Ok, so I just picked up this pin this weekend (LE edition). It will never leave my house! I can't believe this thing even exists. I have put in 30+ games in 3 days, and I am just amazed at the theme integration. The relaxing play of the insanely slow balls, and long ball times, it's making me a better player already. It's the closest to thing to my love for video game RPGs in the form of a physical pinball machine. I go back to faster pins and I actually play better after getting warmed up on The Hobbit. Regardless, this pin is absolutely beautiful, the only pin that comes close visually is my GNR next to it, nothing from Stern is close to this lighting...
I got one that came out of an arcade, the Black Arrow edition. It needed a lot of TLC to get it healed from all the hard playing but wow this is an incredibly fun machine for at home. I agree with you, I don't think i could ever sell it. It is an absolute blast to play and the code is deep beyond compare.
I bought a Hobbit, in part, based on this review. It is, indeed, a shooters paradise. Basically, it is MM on steroids. You have a main bash toy with 5 drop targets and 3 standup targets and a vertical upkicker in the upper left corner of the playfield. You also have a designated flipper and slingshot for that primary target. You have 4 unique popup targets instead of two. You have two ramps, one that leads to a far left diverter ramp. You have two shooter rods with skill shots galore. You have another right vertical upkicker, a captive ball shot, and 6 other drop targets and 7 additional standup targets. You have a left and right orbit with spinners. You also have two additional hidden cave shots that divert to subway ramps using magnets and an easy access shot to the pop bumpers. The more I play this, the more I recognize it is a much better version of MM. It is an extremely well designed game that does not get enough credit.
Yeah, I might be a bit biased, but I can honestly say it is one of the best (if not arguably the best) pin experience I have had to date. It has all the epic sophistication and depth of the LOTR (which I also own), but it with a far better layout for shots. Based on your scorecard, I would likely give it an A or at least an A- across the board with the exception of rules/code, which I understand are not entirely finished and we can expect an update sometime next year. As far as shots and layout is concerned, it is easily an A+ in my book. Again, imagine MM with a better bash toy and a dedicated right flipper and left slingshot for that bash toy. Imagine an MM with far more, and far more meaningful, targets. I also love the overall "feel" of the game. It FEELS like a treasure chest. There are so many drop targets and hidden standup targets and caves. Even the rules feel like the more time you spend with the game, the more you appreciate it. It feels like an epic journey/treasure chest. With so many modes and skill shots, no game really feels like the same game twice.
I am way late to this party but we just picked up a Hobbit Smaug with less than 400 plays in the low 6’s locally. Crazy given this was a 9k + shipping pin. Despite a lot of ragging on the machine, we got it anyway due to its bursary and depth of gameplay. After owning it, we absolutely love this machine. No, it ain’t super fast. Yes, ball times CAN be long. However, there is so much to do and lots of shots. As you say in your review, I love the “journey”. I have an Iron man for adrenaline and hopefully my DI from Larry and Flip N Out will be here in the next week or two. Between the 3, a good variety of gameplay. If you are staying away from the Hobbit due to bad press, reconsider. Play it, invest some time in it and learn the rules. You may be surprised!
David Nesfeder it’s terrific to hear that your family had the same sentiment when it comes to The Hobbit. Thanks again for buying a machine through Flip N Out Pinball. Make sure to tell Larry that SDTM sent you.
Best show yet ! I'm in it for the laughs....you guys are helarious Good review of the Hobbit.Was able to play it at Pinfest Could not get near Dialed In. This or that You can have only one game Hobbit or Dialed In Look forward to your next video Cheers
As always another great show. Sorry for being late to the party. Hurricane Irma was not very nice to us. We are all heathy that is the most important thing. Damages were wide spread and lots our locations were impacted as well as without power. That said you guys are great! I do own The Hobbit Gold Smaug edition. Absolutely love this game. Both of you guys are spot on with your review. Great game to own if you have the space and the money. Zach tends to really analyze all aspects prior making his final rating. Greg you are great as well calls um as you sees um! Modern day Pinball Siskel & Ebert! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!
WoZ feels incredibly claustrophobic on the play field in a way that always makes me anxious to watch the ball careen around. Hobbit definitely feels roomy and spacious and I think that leans it towards feeling like a shooter game than flow game.
I think the Hobbit is really good. Gets way more hate then it deserves. I will admit, probably better at home though. But I also have TSSP and LOTR. I enjoy my marathon games!
Ive had The Hobbit gold Smaug edition for a few years now. It’s a great table. I’ve had a couple 2 hour games. It scores really low. My grand champion score is 29 million. Killed Smaug a few times.
