Couldn't agree more. I played it at a tournament and had a killer game (got the GC score). After my killer game, I didn't feel exhilarated or excited in any way. Felt like "chopping wood". Got the GC on my AC/DC recently and had a blast.

Hobbit is a beauty to look at and the LCD images are awesome. Unfortunately, just like a movie, great CG images don't make a movie sparkle! I think JJP is building beautiful pinball machines that lack synergy. I wish I felt differently, because I'd love to own one. When they build a machine that's exhilarating, I'll bite.

Not so fast Awesome dots, audio, & theme integration. Second to none...especially with the ColorDMD mod.

Perfect example of using old technology better than new technology. Sure, The Hobbit images are crisp/beautiful, but they don't tell the story the way LOTR does. Sure, The Hobbit audio platform rocks when compared with LOTR, however the audio content just seems better integrated into the game (which makes it more fun & rewarding). From my perspective, LOTR is a far superior game done by a cohesive team that nailed it from day 1. I'd like nothing more than to like The Hobbit better...I've owned LOTR for 12 years and would love to replace it with something better.

Yes, the layout is mundane, but just like AFM, LOTR is the total package.

Joe Balcer, the dude that designed both WOZ and Hobbit no longer works for JJP. Dennis Nordman didn't work out.

Lead designers are responsible for pulling all the elements together. Some do it better than others, but turnover in a small company isn't good. I'm sure Keith's rules will help, but TH didn't converge and the fact that JB left almost 1 year ago isn't goodness.

I had a great game on TH and wasn't "feeling it". Building great products and great teams goes hand-in-glove. If JJP pins were being judged solely on their BOM (Bill-Of-Materials), they'd win hands down. Unfortunately, there's this element called inspiration that seems to be missing. LOTR was done by an inspired team. Even if it's not your cup-of-tea in terms of play, it's impossible to ignore the attention to detail on theme integration.

You are missing the point. Coming in to "fill in" and help out is different that a true project lead that takes responsibility for the entire, finished product. Like the Director/Producer of a film....