The ball times need to be long to have a chance at seeing all of the game. If it’s setup too brutal the deep ruleset is pointless.
The long ball times make sense for the ruleset it has.
(Topic ID: 277538)
Linked Games
Lord of the Rings
Stern, 2003-
Lord of the Rings Limited Edition
Stern, 2009
-
The Hobbit
Jersey Jack, 2016
Topic Gallery
Ann Arbor, MI
Quoted from Reaper802:Invest a little time here to learn the rules to Hobbit and see how punishing this game can be when properly set up. If anyone thinks Hobbit ball times are long, feel free to stop over after the Pandemic. Mine will humble you real quick.
Most any game can be configured to play hard for short ball times. I think to fully enjoy games like LOTR and the Hobbit you want longer ball times. Sort of like playing an RPG video game versus a shooter.
Quoted from Jvspin:Most any game can be configured to play hard for short ball times. I think to fully enjoy games like LOTR and the Hobbit you want longer ball times. Sort of like playing an RPG video game versus a shooter.
Yah this... I had my LOTR setup tough with outlanes wide open etc.
It was way harder but also way less fun.
Same with games like Monster Bash.. you can make them play tougher but then they lose their appeal.
Not every game is meant to be a ballbuster.
Toronto, ON
I don't personally see the point of setting up games to be difficult if you're a casual player. I personally set everything to exactly 6.5, and keep posts exactly where they were installed at the factory. I reuse to even change rubber, because it changes the intended feel of the game.
I just got a Deadpool, and I beat it 3 times in the first week. I have no desire to remove posts to make it harder.
To each their own, but I think as Chuck said, the rules are deep, so the game must play long.
LOTR and Hobbit are not half hour sitcoms 
Quoted from WizardsCastle:I don't personally see the point of setting up games to be difficult if you're a casual player. I personally set everything to exactly 6.5, and keep posts exactly where they were installed at the factory. I reuse to even change rubber, because it changes the intended feel of the game.
I just got a Deadpool, and I beat it 3 times in the first week. I have no desire to remove posts to make it harder.
To each their own, but I think as Chuck said, the rules are deep, so the game must play long.
LOTR and Hobbit are not half hour sitcoms
I generally agree although I will sometimes move posts in to eliminate side drains until I get better at the game....also most factory rubbers are kinda shitty so I tend to change those over time.
Quoted from PtownPin:I generally agree although I will sometimes move posts in to eliminate side drains until I get better at the game....also most factory rubbers are kinda shitty so I tend to change those over time.
I guess that's the luxury of owning these at home. We get to decide exactly how we want the games to look and play.
It's just for me personally, I like everything stock. Again, totally personal.
One more thing I've been curious about in the LOTR vs TH discussion... What game is tougher to beat (reach wizard mode)?
Quoted from WizardsCastle:I guess that's the luxury of owning these at home. We get to decide exactly how we want the games to look and play.
It's just for me personally, I like everything stock. Again, totally personal.
One more thing I've been curious about in the LOTR vs TH discussion... What game is tougher to beat (reach wizard mode)?
I would say LOTR, but I sold my Hobbit before they released the latest code, which I hear is great.....
Quoted from WizardsCastle:I don't personally see the point of setting up games to be difficult if you're a casual player. I personally set everything to exactly 6.5, and keep posts exactly where they were installed at the factory. I reuse to even change rubber, because it changes the intended feel of the game.
I just got a Deadpool, and I beat it 3 times in the first week. I have no desire to remove posts to make it harder.
To each their own, but I think as Chuck said, the rules are deep, so the game must play long.
LOTR and Hobbit are not half hour sitcoms
Hobbit is one game where I feel at 6.5 the gameplay is way too slow. Some would say floaty. I set mine at 7.0-7.1 and imho it plays perfectly. Although I agree and left everything else factory. Super fun game that you get lost in the journey. I’m still trying to defeat Smaug... so close
Quoted from Hammerhead:When I play TH the score for me is secondary.
Its not any different for me with LOTR or any pin. Unless I'm playing against someone where the score matters its always about completing the objectives and achieving final wizard mode. The Hobbit play slower than I like. I don't care how u set it up, after BK3 and IM and SW its just not there in terms of speed, it does have a great adventure aspect so to each his own.
Quoted from Hazoff:Its not any different for me with LOTR or any pin. Unless I'm playing against someone where the score matters its always about completing the objectives and achieving final wizard mode. The Hobbit play slower than I like. I don't care how u set it up, after BK3 and IM and SW its just not there in terms of speed, it does have a great adventure aspect so to each his own.
There is no doubt that Hobbit plays slower than those other games.....that doesn't mean their better or worse...some people prefer slower, some people prefer fast games....I personally like both....totally different experience. The one thing I always loved about the Hobbit is it really does feel like your in that world...JJP did a great job on theme integration
Quoted from PtownPin:There is no doubt that Hobbit plays slower than those other games.....that doesn't mean their better or worse...some people prefer slower
Yeah old people and bad players
I agree, its nice to have options.
Quoted from Hazoff:Yeah old people and bad players
I agree, its nice to have options.
Just different...not sure I'd say bad or worse....out my entire collection IJ is my fav pin and its a wide body, yet in general I prefer standard size games
3 weeks later
I've had my Hobbit for a couple of weeks now, played all the mini wizards and beat Smaug, and it's still LOTR for me by far for the win.
However, I think it's really hard to compare because they're such different games. The only thing they have in common for me is that they both capture the feeling of being in an adventure better than any other games I've seen.
I think in the end, I just like the shots, codes and overall experience of LOTR.
But the video and audio in Hobbit are second to none. The music that plays during Smaug MB is absolutely epic, and the sequence after you land the kill shot on him is just pure pinball magic.
Although it's LOTR for me, you really can't go wrong with either. Really enjoying both of them!
Guisborough
Too tough to call... you can lose yourself in Hobbit for hours, its that sort of immersion.
I love the LOTR Pinsound movie score mod I put together, really brings it up to date. The game can feel clunky at times, but when it comes together its the best game out there.
1 week later
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