JP for sure

JP. I am guessing it will be easier to find Turtles later on.

All the distributor sites seem to indicate JP is going to be re-run sometime in February. It also appears to have been a strong seller for Stern--I couldn't get a Premium at all in November, and I am on a distributor wait list for the Feb re-run (not sure if re-running all models, or just Prem's) but the point remains you have some time, and--as a good seller--they seem to pop up regularly on the second-hand market.

I also have a Stranger Things Premium, and LOVE IT. This game was a dog at release... I bought mine last fall, and could have purchased an LE still (wish I had). If you get it, budget for the UV kit--its a must have--and the game is a blast. It seems to be picking up in popularity as people belatedly have gotten to play the game and realized it is much better than it was made out to be... I would be more worried this will be a tougher title to find. Season 4 is coming up, and (based only on availability) this doesn't seem to have been a strong seller for Stern. While I am getting both--if I had to choose one? Stranger Things. Totally unique, no gameplay loss between the pro and prem (although the projector kicks a$$), and I think it is a sleeper title.

EDIT**Sorry--saw you were asking between TMNT and JP... Must have at ST on the brain . Have a TMNT pro too... It's a fun game, very fast and some unique/challenging shots. People seem to like the theme, but casual players seem to get turned off based on the difficulty. Of the three--ST is still my recommendation; but of your two, I would have to give the edge to JP.

Never played turtles but while I found the layout of JP to be masterful the code structure and theme left a lot to be desired. The code is very linear and repetitive unless you have a 30+ minute ball. While I applaud stern for the quality of the animations it’s just a boring theme with practically zero call outs.

I have both and i would keep my TMNT pro over JP pro but only because id get a JP premium. TMNT once you learn the shots is so fast and flowy that even Ritchie cant touch, adrenaline filled combos on that game. JP needs the movie code and then comparing the two games shots TMNT flows while JP has tighter shots and more to shoot at.

I was super let down by jp pro. The artwork is just so bad, as are the assets. Those are facts. As for the shots and rules, that's personal opinion. I haven't played a tmnt yet. But pro vs pro makes tmnt look better, but it's all opinion. Good luck with your decision.

If you want a pro, why not a Deadpool?

JP

I own both. Turtles

Neither if new in box.

I own TMNT and owned JP Prem. TMNT hands down. JPs rules are too linear and repetitive, gets old quick.

If forced to i would go JP but honestly I'd pass

I don't know much about JP's rules but many players have told me that. The play field art just stinks IMO. The cab isn't much better. They obviously went the cheapo route. I don't think there's much demand for the pro. The Premium is the one to get. I talked to a distro last week and he had 13 JP Premiums on order but was only supposed to get 3.

I don't think Turtles code will get old. It's definitely not a grind and there's a lot going on all the time. Very rarely are you in some spot where you're like "ok, what do I shoot?" because nothing is lit or happening. The layout is fantastic. It is a tough pin though.

They didn’t go the cheapo route at all. They hired a talented artist (recommended by yeti) who did intricate all original art on the entire game. You may not like it, but it’s quality work. It isn’t stock JP so people trash it. In my opinion the art on the pro is easily the best. To each their own.

That art is effing terrible. I mean it is better than stern photoshop days, but so what.

The art on JP is not the best.. but i would take it over TMNT any day...just ghastly

Turtles for me. The game is amazing.

Absolutely. I have a JP Pro and love it. There's so much to it and always keeps me coming back for more. TMNT is okay, but it's a pretty typical Borg game. I don't have a burning desire to play it on route even when I can for free, I usually find myself playing other games that the location has instead.

Is that a joke? I'm seriously confused.

It's a not a joke, his taste is not exactly the Law.

JP Prem
Not even a choice, really.

And the battle rages on... TMNT for us, but had to laugh because a prior post mentioned Stranger Things Premium that we have as well.. and it's insanely good. Something to consider down the line. Only concern us that scoring on turtles is still a bit unbalanced, but the other modes - 2v2, co-op, half shell, final battle, are all fun..

Sorry I was phone typing, I corrected the typos.

I had a TMNT pro and was fortunate enough to be able to trade it for a JP pro straight up. Best choice I ever made!

The stock JP is greatly enhanced by replacing the video and music with the mod that is available (TMNT is as well but the JP one is a bigger improvement IMO).

