Just for a different perspective, LOTR made much more of an impression on me the first time I played it, than when I first played Hobbit at NWPAS in June. I played Hobbit half a dozen times at NWPAS and got decent scores 150K+ a couple of times, started the dragon multiball multiple times in one game - long enough to get a reasonable feel for a 2-ball game I thought. By comparison, when I first played LOTR I was much more excited to play it again vs my feelings with Hobbit.

I'm curious if my opinion changes once I get to play Hobbit more and understand the modes. I have to say, the backglass LCD doesn't do much for me: I'm watching the playfield, and only peek up when I have a chance, like the start of multiball. The rest of the time, I'm mostly oblivious to what's on the LCD (or LED display whatever it is).

I think Heighway and Multimorphic have the better idea: the display embedded in the playfield seems far more useful to me.

If I were to buy one, as it stands today, I'd go with LOTR. I hope to own one at some point. Still look forward for Hobbit to appear, but wouldn't pay $1 to play it, when I can play LOTR, or Star Trek, Sopranos (other games I enjoy) for 50c.

Ron

It's just a different business model. JJP can't afford to have a miss, so it's more profitable in the long run to do everything possible to make sure it has enduring sales. Stern can just move on to other titles and sell them.

They're both doing what's best for their profits...