I try to play and enjoy V12 on Steam regularly.
I just can't. :(
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The Pinball (digital and physical) ERA |OT| Full Tilt
- Thread starter Shaneus
- Start date
I try to play and enjoy V12 on Steam regularly.
I just can't. :(
I think it would be smart to do a Carnivals & Legends table next, since more people could get involved (and potentially buy more tables).
I think I was going to try and master V12 once. I think I got about 20 minutes before saying screw this.
It's appearance is also a good way to get me to nope out of league play for a week.
It's appearance is also a good way to get me to nope out of league play for a week.
Someone needs to post the current table, it looks like a few have passed me, but to me I'm still one of one!
V12 is one of those tables that just doesn't feel right. Shots that to my eye/experience should go one place, go somewhere else and with very little power. Venom is another table a bit like that, it doesn't quite feel right though you can power through that one and it gets better once you understand it.
V12 is one of those tables that just doesn't feel right. Shots that to my eye/experience should go one place, go somewhere else and with very little power. Venom is another table a bit like that, it doesn't quite feel right though you can power through that one and it gets better once you understand it.
My wife and I are in a months-long process of massively de-cluttering our house as well as getting it remodeled (popcorn scraped from ceilings, walls painted, new carpet). As a reward for going through this I plan to get a MAME cabinet with classic arcade games and a virtual pinball cabinet. Regarding virtual pinball cabinets, any stand out? VP Cabs is Visual Pinball-based, right? Did Arcooda's partnership with Pinball Arcade ever come to fruition? I have nearly all of the seasons on TPA and have a preference for sticking with that rather than Visual Pinball -- how are the quality of those tables vs. the TPA versions? Also I'd be interested in getting custom cabinet art or copying a classic cabinet rather than one that has "VP Cabs" or any such thing emblazoned on it. Anyone out there with a cabinet? Thanks!
Eh, the problem with buying a machine is then I'll want more than one. I've really got to keep this limited to a single pinball table and a single arcade machine. Plus, I'm not too keen on maintaining a table, just seems easier to have it all digital. Plus, my daughter loves TPA and many of those tables.
I have no experience with virtual pin outside of a quick play at a convention but I'll give you my quick thoughts on the matter.
First off, Visual Pinball is just too much hassle and not as nice. TPA/SPA with a good rig is going to look and play a lot better.
Second, I think the pre-made cabs are way overpriced and the computers they run are pretty weak for the money. It's a lot of work but I'd suggest buying a pre-cut cabinet kit for a few hundred and get the rest of the components yourself.
Third, I'd go with a mini cab for footprint, cost and presentation purposes. The pixel density of a smaller screen will also make the game look a lot nicer. When your face is 12 inches from a 32"+ 1080p screen it looks pretty shitty.
Regardless of whatever screen you end up with, high contrast, deep blacks and great viewing angles are going to be really important, so a smaller screen is going to help your budget.
For $6,000, the price of a full size premade virtual pin, you can get a brand new Stern that you can resell for the same price or trade one for one if you take care of it. For the 2k-3k price of a smaller one you can get a fantastic DMD Bally or Williams classic like Johnny Mnemonic or Judge Dredd.
Now, I know you've made the point that you don't want to get caught up buying more pins and you like the idea of a bunch of games on one machine, but video pinball isn't real pinball. It's not a substitute for the real thing. It lacks so much of what makes pinball fun.
Anecdotally, I have been playing the Frankenstein table in TPA/SPA since it came out but I've never played the real thing until today. I had the game written off as boring and unimpressive but it turns out it was a matter of being one of many pins that just doesn't translate well to digital because of what it loses in transition. Playing it tonight on the real table was so fun, way more fun than I would have ever expected. I might even be ready to call ot a great Sega table.
So tl;dr....
If you can get or make a virtual pin for $1,000-1,500 then go for it, it's probably worth it. But any more than that really just seems like a wasteful investment. It won't be worth what you paid in a couple year where as a real pin may be worth more. And a real pin is way more fun, way cooler. It's the real experience and it can't be replicated, even with a similar presentation.
