Ooooo......do I see a head to head IM challenge being laid on the table? Lol

It'll only make ya a better player.

I bought shadow based on what others said about it.

2 years later, I can finally play it.

"meh" ... is the feeling I'm getting from it. I finished it after 5-10 games and I just couldn't believe I had it so easily.I've had Tron for 2 years and play it every other day and twice on sunday and CAN NOT finish it.

Reading the comments again here I'm tempted to keep it and "give it another chance" but I'm still "meh" about it and would probably trade it for hey, a fishtales or somethin'...

it was "underated" for so long for a reason ... and I know why now.

If it's too easy for you open the outlanes and/or make it steeper. Problem solved.

Had a fish tales ,yes great game but way easier than shadow by a mile.

The Shadow is an amazing game. Many things I would say about it have already been mentioned, but I'll add that I think it's a game you can grow in to. By that I mean, if you aren't a blackbelt in pinfu you can have a very fun time with it and as you improve you can incorporate more of the features and dig deeper into the rules.

I'm a mediocre player at best and Shadow is my first (and still only) pin. Have never regretted it. As people have said here, you can adjust the game to play longer if you like (tighten the out lanes, extend ball save time, award extra balls). And adjusting the upper flipper to direct loop shots into the scene-start/Kahn multiball hole allows you to more easily advance through the modes. I'm not ashamed to admit that I've done all of these and enjoy reasonably long and fulfilling games.

I would say that if you're a purist about maintaining standard (or tough) settings, or if you want a game that you can regularly beat with modest skills, this is not the game for you. Otherwise, I'd have no problem recommending it to even a beginner that's really into pinball and wants to improve his skills on a fun and challenging machine.

I had one too...glad to see it gone! Had a good video mode and I liked the music but the scoring was so unbalanced.

I played a game last night and focused on the left loop > Shadow loop combo (Bowen recommended tourney strategy) and ended up with a 2Billion + score. I got to Final Battle without even really trying for it but screwed that up and was left with 5 shots remaining) Full disclosure I did earn 3 extra balls during the game earned by completing the Battlefield, video mode and 3 x successive Shadow loops

Depends on how they are set up my ft is crazy fast and difficult

FT is one of the toughest games from the 90s. That guy must have closed off the I lanes and replaced the lightning flips with regular ones.

The Shadow was very high on my list of wanted games (mostly from what I had read on Pinside) until I got to play one. It was a fast and fun game, but Judge Dredd won out for me. I definitely advise playing one before you buy.

Yea im so glad I kept my jd its a real winner in my book glad its finally getting the love it deserves

Can anyone confirm the spec for me for the shadow mini playfield motor? It should be listed on the gear box of the motor and is 4 digits. Thanks.

I'm not a great player, but I've owned TS for a couple weeks and love it. I want hard games in my collection. Even so, I've found Shadow challenging but not frustrating. It took me a few games to get comfortable using the diverters and the upper playfield is still challenging for me (probably because I have my game set up a little steep & just waxed). Some of the newer stern games are equally difficult if not more so IMHO. Walking Dead is what I would call frustratingly difficult, whereas the drains on The Shadow feel a little more fair (like missing a ramp shot, or going for a close-range MONGOL target).

The multiballs are not particularly hard to get, but keeping them in play is difficult, which is a positive for re-playability in my opinion. The game gives you a lot of tastes of success.

Generally, I would say the diverters keep the game from being completely accessible for beginners, but for average or better players, The Shadow is awesome.

Bump....any advice on what to look for condition wise when looking for a Shadow?

Sanctum wear. Not missing any of the rings and Mongol figures. The brick wall drop target can be a PITA, so if it's working properly that's a plus.

Shadow is a very good game for any skill level. It can be tough, but not in a frustrating way. If you make good shots, you'll do well. If you make poor shots, you get drained.

As for stuff to look out for when buying; Sanctum wear is almost always present. If it creates a deep divot, it can mess with the magnet and multiball modes. Even if you're not good at playfield repair, you can fill the hole with epoxy and cover with a sticker so this usually isn't too bad a flaw. Lift up the playfield and make sure both diverter brackets are present and in good condition. If they break, you could probably get a welder to repair it, but if it's missing, you are going to have a very, very hard time finding a replacement.

Real nice ones are going for around 2800. I'd start there and adjust down for wear, broken stuff. Hope that helps

I just set mine up to go straight to the Kahn hole off the loop. It is easier, but it makes sense that it was part of the design. You get extra rewards for starting modes off the right hole because of the Who Knows and the Extra Ball, seems intentional to give a bonus for starting the mode the hard way. The Kahn light is lit so often that it actually prevents starting modes from the Kahn hole a lot of the time. Especially if I have Duel of Wills set up and I want to start it I find that I am forced to shoot the right hole anyway because Kahn multiball is lit and I want that mode over the multiball.