Both are very simply games. With a sys11, such as EATPM, you expect the level of simplicity, in comparison to newer games. With a lot of wpc95s, despite the depth of wpc89-wpcS, it's disappointing to me to see how back to basics they got.

It looks like you only have to TZ now if I read that right? If so, I would recommend two pins instead of one, so maybe the EATPM and something else as opposed to SS alone. You will get bored of every machine if there is only one, and there is like 10 fold the amount to do in TZ than SS for example, so really take that into consideration.

Wpc95s are really only doable in multi collections. They will all get boring in comparison to earlier WPC or some of the deeper sterns.

I prefer the flow of SS more... the DMD animations, art package, and call outs are superb. EATPM is also a great game, but if I could have either one, SS would win. Good luck

EATPM is great, but since you've already had one and you only have room for one I'd recommend SS.

I think you need to make room for both.

I own both.

I think if push came to shove I'd sell Scared Stiff before EATPM.

That said I have 5 machines, not 1, so I can think about games a little differently than you, and I also spent a lot of time restoring my EATPM, so I'm more emotionally attached to it.

EATPM is just plain fun, and also for me really captures a vibe and era that matches Elvira so well. Maybe it's the lack of ball save, but it's also a harder game IMHO. It has more of a "one more game" vibe to it compared to Scared Stiff, perhaps because it's a little harder and simpler, you can just shoot around a little more, without feeling like you've got to fill up all the modes.

Still, I'm with NorCalRealtor, if you've owned it already, and you're not building a collection but doing one at a time, I'd get Scared Stiff. Enjoy a game you haven't had. It's just plain fun. You'll get some whining about how it's not deep enough from some people, but you're obviously not looking for AC/DC or LOTR. You'll always be able to sell it again later, it's the kind of game people will always want, even if it's just for a bit before they put it back in circulation.

I agree with Aurich. I owned a Scared Stiff and it got really old for me really fast. The call-outs are very repetitious and the music, while good for a horror movie, got old for me too. For some reason, EATPM is always a joy to play (when I get to play one). You wanted opinions.

I prefer EATPM over SS but would suggest to give the later a try... There is nothing wrong with scared stiff. It is relatively easy to achieve the 6 tales of terror. On the other hand, I could never complete all objectives with the spider... can't even tell if there is a reward associated. But I owned neither.

SS has a good theme and will be easy to sell when/if you are bored of it... if you buy EATPM again, you'll never know which one you truly prefer!

As for the title of this thread, I would be impressed if you could find something pinball related that people here couldn't make an argument over.

I've owned both. Both great pins. I would go for the SS cuz you already had an Elvira. Give it a year or two... and keep your eyes open for a MINT Elvira. You can always sell SS very quickly.

You should have had a poll. I, like you wanted/want both but opted to go EatPM and so far haven't regretted it.

I own both and would hate to sell either of them. But as others have said, you've already owned EATPM, so I'd go with SS since you're limited to only one at a time.

That being said, I'll actually have a very nice EATPM for sale soon. I have two at the moment, so it's time to let one go.

Sorry for the tangent, but if you can only own one, and since you've gone up to STTNG then TZ, you might want to broaden your horizon and look to machines that offer depth, over theme. This will give you more out of your one machine. There are many that offer tons of modes, MB's and other crap to do, from some of early 90s DE (tommy, TFFC, LAH), to the same period for b/w (TAF (my fav), IJ, RS, TOM), to new sterns (TSPP, LOTR, WPT, SM).

Most of these machines have the point stacking and mod adventure to keep you interested on many levels.

I think it's really if you lean more towards sys 11 or WPC.

of the two EATPM would be my choice, I just like it better overall, no real reason or argument why, just do.

I like the shots on SS better. I probably would keep that title for quite a while if I ever got hold of it.

I have always preferred EATPM.More of a challenge IMO.Now I like SS also but would take EATPM and pocket an extra 3 Grand.

I really like Scared Stiff. That said, I have more fun playing EATPM.

Scared Stiff! Nuff Said!

EATPM is the poor man's SS

I would doubt that highly.

Can anyone make the argument? Sure, since a choice between the two is strictly a matter of personal preference. My buddy offered to trade his very nice Party Monsters for my proto Theatre of Magic a while back. I was considering a monstrous lineup along one wall that would have been (from left to right) EATPM, Elvira poster, SS, MB, CFTBL, Creature poster. But I couldn't part with my Theatre proto.

I own EATPM,which is currently my only pin. I like tinkering and fixing it and there is no shortage on mine to do.
Hitting those Jackpot ramp shots will not get old anytime soon, as I'm no good at it yet,but the more I play the better I get and the funner it becomes. This pin's not going anywhere.

I'm extremely surprised that your poll is as close as it is, I would have thought SS would win walking away

Scared Stiff is to me a much better game, I really wonder how many who think it is too easy have completed spider multiball?? Absolutely nothing wrong with EATPM, was and still is a great game, but SS is superior in just about every way IMO.

I mean, the real answer is you find the space and put them side by side. I say I'd probably sell EATPM last, but honestly I probably play SS more often. I'm glad I don't have to choose.

Had EATPM, have SS. I can't say one is better than the other. Either will do in any collection. IMHO.

Scared Stiff is way too easy and the bad jokes will become tedious fast.

Both by all means! I actually have two of each!

Could not have said this better. Don't get me wrong, i have owned both and SS is still in my collection. I would hate to only have room for 1 pin. Brett give me a call and come over and play some pins bro.

Nope, still love the callouts. Still lots of fun. Great game to have in a collection.

I've owned both at the same time. Both beautifully restored examples. Both are fun. I sold EATPM some time ago to make room for another game. SS is still here.
-Ed

I've had a few Scared Stiffs over the years as I kept upgrading. Don't get me wrong...I may get a Party Monsters someday as well....

I never had both. SS is one of my favorite games. I wouldn't trade my Theatre for his Party Monsters.

Go with the SS....ya can't go wrong....Thank You Boys!

Get the real deal

I have both and neither are leaving anytime soon. SS is my favorite (of all time), but EATPM does capture the essence of Elvira in the 80's. Especially if you leave the GI as incandescent lamps instead of LEDs. The way that game glows with that artwork is a thing of beauty and a great player too.