> m looking for a fun game that is more of a "chase the high score" with fun shots.

Bram Stokers Dracula

Supremo

For me, the best 'shoot for score' WPC's I have are: T2, Bram Stoker Dracula, Attack from Mars, the Getaway, and The Shadow.
I'm really partial to T2 and Getaway.

Fish Tales is a hard pin to beat for simple, fun shots that are both rewarding and challenging. High risk game if you flip on the fly. Tons of fun and hard to walk away from.

FT is up there too...that wouldve been the next I named!

Whirlwind is a great choice.

Happy storm chasing

You are worried that Medieval Madness may be too complicated but want a Star Trek Next Generation? I would say the latter is a little more complicated than the former. Medieval Madness is fairly simple and I would say fits right into what you are looking for "chase high score". Watch a video on youtube which explains the rules and you'll see what I'm talking about.

As for your question - are you in the minority waiting a fun simple game? Well for home use you may get bored with that especially if it is your only game.

I hesitate to make recommendations to you other than to say "go play a handful of these games". Find a bar, arcade, pinball show, etc. Your area isn't listed but you may have some pinball related clubs you could meet up with in your area too.

Also - download pinball games on your ipad or computer (Steam) and you can demo all the games for a bit and buy the commercial games for a few bucks each. Cheap way to get an idea of the rulesets. Look at PinballFX on Steam. I think they also have it for PS4/PS5 and XBOX but I'm not sure.

I would check out remakes from Chicago gaming.

Since you’ve stated concerns about maintenance, I wouldn’t recommend anybody but a serious hobbyist buy a next gen, it breaks like it’s it’s Job. You really couldn’t make a worse choice (well, you could, like buying an Alien or Big Lebowski or other amateur hour boutique game).

Buy a CGC remake or a new in box stern. Life will be easier.

Sounds like a CGC remake is exactly what you want. They are very well built,and have that 90's style rule-sets that seem to be what you want.

Any of MMr, MBr, AFMr, or CCr would likely work well for you. While a TZ or STTNG might be temping (and they ARE fun games) they will require a lot more maintenance.

If you are in the DFW area, we have an active tournament/league group. This might allow you to try out a bunch of games and maybe get a lead on machines available for sale.

Chicago Gaming Company makes licensed remakes of several 90's era Bally Williams machines.

Medieval Madness
Monster Bash
Cactus Canyon
Attack From Mars

I'm sticking with my intial advice of Bram Stokers Dracula. They can still be had at comparably low prices and you can always sell it later if you tire of it. It just seems to suit your criteria to a T.

I'd go for Taxi or Eight Ball Deluxe.

I still consider myself a noob when it comes to pinball. Playing as many games as you can is great advice if you are in an area with a variety of games. I live in a pinball desert so I didn't have many options to try games on location when I started in the hobby. I initially watched game play videos on YouTube and also got Pinball Arcade 1 &2 on PS4 to get better ideas of which games appealed to me.

I found I really like early 80 solid states. For your budget you could buy 2 early 80 SS machines. They're a lot of fun and imho pretty easy to maintain.

Really agree with the CGC remakes - sounds like it will be one pin (for now...) and you want something with enough depth to not get too stale and not so much depth as to be too long of a game. I have a Getaway and while I love it as a quick play game, it would get really old really quick if that was my only pin. My order of preference for a one pin collection CGC remake:

1. Cactus Canyon,
2. Monster Bash,
3. Attack from Mars,
4. Medieval Madness.

Whatever you do, play the game you zero on at location like 30+ games so you can really tell if you like the flow and geometry. Don't get fooled by themes, or placebo. Play play play. Use pinballmap.com to locate on-location pins near you.

Not even remotely, you just have to understand that there's a vocal segment here that wants to spend all day talking about how deeply coded a game can possibly get. They don't represent all players, it's just that the simpler games aren't something you talk about over and over, you just play them.

My advice is just get an Attack from Mars. They're very simple to understand, have the most clear and basic layout in maybe all of pinball, and still have enough magic to make even good players have fun. There's a reason it's a classic still even all these years later.

You can teach even a brand new player very simply how to shoot up the middle or start multiball, it's clearer visually than Medieval Madness, and I think most good players will tell you has a better ruleset for advanced play if you find yourself wanting to dig deeper.

I second anyone's opinions about not buying a Star Trek TNG, you're not ready to own that game. It's as much of a pain in the ass as they say.

Tech support is important should you ever need it.

And I'm with CGC !

LTG : )

OK, I’m going to suggest something way off track from most, but might be up your alley. Data East Phantom of the Opera. It’s on more of the simple side, different from your mainstream games, and doesn’t seem to get a lot of attention.