Does anyone know what the 'Popup Message Display' setting under 'UI / Streaming' is referring to in Pinball FX3?
Just found this thread a couple days ago and it inspired me to download Fx3 on Switch. I've messed around with the Pinball FX series in the past, but having it on the go for Switch makes me think I could put some serious time into the game here.
I've actually been a massive fan of pinball all my life through my dad. Growing up we always had a ton of various pinball machines in the basement at my parents house, and while I don't live there anymore, every time I go home to visit I get some real pinball in. My dad currently has around 12 pinball machines in our basement (including, most recently, Dialed In, which I have yet to try), and he's always looking to acquire more.
Anyway, I'd love to get some more competition on my friends list, so if anyone is interested, my Switch username is "Vincent19" (I assume that adding a friend on Switch adds them in FX3 as well, right?)
I've actually been a massive fan of pinball all my life through my dad. Growing up we always had a ton of various pinball machines in the basement at my parents house, and while I don't live there anymore, every time I go home to visit I get some real pinball in. My dad currently has around 12 pinball machines in our basement (including, most recently, Dialed In, which I have yet to try), and he's always looking to acquire more.
Anyway, I'd love to get some more competition on my friends list, so if anyone is interested, my Switch username is "Vincent19" (I assume that adding a friend on Switch adds them in FX3 as well, right?)
So late last night I found out I owned a decent number of FX3 tables on Steam. Bought a few more Star Wars tables since they were on sale. Then I remembered I had my monitor on a swivel so I could flip to portrait mode any time. Then I remembered that I had a 144hz monitor and even my old 970 can run FX at that framerate.
Took a video of a (poor) game of Sorcerer's Lair. If you're on a vertical monitor and make it full screen, it will fill it. Pretty neat.
Took a video of a (poor) game of Sorcerer's Lair. If you're on a vertical monitor and make it full screen, it will fill it. Pretty neat.
Glad to have you with us!
First, that's really cool that you got to grow up with your own pinball games!
I'm really jealous of your dad, lol. Dialed In is incredible and my favorite new game of last year.
You might already be aware of, but you should check out Stern Pinball Arcade on Switch and The Pinball Arcade when it comes back to the eShop since it's all recreations of real tables, some your dad probably owned!
I've been having issues with adding friends through PBFX3 and so have others, yet some of the friend requests I've gotten have been through PBFX3 on Switch. I don't know what's up with that.
Regardless, if you or anyone else wants to add me, here's my Friend Code:
SW-6269-7576-7592
Fantastic!
If I were you I'd hit up settings and change the Pop-Up Score Value from 1 to 1,000,000 and the Major Pop-Up Score to 5,000,000. Those pop-ups for tiny points are distracting and pointless.
If you ever get a 4:3 monitor it's even better for TATE.
16:9
4:3
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Yeah, I can't even see the blue bar next to the launcher on Sorcerer's Lair. Wish I had more real estate to work with.Fantastic!
If I were you I'd hit up settings and change the Pop-Up Score Value from 1 to 1,000,000 and the Major Pop-Up Score to 5,000,000. Those pop-ups for tiny points are distracting and pointless.
If you ever get a 4:3 monitor it's even better for TATE.
16:9
4:3
I cranked up the point notifications right after recording that. Didn't think about it before I fired it up. I have another video uploading now that has more reasonable settings.
That was a pretty solid score though! If you don't hit Midnight Madness, it's just not possible to get the higher end scores...
Glad to have you with us!
First, that's really cool that you got to grow up with your own pinball games!
I'm really jealous of your dad, lol. Dialed In is incredible and my favorite new game of last year.
You might already be aware of, but you should check out Stern Pinball Arcade on Switch and The Pinball Arcade when it comes back to the eShop since it's all recreations of real tables, some your dad probably owned!
I've been having issues with adding friends through PBFX3 and so have others, yet some of the friend requests I've gotten have been through PBFX3 on Switch. I don't know what's up with that.
