The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Pinball Reviews => DMD 1991 - Present => Topic started by: swinks on February 08, 2012, 09:35:24 PM
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Hi All
First of all I want to try and give you a fair and honest review of this machine. I know Cavey reviewed this machine but I wanted to give another view without hijacking his thread. I am by no means a pinball expert of many many years as have only been in this for 18 months playing only a small limited number of games but felt the need to share with others tempted to buy an AC/DC. My apologies if I do repeat anything from any other reviews but this is what I experienced.
I played one of the first 4 or 5 that are in Australia in Newcastle today at Pizza and Pinball. I am not a AC/DC fan - I do know some of their music and like a few of the classics. I also apologise for some minor comparisons to a Iron Man.
This machine is one of Luke's (specialwhenlit - here on AP) machines who I bought my Iron Man off. Since it is one of his machines nothing is just left normal, in which he modified this one within a few days and sited asap. I will post some photos and one video trying to capture the leds ???? try.
This machine is the Pro model but with:
- red pincab protectors
- mirror blades
- sub speaker kit
- shaker motor
- full led kit installed.
Looks
- The machine looks great and is eye catching amongst a line up of old and new (6 machines in the shop side by side) even with the T2 right next to it - as this is the machine that I have read somewhere that it is compared to as being very similar in layout.
- Some photos on the net make the face in the centre of the playfield look very bad but in the flesh I must say not as bad as I originally thought - almost suits the machine design style.
- I have seen on the net a AC/DC train model, which as it seems does not exist on the Pro as it has a perspex panel at a angle with the image on it, a little tacky and you can see some fixtures behind it but not a big issue, more one that you notice if looking around.
- the cannon is a little tacky as well, a shame they couldn't have covered the hole facing the player (top end part of the cannon) as you can see the mechanisms, so hopefully a premium or LE has this changed but again not a big issue rather one you notice if looking.
- on the net you see the sub playfield and the inserts used around the eyes and mouth look odd, this appears to be the same in the main playfield with a subtle lighting affect so the odd shapes of the inserts does not represent the actual light coming through the design - so looks good.
- the new led dmd looks good but 1 vertical line roughly in the centre had a issue being permanently dimly lit so maybe a few bugs to sort out or just an unfortunately bad one to be replaced. Iron Man comparision - luke installed a red lens over the dmd and has very very similar effect to this new dmd. I think the new dmd is great - looks clear, bright and grabs your attention especially in the attract mode.
- the figure at the back of the playfield looks good but didn't move, not sure if is supposed to ????
Sound
- sounds awesome and since this was near the front counter of the pizza shop it couldn't be concert loud, but it sounded very impressive and I was enjoying the music.
- when you start a game you can select a song from the list and only once you have achieved some goals during the game can you change from that song. Otherwise on the next game you can select a new song at the start. The good thing about this game is that it plays the entire song not snippets like GnR. When hitting targets it sounds off the classic "OI" and instrument noises and blends in fairly well. To be honest I did not notice much speaking at all so more a music game. The guys in the shop said that the game has different goals and scoring based on what song is selected.
- in sync with the sound is the shaker, this is affective but subtle in comparison to a Iron /Man (sorry) and to note I don't know what level this has been set out.
- the sound of the train and especially the bell is awesome, very real and symbolic of ac/dc
- the sub kit is a awesome extra and you should definitely invest in this and with this style of music it is a must
Gameplay
- very fast due to the type of targets that are used, those who have played a iron man know when you hit one of the drone targets direct from the flipper, it just shoots the ball off at the very same pace that it hit the target so it can fly at you very fast. I think the game play will change once drop targets are introduced which I think will improve the game play personally as there are alot of these targets mid field and close to the slingshots on this playfield.
- the ramps are cool and easily achievable so not impossible to achieve
- surprisingly after hitting the bell it isn't a drain monster as suggested by someone I read somewhere???, '''relief''' as there is a small spring wire that sticks out from the pop bumpers into the bell lane which directs the ball slightly off centre so it does not drain between the flippers. I am sure this isn't a mod and a standard thing ????
- it is a fun game to play as out of the 6 games there - Mati Hari, LOTR, T2, RFM, TOTAN and AC/DC I played an equal amount of games on the AC/DC to all the other games together - $20 gone playing all these games.
- In the 6 games on AC/DC that I played I still couldn't work out the goals that had to be achieved and just spent the time keeping the ball alive.
