Yes, I know "one of these things is not like the other", but I have a chance at one of these and I'm trying to decide.  They are all reasonably priced, so that's not an issue.

Given the usual price point for each, and the game play, what would you pick?  I haven't played IJ in a long time but I'm aware of its legacy.  Star Trek I was bashing a short while ago (theme wise that is) until Speedy got his, and I can see what Monkeybug was talking about...  I really like it.

Black Rose I haven't played, but seems to be rated well, and I have heard good things.  I don't expect it to match the hype of the superpins above, but wondering if anyone would say this a rare keeper.

Thanks,

Aaron

I'd stay away from Black Rose if I were you. My pick out of those 3 would be IJ. My buddy has a Black Rose and it's not a terrible game, but if you have any wear around the cannon, or need to try and level it, good luck haha.

I don't really like STTNG either, I think the cannons get old fast, and don't really like the layout. Although I do love the sound effects/music on it.

STTNG is the best of the bunch. Go for it.

I haven't played Black Rose IRL but it looks like another decent game from John Trudeau but I don't think it is nearly as good as Steve Ritchie's ST:TNG. But BR should be considerably cheaper (~$1000). But ST:TNG is ... ST:TN. A super game in itself but I was a big fan of the show so the theme won't bother me ever.

Btw, VPmame has a decent version of BR to you can't play test it a bit that way.

Good luck!

I've owned all 3 and definitely recommend IJ, although it'll cost you the most. Black Rose I don't like at all...STTNG is a great but frustrating game, and can be very tempermental as far as breakdowns go.

if you pass on the STTNG let me know  

I think IJ and STTNG are both great games. I would suggest to go for the theme you prefer.

Good luck.

Oops. Didn't see that IJ was an option. I've found IJ to be a great looking and sounding theme but slow gameplay, imho.

BR might be cheapest but might not be the easiest to sell. IJ might hurt the pocketbook and you could buy two other great 'B-list' games for the price of this one. ST:TNG is fast and I don't think you would have to wait very long to sell it if you change your mind on the theme.

Can't got wrong with either IJ or STTNG (both widebody WPCs).  I have no played BR much so I can't comment.

I would give the edge to IJ just because of the huge number of modes on it (and I like the theme better as well).

IJ>STTNG>BR

but it always comes down to personal preference.

I wouldn't discount BR for the right price. They don't come up often so if you want to try it out and the price is somewhere where you can sell it again I would give it a shot. The others you'll find readily if your willing to fork out the cash.

The times I've played it I really enjoyed it. It should be considerably less than the others.

Buying, trying and fixing pinballs is a journey and not an end stated.

I've had both STTNG and IJ for a while... IJ was fun...but I didn't drive me back for more... 2 games was often enough...

STTNG on the other hand kept me interested and coming back for more. Don't sweat the cannons too much... They're not the focus of the game, althought they're right "there" all the time.

STTNG will stay with me for a long time... Nothing beat getting to the final frontier... or the Borg ship spitting balls @ you !!

My 2 cents.

I'm leaning towards STTNG.  I'm not so concerned with the cost difference for each, I just want to buy the one I'll be the most interested in.  I couldn't believe how cool STTNG was when playing it, and looking at everything there is to do.  I just HATE the ST theme.  I can only imagine how people who like ST must love this game as a whole.  I love the IJ movies, so the theme on that is a real plus for me.

When I was at Poolman's, I think IJ was the one game we didn't play, and I wish now I had to test out.

Definitely give IJ a whirl, it's a blast.

I have played all three games and I did not enjoy BR. I think that IJ and STTNG are great games and you can't go wrong with either because they are that good. If you ever get bored, someone will always want those pins, can't say I hear a lot of requests for a BR.

IJ  

Quoted from HP5P

IJ>STTNG>BR

but it always comes down to personal preference.

I second  

STTNG is an amazing looking pin with a great lightshow.   The software is fairly deep with amazing sounds/quotes. It's has some really great, difficult shots that make you want to go back for one more game - it can be overly difficult, but I think that adds to it's longevity for home play.  Fast game play with many different strategies you can take for points.

Haven't set up IJ yet, but it's one of those games that nailed it with the theme.  Lots of variety (vid modes, multi-level, drop targets, ramps) and they all seem to fit perfectly with the movies.  

Choose wisely!

Quoted Text

Haven't set up IJ yet

?????  You got that before I got my TZ I think... my god!  The minute one of these enters my house I'm like 6 year old on Christmas

Can't go wrong with either I'd say.  If you hate the ST theme, it's gotta be IJ.  

i'll take the black rose if you dont i miss the one i had

Quoted from pinstocker

i'll take the black rose if you dont i miss the one i had

I agree. Everyone keeps glossing over the BR. Go get it tiger!

There's some recent love for BR on RGP: http://groups.google.com/group.....id=42c1d449f09817f4#

Black Rose is a super nice machine but has no good music ... Only some sounds borrowed from High Speed .....

I haven't played the others so I can't comment on those.  I love my IJ and find it a lot of fun.  Downsides, the mode hole is a PITA.  The stopper has to be set up perfectly and Pinbits impact foam installed or the ball will bounce out more often then in.  And this is the single most important shot of the game.  Even though it is a wide body, the lower PF is narrowed so it doesn't feel like a WB.  But, the ball does seem to bounce around alot compared to others I have played making for slower play if you are not accurate.  The ramp entrances are narrow which makes accuracy necessary.  Make sure the PoA is in good shape as I have never seen one for sale.  Music is good and not annoying.  Has some funny quotes.