If you could pick one of these two PL pins, which would you go for?

Also, have you heard the rumours that Pat has severed ties with Stern? That sucks if it's true. End of an era that is!

Pat was the greatest (modern) pin designer, IMO. He most consistently made fun and innovative pins.

If Brian Eddy didn't drop out so early, he could've given a Pat a run for his money though.

If I HAD too, it would be TAF, otherwise it would be neither.  

I don't understand why everyone loves FG so much, the mini pinball feels cheap and crappy and is pretty easy to complete.  The game it self lacks flow and feels clunky.  The humor is ok at times, but I don't really like Family Guy to begin with.  I've just never found the game enjoyable.  It has lots to do, but I just don't enjoy doing it.

TAF on the other hand is a fun game but very limited.  EOD the game comes down to ramp, chair, ramp chair, ramp, chair, etc.  But I do think it has great theme inergration.  One of the best uses of magnets ever in pinball, other games have tried and haven't even come close to the action TAF magnets get.  Get quotes, great humor.  Generally a fun game, but lacks in the home enviornment at the end.  

Wouldn't want another TAF. Adam pretty much sums it up. The game just doesn't have legs in a home environment. I had one and don't miss it at all. Funhouse, on the other hand, I really like. Something about that game is just fun.

Personally I would take a Shrek/Family Guy over TAF. I know Adam doesn't like it, but I've really warmed to Shrek. Fun game with tons of modes. Starting the mini pinball is too easy with factory default settings. You can change this to make it harder to start. With this minor change, the game seems to be a more challenging game.

I played FG a couple of times and the humour is outstanding. Definately "potty" humour. That might influence your decision. Before bringing one home, ask your wife is she is ok with adult humour, very adult humour. I'm not even sure it can be adjusted much.

Personally I don't like the FG show, so the game while funny, just didn't strike a cord. With Shrek, I've given the game more time and enjoy it.

Duane

Quoted from Vengeance

One of the best uses of magnets ever in pinball

Best use of magnets in a pinball goes to TZ. Hands down. A mini playfield w/o flippers or anything mechanical to move the ball, too cool.

Duane

Yes and no, I think that TZ has the most ingenious use of magents ever, but nothing makes me laugh more when playing against someone and watching as "The Power" takes their ball and whips it down an outlane.  The look of "WTF!!" on their face evey time it happens is priceless

Quoted from TwilightZone

Best use of magnets in a pinball goes to TZ. Hands down. A mini playfield w/o flippers or anything mechanical to move the ball, too cool.

Duane

I never found much use for the magnet on WCS94, but I always appreciate magnetic ball saves. TOM has a cool lighting and sound effect when this occurs.

FG, other than theme,  I just don't get the draw. The rest of the pf is pretty uneventful and you work to get a chance to play and a pinball that feels like a $5 toy for all your efforts.

The bigger issue is the rumour Pat left Stern. If true, I wonder where that is going? Retirement from designing pins? I thought he was working on CSI for them.

Supposedly CSI was to come out before 24, but now preorders are being taken for 24, and there's no mention of CSI. If CSI comes out, it could be his last design

You should hear what Python Angelo says about Pat Lawler on his TOPCAST interview...... I suggest everyone check that one out! WOW. No sour grapes there!

I actually like Family Guy/Shrek... both nice games- just depends what theme yu like better. I don't know much about TAF, it's Clay's favourite from that era and seems to be a desired title by most pin collectors, but I just haven't had that much exposure to it to make a call on that game.

[quote=191]I never found much use for the magnet on WCS94, but I always appreciate magnetic ball saves. TOM has a cool lighting and sound effect when this occurs./quote]

Cripes, how could I forget about ToM? The effect is amazing!!!! The first time I saw it, I was hooked. When I had a ToM, all my guests loved the effect. Definitely cool. I was thinking of how the pinball is lifted off the playfield before MB. It also uses them on the outlanes, as a save. That's also pretty cool and guests got a kick out of it when it worked. Often the ball would go too fast out and the magnet wouldn't get it in time.

Duane

Quoted from Bally Boy

You should hear what Python Angelo says about Pat Lawler on his TOPCAST interview...... I suggest everyone check that one out! WOW. No sour grapes there!

I actually like Family Guy/Shrek... both nice games- just depends what theme yu like better. I don't know much about TAF, it's Clay's favourite from that era and seems to be a desired title by most pin collectors, but I just haven't had that much exposure to it to make a call on that game.

I just bought one a minute ago, so it better be good! Now I expect people to start praising TAF to make me feel good about my purchase!

Oh, and Python may be a great artist, but he's as crazy as a loon! Any fan of the Fountainhead is.

For the money you spent on TAF you should have bought a TSPP.  

Better then both TAF or FGY

TSPP has grown on me a bit since I started playing it during lunch, but I still much prefer TAF. I really wanted a game in that style. I also remember it from when I was a kid, nostalgia helps a bit.

I'm not as good of a player as you Adam, so it'll be a workout to get to Tour the Mansion mode. TSPP? Forget about me getting anywhere near the end of that game.

On LOTR, I'm thrilled if I can even Destroy the Ring. Might change with the new coils though.

I own a T2, which is as shallow as they come, but is still a blast for me to play. For me, it's more about theme, playfield design, sound, and art. Deepness/complexity is nice, but not necessary.