I think if Pinball Brothers do ever make any pins, Alien would certainly have to be on the list of planned titles given the popularity. Nobody can be sure about licensing possibilities either way. I can't imagine them manufacturing outside of Europe, but who knows. Dutch? lol

It's a wait and see...

Current is pretty well proven, and known. Reputation. Can't see them changing too much from the current hardware, layout or code. Art and cabinet... maybe. Keeps development cost way down, would be essential since I assume sorting license would be costly.

Definately won't be CGC, that seems to have been established long ago...

...perhaps OP can change the thread title... answer to current is "No", but somebody certainly will.

Yeah, standard cab apparently. I didn't mind the quirky cab myself. No hinges on backbox a bit inconvenient though.

Either way it is all speculation. Nobody really knows. Not anyone that can say anything concrete anyway. Everything I've heard about suggests it will be continued at some point. No, it won't be identical or unchanged.

Only thing suggesting it won't ever happen is that Kanada says it will Lol

We are ready to change the title now! Lol

If anyone does make Aliens, it won't be CGC. For one thing CGC would not want to use the developed hardware and code, and to not use it would certainly be quite uneconomical (porting/re-engineering).

Who said anything about changing any internal dimensions? ... from the measurments we took the whole lot fits straight into a WPC widebody cab. Identical game with standard looking cab. Not hard at all... changing cab appearance won't change the game inside Lol

Tech for local Aliens.

The cab might feel different, but given the same playfield, and pitch, the game/layout would still be the same. The way a game shoots is a different thing than the feel of a cabinet, I think. Also if it were in a more mainstream cabinet style, then owners of originals could retain a bit of the limited feel with the unique cabinet. Versus if the machine were made to original specs wholesale, cab included. The cab design was partly about "swapability" which would probably not go anywhere in the future, unless Pinball Brothers decided to produce games and carry on with the "swapping" feature, which surely won't happen. There is Alot to the Heighway cabs that is completely superfluous if the playfield is never going to be swapped, standard cab would cut the cost quite a bit.

Another thing about those cabs, they seem very well built... and friggin Heavy! Lol

With a "new breed" being the same game in a regular cabinet... Everyone could have cake!

If they have the same playfield, pitch, and code then they definitely aught to be called the same game, since they in fact are. High scores etc. ... same playing field and rules. Can't be called a different game based solely on that it Looks different, the lockdown bar feels different, and the cab is heavier. Lol

You mean play the same?

Or are you talking about redesigning the plaufield and rules? ... you've lost me

What a cabinet feels like has no relationship to how the exact same playfield and rules, shoots. How the cab feels is perception. Game layout is physics. If it is the same it is the same, regardles what kind of cabinet encloses it. You're talking psycological. I mean physical. Scores on each game are still exactly comparable, even if you are put off because "this lockbar feels different". The same game is the same game it is that simple Ha ha

No different than playing current alien with the magazine removed. Feels diffetent.... but, IS the Same!

Dude, if it is the same game, it has a screen in the playfield and the game is The Same (who in their right mind is suggesting removing one one of the most important and integral features of the game, the p/f screen ). Different cab with the same playfield inside is the same game no matter how it "feels" to your hands. Scores compete, and they are both called "Alien"

Just like Centaur and Centaur 2. Same game buddy, however the different cab might make you feel (emotionally) lol. Same scores with the game being the same. Cabinet means Nothing for physical gameplay/rules or competition. If it is Alien it is Alien, no matter what cabinet you decide shove it in.

If the Physical Game, and the code, is different (besides the enclosure), fine, that is the only way it is a Different Game... Then give it a new title (not Alien 2).

You can't exclude owners of the originals from the "new Alien" high scores list just because the lockdown feels different to you. There would be more made of a re-run, surely, and with the same game inside it makes no sense at all to have separate game high score lists. They compare just the same given the same code. Other than that, if the game Internally is NEW, then and only then is it a "different game" (and therefore not relevant to this thread at all).

What cabinet style a given game or playfield is in has nothing whatsoever to do with how it shoots or what the rules are or the layout, that's a fact.

I totally get that. I agree. The switches, the screen, the Lot remain though to fit the thread "Alien ... manufactured again". The same game would barely be viable without retaining the entire system that was developed. If the System is changed, it will almost certainly be a New and Different Game, of course. I think Prometheus would struggle to live up to the Alien vibe myself, and sell poorly in comparison to if Alien was re run as the proven tested game. But that is a different thread topic right there.

Someone is trying to say, however, that even with all hardware, playfield, layout, code... inductive switches, and the whole shooting match, being kept exactly as is, proven, that the different cab alone (to him) means it will be a different game. As if scores can't compare. Misguided to say the least. Maybe even just a little bit hillarious!

It is pretty funny I rekon! ... since the tread title describes remaking the same game, Alien.

