It really is an amazing all around game.
I look at it as for its time - just like Addams or mm, great games, best of their time even, but there have been as good or better since for sure.
It really is an amazing all around game.
I look at it as for its time - just like Addams or mm, great games, best of their time even, but there have been as good or better since for sure.
It's certainly one of the most unique Stern titles. What with the toys on the slingshots and on the playfield, the deep deep ruleset and the (what I feel when I step up the machine) slightly higher build quality of the playfield. It doesn't "feel" like a Stern table if that makes any sense.
Its one of the few on-location Stern titles I never hesitate to drop in some coins when I see and I know I will get my moneys worth on.
I guess if its your only Pin at home, it may only attract pinball nerds and LOTR nerds.
There various styles of games. In the quest style of game, hands down LOTR is the best of all time. Complexity in the rules but not overly confusing. Achievable but it's going to take some persistent effort. Great theme integration with interesting and varied shot making. Had one, sent it out but realized my mistake and was able to get another pretty quickly and this one is not leaving for a long time....
I agree with many others that have said it ticks all the boxes, theme intergration, rules, sound outs, gizmos, etc. The ring is one of the best mechanical "toys" in any game and is used in incredible ways. If not the best game, it will always be one of the best games ever produced.
Sometimes, the best game is the one you just got. It is for me many times, but that doesn't take away from the fact it simply is a great game.
Quoted from shacklersrevenge:As for surpassing, I would say it surpassed all of them at that point. Pinball went the way of the dinosaurs, and out popped this creation. Think of what came right before this from Stern, what was it, Monopoly?
I had to check but you are incorrect, Tspp predates LotR by more than half a year.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stern_(game_company)
I can’t say Tspp is better but it was really a great pin at that time, multi levels, multi ramps, multi flippers, color TV as well as the kick ass rules (as has LotR) have to be two of the best coded games that came out i the same year by the same code team.
It is my favorite for four reasons:
1. The gameplay and board design is unbelievable and, imo, easily in the top 5 ever;
2. It’s a perfect mix of “modern enough” and “needs improvement” from a technology perspective that it’s easy and super fun to become immersed in modding the thing up. And there are so many great mods created by so many smart people that add to the experience (my Pinsound is en route baby, woo).
3. I like long pinball games. I own two pins: LoTR and Medieval Madness remake. My average game is probably 40ish minutes and I love every second. I throw a sports game on the TV in the background and immerse myself.
4. I am a LoTR fanboy, so the pin evokes emotions and memories for me that enchance the experience even more.
I spent about 20 hours in the car picking this machine up and probably 6 weeks airing it out to get an incense smell off of it, and I don’t regret it one bit. It’s wondrous.
Quoted from DanQverymuch:You meant it as emphasis. I get it. But "greatest" is already emphatic, so it didn't need further qualification.
Unnecessary adverbs are just bad writing, as any writer will tell you.
I truly hope you have a very very super duper day.
Thanks Dan. I have moderated and extensively written for a film, opera, classical music, theater and children's book blogsite for eleven years (wondersinthedark.wordpress.com; Sam Juliano) and am a 63 year-old veteran English literature and creative writing instructor for 35 years. To YOU those words were "unnecessary" as they didn't conform to your sentiments of the machine or for some reason rubbed you wrong. What any writer of worth will tell you each scribe has their own way of expression, and in this case it seems every single respondent except YOU seems to understand the question I asked and the deliberate hyperbole I was hoping they either confirm or reject. If I ask if anything is "truly" the greatest I am basically trying to find out for the pinball advocates on this post if they think the term is warranted or if it is falsely applied. I thought my mode of expression here was rather obvious. I am so sorry my style isn't your cup of tea, but I do still wish you a fabulous, buffo, extraordinary, productive, spirited and soulful weekend, maybe perhaps the greatest ever for you!
Quoted from Hazoff:How can this be decided? its relative to the individual. Right now for me TWD is my favorite Stern where as TSPP isn't even close to being in my top 5. Really who cares what the ratings are or if this is Sterns best/worst as long as you love it. Good day Sir, I said Good day
Hazoff, it CAN'T be decided. I am soliciting here for OPINIONS and trying to expand constructive and meaningful discussion. I am very happy that you and so many others have answered the call.