Had no desire for the game until I played one, it just blew me away how fun it is. Somewhere down the line, I may get one for ourselves, I just don’t have the need or “bug” to get another machine right now. I’d own one in a heartbeat if it was time.

Tech support? That’s you man!

Unless you just love working on and fixing games don't immediately turn yourself off to the hobby by buying something that's going to need 2 weeks of diagnosing and repair because 25 year old hardware doesn't like being transported.

Cactus Canyon Remake is a great game that you can still find decent deals on. Good luck finding any of the other remakes for less than $10K and it's more loaded than most Stern Premiums, which are also good options but also more expensive.

I’d get a CGC remake if you don’t like repairs, although Cactus Canyon is the only one that seems to be available. You could also consider a Haggis Fathom once those start being dispatched/delivered.

If you’re up for repairs, Fish Tales is a great game for chasing high scores.

I’d also recommend a modern Stern like Deadpool or Godzilla. You don’t need to understand the complex rules to enjoy them. The basic ruleset is as simple as Attack from Mars or Medieval Madness.

I also think that CGC’s remake of Attack from Mars would be a great choice. Easy for beginners, but fun enough to keep seasoned players coming back.

STTNG is my favorite all time game. I would not recommend that as a first pin as it is HEAVY, and has a gazillion things in it that break.

My top recommendations for you would be:

1. Any CGC remake... and I'd put Monster Bash at the top of your list. If you ever liked Monstor Movies this can feel nostalgic. It is happy, silly, and upbeat with simple rules. Collect all the characters to get Draculas band back together. Hit each character a set number of times to collect them. Attack from Mars and Medieval Madness are both excellent, and have high replay value with a simple rule set. I've had an Attack From Mars remake from CGC as well as an original rotate through my basement. The CGC is solid and reliable. Williams is easier to fix, but CGC is MUCH less likely to break.

2. If you want a simple rule set and quicker games, Fish Tales is perfect. It is rock solid reliable and you still see these on route because of that. Still a super fun game and a favorite at pinball tournaments because it is quick.

3. I'm going to come out of left field on this one and recommend Total Nuclear Annhilation from Spooky pinball. You can get it new right now and is a throwback to an 80s style single level machine. It's fast, quirky, and addictive. Mixed record on reliability according to others, but parts are readily available and I personally never had issues.

4. If you do end up with a Modernish Stern, Munsters is the simplest game with an LCD screen.

5. Stern Star Trek is a great game you'll never beat. It has modern electronics and is rock solid reliable. You could also get one for half the price of a new CGC. Great first pin.

Chase the high score pins: system 11.

I would recommend actually putting several plays on Cactus Canyon to see if you like it (and want to continue playing it) before purchasing it - especially if it will be your only game.

While the same could be said of buying any game, that one in particular doesn’t “toot my horn”. All the other CGC remake games are great though.

I think he can play this on Steam or a computer platform. I agree CC is very much an acquired taste. Everyone I know of that has one has a larger collection. I personally don’t recommend it over MM or AFM but the one thing it has going for it is availability.

For what its worth, eventually theme became almost no consideration for me… I just want the shots to make me happy and to keep wanting to play “just one more” (i.e. the Pringles effect).

I really like the whole western theme… for me it is the gameplay and layout that suffer on CC. Different strokes for different folks though.

I am also totally addicted to the early solid-states (1978-1983ish). For me it just doesn’t get better.

OK,Ive read all these good examples,But,they left out all the early "ss"pins! When I want to just play pinball without all the modes,I go to my "galaxy" or my "Meteor" great examples of just fun playing! Diner and Fish Tales also good fun! Stay away from newer titles! Have fun,B safe!!

If I was "in your shoes" and if you have the space instead of buying one higher prices machine I would pick up two or three cheaper machines. High on my list of those "cheaper machines" would be Space Shuttle (backglass looks great with machine off so something to look at when not in use) a fun machine that looks great, Pin-Bot (good value yet and fun to play), and if you have the room for a third pretty much any other Williams System 11 machine.

It never made sense to me to buy one $7500 to $10,000 machine if you have room for 3 "cheaper machines". But everyone needs to do what is best for themself.

Getaway is a great game based on your criteria. Face paced, easy to understand and not overly complicated with objectives that are achievable by an average skilled player, supercharger loop is great, and music & callouts are good too. You should be able to find a few out there in all different conditions and price ranges. If you are not that familiar with the title, you are basically fleeing the law on the highways in your Lamborghini Diablo - what could be more fun?

AFM. This is an easy decision.

I suggested early SS pins in my previous post. It's the best era of machines IMO. They're a lot of fun, easy to work on and maintain, and simple enough that guests can come over and play without needing lengthy instructions. I'd recommend Paragon and/or firepower.