There's no argument to make. A different cab does not make a different game, period. Maybe a good idea to start another thread for the people whom want to discuss a newly developed game

Ranting, that's the pot calling the kettle black! Lmao

Back to the actual topic at hand, hopefully...

There arguably won't be anything unique about the Original Game Combination if any rerun were supplied in the identical Original cabinet, it would just be continued production. I think it would be good to simplify the cab for the continued run of the Identical Game, allowing owners of originals to retain the unique attributes of the limited original run.

Still the exact same game though, simply altering the external look of the cab, which is not changing the actual game(play). Scores between new and old runs would compare directly as the same game. Like most Vault Editions, same exact game with a renewed look externally/visually.

Sorry if that confuses people...

Also, the rumours are still around

I would be down to have a WPC style cab version as well! ... but only of the exact same proven game and system. Heads Up!

Bunkum. The difference is meaningless, build those triceps and nudge a little extra if you're playing an original. Big deal!

Definitely Nowhere Near enough to justify calling it "different gameplay". That is my opinion, and I think it is very likely disagreement would only be from a finicky few.

You would get SIGNIFICANTLY more difference in gameplay by; fitting different rubbers , changing the playfield pitch , or leaving the legs loose... on an original Alien. The argument about cab making it a "different game" (title) is Completely Re-Dic-U-Lous! Pmsl!

You make it sound like using a WPC style cab would make it 200kg lighter? Lol ... it will be Slightly lighter (might lose 10-20kg Tops!, big deal!), but not enough to make a difference Bigger than the factors mentioned above would make, if they were applied to the original Alien. If I change the rubbers and pitch angle on my Alien, I have to call it a Different Game??. Be realistic.

The "different cab, different game" argument is simply preposterous.

Two different copies of Heighway Alien would exhibit more differences in gameplay between them than a cab change ever would create.

It is curious that the topic keeps coming up in the TWIP "inside info".... ?

Interestingly, as much as the "leg system" and cabinet Looks a little different, it is much the same construction as a regular cabinet corner. The legs are not actually "recessed into" the cabinet at all really, it just appears that way. It is in fact just an additional 10mm or so thick layer of MDF, added to the outside of a more regularly constructed cabinet. Cutouts for legs and coin door give the "recessed appearance".

I have never noticed the Alien to be any more or less stable than my Twilight Zone. Legs bolt on the same. Base cabinet is same material and thickness too.

Needing to become a proficient Alien tech is the only reason I started coming to pinside. Yes I own too many games, my apologies. Unfortunately this is about the only game I have encountered to actually Not Have A Workshop Manual? ... WTF?

My experience clearly differs to yours in some way or another. Doesn't feel significantly different to nudge to me at all, no different than any other monsterously heavy widebody. Matter of opinion, obviously.

Yeah it is very different to nudge than a cardboard stern cabinet, of course, but to me it nudges with the same degree of stability as my TZ ... I am at least comparing similar weight machines.

Yeah I stopped updating that somewhere after 20... got a bit behind. Sorry.

Looking at a variety of obscure information snippets from a range of places, which at first glance might seem to be unrelated... I have some sneaking suspicions.

We'll see Alien at TPF, put together by DR for PB.

Surely if this was hypothetically imminent, they would wait until the announcement of the current generic stern pin is just starting to hype up (over the mediocre theme)... then suck out a heap of that hype by dumping this actual killer theme/pinball game into the public view...

Roumor has it the new Aliens is a Mark Ritchie game ? ...

Hotwheels is a non starter. AP could do well if this is their licenced theme

Aligns perfectly with DR's release scedule and scheme ....

Alien v Predator wouldn't have been very apealing for me, compared to Alien/Aliens.

Like so many franchises, the 4 or 5 mediocre follow ups make mockery of the great iconic original story and its faithful sequel.

Alien 3 onward, and the prequels/mash-ups, they really kinda sucked imho and I'm being nice. AvP particularly would have been a non starter for me (kill 2 stories/worlds in one swoop good work) where Aliens was a must!. OG Predator though, would have been cool too!!

Not being Alien/Aliens remake wouldn't matter though for me really anyway as I'm lucky enough to already have the game.

Absolutely! ... that playfield display, and not having to look up at all while you're playing, and the atmosphere added... without the display half of the games special appeal is gone. That is my humble opinion. We all love it!

There are several ways Some owners might be able to go (to get a new playfield display game together) depending what is eventuating, if there is similarity enough that code being used, back porting, same code for both versions just with settings or options... so then being able to fit a playfield display and mirco playfield to the new game (perhaps updated old game hardware too, non USB still with the same old PF display and boards)... and run it on the same code as an old machine would. Depends if they turn out with common code. Still makes no sense to remove the smaller cheap display that is amazing and keep the big display that you need to look up at and costs heaps.

