I agree. I actually really like the shots on this game despite the reputation of it being clunky. It's got one super easy ramp and one challenging ramp, both of which flow to the other flipper so if you're on you can really get it flowing super nicely (extra ball for 20 combos make this worth doing too). It's also rewarding flow because you do have to be on to get it going so it's never boring. The scoop is an easy shot, at least on my game and can be hit with both flippers. The two orbits are challenging shots, but I find them to be satisfyingly challenging not frustrating -- if the orbits were easy to hit this game would be too easy anyway.

The turntable was the big surprise to me. I didn't like the turntable at all on location (actually the whole game didn't impress me that much on location for some reason). It was a big sticking point for me buying the game -- but at home I actually enjoy it. It adds a nice variety to the game play that the big center shot plays differently depending on what mode you are in. I still believe it could have been better somehow, but overall it's a plus to the game.

The breadth and depth of this code lived up to it's reputation. There's so much to do it's kind of crazy. So much to do that I really don't play this game for score, it's more like an adventure. Sometimes I try to quickly capture all major villains to get to Villain escape. Other times I try to get through a villains complete story line. Then there's the minor villains that have freaking power ups for completing, but often I'll just choose one because I want to see that particular story again. I can't even believe all the work Lyman put into this game, it's actually over kill. Each major villain has two separate story lines with different music and shots? Totally unnecessary, but is awesome at home.

Also, the theme integration will never be topped in another game. I honestly didn't think a pinball machine could embody a theme like this one does (maybe the Hobbit?). Which leads to the best part of this game for me, it's just super fun and I'm regularly in a better mood after playing a game on it. In contrast, while I love TNA, I will admit that sometimes it actually puts me in a worse mood when I'm done flailing on it. BM66 almost always has me laughing at some point in the game (I'm not sure any other pinball machine has actually made me laugh).

Anyway, sorry for the Bible but BM66 is that rare pinball machine that I could see owning forever (famous last words) and I don't have the luxury of a big collection.