LOTR is fun because of the modes and multiballs. Single-ball play is all about setting up for the next multiball and cashing in rewards that you earned in the last one.

The layout is generic but functional, and bits like the way the loops and path of the dead work get taken for granted but are quite clever.

The balrog toy IS boring. But the fellowship multiball is great.

The multiball rules in that game are a great example of how pinball 'comes together' - shooting one ball on a Lotr whitewood with no sound would be boring. But add two balls, music, a combo system, and Christopher Lee shouting, "To War!" and baby, you got yourself a delicious stew.

Hobbit on the other hand has a unique layout. May take longer to find the hook, or the perfect stack, or the best way to move through the game. I'm still confident it'll end up a great game, but then again Im a big fan of WoZ as well and not everyone is.