Regardless, if you or anyone else wants to add me, here's my Friend Code:
SW-6269-7576-7592
Fantastic!
If I were you I'd hit up settings and change the Pop-Up Score Value from 1 to 1,000,000 and the Major Pop-Up Score to 5,000,000. Those pop-ups for tiny points are distracting and pointless.
If you ever get a 4:3 monitor it's even better for TATE.
16:9
4:3
Any thoughts on what you'd select next? Should we vote or offer suggestions?
Sorcerer's Lair is a really solid table. I don't necessarily love the aesthetics and sound bites, but the overall framework is really solid. What other Zen tables do you feel hold up to a similar standard? I know Doom is highly regarded, but this is really the first Zen table I attempted to "learn". I've had this series of games since Zen brought them out 11 years back, but this is definitely the most time and effort I've put into really trying to grasp scoring and reach a certain plateau. I was really happy to unlock Midnight Madness finally last night, and that felt pretty rewarding! Though I did go through many games, fumbling in my learning, and then trying to get into that mode.
Congratulations on your score, by the way, and to everyone that scored obscenely high, and everyone that jumped in to get some action going on! This was a fun idea, and I look forward to learning and playing more next time!
The Test-Run for Official ResetEra Pinball FX3 Tournaments is Complete! Great Job to all of our participants and thank you for playing!
But seriously, there was some excellent effort all around. With 43 participants we exceeded my expectations and I'm happy to say that I will be hosting an Official (?) ResetEra Tournament every month starting.... tomorrow!
Here's how it will work:
Every month I will begin a Classic Mode tournament that will last an entire week.
It will show up as "ResetEra" under the tournament list in PBFX3 (I created a profile just for this purpose) and will be password-protected so only our community can join.
The winner of this tournament will get a $5 code for their choice of eShop, Xbox or Steam - the three eligible platforms for participation (sorry Sony and Mobile, we'll figure something out for you at a later date, but you can't cross-play.) Future prizes for future tournaments subject to change but this is where we're starting. I will personally be providing the code. As such, I will be playing under my Hot Ham profile :)
If you win you merely need to post a screenshot of the victory results page as shown above to confirm your identity and I will PM you the code. If you do not claim your code within one week I will give it to the 2nd place winner, and so on.
NOW THE VOTING BEGINS!!
You guy have about 24 hours to decide the next table pack the tournament table will be chosen from. I will collect these votes from the Pinball OT so we aren't cloggin up the other platform threads with this voting malarky.
Post the TABLE PACK you would prefer FROM THE LIST I PROVIDE BELOW. The pack with the most votes will have a table CHOSEN AT RANDOM for this month's tournament!
Carnivals & Legends
Iron and Steel
Bethesda
Jurassic Park
Aliens vs Pinball
Whew. Okay, I will provide any further details tomorrow when I announce what the table is going to be and will likewise get the giftbot going. If anyone thinks this should get its own thread PM me, I can't make threads but I am making a banner graphic. Thanks for participating!
But seriously, there was some excellent effort all around. With 43 participants we exceeded my expectations and I'm happy to say that I will be hosting an Official (?) ResetEra Tournament every month starting.... tomorrow!
Here's how it will work:
Every month I will begin a Classic Mode tournament that will last an entire week.
It will show up as "ResetEra" under the tournament list in PBFX3 (I created a profile just for this purpose) and will be password-protected so only our community can join.
The winner of this tournament will get a $5 code for their choice of eShop, Xbox or Steam - the three eligible platforms for participation (sorry Sony and Mobile, we'll figure something out for you at a later date, but you can't cross-play.) Future prizes for future tournaments subject to change but this is where we're starting. I will personally be providing the code. As such, I will be playing under my Hot Ham profile :)
If you win you merely need to post a screenshot of the victory results page as shown above to confirm your identity and I will PM you the code. If you do not claim your code within one week I will give it to the 2nd place winner, and so on.
NOW THE VOTING BEGINS!!
You guy have about 24 hours to decide the next table pack the tournament table will be chosen from. I will collect these votes from the Pinball OT so we aren't cloggin up the other platform threads with this voting malarky.
