Newer machines also have under playfield magnets which can also add randomness and fast flung balls. IM, Avengers and ST to name a few.
excellent point forgot about this, but as a player, do you have a say in whether to risk a shot through the magnets to achieve a reward like good points or are they a bit like sewp1 where you feel a bit ripped off playing well and then a magnet just drains your ball. I haven't really played the games you have mentioned
I actually get a rush or high playing the games with magnets. They are good during multiball when there is a lot going on and your mind is on strategies and balls flying everywhere when a magnet fires a ball at a rapid rate. The late Stern pop bumper area is a relief sometines during multiball as it gives you a bit of a break from too much action. Loosing a ball from a magnet during multi ball is no great loss as you may get it back if timer is running or you still have some balls in play.
I agree the magnets on Metallica are so random and with the new code the sparky magnet is awesome :-) I've had it flung all over the place including down the guts as my reflexes aren't quick enough. The Stern pop setup is great for MB as they give you time to get ready for fast action as they let the balls down one at a time.
So that's it Stern has the best pop setup :-)
Peter
you win Peter, but your slow reflexes is from the beers while playing mate
