I would buy an HUO GB premium, so you can inspect and play it before buying. Almost all NIB pins need some tweaking to get dialed in, ST needs quite a bit from what I’ve heard.

There are lots of things to consider.

If you have played both and everyone enjoyed them, i would recommend whichever has the look/toys/nostalgia you prefer. Deeper rules will keep it as more of a challenge, but that may not actually be appealing for younger kiddos.

Will you be getting more than one at some point? Have you considered that you could buy 2 or 3 for the same price?

Just some things to think about...since you asked.

If it is strictly up to the 2 mentioned, GB premium would be my choice.

GB hands down!

Make sure you actually want the games and have played them a good amount. Like 20 games each at least.

Not to be a downer, but my money says your daughter isn't going to give a crap about the games in a month. There are certainly exceptions, but that's the way it usually goes.

As for those 2 games, again make sure you want them. Those are two of the most despised games around here.

I would take all of these games over the other 2.

FWIW I used to own a GB. I don't think it or STh are terrible, just don't really care to play either of them that much any more.

My wife, myself and my kids love stranger things premium (w/Uv kit)! Great game that should only get better..... ghostbusters is cool but wasn’t a family favorite!

JP is one of the best Sterns and is pretty user friendly for all skill levels

I own both Stranger Things pro and Ghostbusters Pro. They are both on location at my local brewery. I also have Jurassic Park pro and Star Trek pro. I enjoy all those stern pros. I would also recommend GOTG pro and Deadpool pro. Try to pick the theme you enjoy the most. The best thing to do is buy a used example in great condition that you can see and play before purchasing.

As much as I dislike STH in its current state of code, it will get better. Ghostbuster is just a terrible game and imo Sterns worst. Not sure I want to own a pin designed by an alleged pedo too,
Just sayin.

Come on, man...Ghostbusters was a group effort. Regardless, would you not buy a Ford product because Henry Ford was an anti-semite and Nazi sympathizer? Not buy a BMW because they made Hitler’s tanks? Not buy Apple products because Steve Jobs was an asshole? At some point, the finished products stand apart from those who make them.

By the way, I have Ghostbusters and think it’s great. It has some flaws, sure, and requires some dialing in, but the whole package is wonderfully unique and fun as hell.

Out of curiosity what is the dealer charging you? If it's like other retail spots, you'll be paying a premium and probably could save some relevant money (and time spent dialing the game in) by buying a used HUO game, or even going direct to a distributor. That said, I don't love either of these games and for an 11 year old they will likely play kind of tough and frustrating. If you have to pick between the two, Stranger Things is probably the more forgiving choice, albeit does have less "stuff" in it than GB. If you're not married to these two games, spend some time on a JP or Deadpool or even a Maiden...

Lots of great pins, I’m not a fan of Stranger Things, I had an opportunity to pick up any pin made of late and picked Star Wars premium Comic edition.

Iron Man, Spider Man are both great pins as well as Deadpool.

Dialed In! and Attack from Mars both are fantastic imo.

Between these 2 and in the current state of their respective code I would take GB with no hesitation. It's rich, it's fun, decently deep and on a more subjective note I really like the theme and the theme integration.

Stanger Things is an AFM wannabee, with way less things to do, a theme that kills the fun (it's a "serious" pinball) and shooting the drop targets to shoot the demogorgon is way less rewarding and pleasurable than shooting the saucer and hearing the awesome call outs from the aliens.

ST is one of the few pinballs I played where I left a credit in it, it's just boring and boring too fast.

Agreed, I dont understand the point of adding extra info when the game is fucking horrible on it's own merit.
I would buy any Stern machine over GB.

GB I’d really like the premium.

I wouldn’t count on the kids playing much. My wife and kids have maybe played combined 100 games played over the entire 17 years I’ve been in the hobby.

Stranger things isn’t done yet and won’t be for at least 6 more months code wise. Also, chances are high you’ll have to tweak it a bunch to get it playing well.

All of those prices are too high.

I think current price on a pro is around $5600. Sometimes you have to pay shipping which is around $400.

Are you getting any kind of extra warranty or support with the purchase? Will they do some type of setup for you? Is there tax on top of those numbers? (You can usually get out of paying tax through an out of state distributor)

Since your new, you really need to know that when you get a game it's absolutely going to break at some point, and most likely several times. Steel ball flying around a bunch of plastics, it's the nature of the beast. So if this place is going to provide some type of extra support, it might still be worth it to you to buy from them. The reality is though, if you're going to be in this hobby, you need to learn how to fix some things.

