You're not the first person to buy the translite first while game searching. I had someone do that, find the game, but it already had my package on it.

I wish I could promise I will keep making these for as long as people want them, but it's probably smart to stock it away now if you really want it.

Someone just PM'd me a suggestion to use a printing service I don't feel like naming as an option. They were the first thing I tried over 6 years ago, and the quality sucked, and then I had an issue with them selling an unauthorized test print. Almost gave up on the whole thing then!

But it made me reflect back on what my plans were at the time. I really did this as a personal project, and figured I'd print up 10 of them in case anyone else wanted one. I forget who it was, but pretty sure it might have been vid, but somebody suggested that the translite probably wouldn't be that popular but people might want the speaker panel.

Me too, I dunno that I would have done any of my other projects if this one hadn't happened.

Being back is kinda giving me the itch to toy with things again, but I dunno, we'll see how that goes. Normally it's getting a new game that sparks an idea, and I don't see that in the cards right now.

Nothing wrong with the LE I have!

Yes, same size, all those games are standard, widebody or not.

The last game I think I was tempted to buy because it would have been a lot of fun to mod was Iron Maiden. I haven't kept up with the mod market for it, but I saw a lot of untapped potential.

The only "LCD era" game I've bought so far though was TNA, and that only barely counts in that category really.

I'm trying to stick to positive opinions here now, but I could write a long post about everything I hate about companies are using those LCD screens. I know I'm pickier than most, but it's one of the things that keeps me less interested in the new titles now.

Stern hasn't done better animations than the dots on Metallica in my mind. With a ColorDMD (all my remaining games have them) it's all I need or want.

I haven't put a lot of time on it, so I dunno what the long term appeal is really like for me, but I suspect pretty good. I like the layout a lot. I'm not a big fan of the band, but I don't mind listening to them while I play for a bit. I liked their original lead singer more though.

I got to play Archer and talk with Keith about it prior to his move to Stern, and he's clearly one of the best hires they've had in recent memory, so super happy for him and his success. I did play Jurassic Park some finally, and it's obviously a great game too. He's bringing the right kind of new thinking within the basic parameters of a pinball layout.

I dunno, if I had a chance to maybe trade my Tron for a Maiden or something I'd probably take it, but I'm not actively seeking out a game right now, or wanting to sell a game and then try and hunt one down.

I'd have to read up on the real consensus now between Pro and Premium too, and what's really worth it. And obviously there's nothing wrong with Zombie Yeti's art, it's not a game I'd get to replace a package I didn't care for, like I did with Star Trek. Would be more building on a solid foundation.

Thanks! Pretty sure I remember shipping yours even, it might be the only one I've ever sent to Alaska. Possible there was one other, but not exactly a state I get a lot of orders from.

I'm seeing the sign ups for orders slowing to a halt now. Response has been great, this will be plenty of packing for me, thanks everyone. But I think given that I'm going to close the pre-order list after the weekend and put the order in next week. There's no point in making everyone wait longer for no reason. I'll buffer in a few extras for latecomers.

Then we'll see what happens for the future. My printer told me he's fighting to keep these last two printers up and running. Really hope they stick around, never know if I'll get the itch for a new project. There's one title that's free and clear of trademark issues I've always meant to do but never got past initial sketches on. That's probably a pretty easy clue right there for what it is, but no promises.

Just talked to my printer, told him I'll give him final numbers on Monday. Asked what he thought turnaround time would be.

"I’d say for sure within two weeks, but hopefully within one week. The printing is no issue, would just be getting it through laminating."

The lamination process is about getting the diffusion layer on the back, helps the translite light up evenly. It's not strictly necessary, I tried not doing it on a run of I think Star Trek translites once (back when I was still making those), but it does provide a better result, and I see no reason to cut corners at this stage.

So that's the timeline we're looking at.

Heh, thanks, this is the thing about posting everywhere under my real name, I'm kinda easy to spot.

I don't post a ton on Arcade Projects, but great forum, lot of serious knowledge there. Try and contribute where I can. I'm a big fan of Darksoft's products, my arcade features his multiboards for CPS2, CPS3, and Neo Geo most nights. Well, featured, everything closed down right now. But whenever I get to host again those boards will be waiting.

Final weekend warning!

I think I've got everyone already, but I'll bump this today and tomorrow to be sure before I close things down.

Yeah, it's really cool tech, I can't imagine going back to anything else now. And of course it lights up beautifully. I know I can go with dark and rich colors and they'll pop when backlit, no washing out or dullness.

I've started work on another game several times, just never found the traction. This is part of the whole "taking a break" narrative, when I hit burnout it really messed with my creative output too. I've learned I can't force it, just seeing how I find my way back to things. At this point I need something that sparks or inspires me, more than just a "good idea".

I dunno, we'll see. This is why I never announced a project until it's done though!

As for just general stuff I will say that the market for alt translites is pretty different now. I don't sell my Star Trek or ACDC stuff anymore, you can't really just do little community projects like that now. It's too big, too public, too easy to get asked to stop.

So going forward anything I do will steer clear of trademark issues. That limits the options for straight up "replacement" products.

Okay, closed the form, will submit numbers to the printer and get this going. Lots of support both for the order and in personal messages, really appreciate everyone.

I'll buffer in some extras to be safe, so if you're late to the party you can always see if I still have any, just message me.

Printer told me they're working on speaker panels today, everything should be on track. Had a couple dropouts already, and someone just asked if it was too late to get in. Not too late, between the people dropped out and the extras I have slots still. Just PM me.

Otherwise hope to send the list the final work this week still, I'll be in touch when I hear more.

Little update from printer: everything is due to ship to me on Friday.

It's not a great movie, but watching it made me appreciate how well they integrated the theme into the game. Everything but the damn translite lol. Like the locks popping open for Khan multiball, or the mirror shattering on the battlefield, just so many great details from the film.

Sorry, just heard from him, small delay, now looking like shipping to me either Monday or Tuesday. Will still email everyone as soon as I know things are good to go.

Miss you o-din, stay well.

Already answered your PM, but for anyone else wondering, no, it's not too late. I went ahead and sprung for extras to be safe. I don't really love sitting on inventory, but I dunno when I'll order these again, so I'll deal with it. So by all means, take them off my hands.

I'm getting too old for this stuff I think. I just want it minimalist and out of my way. The less I notice it the better.

I'll reserve judgement until I see it in person, but I feel like maybe it's trying too hard. Just doesn't feel like they're grasping the moment, as far as design and what people want.

I dunno, this new generation doesn't excite me honestly just in general. I had a launch PS4, and then quickly realized there wasn't that much must have content that early. This time around I'm feeling no rush. I need a killer app to get me to bite. Right now it all looks like "more of the same", which isn't bad really, but it's also not a compelling reason to shell out money.

The new gen consoles will pass up my gaming PC, but right now I'm mostly using it for fighting games, and I can run all of them with maxed out settings, so I haven't felt limited in any real fashion.

Only next gen title I'm really thinking about right now is Cyberpunk 2077, have to think about what platform I'd want that on. I'm not a real FPS player, I don't care about mouse and keyboard, I'd probably play with a controller even on PC.

Update: Prints were supposed to ship today (Tuesday), they're done, but was a delay at the shop. Should go out to me tomorrow. As soon as I have a tracking number and feel set I'll email everyone with payment instructions and we'll get things moving finally.