Quoted from FarFromHeaven26:Thanks Dan. I have moderated and extensively written for a film, opera, classical music, theater and children's book blogsite for eleven years (wondersinthedark.wordpress.com; Sam Juliano) and am a 63 year-old veteran English literature and creative writing instructor for 35 years. To YOU those words were "unnecessary" as they didn't conform to your sentiments of the machine or for some reason rubbed you wrong. What any writer of worth will tell you each scribe has their own way of expression, and in this case it seems every single respondent except YOU seems to understand the question I asked and the deliberate hyperbole I was hoping they either confirm or reject. If I ask if anything is "truly" the greatest I am basically trying to find out for the pinball advocates on this post if they think the term is warranted or if it is falsely applied. I thought my mode of expression here was rather obvious. I am so sorry my style isn't your cup of tea, but I do still wish you a fabulous, buffo, extraordinary, productive, spirited and soulful weekend, maybe perhaps the greatest ever for you!
You are new here, so I guess you're not sick of how common hype is on this forum the way I am. I still don't see how "truly the greatest" means anything other than "the greatest" plus hype, unless you were worried about someone naming their "falsely the greatest" title.
Guess I'm touchy about true vs false for the last 16 months or so for some reason...
Quoted from jeffspinballpalace:LOTR is in a battle with TSPP, MET, TWD and Maiden for Stern's best title.
You had me right up until you said Maiden. I could make an argument for the others (even the one I don't like), but Maiden is just a puppy. It needs to grow up before it can run with the big dogs. Maybe you're excited about it, but much to early to be listed in the "greatest" conversation.
Quoted from FarFromHeaven26:Thanks Dan. I have moderated and extensively written for a film, opera, classical music, theater and children's book blogsite for eleven years (wondersinthedark.wordpress.com; Sam Juliano) and am a 63 year-old veteran English literature and creative writing instructor for 35 years. To YOU those words were "unnecessary" as they didn't conform to your sentiments of the machine or for some reason rubbed you wrong. What any writer of worth will tell you each scribe has their own way of expression, and in this case it seems every single respondent except YOU seems to understand the question I asked and the deliberate hyperbole I was hoping they either confirm or reject. If I ask if anything is "truly" the greatest I am basically trying to find out for the pinball advocates on this post if they think the term is warranted or if it is falsely applied. I thought my mode of expression here was rather obvious. I am so sorry my style isn't your cup of tea, but I do still wish you a fabulous, buffo, extraordinary, productive, spirited and soulful weekend, maybe perhaps the greatest ever for you!
"Scribe"? Jeezus you are becoming less likable as this thread progresses.
That being said, LOTR isn't even the best Stern with that layout. Sopranos is way more adult fun with almost an identical layout.
Quoted from DaveH:You had me right up until you said Maiden. I could make an argument for the others (even the one I don't like), but Maiden is just a puppy. It needs to grow up before it can run with the big dogs. Maybe you're excited about it, but much to early to be listed in the "greatest" conversation.
Yeah I debated about including Maiden. The super jackpot shot is too tight, as most balls bounce around and fall short. That is really not fun. Otherwise I'd say, everything is there on Maiden and that the code appears 95% complete. Being completely happy with the rules as is, it is still fun to see and discover new things every game. Maiden was added to the list on a hunch that they belonged. Early indications look positive, and Maiden is not expected to drop from the list of Greatest Stern pins anytime soon.
I agree that it shouldn't qualify though, because it is too new. Maybe there should have been some rules preceding the question. Am I the only one who cares about rules? This is not Nam ... There are rules.
well this is always in interesting topic of best game. a lot of it depends on what you define as fun. end of the day your dollar. but to be honest without criteria and what defines the criteria it is nothing more than who has the most fans. i like the game but find it boring after some time. ball time is way too long. 45 min games do not interest me at all. i think it is a very good game and for the time period it came out it was leaps and bounds ahead of any other game of that period. I feel the shots are too generalized and not challenging. don't get me wrong i enjoy playing it but i will not own another one. but they are games and ment to be fun. all that matters is that you enjoy it.
It won't leave my collection until I reach Valinor, so it's probably here to stay. Definitely a top 3 Stern for me.
I've probably been 60-70% of the way there...something like two MBs finished, five elf gifts and TABA lit. I do get the feeling that once I get there I'll lose interest in keeping it, though.
This all reminds me of a great and very non-Hollywood movie; it earned Sir Ben an academy award nomination.
Quoted from DanQverymuch:You are new here, so I guess you're not sick of how common hype is on this forum the way I am. I still don't see how "truly the greatest" means anything other than "the greatest" plus hype, unless you were worried about someone naming their "falsely the greatest" title.
