Got both, and will keep both for a good reason - both are great games but play very differently. TZ has less complicated shots than LOTR, and the rules are straight forward so you can aim for LITZ every game. Throw in some Power Battles and Powerball pay off's, and you have a tough but achievable game. LOTR has a greater variety of shots and achievements so more adventure heading towards Destroy the ring. The ring modes are difficult to complete, the 3 multiballs also take great control and skill to finish, and as said, ball times are longer. Doesn't matter who makes what, both are great machines, and you can't go wrong whichever you choose.

OK, Take it from a great player...
They both are great machines....
But Twilight Zone is the winner here...
You have twilight zone the show from "1959-64" series, with all the sounds.
With over 150 show's connected to the pinball machine,
A lot of the show's are intertwined within the pinball machine..
LOTR, is a great machine, but no where near where TZ's machine IMHO..
TZ has a powerball, a gumball machine, a magnet upper playfield..
And many other strategy ways to play the game...

I've always admired TZ with all of its bells and whistles, but no matter how many times I play it, I just always feel like you're launching the ball into an amusement park and watching it bounce around things, whereas LOTR feels like I'm in control of this epic journey. I also prefer standard width to a widebody all day long.

Like them both but LOTR is the one I kept. Haven't regretted that decision.

I have both in my collection right now and I have to say it's hard to choose. If you're used to newer Sterns it's going to seem dark. Kids don't relate to the theme at all. But it's a kick to play. Lots of modes. Lots of unique shots. The rules aren't so much deep as wide, but never gets old. Never had a problem keeping it up and going once I got it dialed in.

LOTR can have LOOONG ball times. It's more about progression and doesn't always feel satisfying if you don't get very far. But the rules save it. Destroy the ring. There and back again. If you can commit to a long game, it's a good time. Good theme.

If you're into shots, I'd pick TZ. If you're in to deep progressive rules I'd go LOTR.

LOTR in my opinion. I've owned 2 LOTR and 1 TZ. Couldn't get rid of TZ fast enough. I'm praying for a LOTR vault so I can have one back in my collection.

Honest opinion. TZ is a great W/B game, probably one of the best but it is shallow compared to LOTR. LOTR is a great game and has great depth. The problem is that I was never good enough to get any further than TABA. The difference is the quality of games. TZ is a W/B game and in my opinion is high quality whereas Stern is a much cheaper made game.

It all boils down to what you like in theme and gameplay.

Whichever you choose, if you don't like it you could easily sell or trade it for the other.

These are two of the greatest machines ever built. My comment would be that TZ is bluer, and LOTR is browner.

I read a lot of these type of threads that are put out. Being new to pinball, I used to feel that I could get a better understanding what games are better by someone telling me what they thought. Truth is, you have haters for everything and trolls that are only trying to provoke responses and incite fights.

Here is my suggestion...obviously you have played them both. You like them both or you would not pose the question which to buy. This is where it gets tricky...choose the one that YOU like more and get that one!

My opinion for what it's worth...LOTR is still newish and will drop in price. TZ is a staple in the market and until introduction of a TZR, if you can get a good condition unit it should hold value. Me? I love TZ and would go that route. Then try buy LOTR when market cools and some one wants to sell a good condition game to buy the next big name...but that's just another useless opinion right?

Market won't cool on LOTR's. It's not that new. And with new pins costing 9k, the classics that cost around 5-7k will hold their value or go up.

Very hard choice. I love them, had both and regret both. Some elements:

- If maintenance is an issue for you, pick LOTR. TZ is complex... for better or worse!
- Single widebody in your lineup ? => pick TZ. Waaaaay better than JD
- Theme is important ? I would pick LOTR. My kid loved it (that's the only pin he played in my lineup)
- you need to move pins once in a while ? (I do! This may not be a general case, but I bring them to tourneys, etc. Unsurprisingly, TZ was not moving often.. too heavy) => pick LOTR
- LOTR is more immersive than TZ. Multiballs are great.
- TZ is more about sharpening your aiming skills. Mistakes are often fatal.

This is part of the greatness of TZ. It is more random. If I want every shot returning to the flipper easily and under control I'd play a video game. the best thing about pinball is that it is wild. Sure there are inlane return ramps on TZ, but every good shot does not feed cleanly back to a flipper for instant control.

Its not even close, TZ by a mile.

You're overreacting. Who's fighting , who's hating?

There's tonnes of games that LOTR would topple and it's a masterpiece but TZ is genius.

This is another good point because LOTR is pretty much shot rubber shot rubber, there's not enough danger in LOTR. Once lotr is mastered it's too easy, too long winded. I had a lot of love for it when I first started playing it and it's still right up there but it's basically that thought "Do I really want to spend 30mins+ in one game?". even if it isn't 30 minutes every time, it sure feels like it...

30 minutes is what a typical game of madden takes and most video games take longer to get through levels, etc. I wish all of my LOTR games lasted 30 minutes and I'm on 5 ball.

Heh. I would never do 5 ball. I don't even like extra balls I would prefer they were switched off. My favorite games are without doubt BSD & F-14 so that goes to show you what kind of pinball I prefer and TZ isn't the easiest game ever made either.

Maybe you need to practice some ball control or harder games. Then come back to lotr and you'll be a master.

They are both 10s. Too hard to say, have both, both in my top 5 to leave only if they all do. I have not vote.

I owned a lord LE, and own a TZ. Both are great pins. Equal love. But had to sell lotr.

Lack of space, and I assumed Predator was coming. Oh well.

Wow. Kevin Kulek stole your LOTR. That sucks.

I am fortunate to own both. My LOTR was a NIB gold edition. Initially, I did not warm up to it and thought that I might sell it. These long ball times that people speak of: not so much for me and perhaps it reflects my abilities or lack thereof. Over the years I have warmed up to LOTR.

TZ: I have a routed one that I have restored. When I play it, I always want "one more game". Right from the get go I knew that I liked this game. It does require some work to maintain as it is mechanically more complicated than LOTR. I will say that TZ has more.....intrigue?

All said, either game is a winner. Play as much as you can on either, if you are able to, and then decide.

Man, that sucks.....sorry to hear that......