I have been a long time pinball fan (loved playing King of Diamonds back in the early '70s) and am looking to buy my first pinball machine. I only have room for one and would like suggestions for the "one" to get. Here is my criteria:

1. Fun to play (obviously).

2. Deep enough to keep me interested, but easy enough for my grandkids when they are old enough, and my wife, to enjoy.

3. Reasonably priced (hopefully less than $5,000).

4. Reliable mechanical reputation. I'm not mechanically inclined and most service work would have to be done by a professional.

5. Have "long lasting" appeal. I'm not looking to flip machines...I want something that will still be fun to play 5 years from now (for the casual player). The one I buy, I will keep.

I'd be happy for any recommendations you folks can give. I'll download and play them on Visual Pinball, then narrow the list down to a couple and go from there. So far I've played the Pinball Hall of Fame: Williams Collection machine and a few on Visual Pinball. I *love* Funhouse on PHoF and The Simpsons Pinball Party on VP.

And....I'll likely buy from someplace like thepinballcompany, as I am a little leery about Craigslist and private sellers. I don't know any collectors or anyone in the pinball community here in Iowa.

Thank you in advance!

Good responses so far. Thank you.

Good suggestions..thanks.

Games like TZ, TOM, LOTR, etc. are priced above $5,000 at thepinballcompany, so that is more than I want to spend.

I am in the process of checking out machines via Virtual Pinball, so hopefully I can get things narrowed down a bit.

And yes, this will be my ONLY machine. I have a bad case of BAS (banjo acquisition syndrome)...I don't need PAS, too. Besides, I only have room for one.

That is discouraging. Maybe I should just forget the whole thing.

I still need to try Spiderman, but so far Funhouse and Simpsons remain my favorites. Tales of the Arabian Nights is fun too, but probably out of my price range.

Thanks to everyone for their input. I think right now my "Top 3" list is:

1/2...tie...Funhouse and Who Dunnit? (been playing this on Virtual Pinball and enjoy it very much)

3...Simpsons Pinball Party