Guess I'm touchy about true vs false for the last 16 months or so for some reason...
Well, I mean, Mohamed Ali proclaimed he “was the greatest” was he though? Maybe.
Rocky Marciano might have something to say about that.
So there is the greatest and truly the greatest.
Quoted from DanQverymuch:You are new here, so I guess you're not sick of how common hype is on this forum the way I am. I still don't see how "truly the greatest" means anything other than "the greatest" plus hype, unless you were worried about someone naming their "falsely the greatest" title.
Guess I'm touchy about true vs false for the last 16 months or so for some reason...
Yes I am relatively new at pinside Dan, but I am a blogging veteran dating back decades and I still don't see how it is possible for you to miss the point of my use of "truly" in this context. Let me try again for you.
I asked in my header this lucid question, one that 75 other respondents (all in facts aside from YOU completely understood) have addressed most magnificently on either end of the divide. I asked "Is LOTR "truly" the greatest pinball machine ever made?" What is YOUR issue with that query? As LOTR has often here at pinside and elsewhere been called the greatest pinball machine ever made, I wanted to poll those willing to impart their opinion if the machine in fact is indeed "truly" the greatest in THEIR opinion or if that greatest label is in their view undeserved hyperbole. I am aghast that you are unable to understand the rhetorical terms I used and continue to muddy this otherwise fantastic thread with this most bizarre contention. It makes plenty of sense. It is YOUR response that really makes no sense whatsoever. Hype is here but only in my deliberate posing of the term for those who ultimately reject that greatest Stern ever conclusion. As you remain the sole voice on this thread staying the course with this inexplicable position I just throw up my hands.
And yet. And yet your last sentences show you as a decent fellow who is in lament mode on other terms connected to the site. I completely understand that. I offer the peace branch here and hope we will have other fruitful discussions. Looking through the thread it appears that roughly 60% have asserted that LOTR is truly the greatest Stern pinball machine ever made with varying degrees of qualification while maybe 40% have rejected that it is not truly the greatest, which is roughly the numbers I envisioned at the start. Adverbs for acute emphasis are intended to widen the discussion parameters.
Quoted from Rondogg:"Scribe"? Jeezus you are becoming less likable as this thread progresses.
That being said, LOTR isn't even the best Stern with that layout. Sopranos is way more adult fun with almost an identical layout.
I am becoming "less likable" as this thread progresses? How or why is that? Because ONE SINGLE PERSON deemed to take issue aggressively with my terminology in posing a fair question, one that just about everyone has answered politely, passionately and with marked insight? I have enthusiastically ungraded every answer and am excited about sharing our passion. Is that a close friend I responded to, or are you just trolling me here? I am not looking to fight, nor even to debate, I am looking for opinions, and am grateful for having received so many.
Did you take any notice that I never myself answered my own question? At this point in time I am not sure if it truly the greatest Stern, and continue to ponder the idea. I was looking for the input of others and have received it quite comprehensively I might add.
Quoted from bigdaddy07:The callouts are some of the best! Suuuper jackpot whaahaha!! Plus on the rare occasion that you take down the Balrog. You shall not pass!!
Amen to that!
Quoted from FarFromHeaven26:I am becoming "less likable" as this thread progresses? How or why is that? Because ONE SINGLE PERSON deemed to take issue aggressively with my terminology in posing a fair question, one that just about everyone has answered politely, passionately and with marked insight? I have enthusiastically ungraded every answer and am excited about sharing our passion. Is that a close friend I responded to, or are you just trolling me here? I am not looking to fight, nor even to debate, I am looking for opinions, and am grateful for having received so many.
Did you take any notice that I never myself answered my own question? At this point in time I am not sure if it truly the greatest Stern, and continue to ponder the idea. I was looking for the input of others and have received it quite comprehensively I might add.
No because you are increasingly becoming more and more snooty with your responses. The wording you use is too verbose and thesaurusy. Adding deets from your resume, pontificating generalizations about the people who took your poll, and the general passive aggressive style makes this thread more of a bore to read than nearly every other comparison thread on pinside, ever.
And no I am not trolling you. Nor do I want a fight. Just some pointers for the future.