Post the TABLE PACK you would prefer FROM THE LIST I PROVIDE BELOW. The pack with the most votes will have a table CHOSEN AT RANDOM for this month's tournament!
Carnivals & Legends
Iron and Steel
Bethesda
Jurassic Park
Aliens vs Pinball
Whew. Okay, I will provide any further details tomorrow when I announce what the table is going to be and will likewise get the giftbot going. If anyone thinks this should get its own thread PM me, I can't make threads but I am making a banner graphic. Thanks for participating!
Hopefully there can be something for us PS4 only people, even if just for fun. I feel left out but that's on Sony, not our community, which cracks me up when people on the general forum defend this and act as if no cross-play could in any way be good for the consumer. In fact the next time a thread about it comes up I am going to use this specific situation as an example of how cross-play benefits the consumer and while it may not help the platform holders it does hurt them.
I vote for Carnivals & Legends, solely because more people are likely to have it. We can use more paid stuff later.
I've put a couple hours into the PC version now. Even bought some more tables (up to 41/75). Despite playing on a bigger screen at 144 fps, I think I prefer the Switch version. I miss HD rumble, I don't like being stuck in the office, and I prefer the joycons to the Xbox One controller I'm currently using on PC. I'll probably just use the PC version to play tables that haven't made it to the Switch.
I wish there was a way to find out if we are going to get the Marvel and Star Wars tables on the Switch. Some of these are fantastic, and I'd really like to have them on the go. I would buy them again without hesitation.
I've put a couple hours into the PC version now. Even bought some more tables (up to 41/75). Despite playing on a bigger screen at 144 fps, I think I prefer the Switch version. I miss HD rumble, I don't like being stuck in the office, and I prefer the joycons to the Xbox One controller I'm currently using on PC. I'll probably just use the PC version to play tables that haven't made it to the Switch.
I wish there was a way to find out if we are going to get the Marvel and Star Wars tables on the Switch. Some of these are fantastic, and I'd really like to have them on the go. I would buy them again without hesitation.
This isn't even crossplay. PS4/PC tournaments could be done in addition to the others though.
I guess it technically is cross-play even though it isn't real-time, match-up play.
The only thing is that Steam players would be able to participate in both tournaments. Also, need another $5 prize code to pony up.
So, what's going to happen if you win? You get to keep your $5? That'll motivate you! 8D
The winner of this tournament will get a $5 code for their choice of eShop, Xbox or Steam - the three eligible platforms for participation (sorry Sony and Mobile, we'll figure something out for you at a later date, but you can't cross-play.) Future prizes for future tournaments subject to change but this is where we're starting. I will personally be providing the code. As such, I will be playing under my Hot Ham profile :)
I'm going to cast my VOTE for:
Iron and Steel
Sure, but it adds more incentive for other people to join and brings a little spice.
If you want to do a side tourney feel free, I'll plug it. I just don't have many tables on PS4 to start a tournament with.
Ok so if I were to create a PS4/PC tourney, what tables would people like. Personally I own
Marvel Originals
Fantastic 4
Captain America
Women of Power
All Star Wars except TLJ
Universal pack
Aliens pack
Bethesda Pack
...and of course Sorcerer's Lair.
Sorcerer's Lair just to see how many people are interested?
Marvel Originals
Fantastic 4
Captain America
Women of Power
All Star Wars except TLJ
Universal pack
Aliens pack
Bethesda Pack
...and of course Sorcerer's Lair.
Sorcerer's Lair just to see how many people are interested?
I think one of the Star Wars or Marvel packs would be cool since Switch doesn't have them anyway.
And I think that Star Wars sale is still going on. Incidentally, I happen to have the first Star Wars set plus Rebels on PS4.
I'll vote for Bethesda. It's new and shiny, (On Switch) and the Doom table....if picked....looks like it would be fun for learning/competitive play!
