Interesting. Maybe you got an early version because mine doesn’t have the fit issues you mention. I don’t like the idea of having a cut out for the magnet, but some may prefer it.

So the spots aren’t actually on the protector after the pf waxing? I was thinking I would have to replace the protector with a new one to get rid of the spots.

Yes, but it comes pretty quickly.

Officially it’s two months. Unofficially- call Stern.

Are you kidding?

I can’t imagine picking Ghostbusters over Batman for any reason unless you are an absolute die-hard Ghostbusters fan. The Batman code was a long wait but now pretty close to perfect. Many GB owners are STILL waiting for a bunch of code updates.

Not aware of any further build adjustments to be made on the line other than what has already been done. Us LE/SLE guys were the guinea pigs.

Later builds may also have the refreshed node boards for nodes 8 and 9 - not clear if that was ever an official change - but if they don’t the fix kits should already be installed. Any Premium built after spring last year should have it all and I expect the March run to have the latest code.

Go get yourself a NIB game, good citizen of Gotham!

So are the physical Joker targets just bigger and/or thicker? Or is there something else?

Usually the licenses are three years, so that should mean until at least August (unless the start was earlier in 2016). Stern usually (always?) gives distributors a heads up “hey, do you want any more?” as part of a possible last run so your distributor should be able to give you a heads up.

Im pretty sure Batman depends on Kapow as as intermediary to the licensor so it may not be as easy to extend the license as with some other titles if it in fact it expires this year.

If you use the original Cliffy from the earlier Batman it will do that.

Use the one specifically redesigned for Batman 66.

Straight from the source:

http://passionforpinball.com

If you have the original you should see less with the BM66 specific version.

Signed card will be luck of the draw. I would think they are all gone, but you never know.

Found these pictures from when I was testing doc’s BatSignal. Can’t remember if posted before. Nothing special, just like them.

617498AA-E83C-4325-ABF1-CB3223365329 (resized).jpeg

67A7A86D-C231-4A93-8EE3-58F96FBA803F (resized).jpeg

Lol. No.

Stern uses the softest/worst wood in years. CPR, Mirco, JJP all use noticeably better playfields as do the Sterns from 4-5 years ago. Look earlier in this thread for some horror stories on early Batman 66 games.

Are you sure there isn’t a playfield protector on the game?

The newer thinner protectors (like for Batman 66) are great. I put one on my LE early on (not Day 1 because they weren’t available then). If I buy another Stern NIB I won’t play more than a test game before I put on a protector. In the grand scheme of things it’s very inexpensive insurance.

You definitely don’t have to take everything off the top. You certainly can, but no need to.

Did you keep the Bat Gadget selector sticker on the game?

I just went through every sticker in the Batman Premium/LE/SLE decal set.

No “Bat Gadget Selector” or lockbar Bat logo for the button.

Wonder why those are the only two missing.

Isn’t it funny how many of us in the Batman 66 club thread say the exact same thing?

And people wonder why there aren’t HUO games for sale

Ditto.

Given the pictures and reports of massive playfield damage on some early games I wasn’t about to gamble that I had a good playfield or risk Stern not making good on a replacement if mine was a lemon.

I have a few spots under mine because I made the mistake of waxing the playfield before the protector went on. At some point they’ll get cleaned off but my game is smooth and fast and the art looks fine. If it starts looking bad or impacting play I’ll cut it off, clean the playfield and install a new protector. Given the insane price Stern charges for a new playfield I could do this five times and still come out ahead. And I’d still have the LE playfield signatures.

In general I do not like playfield protectors and Batman 66 is my only game that has one. But I’m not going to risk exposing what may be a defective playfield just to be a purist. And until Stern proves their newer playfields aren’t total crap, any NIB Stern for me will get a protector.

If it really looks like film then I’ll bet the residue from the protective film/covering wasn’t cleaned off well enough. My protector looked like glass when it went on and was almost impossible to see unless you looked at the edges.

There is another run planned for next month though I don’t know if that’s delayed because of the recent storm damage. Haven’t heard if the license is renewed so if there is anyone sitting on the fence about the game I’d get one soon in case this is the last run.

What a difference awesome code makes. There was a time I thought there might be fewer Premums than LEs.

The other thing to check with the left ramp shot is whether the cable for the Catwoman lights is getting in the way. I had to reroute mine to prevent it from interfering with the left orbit shot.