No Playfield display... that would be a big bummer. Old games could hold more value then though too... we'll see I guess.

Ran into this myself with a friends game. PF protector (properly installed) is fantastic.

Mate is pissed with himself that he did not get me to put one on as soon as it came out of the box.

I'd recomend never running an Alien without one.

The playfield display, only useless if you don't know about weapons or where/what to glance at for various critical information on that display. Once you know the familiar information you need to glance for, the dplayfield display becomes integral and essential to the game that is Heighway Alien.

I did find it non essential initially... before I knew how to play the game properly, learned what its about a few hundred games later... now realiae the game doesn't work fully without it. So I get that alot of people don't appear to comprehend its reason.

Deleting the PF screen would be a really bad decision for them, and lessen the games value way more than what the playfield display would actually cost. If a screen needs to be deleted the most sensible to get rid of is the expensive underutilised backbox display (which is really just for spectators, low res on high def display too?). The graphics look great, and apropriately sized, on the little playfield display because the graphics were designed For the 10" display and Not the backbox display which was optional.

Actually, the backbox display doesn't really need to be bigger than about 17" or so, realistically. That would be a big saving in and of itself.

What's this third machine? ... I thought there was just Full Throttle and Alien?

Probably part of the repurposed industry equipment... disabled or delete for the pinball application.

Although, there is a "topper 2" output, isn't there?

What does that do? .... when active? or never?

Correct

It sounded more like it was simply beyond thier budget... I recall a comment along the lines of "Ripley Was available" but that they chose not to include. Probably more money than it would have been worth, and the game doesn't seem to need those assets anyway.

It seems they blew her off, too pricey, not the other way around.

That first view with new magnet on the left was a view from bottom of plaifield. Reverso. Same exact position. Only the two magnets been shown so far (original Xeno and Chestburster, no 3rd magnet has been shown).

Same magnet, just from underside view. No 3rd magnet. Someone even put an under playfield photo alongside drawing, a couple of posts later, so people had some reference.

The way I read that, same second magnet, but had to be moved because of interfering with slide, and so second magnet could not any longer pull from the orbit. I seen nothing in that post that suggested a Thrid magnet, just that the second chest burster magnet could not go where they wanted it to so that it could divert from the orbit.

Code and boardset might be interesting, for original Alien owners. They did take on support for the original games.

Interesting to see what unfolds here, around cross compatibility.

Except losing the playfield ambush effect and hypersleep MB etc. ... removing the immersion becomes a big loss I rekon.

The game certainly changed Alot from where it began .....

alienOGlayout (resized).jpg

I gather this would be mostly AH/HP original ideas. Changed for the better definitely, thanks to the input of a combination of experienced designers.

Also noting there, the game was designed and coded/integrated around a playfield screen from its very inception. One of its strong points.

It absolutely does indicate what the next scoop shot does, nothing if it's the closed door of course, but when lit it has the mode title written large with a bouncing down arrow above the scoop. What more could you want?

The only time it has the static door on there is when it is unlit in regular play, the rest of the time (when lit for mode, or during mode) it displays useful information, including time remaining in timed modes, and which weapon is in your hand (since this isn't on main screen while in modes). It certainly isn't wasteful with the current code, in fact it works very well imho.

Being difficult can be explained if they are planning on using it on the new version. Common code, using optionals (old/new rendition settings), could be a good outcome for All.

It may well be The Same Game, nothing about moving on to a new game. It is in their interest to support it, the coulpe of hundred that exist. They are not "competition". For what reason would they not want to support the OG version all of a sudden now?

They still signed up for support of existing games, responsibility. Cuts a crapton of work in developing to keep the OS and code as well (just fix USB, rest is okay), and also fulfils obligation of support they apparently signed up to for the original games.

Still been finding bugs in 1.4, I wouldn't call it finished.

Keep it!

No PF Screen!

Pretty sure this is a new bug I encountered just tonight, Jaw looping "Scream" at game end...

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/alien-pinball-official-game-thread/page/561#post-5999969

There is a fair list been brewing though ... Tounge halt, and Start button doesn't light are two others I know of offhand.

20201209_225842 (resized).jpg

bc26697427722d661172e4baac37f94b002eca2a.jpeg (resized).jpg

Plenty of changes under the apron, probably a good thing...

Yes old vs new. That is an OG Heighway playfield. New is pictured in the quote.

Point is I'm looking at beneath the apron area. We know the screen is gone already as pictured up the page a bit.

It is very recent I just snapped it

Spare playfield

I think that's what I meant by "beneath the apron area".... and yes!

The actual point of my post way back there got distracted by an old screen hole

Also big trough cutout, so probably not such a deep trough. All good things. Hopefully a decent Apron setup too, it needed that.

So what part is that?

.... Wait til after that, when you see the apron lift up a little bit!

