I am thinking about selling my hobbit and getting a TRON. Good move or not?

Oh I get the rules - now

Great game if you know them - no so much if you don't. Killed Smaug but took me 6 months to do it. Looking forward to another Keith update. The game still has some more code coming - and already great!

But man that TRON is my kind of awesome!

That's about it. But in #2 there is alot of cool modes and fun to be had there. And the reward is to do 3 very cool mini wizard modes. And a final one coming. Also Keith said something about acquiring and using weapons - so hold on more coming

I love the Stop bullshitting us and make the Tron VE to Stern

I think TRON VE is a no-brainer - but every-time they release a vault and it isn't TRON I get the 'Are you f****** kidding me!?' feeling for sure.

I guess on a good note - IF they are going to do TRON again with an integrated LCD instead of DMD and other vault upgrades it will be worth the wait!

I can get behind this too - though didn't the LE upgrade it a bit already?

On second thought the VE would likely produce a better printed playfield - and maybe better sound?

Definitely agree - fonts are part of the display package, done wrong and they wreck the look of the display a good deal. Also, bad 'fonts' on the play field also hurt it a lot as well.

By the way - you really quickly moved through Hobbs. While I know Keith and the crew have been hard at it on Pirates - I think missing the final wizard mode would have impacted your score a bit.

Still a amazingly beautiful machine and the LCD display and sound still may be the best out there.

Anyway, just wondered why there wasn't any more comments on the coding delays - and Hobbit is still one of my favs

Going with xwing and armada miniatures is a good mod idea for star wars pin. Maybe throw in an xwing and a tie advanced too

Totally agree here. It would be great to get world wide scores (and location optional). Also, to be able to receive updates. Heck even announcements from the manufacturer about upcoming features/patches/or other games. Of course you could opt out of those things - but would be a great way to get more connected to an online world.

I bet JJP would only need a rather inexpensive USB wireless adapter and with their coding abilities it would be a slam dunk for them.

Good list! I can only give my input on Stern, JJP, and B/W as I have a lot of plays on those pins - not so much on the other platforms/companies.

Best to Last order (top 3)

Stern: Walking Dead, TRON, Metallica (Iron Man, AC/DC and Star Trek honorable mention). This is a hard one to choose the top 3 - So I just went with the ones I think are the most fun.

JJP: Dialed In, Hobbit, WOZ (I agree with you on that one - though WOZ and Hobbit are very close)

B/W: Monster Bash, Medieval Madness, Attack from Mars

Love the show guys!

Going Solo? Band breaking up!? Just kidding...

MB is going to be my next NIB for sure now. Imagine saying that 5 years ago

However, I will have to sell my Hobbit to get it. Right now, I just have room for 1 pin. Love TH, hoping I can play a few months on the new code that JJP is working on before it goes. I freaking LOVE TH, but I want to own other titles as well (for a while, then rinse repeat).

Good show - really dig the new Phone a Friend segment. Jeff was a good sport for sure.

Nice shout out to the podcasts - I will check them out too.

Of course it would be better for Zach to chime in, but I took what he is saying is that he gets great pins - and not so great pins - so that he can play and review them, and then off to the next one.

The ones he likes most he may get a second (or third time).

All levels huh? And you think Zach's review sucks?

So, just picking two....Do you think IMDN has better toys than a rocking pirate ship upper playfield? Or better display and animations?

I love the IMDN layout too, and agree with Zach that the theme will most definitely keep me from owning this pin.

If you can get past the theme, then congrats you have a great pin that you would be proud to own. Me, not so much.

Are B+, and B scores really low now?

If this is a grail pin for you - or you love Iron Maiden music you have a winner for sure. For people that aren't in that category, it is going to take a hit in the reviews.

100% agree with this. If we all just loved MM, AMF, and MB then why even buy anything else? Some will like JJP POTC more than IMDN, and others vice versa. All good man. We need people to like and buy different pins from different companies to keep the competition going.

