Cool to release

Curious if anyone knows, if you buy the standard without backbox lcd, can the lcd screen later be added as an upgrade?

I assumed, which is always dangerous, that it would be like the windows on cftbl, congo, black hole, haunted house, tbl, and just replaceable if needed.

I believe so.

Andrew posted a few days ago they are still waiting on Fox approval. They will share everything once it is approved.

I also wonder ....IMG_0560 (resized).JPG

Yeah screen was re-leveled, it's similar to what I've seen happen on some Congo and CFTBL games as well. Very small and hard to see because it's in a dark spot but for now I'm going to Mylar it and call it good. I'm not the type to get bent out of shape about little cosmetics. Andrew pointed it out showed me how to adjust that level of screen, really easy as it's just four screws, and I'm sure if worse case scenario it does start to bother me I'm guessing Andrew would help me get a replacement.

This one will be going on location in Springfield, MO for a few weeks until I can get down there to pick it up. I left straight from TPF to go to Florida for my spring break and will pick it up here in April then it will be on location in Lafayette, IN so anyone wanting to get some time on it you have some options.

Yes I believe they all had face huggers now. Game three was being kept by Cointaker on account of the broken glass being in the cabinet and the playfield of it being scratched. I assume they will ship that back to heighway and get a new playfield kit for the cabinet but I have no idea really other than I was told they were keeping it. I think it may be to take to other shows as well once they get it fixed up.

Be one streaming later today on twitch. Thisflippinpodcast on twitch.

image (resized).jpg

Yes it had to catch a ride to Missouri with friends since I flew out to TPF and I've finally had a day off to go get it. 18 hour trip. Down to about an hour to go.

Did some middle do the night streaming on code .94, unfortunately no large display function yet as I left my keys about 1000 miles away so waiting for them to be shipped. One game that was good and you can see a lot. A lot of bad games where you can't see much.

Yeah keys are in the mail already and then I'll get big display going. Luckily was still able to connect speakers. Really diggin it so far. Finally got all the multiballs today.

Not sure who is in charge of that stream, but you may want to export it to youtube as well so it can be accessed past the couple of weeks that twitch saves them.

My game took an interesting journey home from TPF as it stopped for a two week location stay in Springfield Missouri. While there the game was down for a few days as a result of an issue with an LED strip causing a short. Annoying that the game was down especially with me not there to look at it myself, but with help from both Helmut and Andrew troubleshooting the game along with the help of my friends who run the location they were eventually able to track down the problem and resolve it. While working on this issue Andrew was up personally answering text messages until 2 AM his local time to get the situation fixed, to me that is pretty damn impressive customer service.

Since I was finally able to bring the game back to my house I have had one stuck ball and everything else has been minor issues like switches not always registering (unfortunately when I picked the game up in Missouri I left the keys so I haven't been able to get into the game and adjust anything, they should be arriving today though). I'd say I put probably about 100 games on it this weekend alone and I have been very impressed and happy with it. Modes can be tough, but not impossible, multiballs are varied but don't dominate the game, and most importantly to me is its simply fun. I streamed the game and it is posted to youtube, but if anyone has questions about it I'm willing to try to help answer them as best as possible from what I have at home.

Thanks, I'm getting the hang of it. I do like that its possible to have those games but they certainly aren't occurring every time. I can see all tournament players making sure they shoot each ramp 4 times before starting all the modes to constantly double scoring as they are relatively easy shots and have safe returns. Right now I'm still trying to just see all of the game before I worry about maximizing score.

Yes left ramp spells drop, 1 letter for each shot, right ramp spells ship, again 1 letter for each shot, when both are spelled I think it is 20 seconds or so of double scoring. It can also be a mystery award from the muthur saucer on the far left, and it can be one of the weapon "power-ups" (not really sure what to call those).

Didn't even notice it myself while playing, I will have to go back and check it out.

EDIT: Just went and saw what you were talking about, looked very cool, funny what you don't notice when trying to just hit the balls.

Should be linked right as the mode is starting in that video.

I think the displays have done a good job of informing on what shots to hit. The only mode that I have struggled with is Find Jonesy but that wasn't because of the display, the display makes it clear to shoot the orange insert, the problem is the orange insert is only lit very briefly and then disappears. I thought this was maybe a code issue but it was explained to me that it is supposed to simulate the cat hiding in the shadows and darting about so the orange lights and then fades. The mode is best played by cradling up and waiting for the orange shot to be lit and then hitting it, and it is not a good mode to stack a multiball with...as I was advised by Heighway staff.

On my machine I have had no problems with my up-post directing the balls into the pops for Queens Nest, but getting actions out of the pops has been my issue, I haven't had the chance yet to go in and adjust the switches on those but I will as soon as my keys arrive. I do suggest attempting to control the ball coming out of the scoop so you can take a second to read the display, and then locate the inserts for the shots you want/need to hit for the modes, it is really clear compared to a lot of other newer games like WoZ and GB (both games I also enjoy, but can be difficult for new people to figure out)....my girlfriend who is very new to pinball was able to figure out Alien much easier than the other two games according to her.

Just played a lot more tonight and had a friend over as well. Keep liking it more and more.

