Get one that works.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/mulling-over-an-em-game-which-would-you-suggest

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/em-advice

Got too many suggestions... but these are all games that *I* like.

Try to play some EM's and see which one(s) YOU like.

I know this isn't easy, as you don't see them on route anymore, or would be rare to do so.

But maybe you can seek out EM collectors in your area. Usually, they don't mind and sometimes even 'welcome' other pinball players to play their games. If you lived near, I would invite you over here.

Or perhaps go to a show??

Bottom line... do your homework first! homework homework homework

Yeah, get one that works is right!

Add that to the list.

+1

70's Gottlieb drop target game pretty good starting place.

Well that narrows it down...

Where are you located?

If you are lucky enough to be in an area that has and EM pinball establishment, then you can play and get a feel for ones you may like.

Then it all depends on how handy your are.

Most EM's can be fixed if you have some skills are willing to troubleshoot.

Ok, Abra Ca Dabra. Not many people dislike it, good ruleset, good art etc.

Would you suggest I should pass on these then?

DreamOn.jpg

Allentown show is closer!!

yup... and right around the corner...

Sounds like my kind of show............lots of em's and an indoor/outdoor flea market. What else could a person want?

Space. Funds.

And the rest of the hoard that goes with those two above.

lockednlit. I hope to see you at TPF. You will have a blast! 500 games on display! Plenty of people to meet! Come on down! Cheap flights, cheap accommodations and surrounded by places to eat in walking distance.

I always suggest that anyone going into EM's for the first time, start with a single player, preferably a wedgehead, they are great playing games, and far less intimidating to learn how to fix.

A great farmers market at the show too!!

Decide if you want a single player or multi player game. Then, do you want a game with 2" flippers, or 3" flippers? Do you like drop targets? There are a few 2" flipper games with drop targets, but most drop target games have 3" flippers. If you're not comfortable with repairing EMs, then take the advice posted above; get a game that works properly. You may have to pay a little more for that, and pay a lot more if you buy a game from a dealer who may provide some type of warrantee. Most, if not just about all EM games were not licensed themes, but simply generic ones. There are many different themes to choose from in EM pins. Gottlieb made some super playing-card themed games. They were noted for that. The selection there is huge because that theme spans the woodrail era to the end of the EM era, with single and multi player games in both add a ball and replay formats. There are pool and bowling themed games, western themed games and many other general themes as well. Do a search on ipdb.org, and look at each game's ratings. I, for one, prefer Gottlieb EMs, as these were the best designed and best built games of the EM era. Not that there weren't some very good games by the other manufacturers, but Gottlieb is the overwhelming choice among EM collectors. Play as many EMs as you can wherever you can find them so that you can make a better decision as to what game is right for you. Keep us posted.