Quoted from FarFromHeaven26:I am becoming "less likable" as this thread progresses? How or why is that? Because ONE SINGLE PERSON deemed to take issue aggressively with my terminology in posing a fair question, one that just about everyone has answered politely, passionately and with marked insight? I have enthusiastically ungraded every answer and am excited about sharing our passion. Is that a close friend I responded to, or are you just trolling me here? I am not looking to fight, nor even to debate, I am looking for opinions, and am grateful for having received so many.
Did you take any notice that I never myself answered my own question? At this point in time I am not sure if it truly the greatest Stern, and continue to ponder the idea. I was looking for the input of others and have received it quite comprehensively I might add.
Wasn't it Shakespeare that said brevity was the soul of wit?
I'm with him, your posts are leading to get the answers you want, not to encourage conversation and then you respond with overly verbose responses where your thesaurus, dog eared it may be, does not add to the topic.
Do we really need to gild this many lilies?
It's not even in my stern top 10. But hey thats just my opinion. If you love it (op) that's all that really matters.
Quoted from tp:It's not even in my stern top 10. But hey thats just my opinion. If you love it (op) that's all that really matters.
The theme killed it for me before I could ever get a chance to consider if it was great or not.
Quoted from Ns2973:Wasn't it Shakespeare that said brevity was the soul of wit?
I'm with him, your posts are leading to get the answers you want, not to encourage conversation and then you respond with overly verbose responses where your thesaurus, dog eared it may be, does not add to the topic.
Do we really need to gild this many lilies?
Ah Shakespeare, my absolute favorite literary figure of all-time in every sense. You parlay one of his ideas into a supposition that I am getting the answers I want. What answers might they be? What I wanted and what I have received gloriously are pros and cons connected to the general query. I have throughout this thread also received some fantastic discussion from so many aside from the tiny minority who have either berated me for the use of a single word in that topic question or have then for other reasons joined in to divert what has actually been a fascinating discussion. You talk about verbosity and dog-eared thesaurus ownership and seek to deprive me of my rightful defense against the most rudimentary kind of nit-picking I've encountered in over twenty years of blogging. Since roughly 122 or 123 of the 131 responses on this thread has been on topic I'd say it has been quite successful. But thanks for trying hard to deny me the right to respond to absurd off-topic attacks. Nice attempt on your part. I mean I could have corrected your "Wasn't it Shakespeare that said?" by mentioning it should have read "Wasn't it Shakespeare WHO said?" but what is the point? This entire flare-up was because ONE person had an issue with my word usage. That employment was NOT incorrect, neither was it even poor, but it just rubbed a hyperbole-weary pinsider wrong. Rather than just deal with the question he chose lamentably to attack the messenger.
Quoted from Rondogg:No because you are increasingly becoming more and more snooty with your responses. The wording you use is too verbose and thesaurusy. Adding deets from your resume, pontificating generalizations about the people who took your poll, and the general passive aggressive style makes this thread more of a bore to read than nearly every other comparison thread on pinside, ever.
And no I am not trolling you. Nor do I want a fight. Just some pointers for the future.
Snooty ONLY to the tiny few who cast stones at the outset for my literary license. To 99% of the others on this thread I have been polite, gracious and effervescent. I appreciate the pointers for sure. BTW the resume inclusion was unavoidable after my writing ability was brought into question. What I do professionally indeed has zero to do with this site in every sense. I also I am not pontificating generalizations, I was lobbying for comments and relevant discussions, both of which I have come into play on this thread. I was polite from the very start, have upgraded practically every post and have thanked respondents every chance I have gotten. I am still in shock that with such a gracious bedside manner (which I have employed at my site successfully for so many years) I came under fire in an attack that redefines nitpicking. As to the thread being a "bore" you are the only one who made this contention. Seems all the others have been thrilled/happy to engage. My intrusion on this thread has been to defend myself against that unbelievable unfair original charge against my writing style, which should never have been made here in the first place.
Quoted from CrazyLevi:I really hope this guy is on a Harley forum, or maybe the Philadelphia Eagles board!
C'mon Levi, I may one day buy a pinball machine from you. I am at a disadvantage at pinside as a newbie. I tried hard to be ultra-polite and gracious and fell victim to moodiness. When I defended myself I was then attacked.
I am a lifelong NEW YORK GIANTS fan, so I hate the Eagles! Not a Harley guy either but am a HUGE movie fan!! Ha! Hope to meet you one day, you sound like a cool guy!
And I just watched your video here! Fabulous!
I was a B/W snob for awhile.... But then I realized that the machines that get the most of my money are stern games.