I just look at it like this, Full Throttle is 2 years old, in technology terms two years of computer technology improvements is incredibly drastic. And the cost is similar to many mods, I would expect Heighway's 3rd game, if it is 2 years from now to also have a new computer and possibly need upgraded. I think that is the reality of a computer based system even if it is offered as interchangeable. This also seems better to me that they do continue the upgraded technology on the computer side so you don't end up with a pin2k type scenario down the road in the future....if that were the case I would stock up on at least a spare or two of the units in whatever heighway game you have.

I agree its not great, but its reality and to me the added $200+/- is well worth the enjoyment of the game.

I don't know that he has his game but he did contact me about my stream of game and said he is using it to help him with sounds.

Had mine at PATZ this weekend. 350+ plays over two days. Only issue was I had to adjust the playfield LCD screen level a few times. I need to get lock washers to better hold the screws in place and keep it level. Otherwise had two balls not recognized as drains in troughs. Opened coin door popped ball into shoot lane and play continued. I believe people were genuinely impressed with the gameplay and the quality of the build and it received lots of compliments. Andrew heard it was there and texted me at what would have been roughly 4-5 AM in his time zone if I'm doing math right to make sure the show had gone well and the game had held up okay. It sat next to my Congo and both were played pretty much non stop with a congo having one stuck ball as well.

I'm sure when Andrew has information to share he will. I believe those of you waiting will be happy when your games arrrive.

Only other issue was my rear leg levelers lowering themselves because I didn't put nuts on them. Got some new levelers at the show and now alien should be going on location in Lafayette when I get back in town.

Any questions about the actual game let me know happy to help.

If someone wants to pay for transport plus my time off work sure. Otherwise it's in lafayette IN feel free to visit.

Yeah that glass w/frame is very heavy, but feels good on the machine, and I love not having a lockbar that can move like on most other machines.

Just pulled the audits from my machine and thought some of you may find this data interesting, especially the drains as many people seem to complain about the left outlane.

"13 LEFT DRAINS 1763
14 RIGHT DRAINS 1020
15 CENTER DRAINS 4820"

Yeah but center drains are by far the most and that is with a center post even. I honestly don't feel the left side is that bad when you consider that probably close to 1/4 - 1/3 of those you get a hypersleep virtual ball save, and once you start to learn to use that upper left flipper for defense of the outlane you barely notice how wide it is.

Just looked closer and there is data and my estimate was pretty close.

76 REVIVE LEFT 276
77 REVIVE RIGHT 315

TOTAL = 591 out of 1763

33.52% of the left drains have received a "revive", virtual ball save, making the left and right drains nearly equal in their impact on your game

May interest some of you.

http://collider.com/mondo-alien-day-tyler-stout-vinyl/#alien-pins

Yeah it is pretty bright in person, there are two modes where the GI does go out for atmosphere, and I could see that being hard to play in a dark location, but the shots you need to hit are still lit very well. Overall not an issue to me.

To be fair the game I took from TPF was on location within 2 days, stayed there for two weeks, was brought home for 4 days, then went to a three day show, it has now been back in my home since Monday, and will be going out on location within the next week. I've also put roughly 6-8 hours of gameplay online at this point of the machine.

Heighway had nothing to do with the sale of the TPF games, those were purchased by Cointaker, and sold by Cointaker, and they only sold two, one left the show with them. I'm not sure what they did with the game after the show, but I imagined at the time it may be used at other shows.

Haha thanks, I'm sure they will when it's good and ready, game is a lot of fun. I adjusted my upper roll overs last night and they seem to be working better. Will stream it a bit tomorrow.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/04/26/aliens-dead-orbit-1-review

Just something cool I saw that I thought some of you Alien fans may enjoy.

Not that there has been anything major, but certainly lots of little issues with the game I have at home already, I would say everyone is better off with some patience and letting Heighway sort out a lot of these issues at the factory. They have been extremely communicative with me about every issue as they have arisen, but again much easier if it comes to you with these issues solved.

Playfield completely after about 20 games, but the backbox is nice for multiplayer games.

You can just install the backglass and not turn the monitor on, saves you the trouble of uninstalling it.

I can second most of these adjustments on my game. Issues I'm still having is an overly sensitive switch at one of the three facehugger shots but I haven't been able to determine which one yet. I've had no shooter lane or upper right flipper issues, and only a handful of balls have gone down the middle from my scoop so I haven't adjusted yet.

My stand up targets to the left and right of the scoop were wired backwards, instead of undoing the wiring I simply undid the screws under the playfield and swapped them, and to be honest it took me 200+ games to realize these weren't registering correctly before I even noticed the issues.

LCD leveling has been my biggest issue as well. I also added lock washers and it has been much better although I did have one screw come out again yesterday. I have decided that I am going to add loctite to the screws the next time I have to adjust them in order for them to hold better. I've also had a lot of trouble getting the screen to be completely level almost to the point where I'm not actually convinced the screen itself is level as I get the corners to be perfect and then in the middle area it will be slightly higher than the playfield. I did mylar my edge of the screen as a precaution.

