I had the same feeling about GB...it was a dream theme, but after playing the game for 6 months I couldn't sell it fast enough...it was crap, and was more frustrating than fun. My prediction that Stern/Dwight wouldn't support with new code was spot on...that being said it looks like they might drop new code soon (only took 3 years), which might help, but won't help the game layout, and large flipper gap....

Based on FUN, I would rank them in this order.

MB > Munsters > Ghost Busters

Thats pretty close...although on many games upgrading to a premium is worth the extra cash....CGC (remakes), and JJP LE's used to be worth the extra $ (with Wonka they changed that)....Stern LE's (and I've owned a few) are a waste of money buying NIB (aside from maybe Tron, and ST)

Bash all day!
Munsters is just to shallow to enjoy long term but that’s just me. Probably need to play more but don’t think will change feelings at this point. GB on the other hand would have potential esp with the potential code update.
I think this would be a challenge depending on skills. Could be set up for constant frustration.
Of course I more bias with what I have in my collection. SS should be considered. Just plain old fun here!

Ghostbusters, has way more to do and with the new code coming, going to be a home run!

If I still owned one I'd say the same thing...

The first time I played it, I got to the mini pf 4-5 times in one game... It got kind of boring for me, even though I wanted to love it.

Oh Lyman's doing the code update for GB?
No? Then it ain't the same situation.

To be honest....I really don't care for lower playfields - on any pin.

I think owners of the game will be happy with a code update - regardless of how big or small - but I don't think it will move the needle too much for others.

EDIT: I hope I am wrong though. It is cool when big code updates shift the pin from so so to out of this world great! It could happen...but not likely. We'll see (maybe)

MM and AFM are superior in that price range.

Agreed, and I don't personally care, as I enjoy the game much more than the other 2 listed here.

Granted, you are correct. We can hope he would contribute, however.

It's more than the mini playfield, but that is a major feature of this game. Ultimately, some will like it, some wont. MB was fun, but I tired of it pretty quick.

I have a GB and love it, but in saying that MB and Munsters is also on my want list. MB for the humour, toys and shot flow and yes rules are a little shallow but for the time a dam nice pin but super expensive here in Aus. Munsters was a theme I really wanted and love the look and the shot flow but the rules have to improve to consider and a shame they did not have some more tv show related modes.

GB looks cool, sounds great, a little humour and deeper rules than the other 2 games but has some minor shot & rule issues - but reckon with a code upgrade should make this even better - this is the pick for me.

MB>munsters>GB in order of fun to shoot and good for people newer to the hobby.

My worthless $.02

I have the Limited Editions of all of them and I actually agree with you, The Munsters for the win.

Okay... Here are my thoughts on this triple threat match. And its a real slobberknocker as I think these are three of the best looking pins you could ever own. I will admit a partial bias as I own a MBr LE. I only bought my Monster Bash, because the LE really was one of the nicest looking pins I've ever seen and the topper was just amazing. So I wanted it. But, gameplay wise. It is shallow, and also doesn't lend itself to a whole lot of variety in the strats you can employ.
But, it is one of the best games in terms of old school toys. Its got lots of sculpts and 2 really cool bash toys. 2 of the best. 3 ramps. And while not a deep game, a really nice rule set. And the LE has some of the best callouts/sense of humor, and animations in a pin. Lighting is amazing.
So I think MBR might be the best looker.

But, again... All three games look amazing. Ghostbusters has a really cool smash toy too, and I think the playfield art might be the best of all three. I only played ghostbusters about 5 times. Played a lot of games on it... But, only about 5 different locations. And Munsters I've played it about the same amount.

I won't lie. Ghostbusters can kick you in the butt. It can be a tough game and it can be a drain monster. But, when you have a great game. Its amazing. Great callouts, I like the code... But, I do agree it can be too linear... But, if you know what you are doing, there are choices and ways around it... But, I agree they need to do a reward for completeing all the first level modes for each tier like star trek did.
Love the animations. The don't cross stream video mode is good, not great... I think the esp one if fun... Wish it wasn't random... But, its okay to experience once or twice.