..... I'd much rather wait til we get the Full Flash, Under the Apron, Legs, and Everything .... now just expose All!!! ... Get Into it! .

I kinda wondered why it was that Back Alley Creations would come out with a variant of the pop bumper egg which is open, but matches the standard all closed egg tops. A new mold, to sell 50-100?. Well after the bust. The original eggs are from the same maker afaik, both available. I'd say we will see pop bumpers with a mix of closed and open pop bumper eggs.

Ahh so it is possibly a diverter or gate to allow hypersleep to feed habitrail and hold balls.

Someone in Europe.

In ditching the screen they've made it a gutted out stern Pro, 7k max for the no screens option, one would certainly expect. No central screen and no big screen either, no way 10k is justifiable. Atmosphere is gone to boot.

I know right, I suppose I'm saying this thing isn't looking like it's going to be any kind of great value at all imho (if it comes to anything near 10k). Could have retained a well integrated relatively low cost display, and gained value way more than it's actual cost.

Without the screen... people whom haven't played the game 50 rounds have no concept of what is being taken from the game by removing a screen that at the end of the day saves relatively little $ yet takes away the whole core and atmosphere of the game.

Was a certainly a unique high end game originally, however the VE is looking clearly like it is not going to be. It's just shaping up to be "Alien Pro". ... and probably for 12.5k

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/alien-pinball-official-game-thread/page/561#post-6010783

The only way I see anyone not getting the screen is if they have not been really into the game properly and played current code on a decent copy of the game... fair too that there is very little good gameplay video of the reliable games on updated code either. No screen would have been a deal braker for me, if I wasn't already in Alienland. Especially if jacked up price too.

So you missed something or just not that into Alien theme?. Someting else? . There would be some reason I guess?

For me I actually don't like the look of the inserts art either, as well on top, it essentially looks really tacky to me. Just a major cut down of the full game removing the core. Replacing with rainbow colours.

PB setting themselves up for a fail it looks like to me, but maybe I'm wrong and alot of Alien lovers aren't so fussed about theme integration and atmosphere....

Totally agree. This is not a comedy title. Thank jebus for that too, because prior to Alien and others like Spooky games there were basically no thriller themes that weren't ruined by laying on too thick with simple toilet humor or whatever... A laugh's great, but lame jokes just wind up annoying after enough years.

Looks like lit weapon standups there?. ... so white instead of green? (see the light dot same as Xeno standups)

Hopefully they switched to leafs, those SMD switches are so prone to failure.

The pics have been of something different since the earliest twittet pics some weeks ago.

I don't care... who's selling Lol

Just that poor potential remake buyers get a cut down version, missing an undeniably integral aspect. It is the visual aspect of integration and immersion that disapears without the playfield display so the game is definately less immersive without it, like it or not. More will be spewin' than not, to be sure. It is a dumb move to ditch its integration. Just stating the obvious, as unfortunate as it is for so many.

Could have been much much more demand than there will be now if no PF display option exists, for such small cost saving to the end buyer (if any). Would be unfortunate for alot of Alien people, but s#it happens I spose.

Now this Would make for a smart move!!

Although anywhere but centre of playfield loses the effect of visuals, info and scenes right in front of your eyes without looking away from the action. In the apron, might as well not bother and look up at the backbox like the olden days. Look away to focus on a tiny apron screen, or glance at big backbox screen. Same. It only belongs in one place to be useful, where it was designed for.

Some new Xeno targets would be great, if they have been upgraded to leaf switches. The SMD switches are absolutely hopeless.

Looks like some parts that will cross over, but also many that will not.

Until I played several hundred games I was the same as you. PF Screen is over reted. Thought that through two shows, and then a few dozen private games on my mates... then not until I had my own did I actually "get" it, seen what it does once you Use it. Hundreds of games in.

You never know if the grass is greener, unless you tried it.

The screen might not be something people "get" before they know the game well. Just an observation. But if people don't know what they're missing its a moot point, fair enough I guess.

New pinball whichever way, Good Job!

Playfields with display windows are still sitting stagnant at Mirco, after all. Question is how much updating would be required to upgrade the playfield to LE (PF display) if it turns out possible, and will the display assets remain the same enough so that the PF display would still work as intended in the new machines.

Common code or not will be the clincher. Either two different code builds for each version, or the same code build for both with option settings to suit which physical game version it is applied to. The later would seem to be the most sensible and cost effective, keeping one lot of code updated rather than two lots. Alot hinges on whether the code is shared between versions or not.

No doubt this will happen somewhere Lol ... and so emphasise how Most would Really Want the Playfield Display instead of the gutted out version... Mirco may soon become sold out of their never to be made again Heighway Alien Playfield stocks ....

Playfield screen was designed for there, then mirrored what was meant for a 10 inch display to the backbox, not the other way around.