My only other issue is my right inlane sensor not always registering a switch hit. I'm planning to undo that board from the bottom of the playfield and attempt and adjustment on it this week, but to be honesty the right ramp is so easy to hit that I typically just do a pass over and shoot it again if it didn't register the first time.

Well if anyone wants to watch some Alien gameplay I'll be streaming in about an hour, my school just released early due to flooding in the area so I've got some spare time.

I got through the Alien mini-wizard mode Self-Destruct, (at least I'm pretty sure I completed it), on Saturday morning while streaming and I made a highlight of it. Finished the game with 245 million my second best so far. Anyway figured some of you may be interested in seeing it and the awesome light show for the mode, others may want to wait.

SPOILER ALERT Don't watch if you don't want to see one of the mini wizard modes.

All out War is the main wizard mode, have to do all 4 multiballs, and then also all 4 modes for both films, and both mini wizard modes to get to it. I haven't seen it yet.

Doh.....I fail, my apologies.

Pretty sure if that was Cointaker's it may be the one from TPF that had glass break on it before.

Real plywood, solidly built.

I have a timer on airlock screen for some modes but not others. I assume some aren't timed.

Doh get me that .97 code!

Pretty sure the ramps are designed that way to go with the theme of the game honestly, but not positive.

I'm still on .94 code.

Are all the new games out there running .97 code?

Dammit now I gotta order some too. Don't want to be the only beaconless Alien

Alien in a box is old, third screen is on all games now.

Just realized I had my upper left flipper eos installed incorrectly from the factory. Everyone may want to check those switches out. Not sure if it impacted game at all but can't hurt to look.

Good to know. Thank you.

Loving mine.

Four Phillips head screw under the playfield on corners of LCD frame. Easy to adjust. Hard to adjust it just right. I had to add lock washers to the screws to get it to hold.

You may have a short causing loss of power at 70v. Open game, remove balls, lift playfield, close coin door. Check the 70v fuse section and see if they are lit as bright as the 12 v section. If not, at least on my game I had a short in the side panel LED strip. They are connected on the lower left area of bottom of driver board. Disconnected it and it was fine. But check those leds under the fuses first with coin door shut to get a better idea. Also just check what type of switch is in the scoop and see if it's connected properly or something just came off. But having nothing work tells me it's more than that switch.

I think the ramps are intended to look how they do on the games that have shipped. I think they look great and match the theme. I also thing they are made of a much thicker metal than many other companies have used on metal ramps and they feel really solid to shoot.

Ummmmmm that's not a good sign at all.

All I can say is as a customer who purchased from Cointaker they haven't responded to or helped with any of my requests for over a month now since they requested pictures of something specific from my game so not surprised they have stopped selling.

"NOTICE;
Regarding the Alien pinball machine by Heighway Pinball company. We were originally proud to announce when we came to an agreement as a dealer of this incredible looking pinball machine and other future games from this company. We've met with the owner and talk to him many times. The company truly does have a great passion for putting out great games. But since our initial connection and investment with Heighway Pinball the company has struggled to finish producing games and also providing customer service on their previous game, "Full Throttle". Other issues not disclosed also have arose so we have decided to break ties and we are no longer a product dealer/distributor for Heighway Pinball company products at this time. This does not mean we might not revisit getting back together with them in the future but they first must get production, manual/schematic documentation and customer service in a much better place first. We need that support for ourselves and to help supply our customers. They have a unique product there so communication and documentation service and repair is vital
I wish them the best of luck in their growth and production. We hear there is a new announcement coming for some restructuring of their company and hopefully that will go smoothly as well.
Thank you
Troy North and Top Score Gamerooms LLC"

Yeah you know with other space themed pinball machines being officially announced it may be a great time to let us now wtf is going on.....

I hope you're right, bottom line is I just want the parts to fix my game or at least communication from the company explaining to me why I'm not getting any service for my game.

Don't forget the Alien parts!

I'm going on month three of waiting on switches, mechs, led strips.....good luck.

I don't know anything concrete but I was reached out to by Heighway staff today and told things will be okay, and my issues with my machine are being dealt with asap. I went from panic mode to simply not happy but less worried mode. Certainly don't feel good about the whole situation as it sits, but I will still say the game is very fun and very good. Which makes it hard to not root for. I'm sure that doesn't elect a ton of concern, but it was the best news I've gotten from them in weeks.

Cute that you think there are goodie bags

If anyone wants to try playing Alien come to Indiana. It's on location now.

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IMG_1511 (resized).JPG

I put them on so people can learn the game for a bit.

Not completely. I have it turned off. Tongue comes out more frequent than it's intended. I've been told I'm getting the updated mech but with the way things are going I'm not counting on anything.

Hope your right but I'm not feeling as confident. I just picture the old jpop bailout that didn't go so well. It seems to me so many people are asking for money back that they may be in trouble regardless. I truly hope I'm wrong as the game is very fun, but the amount of issues I'm experiencing on my machine aren't making me any more confident in it.

Yep it's mine and it should be Indiana not Tennessee.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/for-sale-alien-1#post-3802023

Open to trade for Ruby Red WoZ with 2.0 boards price is just pinside suggestion. Open to offers.