I think AC/DC prem or Le is the greatest stern machine.... Although Tron is my favorite.
Quoted from NY2Colorado:I was a B/W snob for awhile.... But then I realized that the machines that get the most of my money are stern games.
I think AC/DC prem or Le is the greatest stern machine.... Although Tron is my favorite.
That's a very fair point NY2Colorado!
Thank you!
Quoted from tp:It's not even in my stern top 10. But hey thats just my opinion. If you love it (op) that's all that really matters.
That's more than fair enough TP! Thank you!
Quoted from FarFromHeaven26:C'mon Levi, I may one day buy a pinball machine from you. I am at a disadvantage at pinside as a newbie. I tried hard to be ultra-polite and gracious and fell victim to moodiness. When I defended myself I was then attacked.
I am a lifelong NEW YORK GIANTS fan, so I hate the Eagles! Not a Harley guy either but am a HUGE movie fan!! Ha! Hope to meet you one day, you sound like a cool guy!
And I just watched your video here! Fabulous!
http://www.crazylevipinball.com/
BOOOOM!
Another fan for life!
(Hail to the Redskins)
Quoted from lordloss:Who wants to fight me:
No fight from me my friend!! LOVE your lineup there in every sense! Thank you!
Quoted from lordloss:Who wants to fight me:
Flip that upside down and you are pretty dang close.
Quoted from FarFromHeaven26:Snooty ONLY to the tiny few who cast stones at the outset for my literary license. To 99% of the others on this thread I have been polite, gracious and effervescent. I appreciate the pointers for sure. BTW the resume inclusion was unavoidable after my writing ability was brought into question. What I do professionally indeed has zero to do with this site in every sense. I also I am not pontificating generalizations, I was lobbying for comments and relevant discussions, both of which I have come into play on this thread. I was polite from the very start, have upgraded practically every post and have thanked respondents every chance I have gotten. I am still in shock that with such a gracious bedside manner (which I have employed at my site successfully for so many years) I came under fire in an attack that redefines nitpicking. As to the thread being a "bore" you are the only one who made this contention. Seems all the others have been thrilled/happy to engage. My intrusion on this thread has been to defend myself against that unbelievable unfair original charge against my writing style, which should never have been made here in the first place.
Jeezus, you're starting to sound like you wouldn't be able to pass the Turing test. Hope you enjoy all the "effervescent" responses you are sure to get here in the future. Later.
Quoted from RustyLizard:Flip that upside down and you are pretty dang close.
I'm not that into the music pins. Met/ACDC/Iron Maiden are good and I understand the fan base/game, but just doesn't do much for me.
Quoted from Rondogg:Jeezus, you're starting to sound like you wouldn't be able to pass the Turing test. Hope you enjoy all the "effervescent" responses you are sure to get here in the future. Later.
Why thank you so much Rondogg. I appear to be getting those effervescent, impassioned and focused responses from all aside from you and your tiny fellowship of rhetorical crusaders. As I say I do really appreciate your periodic appearances, which while not exactly aimed at hijacking the thread, are certainly not in the spirit of furthering the talk on the November 2003 pinball creation based on the film adaptations of Tolkien. Carry on by all means. I'll fit you in. Heck you are bringing up the numbers!
Quoted from lordloss:Slight update, only game I deem worthy outside of stern for being good enough for this chart was added to god tier:
Lordloss, my wife and I have been recently smitten with THE WIZARD OF OZ in a big way and several of my kids are on board. Our stay on Friday night at the Asbury Park Silverball Museum was largely a monopoly on that sublime Jersey Jack creation. When we have enough money we plan to purchase one in the next six to eight months (even with the CGC MBR also to finance simultaneously. Eeek) so the question is, which one represents the final code update and is the most aesthetically beautiful? I am thinking it is the Emerald City edition. Would you advise THAT one or do you prefer the Ruby Red if I might impose on you here?
Quoted from ItsOnlyPinball:LOTR is great, Metallica is better, Walking Dead is also great, Ghostbusters kicks butt, but Iron Maiden is the best Stern ever.
Thank you ItsOnly Pinball! My wife, oldest son and I was lucky to spend some time playing the IRON MAIDEN machine at Allentown last week and certainly it is an amazing machine. I wasn't the biggest fan of IM's music, (not a HM guy) but that machine is as vastly appealing in so many ways that loving the music isn't a prerequisite. So I hear ya!!!
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