Layout
- I have read somewhere (sorry for the vagueness) that some people were comparing it to a T2 in layout - well today having not played either game before - I did the comparison. I can see some similarities to layout with some items swapped to opposite sites, but pops in a similar place and layout but flipped to opposite side, ramp entries similar including style (but different plastic versus wire) but when playing the games I could not feel the similarities - totally different. Even both games have a cannon to shoot at a similar bank of targets - same designer......Theme probably has something to do with making it a bit different. Even the guys in the shop who have had T2 for a long time thought yeah I will practise on T2 and then rip it up on AC/DC - not so they confirmed. So for those who like the layout of T2 will most probably like this game. For those who don't like T2 (theme and layout) you will probably like this layout and game also. So a win win there I believe.
- It has a nice clear layout which I prefer in a game so that was good also.
- you can do the loop in one direction but not in the other as it gets caught in a ball catcher thingy and then shoots it into the pops which is a nice touch.
Mods
- red pin cabs - a definite, just helps it if you like that look. I have yellow ones on the iron man with the candy red legs. I think the yellow may look better on the ac/dc as the red is a slightly different shade - personal thing.
- leds throughout - some machines look good with them and some don't - this looked awesome - a definite mod I believe.
- shaker - it was good, though the setting may either have been tamed to suit the pizza shop or is not uterlising the same features eg a iron man / transformer has battles - a good excuse for explosions, but definitely could notice it in some of the game play and shooting the cannon.
- sub kit - a definite, just helps it kick arse - adds that rumble.
- mirror blades on the sides of the playfield. I have these on the Iron Man and I like them. I reckon you could play this game in the dark with no lights and still to be able to clear have a game as the light and images bounce off the mirror blades and gives the perception that the playfield is a bit bigger - a goer for me.
Overall
If I was a AC/DC fan I would buy this in a blink of a eye
If I was a operator I would buy this in a blink of an eye.
As for me I just bought my Iron Man so funds are short and even though last week after Cavey's review had me tempted and wondering, there are just a few game play features that don't do it for me. But in saying that this is a great looking machine and it does come down to personal taste. Today I played 9 machines that I have never played before - Dracula, Scared Stiff, Dr Who, Mati Hari, LOTR, T2, RFM, TOTAN and I liked this twice as much over any of these other machines and I would go back and throw more money into it - already booked in my birthday in 2 weeks time at the Pizza and Pinball - great pizzas as well.
If tempted but unsure, find it somewhere and try it, as it is a good game and I am sure the Premium and LE's is going to step it up even more - bling and features.
I will attach some photos in a few minutes.
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Layout differences and similarieties as per photos as luckily both machines were side by side today in Pizza and Pinball. T2 care of Skybeaux ^^^
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The machine with Red Pincabs ^^^
Am thinking yellow pincabs may suit the cabinet colours better but understand not really a rocking colour.
Here is a link if you don't already know where to get them.
http://www.rtbb.com.au/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=pin+cab&x=0&y=0
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Mirror blades added to the inside sides of the cabinet along side the playfield - looks great - personal opinion.
I will post the video tomorrow showing the led lighting with a youtube link.
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Thanks Swinks for an honest take on this machine.Everybody has their opinions on different games and i for one will not talk bullshit about a machine if i do not like it.Agree with you no doubt the Premiums and LE versions will have a slightly different gameplay with the drops in them,which will suit me fine.Love the mirror blades and i will have a set here ready to install from day of set up,also i am leaning to the yellow pincabs as well.Thanks for the pics and it was good to get another opinion about the machine.
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Fantastic review Jady, no over the top undue bias and totally even handed.
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Awesome write up cheers you did an unbiased run down of what looks like a great pinball :)
Peter
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cool, the Pizza and Pinball guys rock (no pun intented)
thanks for the review
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CC, how can any person who plays this machine have a undue bias ? you either like it or not when u play it and give other people your feelings.. The only person who can have a bias to the machine is someone who works for the manufacturer who may do a review. Sometimes I wonder what u write and why ?
Swinksy, great to read your review. A few things I noticed, is when I played the game u could shoot both full loops from both flippers and the ball would go completely both ways all the way round. Perhaps there is a point scoring situation which doesnt allow a full loop for some reason during gameplay. I will have to see what that is about when the machine turns up. I also like the idea of the mirror blades. I wonder if silver/chrome pincab looking protectors would look good.