I can't blame Stern for making more pins based on Marvel. It is a major part of worldwide POP culture and I am all for making pins that play on that. Look at the top 10 all time worldwide (now I know this doesn't account for inflation or population increases) but marvel has 4 in the top 10: Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Black Panther. Go further top 15 then you can add in Iron Man and Captain America. The others in the top 10 are the likes of Avatar, Titanic, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. So I don't think it is a 'waste' of a good design to go with Deadpool or Guardians of the Galaxy. I would like to see Stern do another Avengers pin based on the Infinity War Part 1 and Part 2. We'll see.

That said, I very much like having music bands in the mix as well as original unlicensed games.

Ohhh goooood, another JJP vs Stern thread....

Guys, Zach gave the gameplay and layout As and said he loves the pin just hates the theme. Why can't the dude just vent on the theme without you iron maiden guys losing it?

Again? I don't think Cincinnati has ever won a superbowl?

EDIT: Just checked, they have been in 2 of them - back in 82 and 88 with both loses to San Fran

This is why I am going to stay with my hobbit and get IM or TRON to complement it. I also would like to get MB (or AFM or MM) just because I really like those late 90 BW games.

A JJP, a Stern, and a BW trio. (all I have room and money for honestly)

Maybe the announcement of the ST VE was a knee jerk reaction by Stern to Zach's rating of a D for Iron Maiden theme as a way to shift attention away from IMDN?

Good episode - love the Greg slow mo

Also, I was on pins and needles watching Hobbit possibly beat Iron Maiden by proxy over Guardians. Maiden fans would lose it. LOL (I can't say I prefer Iron Maiden over Hobbit because I haven't played it yet, but it will be hard from IMDN to beat Hobbit in my book - and the next code update may make that more likely). And yes, the theme really hurts it for me as well. This is a bummer man... that's uh... that's a bummer... (The Dude)

Anyway, to add my This or That:

TRON PRO vs Iron Man VE

EDIT: And to help pronouncing my name it is Gor-onic not Goro-nic.

Alright, that's it! Get out!!!

I prefer SW over IMDN. Doesn’t mean IMDN isn’t good. I like playing IMDN a lot

You guys have drugs or something in Michigan?

Love Hate with Iron Maiden huh... some do, some don't... I know the feeling!

-Hobbit Owner

You mean his opinion isn't the same as yours - therefore it is inaccurate (or biased as others have said). Give me a break.

Maybe he should just make Iron Maiden #1 so you will be happy.

Well, I disagree with your first two sentences, and agree with the first part of your third.
It's all opinion. IMDN wouldn't be in my top 10. But what difference does that make - a review is personal opinion. Why keep slamming SDTM reviews as incorrect? You keep giving the argument "Hey, they are nice guys, they are just wrong". Getting kind of old right?

Just do your top 20 for comparison?

And what constructive criticism is that? Their reviews should be more like what you want it to be?

I don't think it looks weird - it looks like two guys opinions on what they like.

Not really. A mower is for mowing grass - color isn't too important (but pink with candy canes and gum drops might reduce sales).

Pinball is about fun and the whole experience. Theme can raise or lower how much fun you are having. I think if IMDN was done to bluegrass you would not like it as much. But I could be wrong.

For sure. Enjoy your IMDN regardless of where it ranks to others. I like Hobbit and that is all over the map on reviews. Those opinions - good or bad - doesn't affect how much I like it.

I don't know man...based on Greg and Zach's type of game you may be in trouble.

So Iron Maiden fans think that because Zach doesn't like IM he has a psychosis and is a Mommy's boy? Jeez - rough crowd.

You think IM is good rock? Try Pink Floyd, or Led Zeppelin, Rush, Boston, Van Halen, ZZ Top, the Who, Eagles, Rolling Stones - heck even AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, STYX .........

Well....yeah...so The Hobbit has a bad ass pan flute.

AND, it isn't even in the Pinside Top 10. WTF!