LEs are indeed limited and don’t come available much any more. The major differences are the Adam West signed card (still available on some Premiums), the translite/cabinet art, side armor, the Lyman/George autographs on the playfield and the topper. The topper would be the hardest to get since you would have to get an LE to sell you both the control boards and the topper assembly).

If the topper isn’t critical to you, get a Premium NIB. It will have the production line fixes installed including the cabinet braces and you’ll have a mint new game.

It was a long wait for early adopters but I think Batman 66 is now the standard for theme integration that games in the LCD era will be measured against.

If you like the theme I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Ben1981 - Great cheat sheet!

This may be a stupid question but how did you print it and what is the size? I’d like to print one and laminate it.

Batman has turned my 20 pin collection into a 2 or 3 pin collection.
I play it so much now that most of the others get neglected because I’m too tired to play them after Batman.

If you like the theme, it’s a great choice for a NIB game.

For those sitting on the fence it’s possible the March run may be your last chance to get a Premium NIB. If you like the theme I sure wouldn’t risk missing out and hoping to save a few dollars by hoping an HUO comes available near you. Most Batman fans that own one seem pretty confident the game is a keeper.

Node board concerns are my biggest worry about Batman long term. I’m going to look at putting some rubber mounting grommets on the playfield node boards to reduce any vibration impact. I have a couple spares for node 8 and 9 and considering getting some of the game specific boards.

I want Munsters and Elvira but the long term reliability of the node boards have me considering the wisdom of future NIB purchases.

I love Batman enough that I’m thinking of buying a NIB Premium as a backup (which is probably over the top extreme)

https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1080-the-mod-couple/01402-batman-66-custom-atomic-pile-mod-kit-lighted

There are quite a few posts in the thread about mods and there are many good ones. If you only get one, get the atomic pile mod from the mod couple. That is hands down the best mod for any recent Stern game and transforms the turntable.

Very cool. Either they extended the license or it wasn’t your typical 3 year one.

As for Lyman still working on it - always figured there would be some more cleanup, but a Bat-Climb mode would be the ultimate icing on the cake! (Wouldn’t it be cool if the Santa Claus one was only used on December 25th?)

I thought the only licensing restriction was the use of Madge Blake (Aunt Harriet). Wasn’t aware there was an issue with the Bat-Climb guest stars.

I’d love to see the Green Hornet/Kato, Santa Claus, Colonel Klink, Jerry Lewis and Sammy Davis Jr. I really wouldn’t miss the others.

Pinball Browser is your friend

Great idea. I’m in.

If you can get the text of the message please send it to Stern.

And if you happen to find an LE/SLE owner to sell you their topper you need them to sell you the control board (found only on the LE/SLE games) in the backbox to run it.

Minimum $11k US. Depending on mods/condition, could easily be $12k. In Australia, probably a gazillion dollars

I’d put a couple hundred for the gadget plaque alone. At least one NIB LE sold for more than the SLE list price.

Yeah, it doesn’t make sense to spend the $ developing another art package.

I can’t imagine there are very many people who have said “I really want Batman 66 but the art sucks”.

Realistically, nothing. If you are very lucky, maybe $100.

Congrats on joining the club. It’s a great game.

If you find someone to sell the topper make sure they sell you the control boards that drive it.

I will be very annoyed if there is a new playfield that I like better.

The Premium head and side art is uninspired. Maybe Stern runs new decals. But I don’t see it. Why go through the expense?

The flyers and most of the Batman publicity photos have never been updated and are ‘wrong’.

The correct production decals for the Premium head cabinet are Batman (left) Robin (right). Batgirl is on both sides of the LE. There are a few early Premiums that went out with the Batgirl decals but that was changed very early on.

I’m the reverse. I prefer Batgirl on the LE but it would have been nice to have Batman and Robin on one side. However the Premium has too much of the dynamic duo.

Indeed. Probably just cleanup and light shows but looking forward to it.

Does it get more “tired’ the longer the game is on? The coil may be overheating. Or it could be as simple as the plunger not being aligned properly and/or the housing loose. Is there any issue using the manual plunger?

FAT32

No.

Make sure nothing on the stick except the files unzipped from the downloaded code zip and make sure they are in the root directory

If you are buying new, you don’t.

