I would have to say Black Rose. Its a lot tougher game and not so stop and go like Party Zone. I also do not like the theme of Party Zone.

Black Rose is so much more fun than PZ. I found PZ really boring - i fully restored one and even it was not much fun to play..

While rules are not deep on BR, its great fun trying to sink as many ships as possible in a game (7 is my best)

Black Rose is worth more from what I've seen. I picked up a really nice PZ for $1,600, and that was likely on the high side. I don't know that I see many BR in the same condition selling for less than $1,800-2,000.

I really enjoy both games, and wouldn't mind either in a collection. BR has a lot more going on, but I prefer PZ by a small margin.

Black rose

I like Black Rose over Party Zone. The theme and shots and hidden cannon shot.

If Party Zone had better ramp design it would be a competition. Those ramps were not designed well though and the game has suffered for that reason.

Another vote for Black Rose! We just picked one up a few weeks ago after loving it at expo. It's my current favorite!

BR is still here, PZ is gone

Oh god this is a toughie...

- Party Zone: Dennis Nordman capped off his party trilogy in 1991 with this machine. PZ features a talking head named "Captain B. Zarr", along with several other party characters included in Dennis' other games up to that point. The primary objective is to collect the Big Bang by successfully exceeding the New Frontier through the Rock-It, while getting additional score boosts with special Way-out-of-Control rewards and trips to see the Supersonic Robotic Comic. Honestly I think the art style is extremely catchy here (maybe it's just me) but I don't think the rules are deep enough for you to keep it forever. Also the game gets annoying after a while.

- Black Rose: Created as a joint effort between John Trudeau and Brian Eddy, BR takes a legendary pirate theme and integrates it into pinball. The primary feature on this machine is a cannon that you can use to shoot balls at certain shots, along with a lift-up ramp and a quick broadside habitrail. Modes include 7 cannon rewards that advance towards Extra Ball, a deep multiball, and 7 broadside rewards that advance towards lighting the Jackpot. There are also many side features including combos and lots of flow. Rule set is on par with Party Zone in terms of deepness but it appears to have just a wee bit more depth to it.

Have you read this Black Rose thread? There are lots of things to appreciate about this discussion...

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/black-rose-is-a-tough-game

As for PZ, if you're considering buying, make sure the ramps are in fantastic condition. There are no replacements available. Same goes for the big plastic red rocket that sits on top of the short ramp located in the upper left playfield area. (Although the ramps are way more important than the red rocket.)

Ah - ignore my ramp and rocket comments. I see you already own PZ.

No brainer for me: Black Rose. Passed on a HUO PZ for very cheap recently.

Party zone. Fun, family friendly game that is easy to play.

Black Rose... Not that I really like Black Rose, but because I didn't enjoy Party Zone at all.

Black Rose. Very underated game. Everyone that comes over and plays it has a blast. Love mine..

I vote for Black Rose, cool pirate theme

PZ all the way...

I've had PZ for about 10 yrs... I really enjoy mine. However, I don't have much time on BR. Only played it in the wild.

Partyzone is my first pin and i love it. but you do have to get a good one.

Of the two, I would rather own or play BR than PZ. From what I remember of PZ (it's been quite some time since I've played one) the music wasn't that great, though the gameplay was decent. BR is a superb pin all around and I think the reason I never got to play it in "first run" was because it was the last pinball made before TAF. I am guessing once word got around about TAF (best selling game of all time), most arcades decided not to bother with BR.

Black Rose

Good Idea. Black rose is still a title that is a good value/ bang for your buck. Especially for a DMD. I don't know why it hasn't climbed in price like some of the other titles. I am happy that I picked mine up before it does.

That's what I'd do for two reasons.

1) both are good games in a collection
2) you can never have too many pinball machines

Also, I am always down in Dover/Philly, any good games out in the wild?

McPin54

Id say both....I have a pz and am on the hunt for a br.........both grate games both very diffrent