So, finally played a physical Monster Bash at lunchtime today. My (random) thoughts:
* Game feels like it's easy, but my score was quite shit compared to the replay score. Very odd feeling.
* Sound design is great on this machine.
* LEDs don't suit it, IMO. Probably look better with the sepia-esque tinge of regular globes.
* Good flow to the game, but any sense of speed the game would've had is bled dry by the ramps. Somehow they slow it down far too much, IMO.
* For some reason, didn't feel as solid as the other DMD WMS games I'd played recently on location, Fish Tales and The Getaway. Still felt nice compared to the almost exclusive Stern diet I've been on. But nowhere near as chunky or built-like-a-brick-shithouse-y as my own High Speed. Coming to appreciate how solid it is more and more.
Honestly, didn't feel like the sort of game that is up there with MM and AfM in terms of the premium prices they usually fetch. I can see why it gets the adoration it does, it's a great theme and a good looking machine that doesn't play horribly... but there's not much that keeps me excited about it like MM and AfM do (let alone Fish Tales, Getaway etc.). Hell, I don't even think I'd buy myself one if I saw it going for less than 3 grand here in Australia. Only would if I could make some money from it.
Lesson for today: Most games probably aren't as great as the posters on Pinside or their Top 100 may indicate. Personal preference etc., but don't get your hopes up if you have a chance to play something a lot of people like, because chances are you might not like it as much as they do