Quoted from cscmtp:

Still don’t see how code can save a pin with such few satisfying shots but happy for those who still own it. Software updates are always a wonderful thing!

Quoted from Beowulfz07:

Just to clarify, that the setting for preventing beast MB with Smaug MB defaults to NO which means the MB’s CAN run together. So you need to enable this to stop it. So the description is correct.
I could write an essay on all the new things that I love, so will just say that the update is simply stunning with my absolute favourites being a load more Smaug speech, the journal, high score tables and tracking, map clarity, lighting and Arkenstone modes.
The only thing I miss is the Multiball Callout for Smaug MB where it used to shouted but now is spoken the same as other MB modes, so that’s the only criticism I have and that’s constructive lol
Enjoy your weekend coz I certainly will

Quoted from check_switch_26:

It is also the original title of the third movie.
I mentioned to Keith yesterday that it (slightly) irked me that he named the mode "There and Back Again", but I conceded that it sounds better than "Homeward Bound", which is the chapter name from "The Lord of the Rings". I also pointed out that the only mention of "There and Back Again" in "The Lord of the Rings" is in the Preface where it is referenced as an alternate name for "The Hobbit" book. Keith countered that in the movie, Frodo looks at the book and reads the title when he is reminiscing with Billbo at Rivendell.
Anyway, "There and Back Again" also sounds better than "The Journey Home", which is the chapter name from "The Hobbit", so there you go.
--Ted

Quoted from check_switch_26:

This is controlled by the Book Mode Difficulty adjustment.
1 = all qualifiers always lit (super mega easy)
2 = all qualifiers lit at ball start, mode start removes affected qualifiers
3 = one qualifier always lit, mode start removes affected qualifiers
4 = (default) one qualifier added at ball start, mode start removes affected qualifiers
5 = no qualifiers lit at game start, mode start removes affected qualifiers
6 = no qualifiers lit at game start, mode start removes all qualifiers
7 = no qualifiers lit at ball start, mode start removes all qualifiers
--Ted

Quoted from check_switch_26:

Item #2 is already in the works. I'm just trying to decide how to place them on the screen.
--Ted
P.S. Reminder that I'm keeping tabs on things here: Hobbit software 2.95+ discussion.

Quoted from IceFang:

Potential bug report while playing 2.96. While trying to load the windlance for the final Smaug shot, if I shoot up the right ramp with a weak shot that returns back down the left ramp (instead of going all the way around Smaug to the left outlane), the bright white flashing effect still occurs as though I had successfully loaded the windlance and need to ready myself for the final DWARF shot. However, no final shot becomes lit, and I just have to wait a bit for the white flashing to end before making another windlance loading attempt. I don't recall this behavior in the past, but it happened twice today. Perhaps a conflict with the new Portcullis Loop code? ...or maybe this behavior has always been present and I never noticed?
Having a blast playing the new code! Great stuff!

Quoted from Boatshoe:

This bug has been in the code a long time. I don't know if it is an easy fix. It is so minor it might not be worth spending the time on. The mode grid sometimes shows 2 Filis, or 2 Spiders depending on what has been qualified. The images seem to fix themselves if you play one of the 2 modes. Thanks Ted!

Quoted from metahugh:

So your wife is going to take a laptop in to work just to have the IT guys use it to download the code file from JJP, extract its contents and put it on a USB drive for you to bring home to update your game with?
The IT guys will never let your wife live that down!! LOL

Quoted from thewool:

Cool! will install tonight!!
Ted any more tweaks to Smaug/Beast multiballs and book modes clashing? I know you mentioned implementing an option to stop Beast MB from starting. Book modes starting during Smaug MB is the biggest problem as constantly postponing it doesn't work very well at all.
Also I still hope there is scope for expanded portcullis loop scoring, a 1000 points is arbitrary given that this is never intentional. Better to have something to do to gain points after the shot e.g. make flashing shot, hot drop target, etc.

Quoted from thewool:

I wouldn't award any points for the loop as it's a fluke thing to happen. I would have it trigger another timed shot which has it's own reward.

Quoted from screaminr:

What's going to happen when technology moves on and you can no longer get the necessary USB sticks . I suppose stock up now.

Quoted from wolv3:

It's been a while since there was a code update.
What are people's hopes and dreams if another code update was to come out. For me it would be a mode or benefit for clearing a drop bank X amount of times.
It would be cool to see some progress towards something else once you've qualified the mode similar to how there's cyborg multiball on maiden.