Why choose a Bally vs WMS?

[Simple Sam]

I already have several Bally EMs and an IGT S2000 3 reel game so I'm looking for a video game to round out the collection.  I'm mostly thinking in terms of single touch screen games rather than dual screens primarily due to cost.  What are the advantages/disadvantages of a Bally M9000 compared to a WMS BB1?  They both seem similar in terms of cost and technology so what made you choose one over the other?


Is parts availability comparable, particularly game kits?  Are there any advantages of one in terms of ease of swapping game kits (I see that the IGT AVP keys are quite expensive)?  WMS seems to have a pretty strong library of titles; games like Jackpot Party look like they would be fun in a home environment.

[Stayouttadabunker]

That is too hard for me to answer...it's like Chevys and Fords...each has something you either like or hate. 

[rickhunter]

If it is BB1 vs M900, the WMS wins hands down.  The game library is much more extensive on the WMS bb1 than the Bally Alpha 1 video.  The only reason I would go Bally over WMS on that generation is because you like a specific title (like hot shot, for example).

If it is BB2 vs Alpha 2 pro, it gets closer, but the WMS game library is still larger with more variety, that being said the Alpha 2 pro V22/22 cabinet is a lot cooler than the later BB2e cabinet and there are some very good games that play on the Alpha 2 pro platform.  In the end, you buy the machine that has the most games you want to play.

[Simple Sam]

I did notice that the WMS had many more titles which was kind of why I was leaning in that direction.  I assume that changing out game kits and doing the setup is not any more difficult than my S2000.

[Ken]

Easier

[Stayouttadabunker]

I agree with Ken....much easier to swap out a game - if you stick with just video formats, there's no glass or strip changing involved.

[rickhunter]

No glass or strips if you have a bb2.  A bb1 still has dedicated glass sets (although they are purely cosmetic).

[Simple Sam]

When I mentioned game setup, I was thinking of the menus that you go through to set up the S2000. I find the S2000 setup a  little complicated but not overly so. I'm guessing that the newer games have improved and simplified user setup.


Obviously a video game has no reel strips to change. Glass seems easier as well since there's only the top glass on a BB1 and only two cabinet styles. BB2s are even easier since there's no glass to hunt down.  Software seems pretty cheap and available.

[rickhunter]

BB1's have two pieces of glass, the top box glass and the belly glass (which is a small like 4 x 10 piece of glass).

You can search you tube fore bb1 setup videos.  Pretty easy to follow.