Hi guys, for some reason, just this past week, pinball popped into my head, and I can't get it out.
I've been researching it online, and find it irresistible. I've always enjoyed pinball videogames, but now realize I can afford a real machine!

I was wondering if anyone in Ottawa is willing to showoff their game room, offer tips, and/or show me the ropes. I read the newbie thread, but it is very general. I'm aware that things break (I'm an engineer, I'm familiar with that), and that it's an expensive hobby.

I've found a few machines for sale locally and was considering buying one. Specifically, I found a TMNT Data East machine for $800, that is supposedly working. Is that a good deal? I've played it a bit on vpinMAME, and it's pretty simple, but would you recommend it as a first pin? All the other DMDs for sale are almost twice as expensive, and I'm only interested in DMDs (damn kids these days!). I apologize for asking for you to hold my hand, but I've never spent so much on something before (other than my house and car).

Do you guys ever get together in Ottawa?

Thanks for your help!

I don't know if I would jump into a TMNT. If you don't like it, it will be a hard sell and may turn you off of collecting. I would say stick to titles in your budget that have a more universal appeal so you can move around a bit in the pins and not get stuck.

So would I recommend TMNT for a first pin. No. Even some older titles are better and can be bought within your budget.

Thanks for the advice!

I also found a few Stern's from the early 80s like Galaxy, Stars, Trident, and Ali for approx $500 each. Would they be better for a first machine?

Keep in mind though, I'm only 24, so me and my friends see TMNT as a big piece nostalgia. Similar to how older folks drool over TZ (I happen to like that show too, even though it's WAY before my time, and yes, I'm aware it's a much better game than TMNT).

Someone's also selling a Stargate pin for $900, but it is not guaranteed to work. Since I don't know what fixing a machine up entails exactly, I'm quite hesitant.

from all those u listed I think Stargate is the most fun. .. I guess depending whats broken? Some things are easy to fix.. some no.

I'm not sure but this may be the same TMNT that doesn't have a working display.  Those are unique and are VERY expensive to replace (300$+).

Mike

Bah.... forget pinball.... !

Get a nice classic vid instead    


http://www.arcade.chezsuys.com/Robo1.html


...and I'm in Ottawa too !

Cheers,
Steph

Any machine that isnt booting wouldnt be recommenced as a first machine.

Buying a relatively cheap one that works, even if it doesnt look all that nice, will be a much better experience in my opinion. Like Glen said, buying a non-working or unsellable game would kinda turn you off the hobby.

Personally, i started with a working game that needed some fixes and a good cleaning. I learned a lot on it and never looked behind after, at least the possibilily of starting and playing a game is satisfying by itself, even if there are some little things that are not working, you will still enjoy the process.

Good luck in your quest, we'll schedule a meeting over at your place next year, i'm sure there will be *at least* 3 machines in the gameroom  

Thanks for all the advice!

It's really nice to find a helpful community such as this.

Splitskull: I agree that Stargate would be the most fun, but the seller was a bit curt. I asked him if it boots up at least, and he said that before doing that he'd have to check it all out first, and would then sell it for $1500. Since I'm just starting out, even a simple machine is pretty fun for me, I can work my way up to the more advanced machines over time.

MrMikeMan: I assume the display is expensive since it's a smaller DMD, and therefore more rare. If the display isn't working, I'm not gonna buy it. Thanks for the heads up.

Steph: Nice try, but I'd rather just buy an arcade stick for my 360. Bah! Kids these days!

Azatotht: I like your psychology 101, I was thinking along the same lines.

Another question: Can anyone recommend some places to play pinball around Ottawa? I found a DM at Merivale Bowling Lanes. And I remember a TZ at McArthur Bowling a couple years ago. Anywhere else?

Quoted from jonny_eh

Can anyone recommend some places to play pinball around Ottawa? I found a DM at Merivale Bowling Lanes. And I remember a TZ at McArthur Bowling a couple years ago. Anywhere else?

The best place with reliable machines are at fellow MAACA collectors

Quite a few in the Ottawa area.....

Mike

I just spoke to the person selling the TMNT machine and she said that the display is not working, but someone came buy to look at it and said the display is fine, but the wrong voltage is being applied. Does this sound like an easy problem to fix?

Quoted Text

The best place with reliable machines are at fellow MAACA collectors

I'm waiting for an invite

Quoted from jonny_eh

Another question: Can anyone recommend some places to play pinball around Ottawa? I found a DM at Merivale Bowling Lanes. And I remember a TZ at McArthur Bowling a couple years ago. Anywhere else?

Look in the "Places to Play" section on the site: http://archive.maaca.org/s107351202.onlinehome.us/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-placestoplay/

Hmmm..  How could this person tell that the display was fine since it wasn't working...  It *MAY* be an easy fix but it may also have both the wrong voltage and a crapped out display.  Are you a gambling man?

Mike