I have decided I am going to pull the trigger on a Jersey Jack Pinball machine. I need help deciding which one.

I really like the look of the licenced Jersey Jack machines: The WOZ, The Hobbit, and The Pirates of the Caribbean in particular look like very fun machines. However, I am completely torn between these games.

WOZ: Really like the playfield and the fun look of the game in general. I really like the HD video clips. But, the theme itself (i.e., the Wizard of Oz) is less than ideal for my kids who (quite frankly) have never seen the film or myself who was never a big fan of the movie. But, the playfield looks awesome.

The Hobbit: The Hobbit films are some of my favorite, but my wife and kids are not as big of fans as I am. This one looks like a great game too, but I am concerned about how barren the playfield looks. In essence I like the look of the machine and the HD screen clips better than the WOZ, but the field looks a little barren.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: This one seems to have the best theme for my kids. My oldest daughter's favorite films are the Pirates movies. I also really like the look of the playfield. However, I was very disappointed to learn that this new machine will not have any video clips showing actors' faces. It also has no callouts from, say, Johnny Depp or Orlando Bloom or Geoffrey Rush. Also, it does not have the original theme song from the original score...bummer.

In conclusion, all three of the above games look very tempting, but let's assume I can only get one right now. Unfortunately, I also live in an area where arcade pinball and dealers are all but nonexistent, so play testing any of the above is out of the question.

My dilemma is simple, if I had to base my choice on theme, it would probably be Pirates, then the Hobbit, then the Wizard of Oz. If I had to go with the look of the overall playfield (since I can't playtest) it would go the Wizard of Oz, Pirates, and then the Hobbit. But, if I had to go with the quality of the HD clips, music, and callouts (immersive ambiance is critical), I would go the Hobbit, Oz, then apparently Pirates.

See my dilemma? I am totally torn over which one to buy. Hence, I need to ask the masters of the pinside forums the following honest question:

1) Given the above facts, which of the three Jersey Jack games I mentioned do you think I should buy? Please rank them. Commentary or rationale is appreciated.

Much appreciation in advance.

Best.

WOW! Tons of good feedback for someone who is new. Thanks! (Had I known the pinball community was so awesome I would have done this long ago. )

To answer your questions, I live in Utah about 30 minutes North of Salt Lake. I have been trying to find a dealer with JJP pins in stock, but I haven't found one yet. Seems like the closest is Denver or Las Vegas. I guess the wife and I could make the trip to Vegas, but breaking away for a weekend is a lot with 4 younger kids still in the home (like, usually a major event ).

I really appreciate all the good feedback. Seems like the Hobbit can be a real hit or miss for some people. It seems you either love it a ton...or you don't. It appears I really need to play the Hobbit first before that one is considered. Probably best to keep that one as potentially a "second" machine until I find a way to play it.

A lot of people seem to like dialed in too. I hadn't considered that one because I didn't understand the theme, but I will take another look based on these recommendations. However, I am still not leaning towards it -- mainly because of the theme which I still don't entirely understand.

Seems like most people like the Wizard of Oz and most everyone also thinks that the POTC will be a fantastic pin once it is all put together. Both are on backorder right now on JJP's website. So I guess the question is, do I preorder the one that most think will be fantastic, but is a bit of a gamble? Or, do I preorder the one that everyone seems to think is already a fantastic game? Hard choice mainly only because (like I said) my oldest daughter is a HUGE Pirates and Johnny Depp fan.

Decisions..decisions...but you guys are awesome! (Seriously, I really appreciate all the feedback.)

Thanks!

That obvious? I am a lawyer who likes to swim. I know I know...I have no creativity.

Thanks, Wyopin, I might take you up on this!

Wow, thank you to everyone who has replied. You guys are great!