Thanks for the review Swinksy. ^^^
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A good honest write up,as far as the shaker is concerned I would say its more a lack of game code as the one I fitted here doesnt seem to do much either,alot of the modes seem incomplete too also the one at PnP is 1 of 11 that came into the country at the same time
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Great read - fantastic review. An obvious winner for Stern and AC/DC fans.
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Here is the link for the led lighting - sorry boring sound as the machine was not playing when I took a quick video.
http://youtu.be/8y76NNPhjv8
Hopefully the premium and LE's when no one is playing you can actually select the soundtrack to play like a jukebox.
Thanks for the comments.
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looks noice. your link
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thanks - still haven't worked out how to put that in
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click on "youtube" under the bold B and insert the link there ^^^
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Great review - my wife will be having a word with you I suspect when I explain it was all your fault....... &&
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Contact specialwhenlit (ap member) for mirror blades - $110 plus post.
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CC, how can any person who plays this machine have a undue bias ? you either like it or not when u play it and give other people your feelings.. The only person who can have a bias to the machine is someone who works for the manufacturer who may do a review. Sometimes I wonder what u write and why ?
Your review was biased, saying everyone WILL love this machine etc etc is a classic example....please don't speak for me me or other people who are not caught up in this malestrom of hype.
Let Jady do all the reivews..it was excellent and gave me a much better perspective on the pin.
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CC,
biased. yeh right. %.% %.% %.% %.% %.% the dozen people who emailed me and phoned me excited about my review were thankful, and not one person put me down.
In fact, several people said they felt better about the deposit that they had put down and felt the review had made them feel comfortable with their ac/dc decision.
Just like Swinksy's review, it was fun and it was his opinion. If anyone was really positive, or really critical, would that person be biased ?.. of course not, that is just ridiculous. "Everyone will love this pin" was a figure of speech. Haters love nothing.
it seems that every person in the world who has decided to purchase a AC/DC pinny, didnt buy it because of a educated decision, but they only purchased it because they were caught up in your "the malestrom of hype". That insults every AP member who bought a AC/DC pinny and all the other buyers.
Stop being a hater Darren. Say positive things mate that bring the forum together, not apart. ^^^
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actually Jady's review is a little misleading as his reviewing a modded ACDC pro not the stock Standard re the subwoofer kit and the shaker motor, whereas Brett's review was the Factory ACDC pro
but at the end of the day both had a positive review of the pro version
one on the stock standard pro
and one on a enhanced pro ( which will help people to bling there games)
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I will probably buy a red, yellow and silver/chrome set of pincabs from RTBB just to try out on the new machine. The colours I have left over I can put on other machines.
What Swinksy's review also taught me was that the first dozen or so AC/DC Pro models in the country might have the Proto type software roms in them, cause I did hear someone saying something when I was in Sydney, and also on a USA pinball review site, that the updated roms would be available when the Pro models goes into full production etc, and that test or early brand new Proto games would be best suited to upgrade/check game roms. (safer to just update the rom anywy, even if the rom says its the same). The games at AMD, and the newcaste Pro model, might have some small playfield set up differences etc.
Great review - my wife will be having a word with you I suspect when I explain it was all your fault....... (quote Nick-Pinnies4me)
Are u ordering a machine Nick. It sounds like u are seriously looking/thinking about a AC/DC pin. If so that is great. If you do go ahead, I would look forward to your opinions on the game too. ^^^ Nick, are u aiming for a LE if u can, or the Pro model. We just have to convert Nino now.lol excellent.
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I just want to add to why I gave a review.....
- I knew that some people may want to apply some mods to their new investment - pride of joy, so thought this was a opportunity to share with others as sited machines blinged up don't come around that often - a try before you buy experience.
- in another thread there was talk of cabinet protectors so it was a opportunity to give people a visual of what it looks like giving some people a choice - should I or shouldn't I buy them / fit them, or what flavour pincab's should I put on
- same again with sub kits, leds and mirror blades - wouldn't you hate to spend the dollars ($400 - $500 for these items) and put it on and go mmmm that looks worse or has minimal effect for $ spent
At the end of the day I knew I wasn't going to buy one, though Cavey did have a very positive review and credit to him if you are collector of the latest Stern pinballs or a fan of AC/DC as I think he captured the hype and excitement of what is to come and shared it with so many people - helping so many people.
But in saying that I was never going to buy one, and went there mainly to see what the hype was all about. I must say that I was surprised and enjoyed my experience and will go back to play it again but like I said the theme and layout is not what I prefer - each to there own.
