Getting into some pins...

parkway

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So as pretty much every collector I've met had told me, I've caught the urge to start pin collecting. Don't know why I've waited so long. For the sake of discussion, and me learning a thing or two, here are some of my favorites. Curious as to which might be a good one to start with as my first and the reasons why. I tend to learn toward the Williams stuff as it's what I always used to play in my local bowling alley:

Firepower
High Speed
Gorgar
Galaxy
Police Force

Luckily, there are a couple of each for sale around me in good shape. It would also help if I can sell some of my cabs to make money/room (http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?p=2234632#post2234632) so hint, hint.

Anyway, what does everyone think of my list?
 
I'm no pin wiz, but your list looks very good. I picked up me first pin, Sorcerer, in May and I love it.

I, too, remembered playing mostly Williams titles BITD- so it was only natural for me to look for a Williams. Here's the thread I started with a bunch of good suggestions from plenty of pinheads: http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=186383

Out of your list, High Speed would probably be the best choice, IMO. Check out Pinside's Top 100 and Bang for the Buck lists too.
 
I'm no pin wiz, but your list looks very good. I picked up me first pin, Sorcerer, in May and I love it.

I, too, remembered playing mostly Williams titles BITD- so it was only natural for me to look for a Williams. Here's the thread I started with a bunch of good suggestions from plenty of pinheads: http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=186383

Out of your list, High Speed would probably be the best choice, IMO. Check out Pinside's Top 100 and Bang for the Buck lists too.


High Speed seems to be the suggestion so far; I also posted over on Pinside and someone chimed in with that also. There's one a couple of hours from me in good shape near Philly. A bit of a drive, but nothing I haven't done before.

I like your thread too. Thanks.
 
Those system 11s are great games, and the system 6s you have listed are a lot of fun as well. Never played a Galaxy, but I have the other 4 on the list, and my picks in order are
High Speed
Police Force
Firepower
Gorgar
You have more options with the 11s, with the ramp shots, plus they play a little faster, as well as cost a few hundred more than the 6s, so it works out in the long run. Gorgar is my wifes favorite in the gameroom
 
Firepower
High Speed
Gorgar
Galaxy
Police Force

Anyway, what does everyone think of my list?

Galaxy is a Stern game with limited parts to find if you plan on restoring (no playfields, plastic sets, backglasses, etc).

High Speed and Police Force: System 11 games which are harder to restore than Williams sys6-7 games.

Gorgar: Playfield layout is basically an EM (non-electronics) game with the Williams sys6 boardset. Even the flipper setup is the older EM type. First talking game but that is about it.

Firepower: CPR made playfields and plastics sets for it. Simple game to work on. Multi-ball. Great flow.
 
Galaxy is a Stern game with limited parts to find if you plan on restoring (no playfields, plastic sets, backglasses, etc).

High Speed and Police Force: System 11 games which are harder to restore than Williams sys6-7 games.

Gorgar: Playfield layout is basically an EM (non-electronics) game with the Williams sys6 boardset. Even the flipper setup is the older EM type. First talking game but that is about it.

Firepower: CPR made playfields and plastics sets for it. Simple game to work on. Multi-ball. Great flow.


Hmm. I actually just played a buddy's Firepower and had a blast. There's a good looking one close for $700 asking with a bunch of stuff fixed/upgraded already. I think it's between HS and Firepower. I really like Gorgar, and I think it plays and looks cool, but I'll be damned if I can find one around me for less than a grand. :(
 
Hint: Everyone wants a Gorgar until they play it.

One thing to keep in mind when buying pins. Dont fall in love with the theme. Forget the theme. Actually play the game and see if you like it. Long term playability is more rewarding than an attractive theme. I bought a Bobby Orr pinball machine because I like Hockey. Hated playing it. Just a lousy playing game. It went down the road pretty quick.
 
So as pretty much every collector I've met had told me, I've caught the urge to start pin collecting. Don't know why I've waited so long. For the sake of discussion, and me learning a thing or two, here are some of my favorites. Curious as to which might be a good one to start with as my first and the reasons why. I tend to learn toward the Williams stuff as it's what I always used to play in my local bowling alley:

Firepower
High Speed
Gorgar
Galaxy
Police Force

Luckily, there are a couple of each for sale around me in good shape. It would also help if I can sell some of my cabs to make money/room (http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?p=2234632#post2234632) so hint, hint.

Anyway, what does everyone think of my list?

Any of the ones listed are good. I , too, have always been a Williams fan. Since I can remember around 1980 seeing Gorgar and FirePower for the first time! Then just a few years later, walking into an Aladins Castle and seeing The Adams family and Getaway side by side all brand new! Needless to say the addiction started.



Remember one thing **ONE IS NOT ENOUGH**
 
Hint: Everyone wants a Gorgar until they play it.

One thing to keep in mind when buying pins. Dont fall in love with the theme. Forget the theme. Actually play the game and see if you like it. Long term playability is more rewarding than an attractive theme. I bought a Bobby Orr pinball machine because I like Hockey. Hated playing it. Just a lousy playing game. It went down the road pretty quick.

For me I am all about the theme.
I chose all my pins based on the theme and have not parted with any of them yet. (pin #11 is coming in the end of the month)

If you really like the theme, some short comings of gameplay is forgivable.

I would much rather have a game whose theme I love that plays 'mediocre' than a theme I can't stand that 'plays great'.

Of course I suppose it helps that I'm into or can get into the themse of most 'A' list titles which do play great lol!

I mean I can't imagine anyone who would like playing lotr (lord of the rings) without being into the movies or SM (spiderman) who hathes that theme...

and btw out of that list I would choose Gorgar (if not for having twin 2 year olds I would have that in my lineup already!)
 
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Hint: Everyone wants a Gorgar until they play it.

One thing to keep in mind when buying pins. Dont fall in love with the theme. Forget the theme. Actually play the game and see if you like it. Long term playability is more rewarding than an attractive theme. I bought a Bobby Orr pinball machine because I like Hockey. Hated playing it. Just a lousy playing game. It went down the road pretty quick.

I didn't want a Gorgar until after I'd played a real one. Go fig...

Will agree that it's pretty dang shallow, but it can be a fast pin when set up right.
 
I tend to love most Sys 11 games, so I would vote there, police force and high speed are both fun to play, easy to understand after 5 plays. Owned a Gorgar, sold it, may get another, its fun. Firepower is great, and slick looking.
 
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