I have The Hobbit. It’s a shooters game, with great theme and artwork. It’s not fast paced like GB. Both games are great though. Just different strokes for different folks.
Good review guys. FWIW my opinion is that Hobbit is a 'B'. The absolutely top notch aesthetics elevate the rest of the game. Everybody always brings up what a dream game LoTR with Hobbit's presentation would be. If you can imagine the other half of that equation, The Hobbit with LoTR's presentation, I think it's easy to see the problems.
Hi guys, great review. I agree with Zach. Also bought it new, sold it and after a few months I decided to buy my own Smaug back. Now that I know the rules better the game just is great. Will not sell it very soon. You did not talk about the fact that the game is not finished even yet. There is yet another wizard to come. I also hope that they will dial the multiballs down a bit. I do agree with Greg that the rules are somewhat confusing at first bit after it clicks the game becomes a piece of art. I have TH next to WoZ and they both will stay in my house for a long time.
Actually WoZ keeps on being the favorite for me of those two. They are just behind TSPP for me ;-) That is because WoZ is just such a freaking amazing machine. Doubt we will ever see something like that again. Also waiting on a Dialed In LE to arrive so lets see where that will go. I think it may be even better than WoZ.
Hi guys. Looking to buy the hobbit very shortly. How do you feel about it years on? Having not played it yet, I think it looks beautiful, has a lot to do and has the best theme integration ever. However some people love it, also seen a lot of people think it’s the most boring machine they’ve ever played and sell it. What do you think about it now?
I bought my Gold Smaug edition last year and I still love it. Just hit 8,003,781 points on it the other day. I never get bored playing this machine. Very cool looking and fun game to play. This one is a keeper.
I've never played the thing myself but damn I got to say that is a very nice looking game and it looks fun too. I guess the only down side to me would be that I'm not that into the theme. I know my dad would love the theme because he's read the book and likes all that stuff but it doesn't really do anything for me.
If it were so simple it wouldn't have the reputation of being so complicated. There's a huge lack of conveyance in the UI. How are you supposed to know to do all those things to unlock wizard modes?
Skippy Church hahah love it Skippy. I do like shiny and new, but BM66, SW, and RZ are all new and I don't like them much. What are your thoughts on The Hobbit?
Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show beautiful machine. Absolutely beautiful. Bit it seems slow and...i don't know... oddly coded. The popping up orcs are flow killers.
My friend had a Hobbit pin and I had a good time with it but I have to say one thing that bugged me was the four monsters that constantly seem to pop up all the time got annoying. Made it hard to shoot your shots when you need to. Guess that was the point but it made the game that much harder. Beautiful pin tho and top notch sounds and toys. 7.5 outa 10
I'm probably crazy, but I hate the Hobbit. I think it suffers from trying to cram too many modes and ball times have to be excessive to make the design work. The craftsmanship is amazing, the game is absolutely gorgeous to look at, but the code pushes it into this weird place where it has no business being operated and that makes it feel wrong. Cut 20 modes and get ball times down and it's a game that you can play with a friend. As it is, 2 player games feel like 4 player games.
The Hobbit is my favorite pinball, i really hope jersey jack make a Lord of the rings pinball with The Hobbit treatment.
100percent agree..it is my fav too, Lotr would be awesome with hobbit treatment...
i LOVE Hobbit , i have a WOZ and dailed in too, but Hobbit is still my baby
Ok, so I just picked up this pin this weekend (LE edition). It will never leave my house! I can't believe this thing even exists. I have put in 30+ games in 3 days, and I am just amazed at the theme integration. The relaxing play of the insanely slow balls, and long ball times, it's making me a better player already. It's the closest to thing to my love for video game RPGs in the form of a physical pinball machine.
I go back to faster pins and I actually play better after getting warmed up on The Hobbit. Regardless, this pin is absolutely beautiful, the only pin that comes close visually is my GNR next to it, nothing from Stern is close to this lighting...
I got one that came out of an arcade, the Black Arrow edition. It needed a lot of TLC to get it healed from all the hard playing but wow this is an incredibly fun machine for at home. I agree with you, I don't think i could ever sell it. It is an absolute blast to play and the code is deep beyond compare.
Great show I'll be sure to watch many more of your videos. You guys deserve more subs.
Jeff Wilson we so appreciate the SDTM love! Thanks buddy
Great review...love The Hobbit, especially in a home environment. I played a couple times at Arcade Expo and Zbar, but it didn't do it justice.
