Yes, but there a many companies building cars
Right now there is only one volume builderof pinball machines
If you want a NIB machine, you have to have it theStern way
Stern have been bailed out twice in recent times because of cost cutting and other issues. I'm GLAD investors saved Stern, but having said that, JJP have made one game (ok - it has taken 4 years longer than it should have) - but that game (WOZ) caused the ripple effect of Stern having to lift their standards. So what happens when JJP improve their build time ? Spooky Pinball / Heighway.. Stern knows it's about to change again.
"The Stern way" - Not necessarily - and this I've seen first hand. I had two customers want to purchase a KISS Premium. So I invited them to my place to play my LE. The first immediately noticed the sound issues, and backed out. He since bought my last TZ as a High End Restoration. This is based PURELY on the sound / code issues. The second customer is sitting on the fence, and was waiting to see if the code updates were worth the $ (no code update = customer in limbo).
Cue the "Nino is a Stern basher" argument. Bollocks - Inviting people into my home and convincing them "everything will be alright once the code gets updated" does not work for the average pinball enthusiast. Just imagine APR saying - "We provide the highest quality restoration work. Please just accept the fact that the gumball machine does not work, the magnets don't pulse, and the clock won't spin. We are currently busy restoring an Indy, so we will look at your TZ next week. Or the week after. Maybe next month.." I'd be out of business in a week (or just be considered a dealer
).
It's Stern, this is how they roll. Nothing new here.
If you buy a new game from Stern expect the code rollercoaster and cross your fingers that the game gets completed to your satisfaction because there is a very good chance it won't be.
The only things you can count on from Stern are price hikes and cost cutting.
I'd love to change that.
Why can't we expect the game that rolls off the floor is 100% coded. The ONLY updates will be for enhancements, or fixes.
Moving factories, having 40 production lines, hiring 65790 staff means nothing to customers. Having a 100% completed game is what sells product. Stern needs to change, not US.
