Yep, absolutely. It was my 2nd pin and I had a blast with it. Get it, play it, have fun, and when you aren't playing it so much anymore get a new game.

Yeah it started with tom 6 years ago. First and only pin, with the intentions of keeping it that way. Now look what happened. If you're going to do an older pin (williams or bally), imo that would be the pin to get.

Welcome to pinside..a wealth of knowledge and opinions.

I love my ToM. But it could get repetitious in a small collection.

At ToM's price, there are many other, deeper games you can find that are around that price. I do think ToM is a fun game, but individually I really believe you'll tire of it quickly.

If I was just to have one pin in my collection around the 3-5k mark, I'd do LOTR or TSPP as they're fun and hell-a-deep.

If you're more into the older B/W games around the 3-5k mark, check out STTNG, TZ, or IJ.

ToM is a great game, its rated very high on multiple internet rankings, even if you do tire of it you could always trade it to another dude for another title.

ToM was my 3rd game I bought...still got it.

For a die hard pinballer...in might be a little shallow. I can see that now 10+ years later. I personally think it would be a great starting pin. And if you truly will only even own one...you should have no problems selling it...or trading it for something down the road.

Better play all those games you're thinking about in person. Maybe at a local collectors place or someplace like phof in nv, or wiz in nh. I wouldn't order anything off the net based on videos. You might end up with big surprise. Pinball is a physical experience. It always looks better in videos. Rather spend $300 on a ticket than 4-5k on a questionable pin. Seriously play them in person. Move from one machine to the next and narrow it down to the top 3, top 2 etc and make your final pick.

If you want something dark, TSPP is probably not the best way to go as that is probably one of the brightest games I own. As for sound, I hear some people complain about STTNG in that the theme music plays quite often, but as long as you're actually making shots, that's not really the case since most modes have their own unique music.

Again, I'm not hating on ToM as I love the theme and really like the chest toy. It's just when compared to other same priced (some even less) titles, there's just better options, ESPECIALLY in a small collection. And since you will be owning just one machine, you will get REALLY good at that pin. And, in the case of ToM, I think you'll find that it's lasting value is just not as deep as the others mentioned.

I'm with you on this and did the same thing you did, watching you-tube, listening to the play. Wanted a pin that would not annoy me with the music (or call-outs). I also wanted something visually appealing for me, a machine for adults machine if you will. (I got my kids R.F.M, and my T.A.F is multi-generational).

T.O.M really fit all the above needs nicely. It is visually stunning with LED"s added and THE machine I play with no room lights on. Voice and music is, well....... magical, at least to me.

I also find it interesting that the machine can play super fast with the loops and also mid to slow with all the 'tricks' the machine has up it's sleeve.

So, I'd say a really appropriate choice for your first pin. Good luck on tracking one down!

ONLY pin....ya, right.

The box art itself has to be some of the nicest non-licenced artwork done on a pin. Very mystical. This is the one pin I would not hesitate to put in my living room along with my wall art as something to simply enjoy visually when you are not playing the machine.

The lighting alone would adds tons of ambiance.

With that said, keep in mind it's going to be as big as a love seat.

Keep in touch with the forum as you make, and follow thru on any decision regarding your first pin.

Tommi has a good point. Youtube is not a place for considering the condition of a game; nor is the Pinball Arcade. Pinball is meant to be played with a physical, 100% working machine right in front of you.

My recommendation is to take a drive from Hamilton and go to John's Place in Fairfax. They have at least 10 machines at time, and usually good ones like TS and MB.

Purcellville Pinball is also close to you, and Michael is a nice guy to work with. You may want to see what they have besides ToM (they have a Pinball Magic which is very similar to ToM in theme).

I love TOM. It was around the 3rd pin I bought and the first dmd game. I have owned it for many years and still enjoy playing it very much. That said, I still agree with the others here when they suggest go getting some game time. Nothing can replace the actual experience and its a good way to see if a certain machine "clicks" for you. Good luck and welcome to Pinside.

If I had to get rid of my small collection because I could only have 1 pin I'd get a ToM, hands down. Love that game. Can't find one under $4,500 yet

This is a great assessment. I had ToM, do not miss it a bit. If the rules would be polished and a wizard mode added, I would have it back again. It was a fantastic pin, for about 6 months.

Everyone has their own tastes, that's why Pinball comes in so many flavors Look around and play as many as you can before you make a decision If you do get it, should be a easy re-sell if you tire of it.

I would recommend a few SS titles, like ES, FH, WW, F-14 and many more. Then, work up from there.

I just got my TOM today and I love it. It is on the easier side and not as deep as some other pins in the price range (as others have pointed out), but it's a great pin with a lot of shots, fun ramps and the cab looks beautiful (which if you only end up getting one pin - yeah right - would be another plus). My advice is to play all the pins you can get your hands on and see what it is YOU like. We can all give you opinions, but it's ultimately up to you and your taste.
Good luck and have fun! You'll have more than one guaranteed!

ToM is a fantastic pin and if you can swing it, I highly recommend it. I've had mine for 2 years and it's still a blast to play.

ToM is tons of fun, insanely fast and has beautiful theming. It looks even better (in my opinion) brassed out!

shinytom-full.jpg

I think it's best to cast a wide net and be willing to buy anything that sounds appealing and isn't overpriced. If you focus in on one title in particular, you may overpay or wait a LONG time. I still don't have my grail pin.

You should take a trip to Baltimore, MD and go play the machines at the museum there. My wife and I went and had a blast. They had TOM, TZ, IJ, TAF and scores of others to play. For $20 or less, you can play a ton of great machines.

Check it out.
http://www.nationalpinballmuseum.org/

That is a very nice TOM pzy. Looks great!