Munsters. It looks beautiful. Pro has a great looking playfield, but I like the bw prem. Love the concept of the mini playfield, But it really is a tease if you ask me.
Not a big fan of it so far. The code is interesting.... But, to me hard to open up, and doin't really like the animations and I think the callouts are horrible.
Marilyn sounds like a small boy, and paul lynde doesnt fit. He was in 3-4 episodes.
And to me it just lacks energy... Lacks pop... I don't love shooting it.

So if you want something to look at... All three look great.
If you want something that is deep in code. It's Ghostbusters.
If you want something that is all about the gameplay... I think its Monster Bash... But, then again if you don't mind being frustrated Ghostbusters is good shooting too.

If you're a fan of toys, its Monster Bash.
I personally can't wait till I can get a Ghostbusters in my home. It'll look great next to my MBr LE.

Absolutely true ...If she's into Goth, none of the 3 match BSD imho. All the games mentioned are light-hearted humor.

BSD is a nasty, no joke, horror pin..

Same here with the GB premium, couldn't get the game dialed in and it played like garbage. Never picked up a game and slammed the front down before, but GB brought it out in me (maybe THAT is why the insert started ghosting ). Seriously, F that game. First and likely last Stern NIB purchase. The pro plays well though. Get the MB or a GB pro. . .the Munsters, eh.

While I’m not that good, I just played the #%*^ out of TZ for years at home. Got pretty decent at it. I’ve had GBLE for two years- still haven’t “beat” it. Also why I keep LOTR at home. GB also needs dialing in and wouldn’t dare pump money in on location, but I still love the depth. No disagreement on scolari but hitting left ramp, loading trap MB, and while I’m probably in the minority I actually like the linear modes, the game comes together for me. Just my opinion. If OP buys MB will be curious as to the 6 month review. Like I said, it’s good, just shallow. Can’t wait to see what the new code does. So much potential above where it’s at. I’ll move my discussions back to the GB thread now!

Code improvements won't help the shitty layout People bag MB on code, but its no different than MM or AFM, and all three of those games have great layouts, flow, and the rule sets are easy to understand yet not that easy to beat the game....All three of those games are highly rated by most for a reason....because they are very fun pins....GB is an incredible theme, but not a fun game....

The beauty of Dracula is its balance. Yes, it can be hard...but - those quick games make it addicting to hit the start button again...and because the ruleset is fairly straight forward, the goals ARE attainable, and when you get the triple multiball stack and Drac is screaming "THIIIIRTY MEEEELLLEEEEEON!", it's super fun and you'll want to do it again. Dracula is one of the perfect examples of playfield design & rules/code working in perfect harmony.

I prefer GB layout over those fan layouts. I also find the "top3's" codes to become stale quickly.

If she's a goth girl and likes monsters I'm in the camp of check out Alice Copper.
You battle monsters in this game.
Example, when you're in the werewolf mode both you and the werewolf have a life bar (sort of like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat arcade games).
If you make the intended shot (shots in green) you load your gun with a silver bullet and then have to make the center shot to hit him (which takes life off his life bar).
If you make the shots lit in red, the werewolf bites you and takes your life away.
It's a pretty cool way to battle monsters and keeps dragging me back to play again when they kick my butt.
There are several monsters you battle, Vampire, Pit Monster, Igor, insects etc.
Its really fun and worth checking out if that's the kind of theme you're looking for.

A lot of the suggestions are good, but I would suggest having her play a bunch of these games and see what she likes.

To each their own....I couldn't disagree more....

monster bash is the only one of the 3 worth playing but it gets super old in a small collection imo

GB's design is so horrid, it can't even be called a "layout"....after all, Trudeau was busy doing other things when he should have been making a good pinball machine. Thank goodness he's in prison now! Everyone is safe from him!

Agreed, and love that freakin game!!!!! Once I get started on it, very, very hard to stop playing....

Monster Bash is a great game; fun with a good balance of shots. I find it a far superior shooter to both Munsters and GB. But a couple more games that might interest her that I don't think have been mentioned - Scared Stiff and/or Elvira And The Party Monsters. Scared Stiff is a fantastic game; toes the line with MB, imho.