Agree 100% here.

I think High Speed would be too brutal for a 10 year old. Getting MB isn't a gimmie and really that's all their is in the game.

With Cyclone, there is no MB. The quotes and music are fun. Kids love hitting the ferris wheel. The spook house has the animated backglass. It's a fun game just to bat the ball around for kids and newbies. The ramps can really help build a great score so a more skilled player will still be entertained.

Jokerz is another fun game that's worth considering. I think they tend to sell in the desired price range.

Otherwise, like someone else posted, I'd suggest adding some cash and increasing the budget to $1,800 or so. WCS is a great family game in that price range.

Wow! Great minds think alike. I didn't really like Pinbot back in the day. I found it really boring. I didn't understand rules though. Cyclone is actually the first game that got my interest in pinball. The ferris wheel. Such a simple toy, but it was really fun to hit it, hear the music and then have the ball lined up to hit the ramp. Also, loved the spook house.

Later, as an adult, when I re-visited Pinbot, I realized what a great game it was and is. Wouldn't recommend it for a young player necessarily though.