Perhaps it has an phone app that can be downloaded - optionally - that will enhance the game in some way? Unlocks, progression, checkpoints, scores, etc?

Spoke to Jack a few months ago about TH, and he said that he thinks that WOZ and TH are great - and he is proud of them, but he is really excited about Pat's game.

To me that says a lot.

Beg your pardon?

Didn't he do TRON as well...if by small chance there is a VE or a rerun this year (which I doubt)...wouldn't that be 6?

Well...last year I was talking to Jack about the powder coating on the hobbit - and I asked him about game #3. His comment was rather funny. He said something like, when JJP haters see Lawlor's game they are going to stoke out! (or something to that effect). They seem to be happy with what is cooking for #3. Frankly, my next pin was going to be WOZ RR or TRON LE/VE/Whatever, but I am now waiting on #3 before making that choice.

No hurry for me, just dropped a truck of cash on a Stine poker table and chairs, and bought the hobbit (which is a freaking awesome pin -no regrets at all) - so my budget is shot till next year anyway.

EDIT: One thing I want to mention. My wife didn't play pinball much at all until she played WOZ. Now the only pins she will play are WOZ and Hobbit - those she likes. The rest - not so much. I kind of find that interesting...oh...and Galaga - she likes Galaga.

I decided to just display it on a pedestal and go without a topper (for now)

EDIT: I uploaded a video a few months back of the bust - it is really nice!

Frankly I consider WOZ and TH both one of the greatest pinball machines ever made. So I can see where he thinks that to be honest.

I'll go one step further - If I could trade my Hobbit for any pinball machine at all I would keep the hobbit.

I guess a broken clock is right twice a day

Apparently you can stream right from the pinball machine itself

True - what I remember in the leak before it was removed was a hot mess of a description and didn't help much...

After owning the pin for 3 weeks I can tell you the third flipper is not meaningless. You would be advised to get good at using it.

On many modes you will need to hit Dwarf targets, the left hole (VUK) using the third flipper because Keith will block those shots with the spider pop up. And the Elf targets are hard to hit as well (from any flipper), but if you can improve your third flipper SKILZ you can hit those when needed as well.

Not that the 3rd flipper would help the following but he also make you hit an orbit shot and blocks with spider and warg, and hit ramps he blocks with goblin and orc. I try to use the third flipper to hit the captive ball quickly as well as touch the left spinner for mode completion or erebor advancement.

Not at all useless, and if you don't use it the game will be harder. Just a good game all around and I wouldn't remove the third flipper (so I can see why the didn't)

I also use it to adjust my return to another location on left orbit shots. It's good to be in the game - if other's don't want to use it then don't hit the right flipper button when the ball is at the top right flipper location.

I get your point. And I don't necessarily disagree with it. My point would be that it should not be an absolute requirement to have a shot that only that flipper can make to include it or not. I don't know if the hobbit, via software, will hit that requirement or not.

I guess I am saying it is more of a guideline than a rule

I really don't know what the hell you guys are talking about...I guess it just boils down to what one person likes another person hates. It is the only way your thoughts make any sense to me.

Is it the best pinball machine ever, probably not. Far from good!? This is bush league psyche-out stuff!

Laughable-Man_(resized).jpg

CrazyLevi, we know you hate the hobbit, but ... you need to play the hobbit with:

1. A properly set up pitch (exactly 6.5 to 7.5 range)

2. In a controlled sound room with the exact sound settings (to avoid clipping, yet fully enjoy the audio)

3. Complete and total understanding of all the complex modes, locks, and ring functionality.

4. Appreciation for a fan layout on a pinball machine with heavy drop target usage

5. Love and appreciation of a LCD screen with enough instrumentation to make NASA engineers heads spin.

6. Tolkien and/or Peter Jackson film fan - to a fault

Then, and only then, can you appreciate that the machine is not floaty, slow, or boring.

Relax...I was just trying to reply to CrazyLevi with the tired old argument that it has to be in ideal settings or modes understood to enjoy it. Truth is, I like it more the more I play it.

Here is the news flash - it isn't for everyone. Some will not like it (regardless of what other's say to try to convince him to like it). And in a similar fashion, people that like the hobbit (like me) don't understand why people don't have the fun we experience when playing it.

The best thing to do is play before buy - so you will find out if you like it or not - or if you love it enough to own it. Simple as that?

LOL, that's what I am sayin'

I don't think Smaug says that as often anymore. My understanding is that they are going to put more Smaug dialog in the game.

You do realize that people say stuff like that about the WOZ music driving them nuts. I am surprised to see you comment about JJP sounds...being such a huge WOZ fan (like me)

EDIT: Nevermind, you do seem to dislike hobbit quite a bit (but you say at least it looks good)

All I can say is that JJP#3 better rock my world or I am getting a WOZ. WOZ is really really good

I think they will have Pat's game there and playable.

I think WOZ and Hobbit are both great pinball machines already. Amazing tech and build on JJP pins. Lawlor may take it up a notch though!