I was playing at league tonight, and had the pleasure of playing a nice row of 80s games (thanks Jim!). Not pictured here is the Stargazer to the right:

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It was a nice change of pace, I've really only been playing either modern games or EMs lately. Metallica or Abra Ca Dabra, Star Trek or Royal Flush. It was cool to sort of get a middle ground from what I'm used to playing. They really bridged the worlds, would round out my collection.

I thought might sell my Scared Stiff, pick up a fun 80s game, and put the difference into my Big Lewboski pre-order. Or maybe a trade + cash, whatever comes up. Or just buy one and keep Scared Stiff for now! See how it goes. That gives me a pretty flexible budget, so I can afford a nice example or a restored one if the right game comes along. Not up for doing another restore right now, I don't have the bandwidth.

I still need to find a Medusa to play, and Fathom. Centaur is of course great, Flash Gordon was a lot of fun too. Mystic was cool, maybe slightly less interesting in theme and presentation, but the gameplay was pretty solid. I dunno that I really want a widebody, but I do like Scorpion.

I'd love to hear what other people like. It doesn't have to be five, or in any order, people just seem to like making lists, so I figured it was the right way to ask.

Yeah, I should have made that more clear, thanks for pointing that out, edited the title. I have an EATPM, definitely talking early 80s, not System 11.

I'd consider late 70s too I guess, no point in being too arbitrary about the decade.

It's a fun game, and beautiful art and theme, I wish the sound didn't grate on me so much. Not a big fan of that looping background sound.

I really enjoyed Flash Gordon, it was fast and fun, and the multilevel part was cool. I like that mini flipper shot up top, you've really got to pay attention and be ready to take advantage of it.

I'd definitely put it on the list. With these old games it's usually about what you find, not what you want, so you never know.

Heh. I love my Scared Stiff, but I'm close to running out of space. I haven't actually hit the point where I'm ready to give it up, but if the right pin came along I might. I really like having a variety of styles, don't want a collection that's all the same kinds of games.

Problem is nice examples of the pins everyone is listing here (thanks, big help for narrowing things down) don't show up too often. I'll have to keep my network's eyes open I guess. See what pops up.

I really need to find a Medusa to play. I love the look of it, but some people say the rules are just too shallow for long term fun, nothing but shoot to the upper playfield and hit the targets, rinse and repeat.

I'd really like to play a Fathom, haven't had the chance yet. I'll keep my 80s game radar more active now.

Yeah, for sure. The date isn't important, it's the vibe. 80/81 seems to be the sweet spot though for sure for what I'm looking for.

Yeah, I watched Bowen's (excellent as always) tutorial the other day. I'll keep my eye out for one for sure.

I'd definitely love to find one to play, the theme is killer for me. I grew up loving Clash of the Titans, came out when I was a kid, and Medusa was awesome in that.

Haha. I love it, it's an awesome game, I wanted one every since I got into collecting and was super happy when I got it. But I just don't play it much anymore. It's not even about the money, it's about space. If I can hold onto it I probably will, I don't actually want to sell it, but I'd rather have games that I'm enjoying playing, not just "owning".

We'll see, I'm in no rush. If a collector's quality early 80's Bally comes along then I can make a call then. I can afford to be picky and wait for a nice game, don't want a ton of playfield wear and no time to tackle a restoration right now.

It's a pity Fathom has suddenly become so hot, expensive, and hard to obtain, because I'm becoming attracted to it.

I saw this thread title and went "ooh, I want to read that one!"

Then I realized it was my thread.

I had a Fathom on loan, great game. I currently have Medusa, Flash Gordon, Eight Ball Deluxe, and Mystic.

I'd still like to own a Centaur some day. Those Bally games just hit the right spot for me.

I'd sell my EBD before my Flash Gordon.

I'm definitely not talking about games from '85 in terms of what I was thinking of with the spirit of this thread. 1980-83 really. Once you hit '84 things start to change. Bally games cheaped out for instance.