Edit: I stand corrected

Cool.

There are two versions of the Stern Batsignal - the one for the Premium does not require the topper.

Go into adjustments and reset High Scores 1,2,3,4 to something super low. Ditto for Grand Champion. Then go to reset menu and reset high scores and reset GC.

The LE/SLE node boards for the topper are in the head cabinet (near the top), not in the topper.

The main purpose of the Cliffs is to prevent wear. Covering wear up after the fact is fine, but the playfield is already damaged at that point.

I have the BDK Cliffs installed on the Penguin and occasionally have shot rejects. My understanding is that the redesigned one specifically for BM66 doesn’t have this issue so there is no advantage to playing without a Cliffy.

Looks like a nice “fit and finish” release.

Interested to here from the SLE owners what the new callouts are.

I hope there’s a future release so I can try out the “Save Settings” function ...

If this really means “unused” then we may not see any additional modes.

Certainly hope there are more but the save/restore settings was an operating system/platform update (see Munsters) not unique to Batman so that doesn’t necessarily imply Batman will see a game code update.

What’s on your wishlist for a future update?

If Lyman isn’t finished- what else would you like to see?

The two big favorites seem to be a Bat Climb mode (like Bat Turn) and Villian Vision taunting. What else would make the game complete? I happen to think it’s pretty awesome as it is, but open to more. Bat Climb seems to be the only iconic piece missing though I would personally like to see the Green Hornet episode used somewhere.

The is an homage to movie ‘some days you just can’t get rid of a bomb’ in the Extra Ball animation, but we won’t see any actual movie-specific footage used since they don’t have rights for those assets (or apparently to show Madge Blake from the series)

Minerva Mayhem is an interesting idea, though it was a letdown as the last episode. (If only the Batcave set hadn’t been destroyed and NBC actually picked it up for Season 4 ...)

Mark your calendars - nice Hallmark Batgirl ornament coming:

https://www.hallmark.com/ornaments/keepsake-ornaments/dc-comics-batman-classic-tv-series-batgirl-ornament-1699QXE3149.html?fbclid=IwAR2cWq5_WzScVq653EoMj1cpE0iNH4Fjf2tcOHHhEKqkJdMAoaFbAsJd1_c

799BE6ED-3B7E-4019-9FF1-5E8289F6FAC7 (resized).jpeg

Although I have never done a byte by byte comparison I suspect the code for all three models is the same and that there is a ROM chip/value on SLEs that does not exist on other models used to determine whether the code is running on an SLE or not that sets a flag during boot used to determine if SLE specific code (as far as we know only the Batphone custom callout). The value in question is probably 0 or -1 if it’s not an SLE and an offset into the list of original first names of SLE owners. If I remember correctly, SLEs display an identifier on boot.

The 1.03 Readme seems to indicate there is now some additional SLE specific speech - perhaps an SLE owner can figure out what’s new.

As far as actual game play differences between an SLE and other models, nothing has been identified. It’s just custom speech.

Maybe. But there are a finite amount of names Adam recorded so don’t know how he would do anything other than map to an existing name unless new names are recorded by a different actor (which should be easy enough to find with Pinball Browser).

iloveplywood I don’t think we will see a game like Batman again from Stern. It is only the game we have today because Lyman was given the time and freedom to execute his vision for the game and to allow him to change direction to the “play the episodes” model that the game evolved into. George stated early on that this was going to be the case and he deserves thanks and credit for ensuring it happened. Forgotten in the development cycle is that Stern was developing the code for the Spike 2 platform in parallel.

Stern clearly underestimated what it would take to transition into the LCD era and to some extent Batman was the guinea pig for Stern to show how IP assets the like of which no manufacturer had before could be used. Without the carte blanche given to Lyman we probably wouldn’t have seen the level of theme integration we have today.

Why did Stern allow a development cycle that is probably 2-3x the norm to happen? Was it because Batman was Stern’s most expensive game ever? Because it was the 30th anniversary game? Because it was a dream theme for George and Lyman? Because Stern saw a significant uptick in Premium orders when the code started to be something special? We may never know.

This may be the only Stern game that feels almost as deep as a JJP game. Even with the general code quality at release improvements we have seen over the last few years I don’t see Stern doing this on a regular basis when “good enough” is indeed good enough for the cast majority of potential buyers.