I ended up picking up the final few tables after they made good on their patch promise, so any and all I'm up for either way! :)
I ended up picking up the final few tables after they made good on their patch promise, so any and all I'm up for either way! :)
Sorcerers lair is fine, also have been playing a lot of the aliens. I am not the best to choose since I own everything. But yeah I am also down to see how many people also.
And yes so know steam can crossplay I just meant to all systems so we could all be together. I am in the same boat as you not caring about prizes, I would just like to compete with people I actually interact with.
Still having fun messing around with the default table, but I decided to kick the developers a few bucks for the Bethesda tables. I've only tried Skyrim so far, but it's kind of kicking my ass. For some reason every time I try the first main quest, which I've tried maybe 12 times so far, I immediately lose the ball. 99% of the time it goes out on the right side almost immediately after the quest kicks off.
I know the learning curve for pinball is pretty steep. How long do you think it might take before I'm not spending 99% of my focus not trying to screw up?
I know the learning curve for pinball is pretty steep. How long do you think it might take before I'm not spending 99% of my focus not trying to screw up?
It all depends. I'm going to go against conventional wisdom and recommend wizard powers. Yes for tourneys and legit scores Classic is the way, but powers (perks not so much) can have actual learning use. Not so much the score multiplier but slo-mo and rewind can help in learning. You have to get level 5 in survival and one ball challenge to open those two. Slo-mo is great for learning exactly how to place shots and might be handy in your case. Use it until you can place your shot consistently than like training wheels take it off once your comfy.
I don't really use that one I am pretty good at placing my shots, my weakness is nudging out of the outlanes. I use rewind, but I don't go all the way out but just to the point of danger so I can figure out how to nudge out in all kinds of different situations. When I finally feel comfy I go classic, plus I try to place on all leaderboards and if your on a mode with bells and whistles, well when in Rome...
Take it as you will but I know I don't mind learning a table before going Classic.
Also while Skyrim has some really neat ideas and is not a bad table, Doom is the true Bethesda standout, I recommend giving it a shot.
I'm at about 140 hours in FX3, i'll let you know when!
Some tables are drain magnets and you need to play risk adverse. Don't just hit the ball around as hard as possible, trap it and plan your shots. It's also a good idea to activate the kickers/guards as a priority, the method will be different on every table. Nudging the table at the right moment can also avoid it.
I love the Bob's Burgers table but oh boy is it super drainy and the method to light the kickers is really long and annoying. Probably the only table where draining feels a little unfair.
I'll play it in league or unlimited ball tourneys and get kickass scores and love the table and decide this is the time I will love it, then I will go play 3 ball single player or classic and after draining at least 2 balls in seconds remember exactly why I hardly play it.
I'm just waiting for Pinball Arcade or Stern Pinball Arcade tables to be picked myself as I have very little interest in playing Zen tables right now for some reason.
I'm down for any table pack for the next tournament. If I don't own it on my preferred platform, I'll buy it again. I just want to play to play and have others to play with.
Thank you for doing this! :)
Thank you for doing this! :)
I'm tossing in another $10 credit to the prize pool for the first tournament. So $15 for the winner. If the winner isn't in the US, I'll need some advice on getting cards for other territories.
This is a lot more difficult because neither SPA nor TPA have built-in user tournament features.
With SPA and TPA users have to screenshot their own scores to keep track of them and post then on here and we have to trust that the games were played during the tournament.
Participation is going to be low. We already tried a test run of that a couple months back and I think maybe 5 people posted scores on the forum, where as the PBFX3 test tourney had 43 participants.
Thanks again for this, it's very generous of you! We'll have to work out the full details together. PM me.
I'd say just tally and start it up. Then post and see how many people join. If that doesn't work, maybe crowbarring a poll into the OT or a new topic could help?
The Inaugural Monthly ResetEra Pinball FX3 Tournament will start tomorrow at 12:00PM EST and will run for 1 week.
Exact prizes are being determined but so far $15 in digital game store credit is comitted to the winner(s). Full details tomorrow.
There may be two tournaments, one for Switch/Xbox/Steam for sure and possibly one for PS4/Steam.
