Dot Matrix or Classic Pins ?

playpin35

New member

Donor 2011
Joined
Dec 9, 2008
Messages
1,519
Reaction score
8
Location
Jacksonville, Missouri
Do you prefer to have dot matrix, classic pins, or both? Of the 14 pins I have only 4 of them are dot matrix. I would like to add one more(attack from mars), but with the price this one carries, I could have several more classics. If you had the room, which option would you choose?
 
i like most all of them. i love classic em pins, thats what i first started on. classic style ss pins are great. with dot matrix if the pin is fun for me its cool. so i dont have a prefrence. its all pinball and all good to me.
 
I used to be an EM snob.. I always thought they played slow, boring playfields and what no ramps? Wow! I was so wrong! I definitely lean towards the Gottlieb wedgeheads as compared to others but to each his own.
I recently played a Centigrade 37 and have to say what a gorgeous machine! Something about the artwork on these draws me in personaly, to have some in my collection!
 
I tend to enjoy the machines that I grew up with. By the time I started really getting into pinball, we were already well into the SS era. As far as DMD vs. non-DMD, it completely depends on the individual machine. If executed properly, I think the DMD can make for a more immersive and fun experience. That being said, not all DMD games are created equal. For example, I'll take a Pin*Bot or Taxi over a Popeye any day. :)
 
Yeah, agreed. Whatever pins you grew up with really brings back fond memories. Personally, I am split between EM's & the SS era. Love the clack of the mechanical score reels, but a good game of Eight ball Deluxe is delightful as well.
I just can't seem to get into the newer DMD games, too many toys & nicknacs for me.. guess I am just an old codger.
 
I prefer EM machines when I am looking to play a quick game. Of course, this is most of the time so my EMs get much more play than my more modern machines. However, the more modern machines are preferred by visitors to my house. My two DMD machines, Twister and Super Mario Bros Mushroom World, are easy to understand; they practically walk you through how to play.
 
I prefer the dots. I love games with modes, and tasks to achieve. I also like older games though and pretty much all pins. I hate EM's with huge flipper gaps and mini 1" flippers though haha.
 
Hell the only difference between a Stern and an EM these days is one ramp and a DMD :) Sorry couldn't resist.

I have 4 SS pins. 2 are DMD. Just like when a person has kids. You learn to love them the same but differently.
 
I don't have a ton of experience... but I will say that I have more plays on my Xenon than my Whirlwind. For some reason, Xenon draws me in to play "just another game" where I don't really feel that from Whirlwind.
 
I prefer dotmatrix games as they usually provide more fun.. if space wasn't an issue then I would buy more older games too.
I do have a Haunted House and Orbitor 1 which I love, and just had someone restore a Majorettes wedgehead for me which I'm sure I will enjoy also !
__________________
Learn about pinball machines at http://www.flippers.be
 
Last edited:
DMDs and late 80's Alpha Numerics for me. I like the power, speed, ramps, music, voices, modes, light shows, toys, magnets, characters, stories, etc. My "oldest" game is Black Knight 2000. Early SS games don't do much for me, and EMs absolutely bore the shit out of me. I came to pinball from being of the video game generation, so that's probably why I only like games with sound and "flash". I didn't grow up w/ EMs, so I have no nostalgic attachment to them.
 
I prefer to have what I find to be fun, what I can afford, and what I have the room for. I personally could care less if it's an EM, SS or DMD. They're all great in their own ways.

For relaxing, I like my woodrail (1954 Williams Colors). Slower play, and not as much to do, but still challenging.

When I want a bit more action, I play my EM (1974 Williams Lucky Ace). Faster play, more to do and more challenging.

When I need to release the stress or am pumped up, then I hit my SS (1990 DE Simpsons). Fast action, lot to do and kills off stress from a bad day at work. :)

If I owned a DMD game, then that would fall into the same category as my SS. :)

Bill
 
Last edited:
Maybe I just grew up in the DMD era but because I'm so used to them, I have a hard time getting into older SS machines. The only EM machine I've ever really enjoyed was Gottlieb 300.
 
Funny you say grew up, I started with EM, now I only have 3, and really do not play them much. I kind of force myself to keep them going. An unplayed EM is a non working EM. SO I am now leaning more towards the DMD machines. I now have 18 and they get all of my play time. I will always have EM's because of nostalgia, but DMD offers some much more action, depth and play.

However EM's are a lot like the older arcades. Like defender or something, hard as hell, fast but simplistic games.

What has been left tout of this is system 1 and system 80 games......love those too. Got a Sinbad and Volcano that are permanent in my arcade
 
Back
Top Bottom