I just went through a similar process IJ vs. TOM vs. STTNG. STTNG is now in the SUV in the garage. For me it really came down to price vs. value vs. work required.

Get TAF. First pin I ever bought and it's never leaving.

With such a bold post I think you should buy them all.

Now that RIBON is an "A" list game, (cough, cough) sorry, I just could not swollow my own words

I knew that posting RIBON as an "A" title along with at least 2 of those other games, would get someone's attention.

RBION isn't an A game, but if you want it go for it. Maybe worry less about A games and just buy the games you want.

I will tell you RBION is a great game! But you cant go wrong with many of those, AC/DC is great also like TAF and WH20 from the list. My suggestion is this since you really like them all, wait for a super nice example of one of them to come up and grab that. Nothing like having an above average game!

Next post will be about the fact that there is no "real" A list of games. 3 2 1..

The one you like

But he does not know if he likes them. He said he has not played them all but they look like fun.

But I think WH2O is the most fun on his list.

AC/DC pro? Great game, but be sure you can stare at that face without tossing your cookies. Hold out for the premium.

Buy the one you like.....my recommendation is STTNG. It is a great game and only two years ago you could get this game for 2-2.5k all day. The price in this game keeps going up. With people adding shit to it, it's not going to get any cheaper.....just my 2 cents

So easy to be a newbie these days. Avengers pro. Play and learn, watch the market. Enjoy, Sell Avengers in six months. Get 90% of your money back. Don't get totally burned on your first pin purchase. Learn about other titles in the interim. Then revisit what to buy in six months after no major headaches in the previous six months.

With a broad list like this, I think this is really your only option. Play them all, play them some more, and buy the one you best connect with.

It will come down to personal choice. For example, I have a STTNG, but I can't say I enjoy it like its the second rated game on ipdb - SM gets the most love in my collection (not on your list). For that matter, my DH might get more play than STTNG except for the fact that I have STTNG in my office.

Find a way to play all on the list and narrow it down. I have no doubt if you have some time dancing with them, you will find some on your list as not as exciting as others might make them to be (not that they aren't great titles - each just dances to a different tune). Just saying if you're looking for one out of this list I think you need to narrow it a bit first.

TZ or STTNG. +1 on holding out for the Premium if you are going for AC/DC.

WH2O or TZ. TZ if you want something relatively deep. WH2O if you want something fast. In my opinion, they are the two games that make the best use of extra flippers and will never leave my collection.

TSPP would fit nicely in your collection.

STTNG.....and then add the color DMD!

TAF is also a great choice.

Both of these tend to be really beat so it might take some searching to find a nice one.

i agree with with taf.

TAF or TZ, can't go wrong with either. Both fun as hell and challenging. Both will hold their value so an upgrade down the line will be that much easier.

Edit: (note to self: read all the way to the bottom of the thread)

Everyone is different. I just sold STTNG... I have access to TZ, MM, WH20, TAF, TOM and even if I didn't I wouldn't want them. That's just me... out of those listed above I would say TSPP or RBION.
My AC/DC Prem. is on order and I can't wait

Congratulations New-B! You're in for a real treat, AC/DC Is a great pin. Let us know what you think of it. When will it be delivered?

TAF. Nice shots and great light show, very fun table.

TOM, STTNG, RBION, IJ4 are not A listers. And why do you have to get an A lister? A lister doesn't automatically mean fun. Some A lister titles are horrible and way over hyped. Some C listers blow many A listers out of the water. Why don't you buy based on experience from what you play at shows, and what YOU find are fun. I see all new sterns and B/W titles in your list only. Don't be a Bally Williams snob. Expand. try out some DE titles. I can think of at least 3 DE titles you can buy, in place of most of those on your list. And each of those 3, are better than most on there. Yet you can own all 3 for the same price. None of those games are more fun than 3 of something else.

Just suggest the other titles then. Giving a lecture on pin "grades" is moot when the guy already explained that these are his "a list" games.

Another vote for TAF and TZ was my first pin...like others have said...they hold their value extremely well and are easily upgradeable. Go to a local place if possible and put some time on several pins before making any decisions

Really buying is subject to availability, AC/DC is available now, glad you grabbed it. Guessing it will only go up in value. But the others, when available are good options too.

I would not buy RBION, didnt like it.

TAF or TSPP...both have a lot of lasting power and should hold value.

RBION is an "ok" pin, it grows on you after while. Similar to DW. At first when I bought that game. Hated it. After I played it enough to know what the deleks were saying, started to really like it. Don't care for the design flaw, where the game is dependent on the ball save feature so much tho.

Don't buy based on "hold value". Your not buying for investing, your buying to enjoy. Just shop around, and when one falls in your lap cheap. that will help you with your choice. If you have the "i have to have it now" mentality. Your going to always overpay and pay these stupid going prices that fly around. Take your time, get the word out. Start putting it out locally around your area, and you'd be surprised on what you find. Sometimes you get games you never even knew you wanted.

Didn't you get the memo? They're called 'Grade 1' and 'Grade 2' now...

Totally agree, even though I use to not think so. TFTC = Major bang for your buck. GNR is pretty damn good too.

Congrats, AC/DC BiB reignited my passion for pinball. Sold my Addams Family to make it happen. Best decision ever. Addams was great though, but it was time to go.

Congrats.... Looks like a good game , played pro and the only thing I hate about it is gone and you get a lower level on the premium....

Virtually everyone (besides you of course) would say that TOM & STTNG are solid A-Listers.

How long is your A-List?

This "A" list thing is starting to make "A" lot of us look like "A" holes.

Congrats! You're gonna your love AC/DC.

Nice... I think mine will be march as well

I agree with you.

If a game has appreciated more than what you could have obtained in NIB, then how would it not be considered an "A" game. Market has then set the price.

Possibly 2 exceptions:

1. When you are talking about your personal "A" games, then Popeye can be considered A as it is your list and you can put anything want. (The OP did this by mentioning his list and including RBION and IJ4)

2. Uber-rare games that have appreciated because nobody has them. (Kingpin, Loch Ness Monster)

I knew it was only a matter of time.

I disagree. STTNG has always been a B title. Still is. Before B titles were at the 2k-2500 mark. A titles were 3k and up. Now since prices have shifted. A listers are 6k and up. B listers are 3-5900. C listers 2-3 and D are 1k-2k. F anything lower.

STTNG is a mist I think in pinball. Amazing game...unless you absolutely rewallt hate Star Trek...still one of the best by far. I hear acdc is also just amazing though.