I retract previous statement.... thought it was the full size pin....
transformers pin
- Thread starter demogo
- Start date
I don't get Sterns thinking on this. From the way it looks, they're aiming it at the people who buy the cheap air hockey and pool tables from sporting goods stores at Christmas. I think its overpriced by at least 2 grand for that market. Because of crappy looking toy-like cabinet, I'd be embarrassed to have it in a lineup next to my cheap klunker System 11's.
They already tried this with the much better looking Costco Batman and that bombed. I think they just squandered all the money they made fleecing people 7.5k for LE's on this.
They already tried this with the much better looking Costco Batman and that bombed. I think they just squandered all the money they made fleecing people 7.5k for LE's on this.
FireSlash
New member
I doubt much of this is "squandered". They want to use this board set to replace SAM, and this has produced a wonderful test bed for it while protecting their current market from playing guinea pig. The R&D for the actual machine likely wasn't much (They can recycle a lot of assets from their real TF pins and the display is only an alphanum). Sure there was SOME cost to development, but they'll likely sell enough to at least break even, or come close (which is fine given the above point)
I played 3 games on transformers and the avengers at CES on thursday. I'm no pin expert, but here is my observation:
1. The LED score is the only animation on the backbox. It is simply a light box with a translucent graphic.
2. The playfield is very close to a full size table. In fact, it might even be the same. The parts were nice and solid.
3. The game was very light as in nudging made it seem too light.
The play was OK, but overall, both machines seemed cheap. I'm sure that's why they are 2 grand cheaper than a commercial grade machine.
1. The LED score is the only animation on the backbox. It is simply a light box with a translucent graphic.
2. The playfield is very close to a full size table. In fact, it might even be the same. The parts were nice and solid.
3. The game was very light as in nudging made it seem too light.
The play was OK, but overall, both machines seemed cheap. I'm sure that's why they are 2 grand cheaper than a commercial grade machine.
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AUSyTyIN
Well-known member
I'm confused. Did you play the Transformers pinball machine, or the cheapy "pin"? Or is there an Avengers "pin" out there that I haven't heard of? (where "pin" = cheaped out pinball machine that is the topic of this thread)
There was a blue bodied "The Pin" at CES, they probably intro'd The Avengers version there.
AUSyTyIN
Well-known member
Pinball Wizard
Well-known member
That is correct, at CES they had an Avengers home model there. It hasn't been officially announced by Stern as of yet, but was seen in all the CES pictures.
I have a flyer for the home style avengers and the home style transformers. I'll see if I can u/l some pictures or scans later. Just so you know, I believe both games were designed with identical gameplay. I don't know if the rulesets are the same, but I couldn't tell a difference in the playfield layouts
FireSlash
New member
I'm playing "spot the difference" in the playfields and coming up dry, short of the center playfield area lamps.
AUSyTyIN
Well-known member
I retract my "smart move" comment.
Pinball Wizard
Well-known member
I don't see a problem with retheming a home pin. The average home buyer is going to say "ohh I want that theme" and buy that. They probably won't buy more than one, and as long as the playfield is decent, it gets the job done of being the gateway drug.
AUSyTyIN
Well-known member
Depends on how many times they re-theme the pin.
Supposedly this one will be $2500...
KenLayton
In Memoriam
Has anyone actually found out if the latest version can be repaired? Does the playfield raise like a normal one? Any manuals or schematics with it?
What's the power supply board look like?
What's the power supply board look like?
Les Manley
Well-known member
It does not. You have to remove the bottom. It is basically unserviceable. There are a couple of horror stories online for the couple of people who actually paid money for The Pin.
