RFM. Think about it.

Not a whole lot of super deep games for under $2K usually. Mostly talking the Sterns which some of the older less poular ones can be had for around that price RBION or Rollercoaster Tycoon. I honestly struggle thinking of deep games for under $2,000, I know there is probably plenty but escaping me right now especially ones that differ from NGG.

Last Action Hero one of the deepest pins ever made

You are describing TSPP to a tee. I'd save up for one of those.

+1 for TSPP
How about The Shadow.
Doug

TSPP is nowhere near $2k. Doesn't help the OP.

BUT... I can recommend WPT. Super deep, wizard modes upon wizard modes and strategic decisions on many levels with every shot (Keefer's rules), great flow (Steve Ritchie). You can make it more stop-and-go by leaving the ramp posts enabled in the settings, or disable them for flop/turn for faster gameplay. The shots are great, mostly tough long shots with an open pf that has a ton of drop targets. And a great mini-pf that plays well. And if you like stacking multiballs, this game is for you.

Best (and deepest) game you can get for around $2k, period.

I played this last week and the one thing i didn't like was the way it stopped the balls like that.
Cool you can change it.

RBION may be a stretch for 2K...but it has what you're looking for.

Ya, the OP has it on his wish list.

NGG is a lot of fun, some interesting shots and good humor. Honestly, WPT has been my favorite game since it arrived here, and I have a LOTR and CV next to it. WPT is great for home where you can make sure it's clean and set it up nicely (drop targets working, posts disabled, etc.). And it takes a while to understand the subtleties of the many rules and shots. It's crazy how strategic this game is. For example, there are 2 ramps that advance the holdem hands, but one goes to the upper pf and one doesn't. You can get a MB with enough spinner/orbit shots that build the main pot, but finishing a holdem hand collects the pot. And the 3-second 3x shots from the inlanes are important to save and use just when you need them. Plus a TON of other interacting strategies.

TheLaw, you can also remove the top left orbit gate (2 screws) to have the orbits flow both ways. (Steve Ritchie suggested this mod.)

WPT was designed by Steve Ritchie (all-time great designer), incredibly deep rules by Keefer (of LOTR/TSPP/WOF fame, and also my #1 pin programmer), and killer sound by Chris Granner (shredding guitar riffs). What's not to like? (OK, apart from the creepy translite by Brian Rood.) I don't understand why this game can be had for around $2k, but it's a steal at this price point. If I had to get rid of my entire collection but one, I'd keep WPT--a no-brainer for me. If you spend more time with it, you'll just get sucked in deeper. And it's friendly for beginners, with the open pf design.

Either you really love this game, or your getting a percentage from every sale. I've never played this pin and your the only one I ever see recommending it(quite a bit actually). It has got to be one of the ugliest pins of all time, but I am intrigued about the game play. Maybe I'll get lucky and there will be one at Allentown.

+1 on the RBION.
It would be high up on my list of pins in that price range.

Make that +2 NP.

No percentage here. Maybe it's just me, but in all honesty, my other pins don't get much play since WPT arrived. (That includes a CV and LOTR.) When I want to play a bit of pinball, WPT gets turned on first the majority of the time. (Often the only one I fire up.) This game has it all for me: open, straightforward pf surrounded by drop targets (hints of Hyperball and old pool-themed EMs), a tricky upper mini-pf (reminiscent of Genie, Grand Lizard and others), primary shots that are near the top of the pf, long and satisfying (a taste of AFM and others here) and wailing around the orbits repeatedly at high speed is both fun and rewarding.

The modes and shot rules in WPT are genius: complex, interacting, deep as all heck, and they use the pf features incredibly well. (This is *not* like most recent Sterns where you just have different inserts in front of the main shots to hit when lit!) The simplicity of the playfield belies this complexity. Many shots affect or lead to 2 or more things, and you may want both or may want top avoid 1--usually alternate shots are available for the combo of effects you want. And the MB and mode stacking is just sick--get one or more MBs going when starting Change Gears mode and the scoring is insane; "Add Time" to go over the top, pointswise. I just set mine to "Extra Easy" rules and 5-ball, and the stacking and action are over the top. Trying to get to the Keefer Invitational (the mega-wizard mode), which is still a serious challenge at these settings.

I just don't understand why this game isn't far more popular than it is. Maybe you need to spend enough time on it to "get" the rules and be drawn into the strategy? (It's far more than locking balls in the mini-pf "jail" for Ace in the Hole MB!) Anybody who likes deep pins should own this game--that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

BTW, I just saw a WPT posted for sale in NJ, near Philly (on rgp) for $2k. Best $2k you can spend on a pin IMO.

I'll chime in on WPT. I was surprised how much I liked it when I played it for several hours on location. I think its definitely a great bang/buck game. Its can be deep and complicated but its easy to understand the ruleset if you like Texas Hold'em.