Look at the most obvious comparison- Batman vs. Munsters. Two themes both based on 60s cult classics and likely to appeal to the same set of buyers. Batman game play set the standard for theme integration; Munsters relies on the theme to mask just how shallow the game is. Where Batman provides a remarkable number of ways to play and enjoy the game (while totally immersing you in the theme), Munsters is currently not much more than a one trick “maximize the jackpots” pony. The majority of the IP assets are relegated to the match sequence after the game is over instead of being used to draw you into the theme during play as Batman does.

First thing I would do is call Chas at Stern and ask. Second thing would be to look at the back and see if there is enough surface area to tape from behind and/or look at glue dots to adhere the screen back to the TV.

If you decide to leave please sell me your modified ramp before you go ...

What are people seeing new in 1.03 other than sling flashers working? Any SLE owners hearing ay new callouts?

Doesn’t happen to me often but enough to be annoying. Tried some foam but that seemed to make it worse so took it off. Thought about seeing if adjusting the switch would make a difference but haven’t gotten around to it.

I wouldn’t want to use any toys on the game not faithful to the series. And I think the scale is way off (though I admit I don’t have that same concern with Doc’s Parachute Pickup van).

Mylar or Cliffy are really the only options.

No one here feels sorry for you ...

(And some long time owners are still “suffering”)

The translite isn’t bad except for the use of the ‘Classic Series’ logo instead of the regular Batman logo. That really detracts from the Catwoman focus. (And the floating gold cat looks strange).

I agree that simply keeping the Premium cabinet art is lazy. Since it was promoted on Stern Insider I presume it’s real. I don’t think it’s a complete failure by any stretch but would have liked to see something more than a new translite and backbox panels. Let’s at least hope that Stern only used Catwoman cards for Julie to sign.

Maybe that’s something in the upcoming code release. Fingers crossed. But you would think they would have put that on the flyer.

Hey Stern - fix the left ramp for the Catwoman version. MK6PIN did it. Fixing a Catwoman ramp on the Catwoman Signature Edition sounds purfffect ...

(And make a thousand spares or so for those of us with other editions to buy)

They are not unique, so yes.

I believe the later Premiums were/are built with the WMS style braces. Perhaps a recent run buyer can confirm.

At least anything built after September 2018 though I thought I had read somewhere that it was earlier than that.

If you mean the “<name> get the Batphone” SLE custom speech, you can’t. AFAIK, no one has hacked the code to make a non-SLE game think it’s an SLE.

Maybe it can be done with Pinball Browser but it’s certainly not intuitive. A number of us have speculated how the code determines SLE vs Premium/LE and have found the actual callouts but that’s about it.

She has in the past. I got a number of things signed at Comic Con in Denver a couple years ago and she did some shows last year but I cannot find any upcoming shows where she is listed as a guest.

Some of the Adam West cards have shown up on eBay. I’m guessing some Julie cards will too.

The idea of buying a Catwoman Edition as a backup game to my LE has crossed my mind. I’ve certainly had dumber ideas since I’ve been in this hobby ...

Batman 66 is probably the one theme that most connects me to my childhood and I never thought I’d see a pin based on it, let alone one as immersive in the theme as Lyman has made this. I cannot see it leaving my game room as long as I am alive. If I bought a duplicate game it would be strictly as an insurance parts game. I’d probably remove the battery but keep the game stored NIB. Definitely would not set it up while the LE is fine.

Ideally, I’d like to just have a NOS populated playfield but Stern won’t sell those. The main thing I don’t like about Batman is the potential long term issues with the node boards (and I don’t know if my LE is one that had playfields from the bad batch).

It is a lot of $ for “insurance” and I may not actually do it (I would much prefer to use the money for a new game), but it is something I’m thinking about.

In case you haven’t seen these the updated versions of the Premium and LE flyers here are the links. These show the proper head art for the two models.

https://sternpinball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BM-Premium-Flyer_65.pdf

https://sternpinball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BM-LE-Flyer_65.pdf

You’ll regret not having the Atomic Pile mod.

Perhaps I should have added a smiley face to that post.

You are absolutely right - most people won’t notice. But most Batman super fans would. And Batman 66 is a dream theme for me.