I wonder how many assuming the display is pointless have actually played through Hypersleep Multiball? ... the PF display is what makes that mode so audio visually awesome.

By code differences, I mean support for differences to be activated/deactivated depending on game version. Such as Chestburster magnet (would be disabled for an original game) ... and insert layout/existence (for weapons, new lit standups, and guns. Active or not depending if there is a display, OG or Remake) ... also other things. This concept also would allow for an LE remake with a screen, as well as support updates for the OG Alien. All with the one lot of code.

Would depend on how much the old hardware differs from the new, it is a good system save for the USB and lack of cabinet cooling/airflow cooking everything. Code obviously would need to work on the old hardware as well as the new board-set for common code. Not likely perhaps because it might be restrictive and hard, but yet feasible to save a mountain of re-working All the code, or porting.

Maybe 2 or 3 versions of code that can run on both/either hardware systems, even.

We will soon see I guess. It will certainly be interesting!

I never said "everyone". If you read more carfuly and objectively I state "most".

Most people saying it is meaningles probably haven't played more that 100 games either I suspect, but of course there will always be the few whom just hate the playfield display no matter what. Fair enough, I'll wager they are a slim minority though.

I don't know anyone whom has played more than 100 games of Alien whom does not see the PF display as central to the immersion and integration. What is Audio Visual without the immersive Visual? .... A. Just Audio.

I don't notice any detractors that seem to have played more than a few dozen games at a show or whatever. With a few dozen games played there is no way anyone has seen more than about a quarter of the ways the display is utilised in amazing ways. Nor yet graspes the meaning of the variety of video effects that come into play for many of the deeper modes.

Of course still some will hate even after fully exploring the game, but still the majority would see the purpose and consider it integral, since it actually is. Plenty is lost without the display right there. That's all.

Yes indeed, I get that. Yes it will be exciting, and a great game still even without the display.

As long as they don't try to charge as though the display didn't get pulled. Changing the cabinet to a more basic design will be one of the biggest cost savigs. My persistence is just about the significance of the display to the theme integration, and people claiming it added nothing.

I mean, more is lost from the game than what the display would cost. Value. It was good value. Imho. The cabinet kinda wasn't.

I like the cabinet, it's very cool. But unlike the display, the cabinet does not warrant it's cost. Lose the cabinet but keep display, full game retained, cabinet doesn't matter for Gameplay immersion, but the display does.

I rekon that if it had the display it would justify way more $ on the Machine Selling Price, than what including the display Costs the manufacturer.

Reverse all of that for the cabinet.

Yes it is a perception thing. Different strokes. Subjective. What value on "stuff". Everybody different.

We're still in the "Chicago Gaming" section .... what point does it get to before the game can be in an appropriate section?, I don't know... "Pinball Brothers" section? ... or "New Pinball" section?

It was a speculation thread to start with that has now turned out to be wrong, and so is not in the right forum category at all, for what it's become. I think we know enough to fix it now don't we.

Exactly. Leveling the lens only requires simple accurate engineering solution. Heighway method was not good, but they even kinda sorted that slapstick setup by the end. Bad engineering, like with much of the underlying cabinet characteristics, was an issue. A playfield protector solves everything, but I understand some will not want a game which includes a playfield protector as a requirement either. Not hard to make flush installation foolproof either, just requires applying some intelligent thought.

PB on the LV in the interview (2:08) the exact words are "From a gameplay point of view it won't change the playfield" .... does not exclude adding back in the playfield display since it does not affect layout or gameplay. Considering their words carefully, seems the word choice was careful not to suggest the playfield display was definitely in nor out..

If I really was hoping for the playfield display to be in an LV PB Alien and wanted to give my feedback on the issue, I'd probably be contacting PB so that they know what I think about it.

https://www.pinballbrothers.com/contact/

However I'm not in the market for a new game myself, so not really for me to contact them about it.

To me it suggested the playfield display is undoubtedly one of the features still under consideration. The fact they deliberately worded Around counting it out, means if enough are asking for it then they would probably Keep it in their LV plans. Why? ... because they can.

None of their words suggested no PF display for the LV. My take from several listens in detail is that it is likely to have the playfield screen if LV potential buyers are screaming for it. Not set in stone at this stage, but to me the suggestion is that their LV plan currently includes EVERYTHING and MORE than they can have.

2:09:00 "from a Gameplay point of view it won't change the playfield!" . Emphasising the narrow point of view for the statment.

2:09:50 *Everything is on the table and more than realistically possible, is on the LV extra features list, for consideration* . So to me PF Lcd is certainly one of the things on the consideration list for the LV. Just depends on what feedback they get about it, I rekon.

Remembering as well, it is called Promotion! ... Talking PF Screens Right Now is Not promoting their current product, so natural to be talking up the model without a screen! .... and just Ignoring undecided details of the LV for the time being.