Ed Herrmann some Hobbit love! Thanks Ed
I bought a Hobbit, in part, based on this review. It is, indeed, a shooters paradise. Basically, it is MM on steroids. You have a main bash toy with 5 drop targets and 3 standup targets and a vertical upkicker in the upper left corner of the playfield. You also have a designated flipper and slingshot for that primary target. You have 4 unique popup targets instead of two. You have two ramps, one that leads to a far left diverter ramp. You have two shooter rods with skill shots galore. You have another right vertical upkicker, a captive ball shot, and 6 other drop targets and 7 additional standup targets. You have a left and right orbit with spinners. You also have two additional hidden cave shots that divert to subway ramps using magnets and an easy access shot to the pop bumpers. The more I play this, the more I recognize it is a much better version of MM. It is an extremely well designed game that does not get enough credit.
Jeff Steed man so glad you enjoy it and agree with my take on it. I better get one before they go up in price again
Yeah, I might be a bit biased, but I can honestly say it is one of the best (if not arguably the best) pin experience I have had to date. It has all the epic sophistication and depth of the LOTR (which I also own), but it with a far better layout for shots. Based on your scorecard, I would likely give it an A or at least an A- across the board with the exception of rules/code, which I understand are not entirely finished and we can expect an update sometime next year. As far as shots and layout is concerned, it is easily an A+ in my book. Again, imagine MM with a better bash toy and a dedicated right flipper and left slingshot for that bash toy. Imagine an MM with far more, and far more meaningful, targets. I also love the overall "feel" of the game. It FEELS like a treasure chest. There are so many drop targets and hidden standup targets and caves. Even the rules feel like the more time you spend with the game, the more you appreciate it. It feels like an epic journey/treasure chest. With so many modes and skill shots, no game really feels like the same game twice.
I am way late to this party but we just picked up a Hobbit Smaug with less than 400 plays in the low 6’s locally. Crazy given this was a 9k + shipping pin. Despite a lot of ragging on the machine, we got it anyway due to its bursary and depth of gameplay. After owning it, we absolutely love this machine. No, it ain’t super fast. Yes, ball times CAN be long. However, there is so much to do and lots of shots. As you say in your review, I love the “journey”. I have an Iron man for adrenaline and hopefully my DI from Larry and Flip N Out will be here in the next week or two. Between the 3, a good variety of gameplay. If you are staying away from the Hobbit due to bad press, reconsider. Play it, invest some time in it and learn the rules. You may be surprised!
David Nesfeder it’s terrific to hear that your family had the same sentiment when it comes to The Hobbit. Thanks again for buying a machine through Flip N Out Pinball. Make sure to tell Larry that SDTM sent you.
Best show yet ! I'm in it for the laughs....you guys are helarious
Good review of the Hobbit.Was able to play it at Pinfest Could not get near Dialed In.
This or that
You can have only one game
Hobbit or Dialed In
Look forward to your next video
Cheers
davfpinball haha thanks buddy. Yeah that's a great one to add to our next This or That
Great review guys! This is by FAR my favorite pinball channel! This is my next pin for sure now.
EquipmentReviewer and you are one of our favorites too haha!! It is divisive so make sure you play one first
Cant wait for your dile reviews..... its a great pin in home use. I want a hobbit and woz now lol. Jjp for the win
As always another great show. Sorry for being late to the party. Hurricane Irma was not very nice to us. We are all heathy that is the most important thing. Damages were wide spread and lots our locations were impacted as well as without power. That said you guys are great! I do own The Hobbit Gold Smaug edition. Absolutely love this game. Both of you guys are spot on with your review. Great game to own if you have the space and the money. Zach tends to really analyze all aspects prior making his final rating. Greg you are great as well calls um as you sees um! Modern day Pinball Siskel & Ebert! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!!
AmusementServices ofAmerica ASOA you're the best! So glad you and family are safe!
Great tutorial! Nice explanation. I think I finally understand WTH is going on in this game. Boom! ;)
evh347 awesome to hear. And it’s a value Pin right now based on current pinball pricing
29 mins in... "because there's so much shit in there!" LOL! So true!
I tell ya.. I don't know how you can live without popeye!!! I love that machine.
WoZ feels incredibly claustrophobic on the play field in a way that always makes me anxious to watch the ball careen around. Hobbit definitely feels roomy and spacious and I think that leans it towards feeling like a shooter game than flow game.
mbrosatellite preach!!!! Hear that Greg?!?! Haha
I think the Hobbit is really good. Gets way more hate then it deserves. I will admit, probably better at home though. But I also have TSSP and LOTR. I enjoy my marathon games!
turbografx7 Correct as always Turbo
Ive had The Hobbit gold Smaug edition for a few years now. It’s a great table. I’ve had a couple 2 hour games. It scores really low. My grand champion score is 29 million. Killed Smaug a few times.
