Fish Tales vs Indy 500.
Which is better and why?
This is a really good "Vs". I've owned Fish Tales (FT) twice and I consider it my "guilty pleasure" game. I've probably played more games on FT then any other game. Benefits include simple rules, short ball times, great video mode, and secondary goals such as rock the boat, biggest liar, fish caught, etc. Some might argue that those first two benefits are actually negative, so I guess it's all about what you are looking for. Personally, I think there are more good games with deeper rulesets and longer ball times. It's harder to find good games with simpler rulesets and shorter ball times; especially modern games. FT is one of those that has the perfect balance. Despite all of my games on FT, I've never lit the super jackpot a second time, which, if my memory is correct is worth something like 500,000,000. I have less time on Indianapolis 500 (I500), but I've really enjoyed the games I've played. My only hesitation is what I posted above; it's easier to find good games with deeper rulesets. I would say the choice comes down to what type of game you are looking for. I feel strongly that a good collection should have both types of games.
I've owned I-500 three times and FT once. The FT sat two games away from all 3 I-500s and is still sitting there and there's not an I-500 in my collection anymore. I like I-500, it's a good game, but just doesn't have the staying power of other games in my opinion. FT isn't the deepest game, but it's hard with lightning flippers and all the shots just feel fun to me. A lot of my friends and family ask why I don't get rid of Fish Tales, but it's still sitting in my collection 5 years later, just something about it.
I absolutely LOVED my I500. It also can be an infuriating machine. Also I don't think I've gotten angrier at any machine as much in my life.
There classic voices, non-stop action, and no "breaks". You essentially can't cradle and there's not stopping the ball essentially. It's addictive as hell.
I have Indy 500 and it can be so brutal I think of selling. More than anything I own.
However I love the modes and the rules and the condition so it stays. It must be programmed after so much failure then comes an unbelievable game.
Quoted from Djshakes:I had both. Still have I500. No comparison whatsoever. I500 is fast furious and one of the best games IMO and I have owned a lot. Fish tales fun, but no I500.
This is my exact experience also. Bought FT and I500 at the same time (in 1999)...just got I500 because it was a good deal (at auction) and hadn't played it more than a couple games. I don't care for racing much, but I500 is done really well. I500 got played WAY more than FT. FT has come again gone a second time, I500 is still here and still gets more play (by me) than Addams and Twilight Zone.
It is funny that almost every person responding to this says I500 and the poll shows something completely different. I expected this to be a landslide for Fish Tales. I've played both and will say Indy was fun, but didn't strike me as a game that I would want long term. I didn't get a ton of time on it though.
Quoted from Completist:I’m a huge FT fan but have never played I500 so I did not vote. However b/c of this thread i want to find and play one!
"Beating the game" in I500 -- that is, surviving 200 laps AND finishing 1st -- is REALLY dependent on the 3rd shot of the "Gasoline Alley" Mode. You pass 15 cars if you hit that shot, which is absolutely huge and probably 99% necessary to actually finish the 200 laps AND be in first place. I did that once.
Quoted from Guinnesstime:"Beating the game in I500 -- that is, surviving 200 laps AND finishing 1st -- is REALLY dependent on the 3rd shot of the "Gasoline Alley" Mode. You pass 15 cars if you hit that shot, which is absolutely huge and probably 99% necessary to actually finish the 200 laps AND be in first place. I did that once.
I owned the game for several years and only finished the race in first once. It's definitely not an easy thing to accomplish.
Quoted from Squeakman:It is funny that almost every person responding to this says I500 and the poll shows something completely different. I expected this to be a landslide for Fish Tales. I've played both and will say Indy was fun, but didn't strike me as a game that I would want long term. I didn't get a ton of time on it though.
It's an awesome game to get your skills sharp. It's REALLY tough, active, NOT-RELAXING pinball.
So funny that all the NASCAR junkies with chips on their shoulders (and I500 they want to sell lol) are pumping I500, but the popular vote is Fish Tales.
As it should be.
Fish Tales is a perfect game, for a variety of reasons that, if you’ve played it, you know. I500 is a good game, but far from perfect. Leaves a lot to be desired.