JP

Just because the primary goal is to work through the paddocks, that doesn’t make the rule set linear on JP. In fact, there are so many different things to do and go after, it is difficult to fully understand everything possible. For me, this brings all kinds of variety to the experience each time I play.

If you like them both, look for a good used one of either. Down the road, swap it out for the other. No need to buy new. Neither should be tough to find down the road.

The Lawwwwww!!!

Oh wait, nevermind

Definitely TMNT for me. Yes, it is fast and a can be mean, but it has so much flow and is so very satisfying to shoot. The code is amazing, lots of diverse modes broken up with many side goals, plus a ton of different game types to try out (co-op, wizard mode challenge, a speed run challenge, etc). So many ways to play. I really love the game, and I might currently call it my favorite of all time. Definitely top 5 at worst. There are only a few things I would change. The animations could be better. I do not dislike them, but most of them aren't amazing. April stands out as the worst, but on the flip side there are some that are really nicely done. I would say this is probably the weakest aspect of the game though. I'm also not in love with pizza eating contest button mash mode. It's ok, and I like the risk/reward of taking your hands off the flippers with the ball in play, but...ehh. I wasn't in love with it on SW and I'm less in love with it here. Those are minor criticisms though in the scheme of things, and do not hurt my enjoyment of the game at all. It can be a punishing game when you are off, but when you are on...man I can't think of a game that feels better. Bust out a perfect 1-2-3 Foot Combo and tell me that doesn't feel amazing. Makes me smile just thinking about it!

JP is a good game, and obviously one of the recent "golden boys" around here. It is a more unique shooter with a very deep and unique ruleset, but I do not find it nearly as satisfying of a game, both layout and code-wise. The paddocks, which are the main focus of the game, get repetitive and are not all that exciting. However, the other aspects, such as T-Rex modes, Control Room modes, multiballs, etc, are much better. T-Rex modes especially are awesome. If the paddocks were half as fun as the T-Rex modes, it would be a heck of a game. Unfortunately they are pretty flat by comparison. I like that you can choose your path through the paddocks, and earn different rewards. It's nice that the dinosaurs act differently, and the difficulty ramps up in a clever way by having to set more traps, calling in the helicopter, etc. But in the end, even with those differences they just sort of feel the same after awhile. The shots are diverse and unique, but not the best "feeling", especially compared to a game like TMNT. It's also a very hard shooter, and if you aren't hitting the shots cleanly, it can feel super clunky. As for the art and A/V assets...I like them quite a bit. I actually like that it isn't movie based, but rather an extension of that world. Going back to the "boring" paddocks, I find the default "truck view" screen to not be great, but I really love some of the other animations. The ankylosaurus batting the ball back into play for a ball save is a favorite, and others similar are all great. Very well done by the animators.

JP is a tough one for me as I had a super strong honeymoon period with mine, but fell out of love quick and sold it after about 6 months. Yes, I got through the bulk of the game (never got to Nublar in-game, but had done everything needed to get there multiple times, just not all together), so it wasn't a matter of needing to play better to see the cool stuff. However, I have found myself missing it some lately and wondering if I gave up on it too soon. I wouldn't be surprised if I ended up with another one someday, but I would never give up TMNT for it. Honestly, just talking about it here feels like I'm talking myself into giving it a second chance, LOL!

Sorry for the long ramble. In the end, both are great games. JP gets more love in general, but I am definitely on team TMNT. As always, buy what makes you happier! If truly torn between them, just go with whichever one is easier to get your hands on now, and add the other when budget allows. Both will be pretty big runners I think, but with the popularity of JP, I am guessing they will be a little easier to get into the future. If stuck on NIB only, I might lean towards TMNT now. We know there will be another JP run in spring/summer. Not positive there will be another TMNT run or not. And if you buy one and feel it was the wrong choice, both should be easy to sell or trade for the other. That is one of the best things about this hobby. You are rarely stuck with what you buy and in most cases do not lose a ton money, even if buying new. Good luck!

Cool analysis. Foot combo is an adrenaline rush and really difficult. If you pull it off with a Krang Combo it feels incredible.

Not facts. Echo chamber narrative yes. I love the art and assets. Do agree with the Deadpool comment although disco ball lighting is highly satisfying.

THIS is facts. Never played tmnt but great analysis of JP. It’s HARD and can be exhausting mentally (precision and purpose at all times). But I can’t imagine departing with one because the magic that occurs when you do something special like stack a CHAOS on top of a tRex mode then add pteronedon and zip up the multipliers.