You have until 11:30AM EST to get in your votes.
Vote for one table pack:
Eligible SW/XB/ST tables packs
Carnivals and Legends
Iron and Steel
Bethesda
Aliens vs Pinball
Jurassic Park
Please quote this or @me with votes
Thanks for participating and have fun! We want as many folks as possible to join!
Hit me up with any questions!
Exact prizes are being determined but so far $15 in digital game store credit is comitted to the winner(s). Full details tomorrow.
There may be two tournaments, one for Switch/Xbox/Steam for sure and possibly one for PS4/Steam.
You have until 11:30AM EST to get in your votes.
Vote for one table pack:
Eligible SW/XB/ST tables packs
Carnivals and Legends
Iron and Steel
Bethesda
Aliens vs Pinball
Jurassic Park
Please quote this or @me with votes
Thanks for participating and have fun! We want as many folks as possible to join!
Hit me up with any questions!
I'm in - but don't mind which pack really. For the sake of argument though...
Bethesda!
Iron and Steel.
In any case, will be picking up for Xbox One to join in the community fun!
Total greenhorn pinball player, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tristan (Windows 3.1) and Pro Pinball Big Race USA (the demo) are in my top 25 most played games ever, and Addams Family at a local bowling alley had me and my elementary school friends entranced in the mid-90's. Got into pinball again briefly in 2013 with TPA (played many hours of Twilight Zone), but totally neglected it until visiting Add-a-Ball here in Seattle a month or so ago. Got Zen Pinball and TPA for mobile right away, and have sunk into sooo many hours in over the last few weeks as I've been hopping flights every which where.
It's intimidating to start from essentially zero and try to balance getting better generally (let alone acing a table) with just experiencing everything there is to experience. Even at Add-a-Ball, me and gf each played a round on 10 tables (we hotseated, she beat me 7-3 *sigh*) and weren't able to get to half of what we wanted. Seeing the 70+ tables on each of TPA and Pinball FX 3 makes that even harder! Any tips/tricks into making the most out of my time?
In any case, will be picking up for Xbox One to join in the community fun!
Total greenhorn pinball player, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tristan (Windows 3.1) and Pro Pinball Big Race USA (the demo) are in my top 25 most played games ever, and Addams Family at a local bowling alley had me and my elementary school friends entranced in the mid-90's. Got into pinball again briefly in 2013 with TPA (played many hours of Twilight Zone), but totally neglected it until visiting Add-a-Ball here in Seattle a month or so ago. Got Zen Pinball and TPA for mobile right away, and have sunk into sooo many hours in over the last few weeks as I've been hopping flights every which where.
It's intimidating to start from essentially zero and try to balance getting better generally (let alone acing a table) with just experiencing everything there is to experience. Even at Add-a-Ball, me and gf each played a round on 10 tables (we hotseated, she beat me 7-3 *sigh*) and weren't able to get to half of what we wanted. Seeing the 70+ tables on each of TPA and Pinball FX 3 makes that even harder! Any tips/tricks into making the most out of my time?
What do you mean, like "practicing smart?"
Always focus on fundamentals. Learning ball control, how to pass between flippers, how to backhand, and how to save a bad shot with nudges is the crawling you must master before you can walk.
Pick a table you like and just stick with that for awhile, feeling out the shots. When you think you've got a good feel of it you can read the rules and objectives, how to earn extra balls and kickbacks, etc. Once you start to figure out the best way to approach them you'll begin to develop your strategy for the game.
With multiball a good goal is to learn how to get all the balls cradled at once. Ideally you have two balls cradled in one flipper and one ball cradled in the other, which is the one you'll be taking shots with. If that's too much or there's more than 3 balls, try keeping your eyes on the flippers and aiming with your peripheral vision.
A good goal I like to set on a table, whether real or TPA/SPA, is to try to get the Replay (Free Game) score.
If you liked Big Race USA you should check out Timeshock! Ultra Edition. It's a modern remake of another Pro Pinball table and it's on mobile and Steam. Honestly, it has the best physics in digital pinball.
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