My last new Stern was an AS Pro that I picked up exactly 2 years ago. I’ve been flirting with buying Iron Maiden since it came out, and until now I was pretty sure that would be my next pin. But JP2 has definitely complicated that decision. Now I’m pretty sure that both of pins will make it into my collection, but I can really only do a game a year at most.

I know I can’t be the only one facing this decision, so would love to hear from others. I do realize it’ll be a while before everyone has had a chance to play JP2. If you’ve played both, what do you think?

I’m a player and a league/tournament host, and both pins seem great for competition. The layout and rules are top notch. Both games have exceptional art (though for IMDN I’d definitely go Premium). I enjoy band pins, and PinMix is doing some pretty amazing stuff with IMDN. Maybe IMDN should come first, because its run will end sooner? IMDN’s rules are more mature, so less waiting for code. But that JP2 layout is so freaking sweet. Really tough decision and a nice problem to have.

It’s funny, you never know which pin is going to grow on you. I’m still a shameless AS fan, my most-played game. So simple but so fun. I’m not an Iron Maiden fan, but the music works GREAT with pinball and drinking beer.

Sorry to bump my own thread, but I’d really like to hear more opinions on this. Right now I’m leaning toward IMDN Premium, for a couple of reasons:

1. I only have 1 friend with IMDN, it’s just not as ubiquitous as it should be
2. I can afford a Premium, and the differences seem bigger on IMDN for gameplay
3. JP2 might be running for another 10 years, given the initial reaction
4. PinMix has done amazing work on IMDN (love the “B Sides” mix!!)
5. JP2 will probably be at my locations soon
6. Rules have aged well on IMDN

Okay, maybe I didn’t really need this thread. I’ve convinced myself.