Do you think AIQ is going to get another code update?

I am a new owner and after playing a bit I can think of a few wish-list code changes:

- Space Gem: I wish the Space Gem gave you an extra shot to hit on modes on whatever shot you placed it on. Currently i hate that i never want to get this gem until its the last one. I don't think it would be too unbalanced but it could have a limited # of shots during each mode if that was a concern.

- Thanos Attacks: I wish Thanos Attacks mode kept the gem stealing part but you were safe from draining like Soul Gem mode. When playing the mode it seems like the points aren't worth the danger, and I almost just want to trap up and let him have a gem.

- How many more times do i have to complete Thor?: I wish it was easier to see your current Thor multiball progression after the 1st one. I think it would be easier to see if you filled up partial letters and it always would give you a multi-ball when "Thor" was full. But on this one maybe i'm just not seeing it during play very well.

You guys have any wishlist items?

re: moving gems around, Agree.
At a certain level its probably useful but it isn't fun. It reminds me of the Star Wars multiplier shot manipulation. Such a weird option to add to a game that is supposed to be very flowy, and I think the Space Gem movement is not a very fun addition to this extremely flowy game. I just want to set it and forget it and currently i'm just trying to place it out of the way where i don't want to put another gem.

Having an option for this in the menu would be nice. Especially for new players who get crushed by that left outlane.

The disc is the most dangerous for my games as well.
Agree on Thanos Attacks should be enabled right away like the other modes.

re: Reality gem repeat.
That's a great idea. Until i get better at the black panther shot i might do that.

The Thanos Attacks change would make it a bit easier, but i thought the change would make a lot of newer players enjoy that mode a lot more and actually want to play it out (and who have vocally complained that the mode isn't fun for them and some of which who bailed on the game).

Sometimes changes aren't about difficulty. If people are always getting Space Gem last and lots of players aren't playing out Thanos Attacks (or even vocally bashing the game because of the mode) it doesn't hurt to take a look and tweak things a bit. shrug

I think mixing up the shots would be a great idea.

I probably shouldn't have even mentioned Thanos Attacks, really gets the talk about code changes derailed.

Does anyone have any other code wishlist items?

I still want a better Space Gem. Does anyone have any other good ideas for Space Gem to be a little more fun in play?

I wish we also had an additional wizard mode, something for the really good players to aspire to besides the Computer Frenzy. (Of course i don't have the topper which makes me feel like it needs another wizard mode).

And for my personal playstyle i hate that you have to switch gems around all the time. I wish they could be balanced around providing occasional benefits for each mode without having to switch gems all the time.

Ya, that would be sweet

You can see which gems you have currently collected on the back LCD (on the bottom). The unlit gems will show you which you have to collect still (i'm not sure if it notes which ones you've already failed).

You can also see the acquired Gems by looking at which Avengers shots have the "diamond" lit, i.e. if Black Widow's "diamond" insert is lit Blue then you have placed the Mind Gem on her.

Thanos's Gauntlet in the back right of the playfield will show which Gems you have failed and he has acquired.

Edit: Each gem has a few different collection methods but for the most part just hit the lit shots AND you will successfully complete the Gem quest.
And then you have to Collect the Gem at the right ramp (it will have a Collect Gem insert lit).

Here's a good breakdown of the gem quests (and the other rules as well):
http://tiltforums.com/t/avengers-infinity-quest-rulesheet/6740#heading--gemdetails

You probably had a Portal Lock enabled. If you combo enough shots, spin the disc to grab the portal lock, and then start the gem quest you will have a 2 or 3 ball multiball AND have a multiplier enabled for your gem quest.

Ya, my auto plunge is about 75% success rate.
I didn't really see many options to adjust the forks on first glance.
Curious how everyone fine tunes this.

Some quick questions regarding Capt. Marvel and gems...

How does Power gem compare on Capt. Marvel? Getting the perks faster and more binary shots worth it or Reality all the way?

