Help a pinball noob

[SnowTurtle]

Hi all,

I got the pinball itch less than a year ago. When I get interested in something I tend to go all in for a while but then I get to a point where I learn as much as I want about something and then move on to something else. However from time to time an interest sticks with me. The last hobby that I dove head first into and has lasted with me was backgammon and it has been going on several years. It requires skill and chance, and is a constant learning challenge.

I now find myself wondering if pinball will be my next long lasting hobby. Like many pinball noobs, Godzilla has drawn me in. I have over 100 plays at my local arcade and feel like I am just scratching the surface. I read the rule sheets, watch every video and stream I can to learn the game and gather general pinball tips. It still kicks my ass every time but I seem to get a new PR every session I play.

I haven’t successfully completed a kaiju battle yet, but I will someday. My high score is just over 186mil which seems like peanuts compared to the numbers I see on streams but I am proud of my progress.

Christmas is coming and I am really considering investing in a GZ Premium for the family. My kids would love it as well. We enjoy video and board games and I think this would be a nice addition. However it is a significant investment and knowing my history of obsessing over things and then getting over them is weighing on me.

I guess I am looking for input from people who may have purchased a pin for home. Has your interest continued? Does it collect dust? Do you play even more than you thought you would? Looking to hear about your experiences…the good, the bad, the ugly.

Thanks.

 

[BMHouze]

Go to Pinside and join some of the Godzilla owners threads.
I had no idea about Sepia-gate on the B/W Premiums.
Inquire about common problems, plan your list of mods starting with plastic protectors.
In my opinion get a Stern topper, don't over mod.
If you may pass on the hobby.
I planned on holding my NiB for 5 years when I purchased it.
The life Elvis was in my collection.
otherwise, why buy new.
Aim to get out lateral. Hope to get out better.
Get the machine that got you hooked all those years ago.
I always play a few Games of Alien Poker when I visit Vintage Flipper World (the best play show on the planet for.me).

 

[Rob E]

A Godzillla Premium was my first nib pin after buying/selling several others first through the used market.

It's an awesome game and has lastability for many years of fun and interesting game play.

In my opinion, definitely do NOT spend the money on the Stern topper for this game...it's not imperative for game play and is a substantial investment on its own...

Good luck!

 

[dr.nybble]

If your obsession is with playing you’ll end up wanting a variety. There is a whole other side to pinball which is restoration where you’ll need to learn electronics, soldering, woodworking, art, and who know what else. My interest is 50/50 between the two.

 

[AlexRogan84]

The real learning of the rules and the game and mastery of it comes when you get it home. True for any of the games, not just Godzilla. Plus, you get to set it up the way you like. Adjust difficulty settings or physical posts and rubbers in the game, increase or decrease the playfield incline, mods if you like (but unnecessary IMO), etc.

 

[Chris Bardon]

When you first get a pinball machine in your house, you'll be playing it all the time. It's awesome to be able to play whenever you want, and it's a much quicker diversion than getting into most video games. It is habit forming like most things, and the challenge is that you need a lot of space and money to build up a collection of games. Your best bet is to find a local group/league that you can play with-that means you're playing more often with other people that will become friends, you're learning more about the games, and you'll likely get to play more than you could in your own collection. You can get away with a couple of machines and trade them out every so often, which also lessens the financial impact.

If you buy a game though, you will need to learn some basic maintenance/troubleshooting, but with a new Stern it's pretty straightforward. You have to be comfortable taking the glass off at least. You'll get stuck balls, you'll want to clean the PF occasionally, and you'll probably end up in a situation where a switch needs adjusting/repair. The information is out there though, and again, having local pinball friends can help.

 

[MrMikeman]

1. Start with a used game. That way if/when you decide to bail on the hobby the financial cost is less. Note that I didn't say financial loss. Pinheads are weird sometimes and think this hobby is about making money or at least getting as much back as when you bought the game. You are setting yourself up for stress and disappointment if that's how you see it. Just pay what you are comfortable with and enjoy the toy.

2. You will likely get a second game sooner than later. This is like getting an Xbox or Playstation and only getting 1 game. It's fun but variety is more fun. When this happens get something that feels and plays different from game 1. It can still be a Stern but GZ can be a long playing game so a second game that is harder with shorter games may be a good fit - games like BKSOR, SW, JP. Pinside and here are great places to get a feel for how a game plays but hands on is the only real way to know if you like it.

3. Since you're in Ottawa getting to the Neighborhood Pub or House of Targ should get you access to a wide variety of games. Also don't be shy if you see someone with games you are curious to try. Just ask. For example, if there's anything in my game list you really want to try out just send me a private message. XMas break is a good time for that!

 

[Pinpickle]

Oh boy… pinball is a slippery slope.

I had zero pinball experience. Never played growing up didn’t know there was actual depth and rules to a game. Thought it was blinking lights and that’s about it.

Bought a NIB Stranger Things and was hooked. 6 pins in the current line up, a handful that have come and gone. Can’t walk my dog without listening to a podcast and can’t sit on the toilet without reading a rule sheet or a forum post.

