Star Trek or Stargate... pinball... which to buy?

[arzoo]

I realize this post might belong in the pinball forum, but I figured I get more feedback here. Anyway, I've been looking to buy a newer generation (90's +) solid state pin for a few years (I own a bunch of EMs but never an SS). Recently I found someone selling both a Data East Star Trek and a Previer/Gottlieb Stargate. Both are reasonably priced, although the Star Trek is a better deal. But from what I've been reading, the Stargate is a much better playing game and is newer by 4 years. The Star Trek has amazing audio and a really cool transporter effect on the back-glass, but the rule set is a bit shallow. I've always been a fan of Star Trek, but not a crazy devoted fan. Also, I own a Williams Stargate vid, so a Stargate pin would be a cool addition - although there's obviously no relationship between the vid and pin. What to do, what to do?

So, does anyone own either of these pins or remember playing them? Thoughts on which I should go with?

[Harakiri]

Played Star Trek Next Generation on Visual Pinball and i absolutely hated the experience. Go for Stargate instead!

[Time Pilot]

Never played Star Trek, but I have Stargate as my only pin. Lots of fun, but has an annoying audio problem that pops up occasionally- haven't worked it out yet. Sounds like a semi-common annoyance. Perhaps an heating issue with one of the audio ICs.

[BobA]

Go for the Stargate unless you are a Treker or what ever they call ST fans now days.   Stargate will give you better play and ties into your collection.

[arzoo]

Thanks to all for the feedback - I think the Stargate is the pin to go for.

pinballjim - thanks for the tips.

[stan2323]

I have the Star Trek The Next generation and the Orignal Star Trek and love both.  My next one will be the Data East 25th Anniverery.  I am going to wait a few years though.  I am a Trekkie and the game room theme is Star Trek.  So as you can see I am bias so I say Star Trek

Stan

[compute]

I haven't played Star Trek 25th for many years, but I remember playing the crap out of it.  13-year-old me really liked that game.

[arzoo]

Here's how the story ends...

Spoke to the seller this morning and told him I was interested in the Stargate and not the Star Trek. He told me no problem and that he actually had two Stargates that I could choose from. So I went to the bank for cash, loaded the van up with some tools and stuff, then drove an hour to this guy's storage locker. The seller, for his part, lives in the city and had to reserve one of those ride-share cars to drive out and meet me. When I arrive, he opens the gate and we follow to one of his two lockers. Out in front is the Star Trek. In the locker there's about 10 pins, all stored vertical on their backs and wrapped in clear plastic. The second locker has about another 10 pins. Most looked to be in good shape. And he's got some real good machines, LOTR, Demolition Man, The Shadow, etc. BUT, he does not have two Stargates... nor does he have one Stargate. He has exactly zero Stargates. He tells me that he must have sold them in the past and forgot. Grrrrr. I ask if he would sell any of the others and he's willing, but not for anywhere close to what I want to spend. So we shake hands and I head home. Waste of three hours on my Saturday afternoon and about $20 in gas and tolls. Bummer.

[telengard]

Sorry to hear it didn't work out.  

I found Stargate to be way too easy (and got bored quickly).  It could have been the settings, but I recall playing it for a very long time on one quarter.  I tend to enjoy the more challenging pins.  I think I've only played the ST one once, can't remember it.

~telengard

[arzoo]

Turns out there's more to this story...

After I came home pinball-less on Saturday, I decided to send an email to a guy who was selling a Demolition Man back in June. I had checked out his machine back then, but it had a number of problems - so I passed on it. A few weeks later he told me that the pin had been serviced, waxed, and tuned up. But now he wanted way more $, so I still passed. Anyway, back to Saturday - I send the guy an email offering him the same as I was ready to pay for the Stargate (which was still considerably less than he originally wanted). Turns out he had not sold the pin and accepted my offer. So today I made another excursion, this one only about 30 minutes, and the pin was actually there! It was in very nice shape, but still not totally functional - the Cryo Claw wasn't working. Otherwise everything seemed good. So I bought it. First observation - that thing weighs a ton - heaviest pin I've ever lifted! Second observation - really ugly back-glass. Back at home, I managed (with the help of friends) to lug the thing into my basement using a refrigerator dolly. I immediately went to work on the cryo claw which moves but will not pick up the ball, and... it gave me a line voltage shock.

So I now own a Domolition Man that almost works. Just have to figure out how to fix the electro-magnet on the claw without getting shocked!