I think the Hobbit is a great theme and JJP will do well with it. I think it will be a great earner for operators and will generate good revenue for locations simply because of theme . I do not mind the art and playfield graphics. I have learned not to drink the Kool-Aid and only purchase games that play well and are fun to me. I have not played the Hobbit but by looking at the layout and watching dozens of videos I feel I have a good feel on what it would play like. It seems to be a really deep game with heavy rule set, much like WOZ. That is great if you are a tournament player and keep long ball times, but I am a pretty casual player and I actually enjoy easy objectives and simple layouts. The Hobbit with the two ramps and dozens of drop targets seems like a boring layout to me. I also cannot seem to get used to the big distracting LCD screen with stop and go call-outs. I really enjoy games that flow and are fast and it appears it will not flow well. I wanted to like WOZ but it turned into a rainbow show with no flow. I have no skin in the game and I really want JJP to succeed, I think more manufacturers is great for the industry as a whole. I also think any game over $7000 would really need to play well and look good in order for me to be interested. I am liking TBL and I really like the guys attitude who are developing it but I think I will need to really play it and see if it is a good game or just a novelty machine. If you are someone who is really into theme alone then some of these boutique games might be a good fit. I am falling back in love with some of the classics and their designs. Some of my favorite machines to play right now are NGG and Barb Wire. Go with what is fun to you is now my philosophy.
(Topic ID: 107222)
Pipe Creek, TX
