The curse that any new collector runs into isn't the games that are available, it's so many of the people that buy and sell them.

If you choose to start with an older game to keep things cheap, somebody will try to sell you complete junk at top dollar. Not everybody but some. And they might get away with it because there aren't that many stores that sell and the margin is so low on stuff, it's part of the program. You won't recognize the hacks that some games have had done to them.

IOW, the first priority should be condition IMO for a beginner. Look for stuff like a remote battery mount. Clean boards and connectors that don't show extreme heat or cobbled wires. Or especially corrosion from the batteries damage. Look for piles of junk inside the game. Some people just leave broken parts inside as if they add some sort of value. Make certain the manual is there. Some guys hold them to sell later for a couple bucks. Never buy anything that "just needs a fuse or two" to get working.