This Alien is the "Pro" Model, it has what it needs... the operators preference I would think. It is good and they should be talking up no screen, and how well inserts still work for functionality!

Fair too to be sort of Glossing Over the fact that when Sentry Guns is active, shooting the spinner causes (instead of two flashing inserts) display domination of the playfield fullscreen, animation of Sentry Guns, Flashing and Firing!!! . Tuned with the sounds. Can Not Miss It In Your Face!

Can we tell yet if "Vent 2" got any ball guide profile update so that it can actually be made?

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/alien-pinball-official-game-thread/page/561#post-5998629

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/alien-pinball-official-game-thread/page/561#post-5999489

I ain't dreaming. Nor am I really fussed at all. I am however interested, and relaying the fact of what was said, word specific and within their own context. Lost on some perhaps I don't know. Also that the entire point of the interview is to Not promote PF screens for this particular versions release, and Specifically avoid anyone getting hyped at the possibility. Of course they do not want Everyone holding off for the LE once they realise display could happen, which almost everyone would want once realising what it's about. The excuse put forward is just that by PB, it is a non issue as posted by so many, and simply a good believable reason they can put forward that aligns with their "Pro" mission, which they also outlined. Most of the assumptions you made there are a bit misguided and do not match what was actually talked about. Think more objectively, listen harder, Imho. Lol

If they threw it out forever they would have said it in plain words no doubt, which they did not. The earlier mention to forgetting the screen and why was of course in direct reference and context to getting out this Pro version they are releasing currently. Hearing words is fine, but if you only listen to half the words you will only get half the story.

The screen will be in if enough are petitioning for it. Simple as that mate.

Two NIB I dealt with here had no serious issues just the plastic gear servo to sort out. 2 from 2 .... sorry small sample size I know

I got myself a used one that needed a bit of TLC, I think it is a bit earlier one where upgrades were attempted (SE065)... sweet now tho!!

Didn't they say a rate of 200 per month?

I would think they would number each LV from 1 - 500. The "pro" having it's own set of build numbers we should hope.

LV-426 would Certainly be a part of what is on the radar .... But not just that, also a Pro426.

Well it is an Italian manufacturing company with manufacturing experience, details begin from after 2hrs14min.

The manufacturing mob have been working on/with actual parts since October and the initial batch for setting up their line is in production now (by Italian company). Taking "2-3 months from now to kind of get up to speed ... after that hoping for 100 plus a month" (so already part of the way to there by now as well).

"They have Large Factories" .... "They say they can ramp up to actually whatever numbers we want in the first year or so"

First games at cointaker beginning of January 2021, sealed containers straight to CT... and sounds like plenty of upscale capacity for production after QC is established.

This game seems like Great value!!! ... the display missing is fine at this price point.

It looks like there could be alot of them .... second wave..... ALIEN INVASION!!!

*new film

Gameplay/Layout/Rules/Shots are great!!. My opinion.

And set to get better ...

On the display "issues". This was specifically with reference to getting the first version out the door. A good "reason" (read excuse). Not having it in the launch version simply eliminates a perceived possible risk. They are playing extra safe to start up, that's all.

This was from our recent meet... new player to the game.

This was beforehand off the cuff... still had Xeno sticking the vid was from before sorting that. Was just sticky old grease from assembly gone gummy, stripped and cleaned after this, no worries now clean with dry lube instead. This particular vid shows alot of modes though including completing tunnel hunt, and Hypersleep multiball, twice...

This one also may capture the audio atmosphere better

My geared beacons are totally silent, but 24v motors.

That's the ammo clip for Sentry Guns, shoot off one on each orbit. Shots add ammo, Sentry Guns Multiball qualifies after 1000 rounds are built up. Only multiball that is stackable, but it can only stack by starting it during another MB. See vids above.

Second video has the better mic pickup... and more modes ... shaky video at start.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/is-cgc-going-to-manufacture-alien-pinball/page/37#post-6025228

My geared beacons came silent without rubber insulators. Depends which ones you get maybe.

Nope if you watch the vids, the sentry guns when it is made the entire screen does the flashing instead of a little insert. No Sentry Gun "magazine bars" for the display version... when you have a PF screen the actual detailed ammo count number/progress is in the large boxes as an actual number, main playfield display, upper right quadrant. Using inserts the effect is still present but much reduced in detail. Maybe easier to see progress if you do not know where to look, but that is all that could be an "improvement" for insert sentry guns.

Those white insert stacks (ammo clip for the sentry guns) are just worth 200 rounds per square, unmissable, but without showing the exact detailed count.

I don't think that will happen. The screen going wouldn't be anywhere near as rough if what filled the space matched the theme and didn't contrast or clash so much with virtually every other area of the game. The Sentry Guns on the playfield should be coloured in, differentiating them from the completely unrelated 5 "weapons" inserts.

