Wondering on Fist Pin to Buy

namnori47

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I am looking into buying my first pin. I really like the Tron and Simpsons Pinball Party. Also like the Transformers and really like the new Avengers. Gonna wait to see videos of Avengers once they come up. Just dont know if I should just right into one of the newer games or start with something a little less expensive. Any ideas or comments will be appreciated.
 
Of the few you mention Transformers could probably be obtained the cheapest. If you like pinball and have the money, buy the machine you really want. Before I bought a pin, I though I really wanted a late 70's bally. The more I played, I realized I preferred DMD pins.

Play as many machines you can so you can make the best buying decision. - Barry
 
Personally, I'd prefer to have a couple older titles than one new Stern. Tron pro might be the one I'd consider as an exception.

I'd say definitely try and find a Transformers to play if you're considering it. I've never played it but opinions are all over the place on it, but lots of negative. I think the Premium version of the Avengers is scheduled for early next year. That'll give you the playfield features of the LE with Pro art and a lower price.

I think the tiering of games is the worst trend in pinball, but it looks like it's here to stay.
 
You can't go wrong with Tron or The Simpsons. Both are great games. I've heard a lot of bad things about Transformers.

I own Tron and absolutely love it. The gameplay is a blast, the music kicks ass, the art package is slick, and there are tons of awesome mods available for it. TSPP is really funny and has a very deep rule set.
 
Depends on what you like really. Sounds like you have pretty good taste in games, but I would recommend playing as many as possible to see what type of game suits you best. If you are comfortable dropping 4-6 grand on a game then some of the newer Sterns you mentioned will be fine. Don't sleep on Transformers Pro or LE as you can probably grab an LE for a fair price NIB still since Stern over-promised and under-delivered(still a FUN game, just not what the teaser video implied). You also have an advantage buying a newer game as you won't have to worry about major repairs for a while(cue Stern QC joke from peanut gallery lol). I will say this, for the price of a new Stern, you can get 3 really nice Bally/Williams/Data East games. Just something to consider, because trust me, you WON'T stop at one lol. Good Luck!
 
TSPP is an awesome game, unarguably one of the best ever made. You can't go wrong with it price-wise. It's a very deep game that will have you playing it over and over. Some of the newer Sterns are not up to that par.
 
Tron or AC/DC if you're looking for a newer game.

And I'll say this; I'm not a fan of AC/DC in the slightest, but I honestly think it's one of Steve Ritchie's best titles. Amazingly deep rule set.

As for The Avengers, it honestly looks like a TOTAN ripoff, to me. My friend wants one, but I'm kinda meh about it.
 
I'd also favor a few older machines versus one new Stern. If you like the shot layout on a Transformers I'd suggest a Johnny Mnemonic or T2. Both have a similar layout and are a fraction of the cost. 100% honest, I'd rank the gameplay as Johnny Mnemonic > Transformers > T2. Although my theme ranking would be reversed.

Of the games you mentioned I'd probably look for a The Simpsons. It's going to be $2000-$4000 cheaper then The Avengers, and you know it's a good game. It's also deep so you won't get bored quickly.

If I had a budget of $5500 to $7500 (The Avengers), I'd probably look to buy a Lord of the Rings or The Simpsons ($4000) plus Bram Stoker's Dracula or Fish Tales ($2000). Basically, something with long ball times and something with short ball times.
 
thanks for all the input. Yeah im looking into the $2000 and under range for now, just to get a pin i will like and not break the bank. something to start with. then maybe a second game down the road like a Simpsons Pinball Party or Tron.
 
thanks for all the input. Yeah im looking into the $2000 and under range for now, just to get a pin i will like and not break the bank. something to start with. then maybe a second game down the road like a Simpsons Pinball Party or Tron.

All of the games you listed would be out of your budget. Look for as for DMDs I'd look for a BSD, FT, JM, JP, WCS, HS2, JD, DM, DW, BR or T2.
 
some local ones for sale, Hook, Strange Science, Mousin Around, 1992 Star Wars, Evel Knievel, Bay Watch, all under $2000

Hmmm...I'd probably hold out for something different, but...Star Wars or Bay Watch. Mousin' Around isn't a bad System 11, I guess I'd consider those three if the price was right.
 
Under 2 grand... Hmmm.

Most System 11 games, and a few select DMD's you may wanna consider.

Judge Dredd is probably my favorite sub-2k title.
 
I sent you a PM about my Johnny Mnemonic. I think that would be a great machine under your budget. I'm obviously the seller so ask around, but I think it's a much better machine than anything you've listed.

Pinside Top 100: http://pinside.com/pinball/top-100

Johnny Mnemonic - 52
Star Wars - 89
Mousin' Around - 97
Baywatch - 127
Strange Science - 146
Evil Knievil - 166
Hook - 185
 
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Very tough to find anything in nice shape for under $2,000 these days unless it's a C title (some of which are good!) or any older pin.

You might be able to score something like Taxi for under $2000, it's an older title but it's a great game. Johnny Mnemonic and Judge Dredd might be good ones. Condition is the thing though. You may plunk down $2000 only to find out you need another $1,000 (or more) in repairs.

If I were you I'd pony up an extra $1,000 and try to get a nice Fish Tales.
 
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