Never played a real pin....

[Silas (son of Silas)]

So, I confess. I'm 35 and I have never ever played on a real pinball machine. In fact, I don't ever recall even seeing a real pin.

Over the last few months I have been playing and really enjoying future Pinball on my PC and in particular 'Lunch Take-out'. I was wondering, given that I have VERY limited space and wouldn't know a good pin from a pile of crap, If I decide to buy a pin, what would be a good one to start with? Given that I am unlikely to ever buy another unless I win the lottery and buy a bigger house I don't want one that will become boring really quickly.

[Silas (son of Silas)]

So how come some of them cost more $$ than my car and some are cheap as chips?

[shardian]

So how come some of them cost more $$ than my car and some are cheap as chips?

You could write a paper on why some are more valuable than others. In your case, just make sure you get one that is nice and works. That's really all that matters. Try to stick with a theme you find appealing. That will help you enjoy it longer. If you can't stand looking at it, you probably aren't going to play it.

[JeepMonkey]

Do yourself a favor and make sure you play it a couple times and enjoy it.  It would be a real bummer to buy a machine you thought you would like, then get it home, play it for the first time, and hate it.  There have been more than a few machines I thought I would like by reputation that weren't for me.

[THE POKER BRAT]

heres a pin for you silas,..this one youll never get tired of playin,..right up your alley,..

[Xiaou2]

Virtual Pinball is crap.  No matter how good the simulation, its never even close
to the real deal.


 I say, search for "Pinball Show", and check when and where it is.  Take the trip,
and play away.

 At the shows, you should be able to experience the gameplay of a good number of
pins.  It will give you at least an idea of what you might like to purchase.... and in
fact, the pins at the show are usually for sale as well.

 You might also join a Pinball Group... such as some listed on Yahoo Groups.
Some of them host regular pinball parties, where the host invites everyone in the
group to their basement full of pristine pins.

 Still nothing?

 Post in newsgroups and or Craigslist, that you are interested in playing some
real pins.  Collectors are usually very happy to share the joy, and get others hooked
into the hobby.

 Do Not buy a pinball blind.  You may get a stinker... or a game that you will get
bored of in a week.  A person I know dropped serious cash on a pinball she never
played... and is already trying to sell it after only a month... because its not very
fun for her.  (AFM I believe)

 You also want to look over a machine before sale if possible, OR get very detailed
and close up pictures of the machine.   You want to make sure there is not serious
playfield damages, PCB hacks/battery acid damages, missing/busted assemblies,
serious errors, etc.   Most things are fixable... but you should take all the fault into
consideration, as they reduce the value of a pin drastically.  (FYI: European versions
of pins tend to be worth less here ((USA))  as they use different coin doors and some
altered wiring)

 

[shardian]

You'll find Xiaou is a bit strong in his stance on things around here.

Without wanting to get into an argument, I will tell you that PinMAME has been an EXCELLENT resource for screening pins. No it isn't perfect, and some tables play way off. But, the basic feel of the game is there. All of the lights/sounds are exactly the same. All of the rules are exactly the same.

[Xiaou2]

Shardian,

 While its true that I have Strong Opinions.... I believe you Mistake my meaning in
this case.

 That part was in response to "The poker brats" Post about a Virtual pin instead
of a Real pinball.

 I agree its a nice way to screen games, and... they are fun to play...
however... as said,  even with the latest technology (shake sensors), they do
not look or feel anything like a real machine does.    IE: Id Never trade my Real
Pins for a Virtual Pinball box.

[shardian]

Ah, I see. I agree that a true virtual pinball does not measure up to a true pinball. It is still pretty neat though.

I stand by my stance that you could buy a pin 'blind' based on excellent pictures/description, and some time spent on pin MAME. PinMAME will give you a great representation of the machine.

[ChadTower]

Visual Pinball is great for testing out a game as far as the rules, sounds, art, etc.  It will help you tell if you like one pin better than another based on the game itself.  Visual pinball is fun and worth playing.

It won't do a thing for you, IMO, if you need to decide whether or not you like pinball itself.  You have to have a real machine for that.

[Silas (son of Silas)]

I'll a look to see what's for sale round and about... I'll post back with my findings to see what people think.