That is the too much white, the Sentry Guns themselves. Just the white bar magazine stacks on their own would have been okay. The way it is might make the player assume "Sentry Guns" is another one of the weapons you use as well, when it is not.

The inserts will stay clear, but they would be RGB lit. Can only hope some of the white might get filled in somehow.

Sentry guns ammo progress is shown on the main playfield default display graphic, and you know you start it because the black and yellow "SAFE" to "ARMED" switchover fills the whole playfield screen...

The idea is to burn out all the ammo at the orbits, then reload at Xeno and Scoop. Go again, as long as the MB lasts for you.

Display based digital counter in the movies, just as is shown on the playfield display.

The playfield display was definately a significant part of the theme integration and using assets well... boldly, in your face.

I recommend the longer vid, it does show alot.

Hypersleep Multiball is one of my favorite modes.

The manufacturer.

Looking away, may as well not bother, or just sticking with the backbox is no different than on the apron. Ie. Away from the play area or out of normal playing view, and also way too small for the video effects to have any significant meaning. Not in your face anymore.

Imho. Apron display completely pointless for replacing anything that the PF display does in Alien here. Simply way too small now mostly, but also very inconvenient position which is as much of a setback as in the backbox. Complete waste of time.

Better off with 27" in the backbox so you get some flashing in the peripheral vision at least that isn't microscopic to try see.

They actually said Pedretti is currently manufacturing the first batch, ie. in progress Now, cointaker early January.

Pedretti had alien parts in-hand to set up for production quite some time ago, early in October! ... also stated.

Also remembering this is a widebody, the backbox appears to be only slightly narrower than WPC, maybe a tad taller, so perhaps closer to DE/SEGA size BB. Most games these days are standard width (aside from some JJP), so perhaps not used to seeing widebodies anymore.

I don't think that is a rendered pic. They would be mad to have not assembled and tested a few copies.

Also why would they got to the extreme lengths of creating such an effort hungry and detailed render when they can just take a pic?

If it is a render it is definitely no 5 minute job, with fingerprints and debris or whatnot on the apron, and some other giveaways. I seriously doubt the image comes from anything other than an actual camera.

What is "Turret MB"?? ... do you maybe mean Sentry Guns?

The code is pretty good now, but still far from complete or bug free I'd say. It seems pretty obvious now at this point there will be more updates for Heighway Alien and Full Throttle.

I haven't noticed anything missing per say.

An example of bugs is the "Player 1" video animation running when it is player 3 turn. You know it is player 3 turn because of the score displays though. I have it on video. Also had the jaw stuck in a scream loop through to attract mode, until reset in the portal/menu. I think this was from an instant ball drain which rebounded from a Xeno hit that made "Two Xenomorphs to go" (which calls to the jaw for "scream").

I can start jotting down things I find onto a list for Alien. The game is onsite at the mo. Some stuff will get missed (due to public players) but also play will vary a bit which might help expose undiscovered less common stuff (like the multiplayer video bug).

Is there debug or log info produced by the code, that can be accessed or downloaded from the game? ... or will this only happen by running in some sort of "debug mode"?

I will bring the game back to the workshop soon, it will be easier there to identify and record bugs. ... plus we get to test (play) more !

I'm sure there would also be a FT owner or two about somewhere willing to record reproduceable bugs for that one.

Cheers!

You've never seen the Xeno Jaw go into an endless scream loop at drain, straight after 3rd last Xeno hit?

Does this reproduce on your game?

I'm gonna have a crack at reproducing it this evening when I get back from work.

We will see. I believe the new firmware would have been redesigned in a way that the original code would run on it, why change for no reason and port or alter every bit of code? ... that makes no sense to me.

The interview only suggests code changes for physical playfield updates such as the chestburster, varying inserts and lit standups, and hypersleep locks. Meaning it has likely Not been changed for suiting different architecture. They only said Boards have been split up and made smaller for servicability. Also the LED and switches are SMD on the boards so no sockets.

Would not make sense to change the code for the same game, not at all really.

Also there is this:

2020-12-24-00-21-16.png

Which basically spells out that PB is supporting Heighway products. Same as for the last couple of years. I think non Alien owners might have missed that bulletin at tge time Heighway was collapsing.

So yeah, there's that too.

LOL ! ... Yes!!

The tongue jaw mod would be a much easier thing if the recess in the nylon block was machined out to a squarer profile rather than the restrictive full radius arch that it currently has. Then the tongue jaw could be a simple bolt on mod!. Or better PB could Add that too!! ? @PinballBrothers

Sort of...

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/alien-pinball-official-game-thread/page/562#post-6016076

PB need to modify the nylon body. I had to take some out of it so there was room on the top half of the recess. No compromise on strength or substance, just would be one step more involved machining operation.