I guess the other thing to consider is the current climate of the world. I don't know what the operating status of the distributors is. You might not really have all that many options at this point unfortunately.

You should also really consider buying used. You can get a GB pro (and other newish pros) for around $4500 used. Assuming you keep it in decent shape, you will be able to get most of your money back if you decide to sell.

Totally agree - I would cut the retail middle man out and go direct to a distributor if you feel more comfortable buying new, or look around here for a well maintained used game.

The weird rule is it's fine to post it if the price is higher than everyone else's, but not lower
But yes, too high a price

You are about to pay too much. Please do yourself a favor and take your time and look at the used market, specifically Home Use Only (HUO). You are going to save a ton of cash and will be able to get some mods included. Don’t be foolish and rush to buy a specific game or title. Unfortunately both of these games are pretty bad.

GB gets ragged on a lot here, but I love it....as do a lot of people. I think the reason it gets so much grief is the rules can be very rigid. Most modes are short, but require very specific shots (until the last update, they needed to be made in specific order for max benefit as well). I won't go into each one, but the secondary modes are also divisive. Having said that, I'd advise against GB being your first purchase. Get one of the other late model Sterns (I think they are all good with a few exceptions not on your list anyway).

My recommendation would be GotG or DP. Both have very basic rules for novices that get deeper if you go digging. Art and sounds are also top-notch. After you've had one for while and have learned how to set-up / tweak a machine get the GB.

Also, as ectobar said, you can sell games really easily, although I've had all of mine for two years or more and can't bring myself to list one. Even though, I've thought about it.

Good luck...no new pin decision is a bad one!

Rules were an issue, but play was always bigger for me. Balls jumping over flippers, guides, slings...etc. I had an early one though

I can't argue with those things. They are GB issues. The first time I missed a shot at the left ramp and the ball flew back in the air faster than it went from the flipper, I just about lost my shit! But I found those things to be fixable with minimal effort or intrusion into designed play.

Welcome to pinball, but you’ve picked two of the worst games to start with...that being said, your first game will always be awesome cuz it’s your first game.

Srsly tho, I’d explore other titles. I’ve been in this hobby for ~15 years & GB is hands down the worst game I’ve ever played in my life. Just absolutely terrible design, Huge flipper gap, unfair airballs, cheap drains and bounce-outs...it’s just unfun. Code does not save it. It’s still goofy. Plus, as mentioned - designed by a disgusting pedophile.

Stranger Things is new & underbaked.

If you’re leaning toward a newer Stern with a family friendly theme, go with Jurassic Park. Truly a great game.

For games that change hands a lot, the pinside average price listed in the market place is a good start. Also just search for a game you want and look through the sale ads. If their aren't any currently for sale, you can still see archived sales. In the future once the world is a thing again, my experience has been that the best deals to be had are at pinball shows. Keep that in mind. You know you're going to end up with more than 1 right?

Pinside is great place to find games to buy. You can vet sellers somewhat easily on here. If someone has been on here active for a while, odds are they haven't burned too many bridges. My couple interactions with Pinsiders have been great. Regional for sale threads on here usually have solid deals and are another good place to look(Either here or FB).

I sent you a DM about an Aerosmith I think you'd like. Anyway, yeah, so much to consider indeed. Good luck with your hunt, and welcome to the madness! LOL

The newest podcast from the Pinball Network addresses exactly what you are asking about.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pinball-network/id1497645647#episodeGuid=thepinballnetwork.podbean.com%2Fe172d43e-f035-58e7-8a75-801792dc9753

Great choice.

Great choice! Excellent game.

Congrats! That’s crazy you found a NIB. I’ve seen a few people looking with no luck. Mine gets here next wed!

Great choice.

You made the right choice, enjoy!!!

You win!!!!

I started with avengers pro.....I rest my case. ironically I still own it. Kids still like it. GB needs some TLC to dial it in. Once you have it set, it’s a blast.

I've heard it rumored that Gary Stern showed up at Rarehero's house and kicked his dog while pissing in his cheerios all while proclaiming GB2 > GB.

But that's just what I heard.

Even Wrestlemania?

Those prices suck! Delivery extra?!

You are overpaying by A LOT. Call JJ at Game Exchange of Colorado, or Melissa at Cointaker.

Fucker... that's a fair call. If wrestlemania was literally any other theme I would pick.

LMAO

Fake news.

Fact: He fired John Trudeau due to his arrest for possession of child porn & abusing a minor.