I’m not a big fan of most mods in general and have removed a few from my games. I have ColorDMD in all my games that support it, but few totally cosmetic mods like the Atomic Pile.

The AP is one of those rare mods that elevates the look of the game and further immerses you into the world under glass while looking like it belonged there in the first place. Any Batman fan instantly recognizes it as the iconic centerpiece of the Batcave. The thing Stern put on the game in that spot? Hardcore fans could tell you what it’s supposed to represent but it’s lazy and just doesn’t belong on Stern’s flagship game.

These are pictures before the computer mods covering the wiring but what a difference mods make to 2 of the 3 sections of the turntable make when you add a better Batmobile, replace a dog chew toy with a more realistic Batphone and swap the Atomic Pile assembly for one that actually looks like what it’s supposed to be.

The differences between what I have (first three pictures) and what Stern did (last two) completely transforms the visual centerpiece of the game into one far more fitting for the game. People who don’t have the AP mod might not regret it, but I certainly would. And a couple hundred dollars in cosmetic changes to the game is rounding error on a $10k LE

The Atomic Pile transformation:

B5248765-0892-4209-B214-9708C0724162 (resized).jpeg

0757C97E-4C54-4966-B6F0-BA7B4FA7D34C (resized).jpeg3D363F9E-3D0E-404C-96DC-0287A91EDE21 (resized).jpeg

The Stern look:

A40473E9-2274-4B84-AEF5-9EFF11FC60A4 (resized).jpegEC5B0F03-89CE-40CE-8892-197AADDCCADA (resized).jpeg
[

Do the metal corner braces look like something that could be easily added to earlier games? I can’t really tell from the pics.

I wish Chris would make more of these.

I’m thinking of turning off my shaker motor to avoid the risk of it causing node board damage. I don’t remember too many places it’s used in the game.

Does anyone think it adds significantly to the game experience? Is disabling it too much of a nervous Nellie move?

No.

Did you do a switch test?

I believe runs with non-signed cards will have a translite without “Signature Edition”

May be one of the fix kits that wasn’t installed at the factory. Guessing the shaker motor one (and you don’t have a shaker motor). See if you have one inline to the shaker motor (if you have one) and see service bulletin 184.

Could also be an uninstalled one for the node board fix kit.

Given that Romero, Meredith and Gorshin can’t sign any more, probably not ...

Last call. If you’re on the fence about getting a game, contact your distributor.

All Catwoman Edition games will include a signed card, not just the first 100.

6369701A-C3CB-4EB1-A162-64D0D873EC1C (resized).jpeg

I’m guessing not.

The license may be up sometime this year.

I have one that I’m no longer using. PM me if you are interested.

Not unless you find an LE owner willing to sell you one and the boards in the backbox that control it. I know of two LE topper sales very early on, but expect you will have a very hard time finding an LE owner willing to sell theirs.

We’re dealing with Stern here. Could be three days, three months or three years ...

How old is your game?

Sorry you aren’t feeling well today. Get some rest. I’m sure you will be thinking more clearly tomorrow.

Trying to decide where to put a Catwoman Hallmark figure. I have it down low but don’t like the angle a lot.

Thinking of maybe a Riddler and Joker too but don’t want to gunk things up too much. Also considering an Eaglemoss Batcopter on the left ramp and maybe a Batgirl cycle. Thoughts?
229E0433-F181-43E9-86C6-CA5FF849DB02 (resized).jpeg6B8F5187-10C7-4AE2-8276-E05D9310C46B (resized).jpeg712450F7-32CF-4C7E-860B-3DBA6C4D94BA (resized).jpeg

P.S. it here is now a purple dome cover under the Mod Couple umbrella rather than the stock yellow. It looks 1000x better when flashing now.

Sitting here wondering what surprises Lyman has for us all in the code release Stern says is coming. I’m sure there are system updates, but I’m hoping for game code additions as well.

Still hoping for a Bat Climb mode. I think that’s the only iconic event type from the series that isn’t in the game.

The external volume button is far more useful. Put that in and run a USB extension cable from the CPU to the coin door.

All those other things are good, but if you plan on keeping the game you will regret not having the AP mod.

I guess you won’t know.

The protector will be $100+ and an hour of your time.

It will add a little shine/gloss so the dimples may be more noticeable.

I put one on my game after about 10 plays. Very happy I did.

No. That’s from TheModCouple.