Had a TAF, traded it for a TZ.

TAF has all the same Lawlor design tropes that were used in Funhouse and Whirlwind. Seriously, compare the layouts. To me, it was just more of the same.

TZ is just… different. Shots feel unique, risks were taken, it has loads of clever rules, and there’s literally nothing else like it out there.

I like how Lawlor even begrudgingly admits this in interviews today.

TZ was trash back in the day. Too complex. Too hard to maintain. Too hard for players to understand. My dad, who absolutely LOVES TAF, HATES my TZ. “I need a PhD to understand this thing. What do I even do? What’s with this white ball?” He laments.

Despite all this. I think it’s terrific. It’s like a love letter to enthusiasts.

I really wish the powerball was utilized just a little more. The second it's given to the player, the game wants it back. Why not let the player do a little more with it? I always thought there should be another qualification shot to re-light the gumball machine to lock it back up to before starting powerball mania.

I do think it's super clever how the game doubles a jackpot made with the powerball, since it can't be caught by the left spiral helper.

Same here.

To add, pinball playing isn’t just about “me” either. It’s about playing with others. When playing with friends and family, trying to explain the rules on a modern Stern game is crazy. I even struggle sometimes.

The more my collection matures, the more I value fast, simple, easy to understand rules. Games I can share with my casually playing friends and we all understand the rules enough to be able to make calculated shots in the game.

Here’s mine.

Freshly swapped playfield, all incandescent bulbs and flashers. New cabinet decals, and backglass. Only mods are gum balls, added flashers under the “gum” and “ball” inserts, and of course, the coup de grâce: the elusive 3rd magnet.

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