Run away while you can!

 

[Rockin]

Welcome SnowTurtle. I have a collection of 5 games. My one and only NIB is a Deadpool Pro, which I bought in 2021 and it is still one of my most played games.
I think Godzilla is a great choice, and likely to have good lasting power. As Chris said, when you first get a machine it will get used all the time. For me, I now sometimes go a week or more without playing my machines, depending on what else is going on. But, always seem to come back and start playing them almost daily again. Sometimes just a few games. sometimes for a couple of hours. I also play in a league, which helps me get my pinball fix. I also enjoy working on them when I have the time.
Also, as Chris said, even on a new machine you will have to do some maintenance. If you're not willing or able to do that yourself, hiring a tech can get expensive. Especially if you want them to do house calls.
As long as you're getting a machine to play and not as an investment, i think you'll do all right. When I got Deadpool, I figured if I decided to sell in a year, and lost $1,500.00; I really wasn't out anything. $125.00 a month to rent a new machine for a year seems reasonable to me. I'm not saying how much your machine may be worth in a year, just don't look at as an investment.
Good luck in your decision.

 

[SnowTurtle]

Never played growing up didn’t know there was actual depth and rules to a game. Thought it was blinking lights and that’s about it.

Same! Learning there are modes, objectives, mini games, etc. has really drawn me in.

 

[AlexRogan84]

Oh boy… pinball is a slippery slope.

I had zero pinball experience. Never played growing up didn’t know there was actual depth and rules to a game. Thought it was blinking lights and that’s about it.

Bought a NIB Stranger Things and was hooked. 6 pins in the current line up, a handful that have come and gone. Can’t walk my dog without listening to a podcast and can’t sit on the toilet without reading a rule sheet or a forum post.

Run away while you can!

Hahaha! He speaks the truth! lol

The hobby can be addictive. Not always a bad thing, just be prepared and expect to want more games. Make sure the wife gives her blessing... if you're lucky, she'll enjoy playing too and will have her own ideas as to what games she enjoys the most. Kids too. Having a variety of games from different eras or manufacturers or themes helps as sometimes you're in the mood for some simple, quick and straightforward gameplay (like NES Super Mario Bros)... and other times you want the deep rule set, marathon game (like PS4 Call of Duty).

I played a lot as a teenager in the 80s and 90s and so those were the games that did it for me. Playing pinball hadn't crossed my mind for a couple of decades and then sometime in the 2010's, I got thinking of where to play. Barcades had started popping up and then I got looking at ads on Kijiji and Marketplace. Got my first game in August 2020 and it wasn't even one I knew of back in the day. A Lethal Weapon 3... and LOVED it! And I really enjoy fixing and working on them myself too. That's part of the hobby for many, but doesn't have to be. Many guys joked about "let me know when you get the second game"... and they were right. Three months later I got my second and it's been a tornado of games since then. Currently have 11 in my line-up and 17 in total have come and gone. And hope to keep more coming!

 

[SnowTurtle]

1. Start with a used game. That way if/when you decide to bail on the hobby the financial cost is less. Note that I didn't say financial loss. Pinheads are weird sometimes and think this hobby is about making money or at least getting as much back as when you bought the game. You are setting yourself up for stress and disappointment if that's how you see it. Just pay what you are comfortable with and enjoy the toy.

2. You will likely get a second game sooner than later. This is like getting an Xbox or Playstation and only getting 1 game. It's fun but variety is more fun. When this happens get something that feels and plays different from game 1. It can still be a Stern but GZ can be a long playing game so a second game that is harder with shorter games may be a good fit - games like BKSOR, SW, JP. Pinside and here are great places to get a feel for how a game plays but hands on is the only real way to know if you like it.

3. Since you're in Ottawa getting to the Neighborhood Pub or House of Targ should get you access to a wide variety of games. Also don't be shy if you see someone with games you are curious to try. Just ask. For example, if there's anything in my game list you really want to try out just send me a private message. XMas break is a good time for that!

Great points. Used game is a great idea....as long as it is GZ My heart is definitely set on it but I haven't seen any recently on the sale forum. When I do daydream of other pins I can already see how having multiple pins would probably be inevitable. You have a sweet collection, would love to play Scooby Doo, Looney Toons, Lab, Jaws, and JP. I have been frequenting the Neighborhood Pub and planning to check out Targ sometime soon. I may PM you to see if we could hang out sometime over the holidays. It is a very nice offer, thank you.

A few people pointed out not to look at pins as an investment. I realized I used the term 'investing in a GZ premium' but I guess I meant investing in fun Not looking to make money off it in the future. It would be played and I have not problem learning how to maintain it.

 

[MrMikeman]

I may PM you to see if we could hang out sometime over the holidays. It is a very nice offer, thank you.

Any time from Dec 26 up to Jan 5th I should be free.

 

[Joker19]

I have a couple of pins also and am in a close proximity or MrMike.

 

[pinballjah]

Buying one pin is like having one drink at an open bar wedding.

 

[Monkeybug]

Pinball machines are like Tribbles.