Sorry to break the news to you, but hobbit is amazing! I got 8-9 plays on it last night and watched several others play. JJP crew did a fantastic job on all levels. Code is still early, but LOTR is one of my favorites and I see hobbit easily surpassing it on every aspect.

The display, animations, edited scenes...are choreographed perfect. The code needs a lot of work, but knowing Keith is on the job does not worry me. And before you ask, no I do not have a hobbit on order and do not own WOZ.

It didn't have Ritchie ramp style flow but there was plenty of action to be had for the player and the flippers. The Orc pop ups felt good and there was no klunk about them. Fun to hit and integrated well.

The Ramps close together didn't bother me, the left ramp seemed to need more code as the right ramp was the more important shot. Going for a ramp shot definitely needed a controlled shot and flailing from a ball return would result in a 'U-turn' ramp shot. Speak of the 'U-turn', it needs rules and sound effects associated with it.

The upper flipper seemed pretty useless, but I can see Keith integrating some key jackpot shots using it; think left loop to upper flipper to the drops/stand ups for some kind of rule advancement or to the VUK behind the drops for a mega jackpot shot.