Lastly I am the type of person that likes to do a bit of research before spending some big dollars and I appreciate when someone else can share with others (including me) an objective review about a product. I have watched the buzz along with lots of people throwing big dollars with only seeing a few photos. Therefore if I can help others view it from a slightly different perspective and it then helps them cement the deal then I am happy to share. And if you do get the machine without playing it, base it on the theme, a review from pinball news, cavey and myself remember they are our own opinions and yours might differ so don't blame us....
Tomorrow I head to AMD to get some parts and hopefully have another go (if any left there) and maybe the guys there can educate me about some of the goals within the game so I can relay on to you all. If you want me to find out anything just ask.
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We just have to convert Nino now.lol excellent.
Nah - not me. I'm not a fan of the band so it would not be in my collection. I would rather spend my money on projects. It's all about the journey for me. I don't "play" as much as I "work". If I was to keep another DMD (other than CV) it would be a Scared Stiff and maybe Ironman.
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WOW , I feel sorry for people who write and share negativity within this forum . Share your stoke if you feel the need . Share your disappointment if thats what is required . Negativity breeds negativity .
I would much rather read a post that entices me to at least try something I may not have before than totally write it off .
I have not ordered AC/DC but after playing it , WELL let me say it is very cool , fast , unforgiving and appears to be a very deep rule set . Most of the people I saw play it were very impressed with a few minor issues being the exception , but as it is a pro ( basic ) model you expect some flaws . Operators should be excited that they have a quick turnaround , broad appeal money making machine with a lower buy price than previous machines . A great theme to keep re-igniting the flame of our hobby .
I think we should be grateful there is a place where you can express your thoughts reviews for the masses and make an educated decision based on many peoples thoughts . We all have this passion - PINBALL -
I am happy to read the reviews , cheers lads . Hope my minor input at least makes people try it .
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Great review - my wife will be having a word with you I suspect when I explain it was all your fault....... (quote Nick-Pinnies4me)
Are u ordering a machine Nick. It sounds like u are seriously looking/thinking about a AC/DC pin.
Had a good hard think about it but I only have a passing interest in the band and only have one spot available in the room, and several games I would like to have ahead of this. But as themes go, this is the most attractive Stern to date for me (aside from Simpsons which is too stop/go for my tastes).
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Nick, As I know you are a AFM fan like myself you will most likely enjoy AC/DC. I have only played a few games so far on a standard Pro with early code.
But I have come away with a great first impression it feels like AFM specifically the smoothness of the ramps. This is a big call but it is without doubt for me the closest Stern have come to achieving the feel of a Williams Bally pin.
Unlike some previous Stern Pro's this game feels complete. Yes one will get more features with the Premium or an LE and the code will develop. But at $5950 the Pro is great value.
I have a BIBLE ordered but have seriuosly considered the Pro.
The only negative is the canon being that I am short will view of the RHS inlane is partialy obstructed. I have the same issue with CV but have got used to that so I expect I will on AC/DC also.
Of course you will form your own opinion on the game.
Chris
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The only negative is the canon being that I am short will view of the RHS inlane is partialy obstructed.
Chris
LOL
I hope I'm taller than you
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We are about even greg. Did not worry any of the other guys including other height limited ones.
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Nick, As I know you are a AFM fan like myself you will most likely enjoy AC/DC. I have only played a few games so far on a standard Pro with early code.
I suspect I will like it, but I'm going to wait until I get my hands on one to play before deciding if its for me. Looking forward to playing though, can't wait!!
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Went to AMD to get some parts and have a game on the LE Transformers and AC/DC
1. If you locate a machine to test, " bonus or software glitch ???" hold the fire button down while launching the ball until another ball is launched into the plunger lane - instant multball - this will most definitely change once a software upgrade is issued.
2. Highly unlikely to get LE backglasses to swap out, couldn't confirm Premiums either way....
3. for Brett - the shooting a ball up the left side completes a loop around to the right but shooting up the right side does no complete a loop to the left
4. The figure near the pops is a extra by luke I think as it was not on the Pro.
Also mentioned to Norbet that a Home sited machine should have a feature added to it - that you can use the machine to play the 12 songs like a jukebox after a game is finished and machine sitting there idle - he said he will try to suggest to Stern as a turn on / off feature maybe as a menu feature or button push combo.
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The only negative is the canon being that I am short will view of the RHS inlane is partialy obstructed.
Chris
LOL
I hope I'm taller than you
hmmmmmm
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The only negative is the canon being that I am short will view of the RHS inlane is partialy obstructed.
