Both are pretty shallow. Pretty sure ToTAN would cost more, but a nice ToM is probably what I'd take in this fantasy scenario. I've owned both and would probably not own either again. If I was going for a magic game, I'd wait for Houdini and see how that turns out.

They are essentially the same game design with different themes.
There are only minor differences, you have just have to scrutinize the playfields, features, ramps, and shots.

This is akin to the old, "AFM vs MM" debate that rages on periodically.
Unfortunately, in the case of these JP games, coding for both titles at the basic level is mediocre.
For reference, I do not require "deep code" for entertainment.

Read my in depth written reviews and recognize the similarities.
I have owned multiples examples of each game.

Most people lean towards TOTAN, out of improved artwork and finale "wizard" mode.

Pinball ratings are often ranked by new players, not familiar with pinball design or have not owned either game.
After about a month of purchase, you will be left wondering why you paid so much for so little long term entertainment.

I love my totan atmosphere, art the lights sounds and shots. Most people that are stern fans bitch about old games code. 90s williams are the best totan all the way, both are great

I love ToM, it has some of the best flow to any game; only drawback is shoot left loop all day + multiball is jank. It is the game that my friends played the most when I had it.

I've had both at the same time. ToM stayed in the linup much longer than TOTAN. TOTAN is a better looking machine, but so easily beatable.

right on...and I'm terrible

I played ToM quite a bit on location when it first came out. It was a fast, fun, state of the art game. When Totan came out I thought what a turd and still do. So I'd stick with the original in ToM.

I have owned both now. Both are wonderful games. TOM has a very smooth shot flow, and hitting the trunk is challenging and feels good to do. Art on TOM is very nice as well.

TOTAN is a little more beautiful, also has great flow, but not as flowy as TOM. I think the light show in TOTAN and the music are better.

Both are super fun. Both are great games!

Marc

I have owned both as well as CV at one point too. The only one that remains is TOM which is also the one I have had the longest which is a little over 5 years now. TOTAN I had for over 3 years and CV only lasted 2 months. TOM is one of my favorites and it is one enjoyed the most by guests.

Funny, if push came to shove, CV would be my keeper. To each our own!

I thought CV was a good playing machine but looked a little too gay for my gameroom.

Now THAT is friggin' funny!

No such thing in your case.

No thanks. I like to keep my 20/20 vision intact.

Finished it the first week I had it. Lost all interest after that. Similar story with ToM, but I liked the theme better so it stayed longer. Embarrassing fact: I've never finished MM Battle for the Kingdom. Been there many times, always choke.

I own them both for many years. Neither are good in a small collection because they get easy.

While they are similar I think ToM has a few more shots. Get ToM if you want a bit more playability. TOTAN becomes even easier to beat when you learn to skip the harder more. Sticking the ball to the trunk magnet never gets old.

But TOTAN if you want atmosphere. It has better dots and sound. The skill shot is complete the way ToM was supposed to be and the shooting stars ball save might be the best in pinball. And getting lighting lamp going with multiball is just a thrill.

I've owned both over the years and I'd say TOM is the better game overall. TOTAN has some REALLY annoying sound effects and worse rules. The pop bumper area may be the worst designed in any game ever on that game. TOTAN is easier to "beat" also, especially with the rubies wishing away modes. Both have some cool magnet effects. TOM shoots a little smoother and has better modes and shots. Both have cool outlane saves.

If I had to own one again it would easily be TOM.

I've played it a LOT (not currently, but in the past) and I've finished plenty of games, some in the first week (consistently getting to Armageddon in DI now after only a few weeks. Showdown can't be far behind). So it's weird that I haven't been able to finish one of my favorites for reasons that are entirely due to me choking once I get to BFTK each time.

I'd go with ToM. I only wish the modes scored more appropriately so they weren't just a time-out obstacle to get to Grande Finale, which is also a bit disappointing.

have both, enjoy both. totan would stay if i had to pick between the two. the funny part on totan is how people say its too easy because they hit the drop to get wishes and collect jewels. maybe if they would play the modes out and not do that, it would be more difficult. i never take jewels when hitting the wishes. regardless, they are both cool. they sit beside each other in my gameroom, if one had to go, it would be theatre.

Actually thay's not funny at all. Just these stupid one-liners these mega posters love to throw on almost any thread.

-peter

Sorry, even without the wishes TOTAN is an easy game. The modes are a joke...usually a couple shots and you're done.

The setup makes a big difference on any pin. My pins are brutal and very difficult to finish.... even ss which is normally pretty easy.

Remind me to invite you to my next party. You sound like fun.

Just put all us "mega-posters" (I'm assuming you mean me as well) on ignore and you can have all of your Pinside without the laughs. Should be a fun place, just reading posts by grown men bitching about a light out on their 8000-dollar toys, or destroying each other because their opinions differ.

Sometimes it's nice when somebody comes along and throws a little water on the fire. But I'm sorry if any of my (or others') attempts at levity offended you.

It's the background story that makes it funny. If you look thru his past posts, you will see the irony of this one.

I guess I suck. I've heard over and over on this thread and others that TOTAN is easy but I've never beaten it. Then again I don't get to play it but at most once a year if even that. Is TOM easy? I'm considering buying either a TOTAN, TOM, or other options.

I play TOTAN a lot, only beaten it twice in well over 100 attempts. Great game, love it.

The wizard mode is very easy (but so is TOTAN's), but you gotta do some other stuff to get there. It's the not the easiest but it's not the hardest. As with most games back then you just have to start all the tricks and not complete them, so you could time everything out; but obviously that';s pretty boring and you woudn't play that way as an owner.

I know TOTAN is shallow but it’s a game I have always wanted to own.

I've had both for well over 10 years, though ToM is basically the wife's.

When we downsize the 23 game collection someday and the dust settles, ToTAN will still be there. The sound effects are a big part of the game (especially with a subwoofer) and go with the theme perfectly, and most would agree that it's one of the nicest looking games ever made.

Is it LOTR deep? No, thank God. It's just fun.

Tom has great flow and is also a beautiful game, but for me, ToTAN takes the prize.

I bought a TOTAN about three weeks ago. I really like it. Everyone says it isn't "deep" but I don't see how it is any different than other pinball games. Start the mode, shot the required shots. Every machine only has so many shot to make, so not sure why this one is different. I only have gotten to Battle the genie once. I'm not horrible as I can get to Germany almost every game on WCS.

Totan is great and beautiful. I just bought a TOM that will arrive in early Dec. Curious to see how they both compare. I will be getting a MB, TAF and DM at the same time. My hands will be full for a while.

Have owned all 3:
TOM (f/6 years)
CV (f/12 & counting)
TOTAN (f/10 & counting)

CV & TOTAN are still here.

YMMV

LOTR is one of the poster children for "deep" rulesets (http://pinball.org/rules/lordoftherings.txt).

I've owned LOTR for 13 years and have never reached "Valinor" (the ultimate wizard mode).

I've owned TOM/CV/TOTAN and finished the games within months. Still own TOTAN. Loved CV. Didn't dig TOM.

snaroff