Making sense of odd pinball ratings ...

[JT.]

Also (crossing threads) there is a reasonable amount of questions to ask. If you are getting sellers blocking you then you’ve pretty clearly crossed that line. I’d far rather sell to someone at a lower price than someone who is coming across like they are going to be a real pain to deal with.

I noticed on ebay that generally the people who ask questions never actually end up buying anything, so I don't even respond to them any more - it's just a sign of a time-waster/tyre-kicker in my experience, but there'll be plenty of people along not messing about who'll just bid without the nonsense.

 

[Paul R Owen]

But look at it compared to other wpc titles of the same era that are mode based. A lot of those pins are valued a lot more than RS. For example TAF and TZ.

You get a lot of pin on RS, more modes than any wpc I can think of, 5 multiballs. Wizard mode. Ability to randomise the modes. Great ramp combos with diverters.

Plus it's fun, had a huge amount of character and might be the most quotable pin.
I know you're more into the comp side and not as keen on the classics, like AFM, MM but they're fun and that's what people like.

So RS jumping from around 2.5k 2 years ago to 3k+ isn't that hard to understand.

Roadshow is a far better pin than TAF and TZ.

 

[M4carp]

I noticed on ebay that generally the people who ask questions never actually end up buying anything, so I don't even respond to them any more - it's just a sign of a time-waster/tyre-kicker in my experience, but there'll be plenty of people along not messing about who'll just bid without the nonsense.

Yep, it’s good to dream but don’t waste peoples time.

 

[Aladeran]

This is good advice.

@Aladeran , take the plunge mate although 3k for a Popeye might be a bit much even in this climate.

I see from your wanted thread that you've chosen 3 wide bodies and I've owned each of them.

Don't rule out a standard sized pin because there are so many fantastic pinball machines.

If you truly have settled on your chosen 3 then I'd suggest Judge Dredd. Star Trek tng is going to be expensive and unless you get lane extenders you may find it frustrating as a beginner.

JD has a lot of shots and will keep you busy for less money. Demolition is not on your list but should also be a consideration imo.

Good luck.

Thanks

I am attracted to pinballs with toys, which is why I am interested by widebodies. I also like funny stuff, like FT, JY, Flintstones, etc.

What is a lane extender?

When people mention that a pinball has depth, is it like the TZ "Lost in the Zone" objective.

Is 3K for Popeye too much money? I have not seen one for over a year.

 

[Colywobbles]

Thanks

I am attracted to pinballs with toys, which is why I am interested by widebodies. I also like funny stuff, like FT, JY, Flintstones, etc.

Most Pinballs have some form of toys 90s onwards if not like @Neil McRae head to poundland

What is a lane extender?

My STTNG had them. Ritchie said they should have fitted them as its a super drain spot and negates it a little

When people mention that a pinball has depth, is it like the TZ "Lost in the Zone" objective.

Kinda, but nowadays deep rules are expected due to the fact a lot of new pins end up HUO so the buyers expect a few ways to approach a pin with a few mini wizard modes and a final wizard mode sometimes almost unreachable.

Is 3K for Popeye too much money? I have not seen one for over a year.

Rather than wait for the right pin just buy something on here that you know you can move on when the time comes for a change. Remember theres no such thing as a ****e Pin especially when you dont currently own one.
Unless you live near something like Tilt and the likes its better to have somthing you can keep honing your skills, tinkering with and most of the time be pleasantly surprised with and grow to enjoy. Hell theres some on here swear that Gilligans Island is a great pin whereas I think the Latest JP is crap. Go figure.

Oh and BTW ive bought 3 pins in the last few weeks just becase ive never played them before, they may come and go only time will tell.

 

[VeeMonroe]

I was going to say, @Aladeran, if you do live near somewhere like Tilt, Pinball Republic or similar, I’d definitely try pins there to get a feel for what you enjoy. You can also watch gameplay/tutorials from PAPA on YouTube and can get a feel for different play styles/rule sets with a vPin (or just virtual pinball tables on PC).

We are not moving on pins because there’s a lot of sunk costs involved in transport and costs of modding, but we also have four pins we’re really happy with, and which we picked first time around after some research. We’ve been fortunate to play pins on iPad, on vPin, at Chief Coffee, Pinball Republic, Plonk Golf and Funland in London, and are only interested in owning something that’s a great example of its era/playstyle or which I’ve enjoyed enough virtually or on site to want to play daily at home.

Thus, I would 100% recommend taking the opportunity to play any pins you find in bars or specialist venues, and use that to get a feel for what you’re interested in. Opinions do vary a lot - I still rate Fish Tales as my top-rated pin despite it having no rules complexity at all, and also owning Godzilla Prem.

If you’re 100% certain about what you enjoy, it’s easier to jump on pins that are for sale!

 

[Gonzo]

Most Pinballs have some form of toys 90s onwards if not like @Neil McRae head to poundland

My STTNG had them. Ritchie said they should have fitted them as its a super drain spot and negates it a little

Kinda, but nowadays deep rules are expected due to the fact a lot of new pins end up HUO so the buyers expect a few ways to approach a pin with a few mini wizard modes and a final wizard mode sometimes almost unreachable.

Rather than wait for the right pin just buy something on here that you know you can move on when the time comes for a change. Remember theres no such thing as a ****e Pin especially when you dont currently own one.
Unless you live near something like Tilt and the likes its better to have somthing you can keep honing your skills, tinkering with and most of the time be pleasantly surprised with and grow to enjoy. Hell theres some on here swear that Gilligans Island is a great pin whereas I think the Latest JP is crap. Go figure.

Oh and BTW ive bought 3 pins in the last few weeks just becase ive never played them before, they may come and go only time will tell.

Again this is good advice @Aladeran .