You will LOVE Deadpool then - as they are exactly that. (Video game feel - if that is what you meant)

Looks like you are projected #3 this year in the NFL

Oh wait, that is the conference .... oh no

https://athlonsports.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-2018-team-preview-and-prediction

Oh yeah, Angels Envy is very nice. Here is to bourbon, Friday nights, and NFL football

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What the hell man....You need your medication!?

Actually this isn't a bad concept - but how that would be answered is also completely subjective:

1. Do you only buy A and better rated games?
2. Does "would you buy this game" mean it's a must buy? or just a good one to buy?
3. Does the asking price meet or is lower than what the 'rating' wound indicate?
4. What if you don't have room for the pin?
5. What is my budget for a pin. A BMW M4 is a great car - but it isn't a must buy for me.

Along those lines - I would consider a game an "F" if you asked me if I wanted it for free (and it be in mint condition). But had to keep it - would I want it? If I said no - well I think it would likely be an F

Iron Maiden again. Why are you so mad about this and lashing out so much.

My poorly made point I was trying to make is that 'would you buy it' is just a subjective extension of an opinionated rating. Now you are saying, yeah I rate it a B but if you like Iron Maiden it is a must buy? I just don't understand why you are so pissed off about it.

Sorry about the medication joke too - I was just trying to lighten up the "your own BS" post. My apologies.

Alright - fair enough.

While not pinball - they did get lightning in a bottle with Q*bert (video game)
Not really one of my favs - but it is iconic in video game pop culture.

Which is worse - dumpster fire or hot garbage? I like using both of those

Love the socks. Well played!

Ah, a Step Brother interview type of game...

Instead of both - perhaps flip a coin if they are that close. Or just go with Hobbit - that is the right answer.

Disclaimer: I have no idea what I am talking about - I haven't played Houdini....

This or that, Hobbit SE or MBr?

I think he was saying you were Reagan .... maybe in that shirt it is Greg and Ronald

For what it’s worth I think the caricatures are pretty good

ooops!

It was a fun show to watch. But I usually play for money, unless it is with the wife - then we play for uh....

Hilarious ending none the less. I think Greg really wanted that win...maybe next time sucka!

Good show and nice review. I too would like a MBr - though I am not sure I can part ways with my hobbit for it (though I am tempted!)

I can only have/afford 1 pin so I guess I will hold on to Hobbit a bit longer. Though I am strongly looking at the remakes for sure.

I agree, I know it’s not for everyone but the hate is amazing to me. Hobbit is better than WOZ and DI, and I like those pins too. I haven’t played POTC yet so I don’t know if I will like it more or not.

My understanding is that JJP is going to build more hobbits. Did they announce that is not the case?

Did you say you heard that from Jack or some one at JJP. Not saying your wrong, just wondering where you heard that.

Definitely the wrong thread to discuss JJP games, and which is best, but I think WOZ is prettier than hobbit. I just prefer shooting Hobbit over WOZ.

I bring this up because I hear often that Hobbit is the best looking, not sure I agree. And I can already hear the response, who cares what it looks like, gameplay is more important

This and my posts, along with Zach and Chuck, just illustrate again how subjective game preference is...play em before you buy em, and get what YOU like

These hobbit lover and hater back and forths are getting old. Perhaps someone can create a hobbit sucks thread and just rip it there and not in every other thread? Anyway, back to MBr or the next this or that.

I have one MM and ToM or AFM and MB. You can use remakes...

SDTM and friends,

I am digging MBr LE more and more and am starting to consider selling my hobbit (sigh) and getting the MBr LE. Good idea? This or That!?!?

I am dying here...

The skinny - It will be a single pin for home use situation.

Hobbit Points:
- Awesome for new and intermediate skill players
- Deep rules ideal for home use (so many modes you can play in any order - and the wizard modes are incredible)
- Amazing story telling game with JJP quality LCD and animations
- Move clips GALORE!
- Music and callouts are top notch (perhaps best to date in pinball) - especially after the 3.0 code
- I really enjoy owning and playing this pin

MBr Points:
- Best MB ever made
- No other points needed

So, what do you think? Keep Hobbit or get MBr!?!?

