they fit in with the pinball and make perfect sense. they are TERRIBLE re recordings as they lack the vibe and chemistry of the original.
There are TONS of better tribute bands that have recorded better versions than the tribute band current tourings. But I digress..
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Doesn't feel/play like a Stern comment gave me a bit of a laugh. I think that's the fanatical KISS mind clouding your judgement. Certainly doesn't have any different feeling as far as I'm concerned. B/W to Stern, yes, Stern to Stern, no.
It's a very good all round package, but far from the likes of LOTR, Spiderman and Metallica as far as I'm concerned. Cabinet art is the biggest let down. Playfield , BG very good, gameplay good, cab art is terrible.
Actually, you would be "laughing" a lot with the feedback I'm receiving.
Stern collector (not a KISS fan and no interest in the game due to the theme). Again, first comments was along the lines that it does not play like the recent Sterns Although he has not played a Wrestlemainia as yet.
Had a KISS fan play the game yesterday (owns only the 1978 Game I'm restoring in a 2 years time) and he loved the machine. Noticed the difference between TWD Pro and KISS Pro - more "clutter" on TWD.
My LE is at home now and the kids are loving it.
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I said the same thing when I played Nino's last week.
I think it's the new spike system.
I reason it pulses the coils differently.
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Not a fan of the game, but the concert last week pretty good for a bunch of old fellas.
Simmons voice has held up well over the years, Stanley's not so much - could barely hear him for the opening number Detroit Rock City.
Plenty of pyrotechnics/theatrics as always to compensate for that though.
Any Melb/Perth/Sydney members make it to the concert? What did you think?
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Not a fan of the game, but the concert last week pretty good for a bunch of old fellas.
Simmons voice has held up well over the years, Stanley's not so much - could barely hear him for the opening number Detroit Rock City.
Plenty of pyrotechnics/theatrics as always to compensate for that though.
Any Melb/Perth/Sydney members make it to the concert? What did you think?
I didn't go as I've seen this coverband version a few times and they are simply going through the motions. Credit to them - they still put on a better performance than most artists half their age. Most of the current setlist is from the original 6 studio albums. I always say to people that if you have never seen KISS, then you HAVE to go - just for the experience.
Three of my favorite singers are Paul Stanley, David Coverdale and James Christian. If you think Stanley's voice is bad (it is - compared to 5 years ago), have a listen to any recent live Whitesnake show. That's a vocal decline !
As for the LE at home - it is taking a belting. Played every day. I'm anxiously waiting for code updates as it is really hard to pass 100 Million without the Demon multiball being achieved 3 times.
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I didn't go as I've seen this coverband version a few times and they are simply going through the motions. Credit to them - they still put on a better performance than most artists half their age.
Interesting observation. On the left hand side on stage behind Simmons position there was a black shower curtain type set up like a one person privacy screen.
From the front on position you had no idea what was behind it, but from my seated side on vantage point you could see there was a seat behind it and nothing else.
It was quite funny to watch Simmons quickly ducking behind the screen at regular intervals throughout the show for a sit down and quick kip.
Or maybe it was a grandpa power nap. :lol
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Excellent info Nino.
Your updates on this thread are great reading and informative.
The machine in person looks amazing.
Having a Pro and a LE side by side is as good as it gets.
I really like the play of TWDead and when u play a Kiss after the WDead, it does feel very different cause of the layouts but both feel n play beautifully.
I am hoping in a few years looking back u have a few more Stern titles.
Your son is very lucky to be able to share such a great experience with his dad like u did with yours.
That's the great story here for sure.
Let us know when u did your next code updates and what you think.
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I didn't go as I've seen this coverband version a few times and they are simply going through the motions. Credit to them - they still put on a better performance than most artists half their age.
Interesting observation. On the left hand side on stage behind Simmons position there was a black shower curtain type set up like a one person privacy screen.
From the front on position you had no idea what was behind it, but from my seated side on vantage point you could see there was a seat behind it and nothing else.
It was quite funny to watch Simmons quickly ducking behind the screen at regular intervals throughout the show for a sit down and quick kip.
Or maybe it was a grandpa power nap. :lol
There are not many bands that have been around for 40+ years that can still deliver a decent show that is worth the money. The Rolling Stones have been around a fair bit longer, but they tour once every 5 years. AC/DC, Aerosmith and Black Sabbath do the same. KISS have toured almost every year since 1973. They don't wear Jeans and a T-Shirt - they wear costumes, platform boots and amongst other things, breath fire and put on a spectacle that not many bands in history can compare. I can't them going on for much longer, but I respect their longevity and contribution / influence on my life.
I played my LE for 2 hours tonight. Switched off "work mode" and played pinball. I'd love to remove my obvious bias of the theme and hear other people's opinion..
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Great review nino. I have the pro and its a very nice package. It is quite challenging i find as the extra ball is no gimme and starchild right ramp and right orbits are tight.
I am finding more dimpling on my kiss than my twd. My twd looks better than kiss and has played way more games. Weird
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Great review nino. I have the pro and its a very nice package. It is quite challenging i find as the extra ball is no gimme and starchild right ramp and right orbits are tight.
I am finding more dimpling on my kiss than my twd. My twd looks better than kiss and has played way more games. Weird
One of the first things to do it drop the 4 KISS drop targets to lite the "front Row" left hand outlane save. I now understand why Stern collectors HANG on code updates. This game is fun, but needs more development.
My LE has 6 - 12 noticeable dimples. Had over 250 games. I can live with that. I'm going to add Cliffys over the weekend for the scoop and the shooter lane.
I did return to play TWD Pro - and there is a difference between the "feel" of the tables. In a good way. I'm REALLY pleased I have a KISS LE. I want to work on some mods soon..
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i am a moderate Kiss fan, seen them in Concert 4 times.
The last time I saw them was Kiss Rocks Vegas - November 22 in 2014 (Hard Rock Hotel); brilliant show better than any Australian staged offerings I have seen.
Having played the PRO version, I feel something is missing from the game play. It could be code updates as alluded too earlier.
Stern titles don't engage me as they should something is missing; they generally have a cold clinical feel to them.
The have made some great machines AC/DC, Metallica and LOTR.
I make no preference to manufacturer but a table should have something that grabs you and Sterns as a general rule don't for me.