I have The Hobbit. It’s a shooters game, with great theme and artwork. It’s not fast paced like GB. Both games are great though. Just different strokes for different folks.
KENNY TAYLOR completely agree Kenny. Loving the Hobbit love out there
GB sucks. Shouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath as Hobbit.
Good review guys. FWIW my opinion is that Hobbit is a 'B'. The absolutely top notch aesthetics elevate the rest of the game.
Everybody always brings up what a dream game LoTR with Hobbit's presentation would be. If you can imagine the other half of that equation, The Hobbit with LoTR's presentation, I think it's easy to see the problems.
Pinball Undesirables thanks PBU!
Hi guys, great review. I agree with Zach. Also bought it new, sold it and after a few months I decided to buy my own Smaug back. Now that I know the rules better the game just is great. Will not sell it very soon. You did not talk about the fact that the game is not finished even yet. There is yet another wizard to come. I also hope that they will dial the multiballs down a bit.
I do agree with Greg that the rules are somewhat confusing at first bit after it clicks the game becomes a piece of art.
I have TH next to WoZ and they both will stay in my house for a long time.
Ronald van G that's fantastic Thanks on thanks for the feedback on your experience! It is great. Now I prefer it over Woz, what about you?
Actually WoZ keeps on being the favorite for me of those two. They are just behind TSPP for me ;-) That is because WoZ is just such a freaking amazing machine. Doubt we will ever see something like that again. Also waiting on a Dialed In LE to arrive so lets see where that will go. I think it may be even better than WoZ.
Hope you guys review Tron before it gets sold by Zach. :)
mokthemagicman it's coming. Temporary anchor in it for now haha
Hi guys. Looking to buy the hobbit very shortly. How do you feel about it years on?
Having not played it yet, I think it looks beautiful, has a lot to do and has the best theme integration ever.
However some people love it, also seen a lot of people think it’s the most boring machine they’ve ever played and sell it. What do you think about it now?
I love it. It’s always nice to have one epic, long-playing game. You won’t always want to make the journey but when you do, it’s the best (Zach)
Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show thank you, what would your pick be between Black Arrow and Smaug versions?
I bought my Gold Smaug edition last year and I still love it. Just hit 8,003,781 points on it the other day. I never get bored playing this machine. Very cool looking and fun game to play. This one is a keeper.
I've never played the thing myself but damn I got to say that is a very nice looking game and it looks fun too. I guess the only down side to me would be that I'm not that into the theme. I know my dad would love the theme because he's read the book and likes all that stuff but it doesn't really do anything for me.
Riz2336 find one Riz and put 10 dollars on it
If it were so simple it wouldn't have the reputation of being so complicated. There's a huge lack of conveyance in the UI. How are you supposed to know to do all those things to unlock wizard modes?
As usual, Zach likes something shiny and new and goes overboard, and Greg is more grounded.
Skippy Church hahah love it Skippy. I do like shiny and new, but BM66, SW, and RZ are all new and I don't like them much. What are your thoughts on The Hobbit?
Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show beautiful machine. Absolutely beautiful. Bit it seems slow and...i don't know... oddly coded. The popping up orcs are flow killers.
The hobbit is my favorite pin.
played hobbit yesterday , great game , also woz but i prefer the hobbit , looking forward to play willy wonka
Next show..... (TBP) The Beer Podcast: A beer show
mokthemagicman I would struggle but Greg would shine. I can see it now: Greg would review the upcoming new Mike Hard Lemonade release of Passion Fruit
Beer and pinball go together like peanut butter and jelly. Right? Might be fun to try a show like that.
My friend had a Hobbit pin and I had a good time with it but I have to say one thing that bugged me was the four monsters that constantly seem to pop up all the time got annoying. Made it hard to shoot your shots when you need to. Guess that was the point but it made the game that much harder. Beautiful pin tho and top notch sounds and toys. 7.5 outa 10
mokthemagicman that's fair
Hobbit or lord of the rings pinball machine
was that the latest code?
TheJacko1010 yes Jack latest code was what we reviewed
but is it better then dialed in?
TheJacko1010 whoooo now that would be great on this or that. What are your thoughts?
Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show haven't played dialed in, but from presentation and code I would say hobbit
3.0 code makes a difference
I'm probably crazy, but I hate the Hobbit. I think it suffers from trying to cram too many modes and ball times have to be excessive to make the design work. The craftsmanship is amazing, the game is absolutely gorgeous to look at, but the code pushes it into this weird place where it has no business being operated and that makes it feel wrong. Cut 20 modes and get ball times down and it's a game that you can play with a friend. As it is, 2 player games feel like 4 player games.
rask4p fair points my friend. Thanks for the discussion!
B on toys....smh