Accurate statement on assets too. Now excited to play tmnt!

As an owner of both it's JP hands down.

Totally.

Good thread. I'm having the same thoughts as to which pin to purchase myself when my work bonus comes in, and I'm down to JPP Pro or TMNT Pro.

I like that TMNT has a co op mode, because I love all things co op. I also like that most of the toy elements remain on TMNT.

I dislike that on the pro JPP, the T-Rex head does nothing except stare you down for not spending more to make it do something.

The latest twist for me was seeing the JPP Ultimate Code (https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/stern-jurassic-park-2-custom-code-project/page/17#post-5892183) and the TMNT 1987 Code (https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tmnt-stern-the-1987-code/page/6#post-6037152). I really like the idea of bringing the classic IP that wasn't licensed for the game to the cabinets. I'm sure there is some legal issue for Stern here, but I think they would be well served to try their best to turn a blind eye and ignore it, since it really is a selling feature for private home market owners.

I installed this new code on my JP yesterday. Played a few and put my factory SD card back in. It is pretty cool with the movie assets in it but I was not digging it during game play.

When I'm stuck between two games, I usually look at resale ability and value. In this case, I'd look at which game would be easier to sell if I end up not liking it. And to me the obvious answer here is JP. It has a larger market, and is a players game. If a reasonably priced JP came on the market around me, it would sell quickly. Whereas a reasonably priced Turtles would need a more specific buyer.

So the most logical thing to do would be to buy JP. If you end up not liking it, sell it and get a Turtles. If you go the other way, I think it will take you longer to sell Turtles, and you might need to lower the price to get it done, based on reputation of the game alone. JP for the win.

JP is the better game with more depth, shots, and theme. If you are able to swing the extra money, i would recommend getting the premium though.

Me too, is there a sound only package, I don't want the video...?

Totally agree here. I bought tmnt because I love Borg games. I bought a LE because well living in Australia and a 3-4 month wait I just couldn’t be bothered. I think a tmnt pro is an equally as good a buy as prem or Le in terms of gameplay.

I prefer tmnt over JP because I feel like it’s the better shooter of the two. There’s a little too much clunk in JP2 for me. Tmnt is just pure flow for me with just the right amount of stop thrown in there. Eg lair and pizza shots. Shooting the centre ramp and upper loop is ALWAYS satisfying actually I would hazard to say that all shots on tmnt are satisfying. Unfortunately more often than not I feel frustrated with jp2 and how it shoots. I’m forever missing shots and the tower shot is quite frustrating.

Tmnt code is fantastic. 8 different main modes. A fantastic mid way mode in team up. Lair progression is awesome to level up your turtle. Levelling up your turtle is a great idea and gives you another risk reward element. 1-2-3 foot is a super fun combo mode. I like the mash the button pizza eating mode. I’ve gotten close to final battle a couple of times but never been there and consequently on those games too I would’ve been close to cowabunga. Scoring is a unbalanced with Pizza multiball and the octopus topping (switch frenzy) you can easily rack up 20m with a halfway decent combo. But for me that’s the worst part of turtles.

JP2 code is also fantastic but as stated before the meat of the game is a little flat for me. The trex modes, chaos, raptor multi balls are AWESOME on the other hand! Which has me kind of torn on this game as I really love the things I love and everything else is kind of mediocre. Like AIQ it’s got everything to be AMAZING but something just make it fall flat. I don’t know what and I’ve thought about it but something just doesn’t do it for me.

Either way you fall both are fantastic games. JP2 or tmnt you’re winning

not sure

JP2 can be a ball buster but so rewarding and flows nicely if your on target. If you are off or just want to flip away this JP will eat you alive.

100% you’ve got to be in target and it flows great. You’re slightly off and you’re F’d... I do enjoy JP2

In my opinion it's probably the best modern Stern....I realize it's a subjective take but I really think it's a complete package of layout, toys and rules.

JP2 is the better game and will likely hold its value better.

JP for me - never thought I’d look twice at TMNT but damn, the pro is a real fun shooter. Not sure I’ll be buying a head mask but pretty impressive Borg!
I’d learn more about rules but appears mods closed club thread

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-club2020-cowabunga-its-pizza-time

Ty sir!