After being in this hobby now for a year and following the discussions on MAACA there are several things I can't figure out.

1. Why does BSD get very little love? Evertime I get a chance to play one I really enjoy it but it never seems to be a keeper for most of the MAACA members. Does it lose it's appeal after a while?

2. Why does TAF get so much love? No matter how many times I play this game at various locations I just can't get into it. What am I missing? I own a TZ which I love but TAF leaves me cold.

Another question I have is, what is the general sentiment towards STTNG and the Shadow? Which of these games is the better game to own? (considering overall looks, sound, long term playability, difficulty, sound).

I seem to really like pins with a movie based theme but I am not sure if that is just because they are just great pins.

Any and all comments would be appreciated. I am sure (hoping) Twilight Zone will comment on the BSD.  

BSD is a fast simple game..  No modes.  The only real challenge is to stack multiballs.  Very little depth to this game but there is some strategy to it for high scoring.  I don't like it - too simple - reminds me of T2.  I like modes.

Everybody seem to like STTNG.I would have on if someone in my family didn't already have one.  The modes are fun, you get rewarded for completing them, many shots, the canons, etc.  The theme is very well done.

I haven't played mych with TAF but I also don't like it.  I just never really got into it.  However I used to think that of TZ until I really tried to understand it (I had to since I got one!).

Only played Shadow a few times but seems to be a players game..  lot's of depth and not easy.

My 0.02$

Mike

I sold my BSD, but very reluctantly. Needed the money. Super game. Great theme (sure, movie-based, but Dracula nonetheless). Awesome sounds and multiballs. But yes, not much depth. Most DMD-lovers will prefer something else. Me? Screw modes. I just wanna play. And BSD delivers... tough game.

I also never got into TAF. I played it a few times. To be honest, I wouldn't even pay 2000$ for one. I can name a load of DMD pins that are under 2000$ and are better and more entertaining.

STTNG has more appeal gadget-wise and mode-wise, but Shadow is a tough pin to play... very fast. But I find the Battlefield to be easy. I played it often at Glen's place and I would keep the ball up there a long time. Got boring after a while and I would let the ball drop. Too "Pong"-like for me...  

My only advice is buy what you like and not what other "think" are great games. If you play a game and you keep coming back to it, at that point think of buying it. I like modes so Mike's comment are basically mine. I also do not think much of TAF, I bought the TAFG only as a collector piece. Even when I do play it, I find myself drawn to other pins I like more.

STTNG and Shadow are great pins, you cannot go wrong with either IMHO.  

BSD is a tough game and reminds me of older pins in its style.  STTNG is a much more interesting game, lots to do and you can really get into it when you get a good game going..  I sometimes think about getting rid of either of them but then I decide against it.  

Shadow is a good game, lots of nice flow.  Its a keeper for me.  The sanctum magnet always looks great.

As for TAF... I didn't get all the hype either.  But after I picked one up, I could really see the allure, especially for non pin players.  Its not an intimidating playfield (like CFTBL or NGG etc...) for the novice.  Its simple to understand and play right away.

I think they are all good games, but BSD is probably the least loved, just for the sake that it is a simpler game than the rest.  (and I think the artwork isnt that great)

As others have said, BSD too simple. Not enough to do. Gets very, very old in the home. I've had two and sold both. Got the first one at a great price. Sold it. Got the second, because I figured I must not have given it enough time. Actually gets alot of love among some folks. Bought another and glad I sold it. Not my cup of tea.

I'm not a fan of TAF. LOVED it in the arcade, but at home it's a bit too easy and simple. But then again I like Funhouse which is also a simplier game. For some reason, I have always enjoyed Funhouse and thought it a better game than TAF. TZ, btw, blows TAF away.

Al that said, I still enjoy both TAF and BSD as long as they are in someone else's home. I like to play them once in awhile, but not enough to own one.

Now between Shadow and ST:TNG...that's a tough one. Both are fantastic games. Very hard games and won't be enjoyed by newbies. If that is a consideration, don't get either. If you are getting it for yourself, buy whichever is available as I think both are must have pins. If I had to choose one or the other, it would be ST:TNG. It's really a close call, though.

Duane

Quoted from TwilightZone

Now between Shadow and ST:TNG...that's a tough one. Both are fantastic games.

Piccard said it best ...

Quoted Text

Make it so

I really enjoy TAF. Good humour. Nicely balanced rules, challenges and fun modes. Little things like seance and SHOWTIME are nice little theatrical bits. The magnets tossing the ball around and the occaisional appearance of Thing are nice toys. These elements can be unlocked by the most basic of players so guests will recognize they are achieving something with the game. Better players will attempt to tour the mansion. Basic tasks that people just know what to do.

The characters in Addams are very likeable. Disfunctional functional family. It's also a classy looking pin, black, roses, smoked topper etc. It has a tall and lean appearance. If you have a billiard room or gameroom that is not all pins, you got to think of what pins would actually fit in. TAF in nice shape is a show piece. A true classic pin IMHO.

Thanks for the comments. I guess it comes down to why you are buying it. To play against the machine or to play against other guests when you are entertaining.

For my next (final) pin I am trying to find something that can entertain the casual pinball player (guest), keep my interest in the long term and looks great.

Quoted from tom_454

For my next (final) pin I am trying to find something that can entertain the casual pinball player (guest), keep my interest in the long term and looks great.

That's easy... just by an MM then.

Seriously it is probably one of the best for catering to both.

Quoted from tom_454

Thanks for the comments. I guess it comes down to why you are buying it. To play against the machine or to play against other guests when you are entertaining.

For my next (final) pin I am trying to find something that can entertain the casual pinball player (guest), keep my interest in the long term and looks great.

LOTR is **extremely** popular with newbies visiting my home. It's a game instantly recognizable and they love the look of it. The play isn't straight forward, but regardless people seem to like it especially the ring.

I think SPP would be another fav. Yes, the game is complex, but the theme is familiar and it's got some damn funny quotes.

Get both LOTR and SPP for the price of a MM. Both are superior, on their own, in terms of game play, so you cann't go wrong.

Of course, if you have cash to burn and only want to have a show piece, buy   all means you go get a MM  

Judging from another collector's home, she says Monster Bash is a big hit as well as Pirates of the Caribbean. I've played both and enjoy both. Not sure they would keep my interest as much as LOTR or SPP, though.  

Duane

I'm a big fan of Addam's Family as well.  A pin that is full of surprises, has a great playfield layout, great music and voices, highly recognizable licensed theme, great shots and flow, wonderful artwork on the playfield, cabinet and translite, and  exhilarating multiball.  Install the gold roms and upgrade the sound and you have an awesome pinball for both the novice and expert.  Everyone who visits my gamerooom enjoys this game and my gameroom wouldn't be complete without it.  It has it's own special place in the history of pinball.

LOR - Software, dots and shots, playfield design, flow, toys, music, speech, theme, artwork etc. - still the favorite pin in my collection!

                                                     flashman