I haven't the capacity to make alot of these at all really, but anyone is welcome to take the idea and run with it. Problem with me making them also is that I machined out my head block in order for it to fit (not severely, just squared up the arch radius they have in there).

Also the jaw here has had Significant alteration to the servo arrangement to get full jaw operation*

Nothing that couldn't be implemented with minor changes.

Includes a "servo saver" link, to guard against electronic or mechanical damage When there might be a switch failure or whatever (tongue can remain out while jaw tries to close). Also a counterweight because that thing is Heavy!

I implemented all this, as when I got my used Alien, the jaw was jammed against the standups and the servo controller board was blown. I didn't want it happening again.

I'd be happy for any/all of these concepts to be adopted into an LV

Feasibly it would probably be some kind of plastic, but if they wanted to go to town for the LV they would fabricate from malleable 316 SS as I did, Polished!

Using the bespoke by hand method I did though would not be effective or feasible to make 500 metal jaws either. It would become 4 laser cut components, one small basic press die, then form teeth to shape, TIG weld, add grub screw, polish/finish. I electro-polished mine to finish, as they do with their new ramps etc.

The head needs modification to fit it... causes a dillema with that.

It could maybe become much smaller and fit without mods to the head, but I like the way the proportion came out, vs the ball and the head. Couldn't be happier. Make it small enough to fit and I think you would lose its presence.

Yeah there will be some, how much is the question. You'd have to read a variety of past posts back in the relevant threads before you would "see".

Beside anything else, why would one be asked about compiling details of HW Alien known bugs in current 1.4?? ... a bug report.

I think you'll find it is the same (updated) head they have been selling for more than a year now, which is the same (I bought one recently). I wouldn't expect any change unless they *could* do something for this LV.

I think Alien will have common code to at least some degree, just because other ways make little economic sense (considering what they say their goal is).

Like +6months ago when new electropolished alien ramps hit the Freeplay store (among a bunch of other curious stuff popping up on mass)... you could tell what was going on.

Now it is the same suspect stuff with the code. Never fear we will find out how it really goes down in due time. They are into supporting OG customers though, I think you can be sure enough of that.

Ok Lol

They did not say that, in essence.

It is the same game, would be the more accurate take... with about 4-5 updates to various hardware.

They aren't stern. Although what I am suggesting would be more like that. Separate Code versions would function to a degree on either or machine, but not given the unique feature differences. Either that or simple disable/enable settings for OG aliens. I'll wager they have not updated/changed the code much at all, aside from bugs fixes, and the new playfield hardware features. Oh and adding "Pinball Brothers" animations to the attract mode

The hardware would be intelligent to design so that it can run existing code, then updated. Makes sense economically.

This one is the Pro, the operators model. Look at the price! ... operators stand to make a killing!

LV will have PF screen

You're taking that out of context imho. They are referencing using the BOARDS in an original alien, not happening! . I can agree with that.

People are counting out alot that was Not actually counted out, by assuming and reading between the lines. I've listened more than 5 times through, analysing the specified words and sentences. Also remember "english is my 5th language" perspective. Lol

Have you listened carefully without preconceived notions? ... lets just say first couple of run through I was getting the same impression that you are. But I decided to take and objective and critical view subsequently... and no if anything they suggest minimal changes to code. Big changes to hardware (mostly just many little boards instead of three big ones.

Well I think this is kinda more like what I'm seeing... but remember, I don't think the hardware/firmware has actually changed that dramatically, to Avoid big code alterations top to bottom. The hardware was fine except the USB and the IO protection, solid when both are sorted. I think all they done for hardware is solve those issues, and create the new hardware so that it is code compatible .... instead of doing both Hardware And Software from scratch. It is surely more doable to rehash one than both.

Remember as well, there is already planned a new revision of the IO boards for OG Alien, I think you'll find this could tie in to some of what I am speculating.

Of course whatever way, Alien and FT will be some time after PB Aliens are well and truely out there.

Can still buy them right now

In fact the FT owners have code that only runs on the "utilux" presently... they would like to upgrade to the current PC, but I think that requires more code work than we're talking about between Aliens. I think PB are gonna do it though. Well, FT owners can only hope.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/alien-pinball-official-game-thread/page/562#post-6019450

Current orders. It's a strong PC, and not expensive. Asus.

Everyone including myself just ordering direct from manufacturer. But FT can't use them due to code.

There isn't limited stock. They don't get mor in anymor because everyone just getting them direct. It is not because they are discontinued or anything. They'll be available for a bit yet, not a very old line, fairly recent actually. Cutting edge at the time they switched to them from the underpowered system on a chip.

They already stated contrary to your theory. Hardware platform a complete rework of the same thing, just for comms and servicability.

OS is linux but not Ubuntu afaik.

It's an AMD A10 Quad core "gaming computer". Industrial.