I prefer it to the Battlefield on the Shadow. I actually think they're both strange to play, but at least the lower playfield is out of the way on Congo, making it a more "open" game. Lots of nice long shots in Congo.

Because....?

TS is one of the few B/W "B" titles that I haven't owned or had for a few months in a temp trade. I should try to do a 3-month temp trade, Congo for TS.

Congo rules, condensed into a mind map. It's not a shallow game.

Congo_mind_map.jpg

The MAP saucer shot on Congo is very tight. I find that I can bounce it in with the left slingshot easier than flipping it in.

Looks like I'll finally have a chance to do this! If all goes according to plan, I'll have a Shadow next to my Congo some time in the next month. I watched the movie tonight (The Shadow), and I didn't think it was that bad. But I liked Congo too...

I'll be setting up a Shadow next to my Congo tonight! I'll report back in a few months, after the newness of Shadow wears off and I can make an objective comparison.

Has the newness worn off of WH2O already?

Thanks - I'll do one for The Shadow next, so we can compare. I just got mine set up, and worked out a few small issues. I'm already outlining a detailed comparison in my mind: rules, mini-playfield, layout, art, theme, sound, toys/gadgets. Really glad to have them together: the Tim Curry collection!

I think they both have great art, perfect integration of the theme in the colors and designs. I even like both original translites.

Here's my micro-review, after owning The Shadow for 3 days. Yeah, it's the "honeymoon period", so this doesn't really count. I'll do a detailed writeup within a month. But my initial reaction is: "why is Congo more expensive than The Shadow?"

They do have a lot in common. Three flippers, genius layouts, great music and sound, Tim Curry's voice.
But The Shadow pulls ahead in so many areas:

Stacking modes with multiballs (I think)
Video mode (both involve dodging, but it works better in TS)
Wizard mode (Final Battle is amazing)
Mini-playfield (more skill involved)
Skill shot (ramp shot, vs. aiming with the plunger)
Ramps with diverters
Sanctum lock sequence
Saucers that stick the landing

I'll admit that Congo has a few things that Shadow doesn't: the kickback, and that very satisfying shot through the pops and around the volcano. But The Shadow is my new favorite. We'll see how I feel in a few months. I won't be selling Congo, because it was my first DMD (I got it around 2003, I think). But it should feel nervous.

Ha, looking back at my posts here, I just realized that this thread is what convinced me to buy The Shadow. Thanks OP!

Yeah, but why is the demand higher for Congo? I agree, half as many were made so there's less supply. But my first impression is that Shadow is a better competitive pin, while Congo is a better family/visitor game. I think I just answered my own question: there are way more casual players than competitive players.