I have the Pro and i heard that my Capt. Marvel multiplier doesn't go up? If that is the case should i go with Power?

Agree.

There's an indexed "Key Post" with some tips on this:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/official-avengers-infinity-quest-owners-thread-pinsiders-assemble/page/145#post-6332227

Also i've seen a post somewhere on how to rig up a plastic edge to keep the occasional ball from getting stuck under gauntlet.

I had a few node board messages and had to go reseat all the connectors.
I really didn't find any obvious loose connectors but reseating everything did work so apparently they have to be pretty tight.

I have a Pro model so i'm telling you the manual way to adjust it.
The Premium might have a software adjustment i don't know about.

Snip from Manual attached.

Underneath you can loosen the plastic locking nut and then screw in/out the shaft leveling bushings to raise or lower the height.
As far as correcting the disc being high on one side and dipping on another i think someone mentioned some tips in this thread but i forget where ...

AIQShaftAssembly (resized).png

This one is pretty useful but the one post i'm thinking of was if the shaft was slanted and out of alignment with the playfield.

Hmm, I assumed the balls would get magnetized by the tower.
Sweet, i'll switch to the shinier Ninja balls.

Gem Mode is no longer held hostage by the topper!
That is sweet!!! (and what it should have been...)

Love the increase to Gamma scoring. Gamma Ray is so visceral and satisfying when you rip that spinner but always felt like a bit of a letdown scoring wise compared to marvel binary or shield bonus.

Now i just wish we got to do them more often then just on hulk powerups, perhaps like Shield Bonus or Marvel ramps...

Yes, had the same experience with Gem mania and didn't even realize i started it during a multiball.
Saw a Gem Jackpot flash once but thought it was something else and then at the end of the game i got the Gem Mania achievement.

Glad i'm not the only one...

But it is a good reminder for me to hold up the left flipper when i'm shooting the Hulk shot so its safer regarding drains.

Damn, was hoping to get a score up on the stern leaderboard but looks like Awesome1 already has a good one up (~4B)

I think AIQ is a much better shooter than Godzilla, but i think Godzilla has done a better job than AIQ with its animations/callouts and having lots of stuff to do.
In Godzilla you have the option to do missions, tanks, bridges, powerlines, jet fighters, saucers, power ups, and allies.

Sometimes it feels like they didn't really polish the code side of AIQ as much as they should have.
But for me a good shooter is my highest priority so AIQ is my favorite.

You can also win a Gem back by defending all gems in the mode "Thanos Attacks" but you only see this mode if you retrieve the Soul Gem.

It is automatic when playing under your connected account.

They just retired the AIQ board and now have activated Deadpool but here it is:
https://insider.sternpinball.com/insider/events

SternPinball.com->Insider: Insider Connected->Stern Events

When it comes to flipper slip, i usually rough up the part of the shaft that is being tightened down on with some course sandpaper and that usually solves the issue for me.

edit: I assumed this machine was new but if you've played a few games on it you should also check that your plunger is moving smoothly through your coil sleeve. A dirty/old coil sleeve and mushroomed plunger tip will also cause a plunger to stick (usually up though).

That is a nice DIY idea

I've never gotten air balls from the posts, but i have gotten them from the Sanctum target back there.
If your sanctum target is causing air balls, like mine was, i would advise installing the anti-airball wedges this pinsider is selling:
https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1377-pinball-haven/05733-anti-airball-target-bracket-wedge

Yes GEM Mania (or other similar name), BUT in the new code WITH insider connected you can also play this mode which is started from a drop target reward.

Captain Marvel rejects are one of the main frustrations people have with the game (on the premium at least).
Sounds like a great upgrade.

I currently have the Pro version but this might make me upgrade to the Premium for the extra smooth flow the captain marvel shot brings (and without the frustrating rejects).