Certainly my #1 choice if budget allows, but good quality examples are hard to find (even remakes are limited) and when you do, they are priced at a premium.

Now there is a great lineup: Getaway, Pin-Bot & Space Shuttle!

Since you are a Star Trek fan, try to find a Stern Star Trek to play. Very easy to understand rules and layout. Plays fast and that warp ramp is a blast!

If you’re drawn to 80-90s games get a Pinbot. Really fun game and reasonably priced. I love space/robot themes as well.
If you have a bigger budget and are willing to wait, a Multimorphic P3.

I suggested Attack From Mars because you can get one new (or close to) and it hopefully won't require much work or restoration. And they're not hard to find with the remakes having saturated the market.

If there's now room for 3 pins I definitely suggest making one an early 80s solid state. They're very simple, very fun, and more challenging and long lasting than that simplicity implies.

Everyone knows the obvious ones like Fathom, Centaur, and Eight Ball Deluxe. All good choices. My slightly less obvious one though would be Mystic. The tic-tac-toe inserts with the drop targets are easy to understand, fun to shoot for, and the game is beautiful. I miss mine.

I've had all of those (although my Space Shuttle Never Worked):

Taxi: Best for you. Easy to understand, hard to master. Great theme, doesn't get old, plenty to do... annoy the crap out of family with the bell.

Pin Bot: Best overall package. Best topper. Best 80s feel. Best for kids.

High Speed: Easiest to explain to guests. Simple rules. Fun theme.

Space Shuttle: Hardest to listen to (long term). Best "to shoot for score on".

Note than none of these have to be nailed to the floor. You could always get one then trade for a different one later on. Of these I personally miss my Taxi the most. You'd have fun playing Taxi the most but these are all great choices.

Here are my examples with out of date pricing if you want something to compare condition to. Most of mine have video walkthroughs.

SOLD!

Machine - For Sale

Pinbot New Plastics, LEDs, Rubbers! Archived

Used - shows wear but 100% working and clean - “Pinbot- New Plastics, LEDs, Rubbers! Pinbot Circuits Activated! Up for grabs is a nice Pinbot. A fun system 11 game you can still get for under $3,000. Positives: Plays 100% and so...”

2021-12-18

Crofton, MD

SantaEatsCheese

2,800

Archived after: 1 day

Viewed: 350 times

Status: Sold (amount private)

Contributed to Pinside

Got positive feedback

SOLD!

Machine - For Sale

Space Shuttle Project! Cash/Trades welcomed! Archived

As is - “A pinball project in 2021? Not possible you say? Here you go! I have up for grabs a Space Shuttle Project! What about the backglass? Looks brand new! How about the legs? Rustier ...”

2021-06-26

Crofton, MD

SantaEatsCheese

700 (OBO)

Archived after: 0 days

Viewed: 146 times

Status: Sold for $ 600

Contributed to Pinside

Got positive feedback

SOLD!

Machine - For Sale

Taxi Wake Up Friends And Foe Alike With That Bell! Archived

Used - shows wear but 100% working and clean - “Taxi: Game is super fun and plays fast. Make the millions shot, hit a jackpot, or lock both balls to make airport shots. The factory bell is installed and is obnoxiously awesome. W...”

2020-05-24

Crofton, MD

SantaEatsCheese

2,200

Archived after: 1 day

Viewed: 365 times

Status: Sold for $ 2,100

Contributed to Pinside

Got positive feedback

SOLD!

Machine - For Sale

High Speed---Legalized Robbery! It’s Too Cheap! Archived

Partially shopped/refurbished - “High Speed: Legalized Robbery! It’s Too Cheap! Up for grabs is my High Speed! Excellent Cabinet, good playfield with a few touchups in the out-lanes and touchups in the upper hal...”

2020-02-23

Crofton, MD

SantaEatsCheese

1,800

Archived after: 3 days

Viewed: 1010 times

Status: Sold for $ 1,800

Contributed to Pinside

Got positive feedback

Cactus Canyon remake SE ( no topper) everyone loves it at my home

MM or FT. You cant go wrong with either of those

Personally, I never found Taxi to be all that great. I don't think it sucks or anything, but I'd certainly rank Pinbot and HighSpeed above it.

I haven't played Space Shuttle as much as the others, but I can't say it left that great an impression on me.

Surprised to hear that you've had problems with CGC products. I've never had one of their Arcades, but by my experience (and by the vast majority of opinions here) their pinballs have been very solid. And parts seem to be quite available through Planetary Pinball - of course whether that will remain true in the decades to come is anybody's guess.