I've got the linked games & the vast majority of the time they get played in linked mode. I have 4 kids between 6-11 and they like to compete with each other and with my wife & me. If you're interested in playing pinball head-to-head, it's a fairly inexpensive way to do it & it's well-designed and a lot of fun. I disagree with the statement that it's only a novelty, and it does offer excellent replay value. So my suggestion would be to grab another one if you can find it and the price is right.