Quoted from TheFamilyArcade:So funny that all the NASCAR junkies with chips on their shoulders (and I500 they want to sell lol) are pumping I500, but the popular vote is Fish Tales.
As it should be.
Fish Tales is a perfect game, for a variety of reasons that, if you’ve played it, you know. I500 is a good game, but far from perfect. Leaves a lot to be desired.
Coming from a guy with a FT Avatar. I absolutely hate Nascar (the sport... Game isn't bad). FT is a perfect game? 0 for 2.
I have to have both. FT got me into pinball and I've been to the race 9 times. I made the mistake of selling I500 once and it took me 6 years to get it back. Luckily it did not increase in price very much over that time. I always wanted to upgrade my FT to a nicer one, but never pulled the trigger, and now that the prices are so stupid it'll probably never happen. I think I paid around $1500 with shipping in 2006, which was wayyyy too much for back then considering the condition it was in. I might actually be able to turn a profit if I sold it now, but that's not happening!
As far as gameplay, I give a slight nod to FT. Yeah, it's not as deep, but there's is something cathartic about hitting those boat ramp shots and then nailing the monster fish. The video mode is way better than I500's too. I like to drink a beer (or six) and not have to think too hard when I play pinball, so the depth of a game isn't necessarily a big attracter for me.
After recently adding I500 and becoming an owner of both games, I think the poll results favoring FT are due to fewer people having experience with I500.
Both games are great and I'm really satisfied with each. But If I could only have one, It'd be I500.
I like the simplicity and challenge of FT, but overall I500 offers more to do, generates more excitement when you play, is also simple to understand, and still a great challenge.
Although the 3rd flipper only has one shot, it's both challenging and rewarding as hell when combo'd with the left orbit.
It is totally legit to say you need to have both.
Quoted from RTS:After recently adding I500 and becoming an owner of both games, I think the poll results favoring FT are due to fewer people having experience with I500.
Both games are great and I'm really satisfied with each. But If I could only have one, It'd be I500.
I like the simplicity and challenge of FT, but overall I500 offers more to do, generates more excitement when you play, is also simple to understand, and still a great challenge.
Although the 3rd flipper only has one shot, it's both challenging and rewarding as hell when combo'd with the left orbit.
It is totally legit to say you need to have both.
Agree I500 has a bit more to offer game play-wise, but FT has better theme, looks, music, charm. Both are very good. FT gets my vote.
Quoted from IdahoRealtor:FT has better theme, looks, music, charm.
Chris Granner says he’s a bluegrass fan and this is his favorite game he did.
Quoted from IdahoRealtor:Agree I500 has a bit more to offer game play-wise, but FT has better theme, looks, music, charm. Both are very good. FT gets my vote.
Ugh. I HATE the music in Fish Tales. Second only to Carlene Carter in Roadshow.
Quoted from PinMonk:Ugh. I HATE the music in Fish Tales. Second only to Carlene Carter in Roadshow.
Different strokes. I also love the red neck audio in Whoa Nellie and the "old time" audio on Fire! & Champ Pub.
Quoted from IdahoRealtor:Different strokes. I also love the red neck audio in Whoa Nellie and the "old time" audio on Fire! & Champ Pub.
Fire! and Champion Pub aren't really the same genre of music. They're fine in my book. Bad country and bad bluegrass are irritating.
No other pin has music like Fish Tales. It fits the theme - fast, fun, and outdoorsy. If it had generic rock music, the pin would be less of a classic and way less desirable. Fish Tales rules!
Quoted from PinMonk:Ugh. I HATE the music in Fish Tales. Second only to Carlene Carter in Roadshow.
Two for two. Both games I actually prefer in loud places so I can't hear anything.
Quoted from plovis:Two for two. Both games I actually prefer in loud places so I can't hear anything.
Getaway is a game that the main music gets to me for some reason. FT fits the theme.
Quoted from jawjaw:No other pin has music like Fish Tales. It fits the theme - fast, fun, and outdoorsy. If it had generic rock music, the pin would be less of a classic and way less desirable. Fish Tales rules!
It's not the genre that makes Fish Tales music bad, but that it's a poor example of the genre. It's also too tightly looped/repetitive.
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