Chris
LOL
I hope I'm taller than you
hmmmmmm
I think whether you are tall or short the cannon does obstruct the view
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QUOTE
4. The figure near the pops is a extra by luke I think as it was not on the Pro.
Yes I thought this was a mod, good honest write-up ^^^
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thanks for the update Swinksy. ^^^ It was good to see you got a game on the AMD Pro. U were a bit of a detective to find that programming error with that cannon button etc.
I was dam sure I got both loops from both flippers but I believe you. We were pretty excited with the music raging so the first thing i will try when mine arrives is too get a loop again from both sides. Its such a quick game, the ball just fly's around everywhere. Time cant go fast enough to the AC/DC delivery dates. ^^^ ^^^
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Went to AMD to get some parts and have a game on the LE Transformers and AC/DC
3. for Brett - the shooting a ball up the left side completes a loop around to the right but shooting up the right side does no complete a loop to the left
Jady
what stops the the ball going up the right side ? is it a pop up post? as I think they can be turned off/on via the software on a few different Stern games
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Went to AMD to get some parts and have a game on the LE Transformers and AC/DC
3. for Brett - the shooting a ball up the left side completes a loop around to the right but shooting up the right side does no complete a loop to the left
Jady
what stops the the ball going up the right side ? is it a pop up post? as I think they can be turned off/on via the software on a few different Stern games
It's a one way metal gate to the left of the pops by the looks (similar to the one on IM with the centre spinner that hooks around to the right into the pops) and I say this as I could not get the ball around because if you do a medium hit up the right side and around the top the ball flows into the pops, if you do a hard hit the ball goes into the ball lock and release ejecting the ball ball into the pops. I could be wrong but could not confirm 100% as not able to remove glass to suss out. check out the photo care over pinball news.
Not to be confused you can hit the ball from the flipper s up to the top via the rhs but not a loop formation as far as I could achieve / see.
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Only one word will describe this game properly and that word is shite!
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I played a sited Premium today just down the road from my place, not a bad machine though the return lane from the bell is a killer when sometimes it comes out of the pops and straight down the drain where on the Pro it has the little spring to send the ball to the side. I like the drop targets compared to the pro but very bored of the bottom playfield - ended up selecting songs to avoid this playfield. The game still plays fast with the drops, a shame they didn't make the Premium with no bottom playfield but with drops and then the LE has all the bells and whistles.
The lighting was great, as the swinging bell and the TNT detonator activates fast.
Sad that Stern could not spend a few more dollars on a moving modelled band, a modelled cap to replace the block on the top of the bell and a modelled cannon like the train on the Premium and LE's - just looks a little crappy - leaves it open for people to develop a few mods I suppose.
Overall not bad, one of the better Sterns but SM, IM and Tron are better unless if you are a AC/DC fan then you will love this.
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Mine has a post with a rubber on it so as when the ball exits the pops or bell it never has once gone down the guts the post deviates the ball to the right flipper..
Peter ^^^
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comprehensive review - nice -
when I played this game I was constantly confused at first - so many bright leds on the machine I played made it hard for me to follow the ball..maybe I need glasses - but I def prefer machines which are not made to give people seizures
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Thanks for the review. Awaiting delivery of my premium AcDc NIB in late January. Bought it without playing one yet because every place around here only has the pro model on the floor. Would have liked a LE but they have vanished. Re the "bias" in review- of course personal opinion will vary. If the review stars their two favorite machines at the time, it would give readers an indication of their tastes which would be helpful. I'm adding the new machine to TZ, STNG and Simpsons party pinball, so that's the flavor of my game room!
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Congrats on your new purchase you won't be disappointed its a fun fast and crazy title you will keep coming back for more.
Peter
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Congrats on your purchase, you won't be dissapointed *%* One of the BEST Stern titles imo
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Well done on your new AC/DC Premium purchase....alot of us who own a AC/DC machine are very happy with the purchase 6 months on...definately a keeper for sure....(also TZ and STNG and Simpsons are all great games as well)......let us know when it arrives and maybe a photo or two of the unboxing, always a favourite on Aussie Pinball. Well done ^^^
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Your purchase so late in the title run adds to the status of a great title. There are knockers out there but when you read all the forums, AC/DC is a classic keeper and will not disappoint in years to come.
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congrats on the purchase, glad the review came in handy
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Your purchase so late in the title run adds to the status of a great title. There are knockers out there but when you read all the forums, AC/DC is a classic keeper and will not disappoint in years to come.
Well said ^^^