No, the movie code is a version back.
Movie code doesn't include the Gem Mania mode (for Insider Connected) and Thor MB and Gamma Ray score bonuses.

I would check that the coil sleeve is in good shape and replace if its worn.
And if the coil stop and plunger are mushroomed they might be grabbing in the sleeve as well and need to be replaced.

Hmm, I always assumed that this was a carrot to purchase Insider Connected but maybe the ability to track across games is why the code was just added to the insider connected version of the code and not to all versions.

I think the main issue with it not being higher rated is that a lot of people find the rules too confusing for them and the callouts and assets aren't the best.

I think the flow is second to none but do wish the code was deeper. I feel like this game didn't get the same treatment on code that Jurassic Park or Godzilla received.

You can also spot IRON letters from hitting the sanctum target when Spot IRON is lit.

Ah, that is a good catch.

I really wish we had a graphic on the screen which would ALWAYS show our current portal lock multiplier.
Its such a huge part of the scoring but given so little emphasis in the displays.

They do light up and keep track of your portal locks

Impressive integrating the switch as well!

ps. If you ever produce a shallower captain marvel ramp for the premium, i think it would sell and would really convert some of the haters of this pin

I don't think AIQ will ever get another code update but if it did i'd love to see...

Better callouts and animation
The spider and comic code really help with this, but i worry that stern is going to be putting out a lot more code updates in the future (ads) and it will be really hard to keep special code up to date. Also non-home users would appreciate better callouts as well.

Defeat Thanos is a little too easy compared to getting there and anti-climactic
Getting to Thanos was really hard but beating Thanos was actually easier for me than beating Thanos Attacks.
It was a bit of a let down when i was looking for a real challenge.

And if you have all gems it's even more anti-climactic: (ending from awesome)

I would rather the gems provide benefits while you are fighting thanos to turn an insanely hard fight to a more manageable fight.

Thanos Attacks should be more rewarding and have more variety in shots

• Since thanos attacks steals a gem it would be nice for it to be more lucrative. I think it should be a press your luck type mode for big rewards including points, avenger levels, computer awards, portal locks, etc.
• More variety in shots: instead of always a repeat of the same 3 shots, the shots should be similar to the shots you normally make in the mode or a horde like mode where the shots get "closer" until you are defeated.

Captain Marvel level up for Pro machines
The code should work the same for both the pro and premium so we can both level up captain marvel and add that extra layer of strategy.

More Gem Placement Flexibility and quality of life changes
A lot of gems don't really work well on certain avengers. It would be cool if they added some code to have more robust usage for each gem so they would be more applicable to more avengers and have more variety in strategies.

• time gem: it would be cool to extend shot timers for the relevant shot as well for shots like hulk gamma ray or capt marvel hurry up
• space gem: it would cool if you could also move shot locations for the mode. So if you have a hard time hitting the hulk shot or captain marvel shot you could use the space gem to switch the shot 1 spot over to black panther or black widow, etc.
• quality of life for drops: putting a gem on the drops should reset before each mode (with a lower benefit) so you don't have to bother with change gems to get benefits

Additional/Harder Soul Gem
Personally i feel Soul Gem mode is too safe and i would like the hard mode/or an additional harder soul gem mode where if you fail you lose your ball.
I'm probably in the minority on this one though...

Don't worry man, you'll get it!

The intro course (and based on my personal preference) from a so-so player

I put Mind Gem (spot shots) or Soul Gem (complete mode points) on Black Widow Ramp
Since Black Widow Ramp is the most common shot for me and the bonuses for either of these gems get awesome as black widow levels up (Mind gem spots more shots and Soul Gem gets more and more points if you complete a quest)

I put the Power Gem (level up avenger) on Black Panther
I do this to level up Black Panther (and keep him leveled) so that the combo shot timer is always lengthened which will make it easier to get combos and result in more portal locks.
A strong second option is to place on Captain Marvel to level her up or just to get more Captain Marvel hurry ups/awards.
The Pros switch the Power Gem around to each avenger they want to level up to get the avengers assemble! faster.