EDIT: MB is one of my favorite pins of all time...but Hobbit is as well.

Not too good...about as good as Greg?

Just kidding. Intermediate I would say. 3M hobbit score help LOL....

Another way of looking at it...if I played Zach I would probably get smacked in the face

I don’t know Zach, that picture is too busy?

Wow - you are quite the Beatles fan...

Knowing you are that much of a fan I would say 'THIS' for your first 4 and 'THAT' for 5 and 6

That is a tough one!

1. MM
2. WOZ
3. JJPPOTC

LOL. I think top 10 lists are just for laughs and very light hearted

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Side note - my internet went out today for 3 hours and I though my wife and kids were going to have a panic attack. What the hell is the world coming to?

Also, why is it that I am always late to the cool party. Years ago vinyl records were easy to find in near mint condition for cheap - now that I get into vinyl you can't find anything good at goodwill, yard sales, or record stores unless you pay way more than you used to. Same goes for pinball - I got into this around 4 years ago when prices are at the highest they have ever been and climbing. When I see the machines people were getting 10 years ago - and how much they got them for I can't believe it.

Oh and don't get me started on my latest love about 2 years ago - bourbon. FML

Good stuff guys - it would be hard to pick and rank my top 10.

Hobbit, Stern Star Wars Premium, and MB would be in there though somewhere...

I think those swaps would be making it worse. Just goes to prove everyone has a top 10 that is unique. And not wrong as Greg’s favorites are far from mine, but it’s what he likes most so it is the perfect list for him

I think they did that - sort of - on a This or That (shot from the dashboard of a road trip). I think it was "If you can only own one pin which would it be?". If I recall Zach said Hobbit, DI, or LOTR ... and after more thought decided on LOTR. Which I think was his #1 favorite as well. I can't recall Greg's - sorry

He hasn't been on here in a few hours...My guess is that he is playing it

I guess with Willy Wonka you will have to eat a whole chocolate bar every 5 minutes...

I would have a major headache at least. And I drink Scotch or Bourbon a few times a week.

Hobbit or POTC Greg? Maybe it is time for me to switch mine out...though I need a little extra cash to go added to my hobbit trade. Maybe talk Zack into selling me his down the road

Also I agree with MBr vs POTC - for a small collection at home POTC will probably give you more millage - but in a larger collection (say more than 5 pins) the MBr is a must have IMO.

Monsters was before my time and I have maybe seen a bit of it. That is to say I vaguely remember what it is. No one in my house had a clue about the show. Looks sort of interesting but I have no interest in owning. Happy for those that liked the show and are excited about the pin.

When I buy again I'll give you a call Zach!

That escalated quickly

Cabinet art for the aquaman pinball coming soon from Stern

This or that:

LOTR + MMr + IMDN or WOZ + TH + JJPOTC

That's a good point. Diversity may be the key - they are also all wide bodies.

This or that:

Hobbit and TRON Pro Or Dialed In and Iron Man Vault

That would be a good game - and even better with a good theme.

And I agree - vault LOTR

Interesting that Zachs #1 Shadow is like Gregs #21st, and you can see Gregs love of the Jurassic Park theme in his top 10. Both are the correct top 10 for them.

Moral of the story: everyone will have their own top 10 and what style of game they prefer. My Top 10 has the hobbit in the top 5

Very cool news Zach and Greg! I have been considering getting a Golden Tee one day ...

My other non-pinball hobbies are coral reef tanks, scotch and bourbon, and poker chip collecting.

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I'm very important...and my gameroom smells of rich mahogany

I’ll just take the magic kingdom TRON legacy vault please

Impossible list to get unanimous agreement. Not a bad list for sure. Only head scratcher for me is Ghostbusters, but it is gorgeous pin with good music so that helps it too.