Alright Pinside. Just wanting to hear some opinions to help me get a pinball machine that can hold casual players' interest and not too difficult for kids. I've narrowed down my options to Theatre of Magic, The Hobbit, and Stern POTC.
I currently own RFM, LOTR, Stargate, and JD. Stargate and Judge Dredd get played the least by casual players and my kids (people will wait their turn on RFM and LOTR, someone MIGHT play JD, people don't even look in Stargate's direction). They feel JD is too difficult and Stargate is clunky/uninteresting theme. My favorite one is LOTR, but I actually enjoy both Stargate and JD and play RFM the least (although I do like it). Family wants to keep RFM, so one of JD or Stargate would have to go to make room for a different pin.
In short, looking for a pin that appeals to casual players and kids, but still holds my interest. I've enjoyed all three of these games below, but wanting to hear from owners.
This is how I see the three new prospects:
The Hobbit - LOVE the theme, being a fan of LOTR and Hobbit movies. Concerned about player's abilities to hit ramps. I know people have lots of trouble hitting my Stargate ramps, even though they're no issue for me. Will prices keep dropping and I lose money if I purchase?
Stern POTC - not a huge fan of the theme, but it's not terrible. I like the game, but will hitting the ship get old? Not much to hit on the lower part of the playfield.
Theatre of Magic - Nice flowy game. Older than the other two options. Is it deep enough to stay in the collection for a while?
I'm not asking Pinside to make a decision for me, but I've just never owned any of these titles so wanting to hear how they do in a home environment and with casual players. What do you guys think?