Pinball Conundrum - What Would You Do?

nocashvalue

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 29, 2007
Messages
2,110
Reaction score
34
Location
Gainesville, Georgia
I'm at a crossroads here and I am looking for opinions and just curious what you all would do if you were in my shoes.

Ok, so I'm downsizing my arcade collection and plan on increasing my pinball collection. My current pinball collection consists of Bram Stoker's Dracula, F-14 Tomcat, and a Terminator 2. So far, I have $2800 saved up with more $$ on the horizon in time. I have three scenarios I'm considering:

1. Buy a couple "B" list games like Tales from the Crypt and another title (lights, camera, action! etc).

2. Buy one A-list game like Creature from the Black Lagoon or Twilight Zone

3. Save up a shitload and buy a NIB game. This is a dream of mine, but a NIB LOTR costs $5300, and I think my wife would DESTROY me if she ever found out I spent over 5 grand on a PINBALL machine! Also, I'm not interested in most of the current stern titles or probably any future ones since they keep cost-cutting their games. Only themes I'd be interested in are IJ, SM, Ripley's, LOTR, and maybe Rollercoaster Tycoon. Most of those you can't find NIB anymore, so LOTR would be my best bet. I know I could buy a HUO for a lot cheaper, but something about opening a game from the shipping crate appeals to me.

I know this question is subjective and ultimately it is a personal decision on my part, but I was just curious what you all would do if you were in my shoes?
 
I would look for a very clean funhouse or twilight zone. Black Knight is underrated too.
 
It depends on the B list titles you're looking at. If they're something you really enjoy, then I'd buy those. If you're buying them to get a good deal, then I'd probably wait. I'd most likely go this route since I'd enjoy the thought of 2 more machines versus 1.

Similar scenario with the A list titles. If you really enjoy them, then go for it. But if you're buying one just to own said title, since you've heard a lot about them, then I'd pass. I've known people who fell into that before. CFTBL would be fun to own.

NIB I'd say pass on. I totally understand wanting to open a new one, but I'm in the same boat as you with NIB Stern's. All the ones I'd want would be hard to find NIB.
 
Are you collecting games for their "value" or to play them?
I'm definitely in the latter category, so my opinions are biased that way.
I'd buy a couple of more affordable pins (although I'd love an Addams Family or AFM).
The whole NIB thing is kind of like buying a new car.... a heavy premium for short bit of excitement, and a large and instant loss of value.

just my $0.02

It boils down to "do what is going to make you happy :)"

cheers
/Tim
 
I am not looking for "collectability" - I've already realized that Addams Family isn't up my alley and would prefer my BSD to it any day. I know that its all subjective, so not looking to get something based on what others like. I also realize that these things only hold their value for so long.

I honestly don't think I can justify the high price tag of a NIB game, as much as I like the idea of opening one.
 
You've got some great B-list "players" there, so I would mix it up and find a solid A-lister like RFM, Monster Bash or Spiderman. Or find a rare B-lister like Congo or WhoDunnit - great games IMHO.

I have No Fear, Congo, LOTR and RFM sitting in a row, and I can honestly say I play NF and Congo the most.

John
 
I say buy a nice Twilight Zone! To me, after the newness/awesomeness wore off of a NIB game, I might regret spending the extra cash.
 
You cant go wrong with TZ. Good game - you can find one for 2500 (if you get lucky) to 3500.

Bu, if it were me - I am a huge Stern fan - after playing alot of games, i found them to be ALOT of fun. Better than TZ or alot of the Bally / WMS games.

Dont buy NIB (although i have - its not worth the cash). You can find used (HUO examples). SM, IM and LOTR are the top three sterns ever made.

If you can find an Iron Man - GET IT. Dont think twice - that game rocks. Every IM owner agrees. The game is pure genius.

SM and LOTR you can come across easier due to the time they have been issued. The Lord you can find one for 3200 - 3600 (i wouldnt pay more). SM, since its HOT right now- may run you 3600 - 4k.

I lean torward Stern. You wont regret it, except for the trouble of bringing one in and wanting more. Trust me here.

Keep checking site mast pinball and you will see one of these four available.
 
Back
Top Bottom