I put the Time Gem (increase timer) on the drops
I do this because i hit the drops often enough to increase the timers enough, and I want to use "real shots" on better gems.

I put the Reality Gem (2x points) on whichever shot i like to cash out the most
My favorite shot to make points on is the Captain America shot (shield bonus combo shot) so i usually put it there.
Other options include Captain Marvel for more valuable hurry ups or Hulk for better gamma ray scoring (and Space Gem mode scoring)

Space Gem
I usually place this in an out of the way spot since i don't use it much and usually get it at the end of the game

Better and more in depth thread
I think this thread might be a little too in depth but i remember it being pretty good:
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/avengers-for-dummies-complete-tutorial-stream-and-flashcards

awesome1 and @eaglepin. Edit: forgot vikingerik
They have also both posted some great gem strategies that are both good for basic and for advanced strats, but i wasn't able to find them with a quick search but they are in this thread somewhere...

That would have been really interesting. Bummed it was scrapped.
I can see how the "feels bad" could get a bit much when thanos has all the gems but they should have at least included the perks of having a gem during the battle intact.

Oh man, totally forgot about the current multiplier!
Definitely one of my biggest wishlist items, and has to be a pretty easy one to get done.

First, I assume you've adjusted the outlane adjustable posts to the smallest/closed position.

Second, i saved a lot more balls from the outlane when i started nudging the machine more to try to intercept the ball with the ledges above the outlanes.

Third, if you increase the steepness of the machine it tends to make the game a bit faster but generally you usually have less outlane drains.

- there are no ball save on the outlanes from what I can see?

Correct. Keith is tough

- a slow ball rolling from the right orbit will go STDM

(I'm assuming you have the premium)
You can handle this a few different ways.

First, you could make the pitch of the game a little steeper and or a little higher on the right to direct the ball a bit more.
You can play with it a bit to see what works for you.

Second, you could put a larger rubber on the post at the end of the orbit so it bounces away from the orbit a little more.

Third, when you notice it going a bit slow, you can start trying to nudge the ball off the side of the machine to help the post bounce it a bit farther than normal and "hop" the center drain.
Its an important skill that does take some work to master but a good skill to have.

- the disc gets stuck... The upper part of the disc often gets blocked with the wire form ramp, and I have to hit it to unblock it

I don't know too much about the premium model but i believe you can adjust some of the disc settings from the software menu. There is also an adjustment underneath the playfield to raise or lower the disc as well.

Hmm, i think that would probably work.
Or i think you could add a counter weight so the disc would rest at a different location which isn't quite so obstructive.

The new venom code starts using the action button to select the game modes instead of the double flipper operation.
I hope this style gets ported to the other stern games like AIQ as well because most players don't know about these modes.

Holy crap. Well done. I see some pinball tourney winnings in your future

Imo, its a lot faster and has better flow anyways

Manual Plunger
Definitely replace with a stronger spring, and I also had to tweak the plunger to line up correctly in the center of the ball.

Auto-Plunger
Mine is starting to perform poorly as well, but i notice that the coil stop is starting to rattle in there.
I need to replace another bad stern coil stop with a nice one from pinball life.

Lane Rattling
Check the transition from the shooter lane to the right orbit where there is a strip of unsupported thin steel.
This transition steel piece will often be deformed from the ball hitting it causing it to flare out and will cause the ball to rattle in the lane and not complete the path all the way around to the right flipper.

To fix this i've seen people put a thin shim behind this metal to provide proper support so it won't press in from the ball going around that transition.

I can't quite tell if that is a premium or a pro from the pic...

If its a premium its supposed to hit the post and bounce to the left flipper (similar to jurassic park premium) where its a pretty easy dead bounce if desired.

If its a pro then it feeds directly to the right flipper.

Sanctum Mod - so you can see the Extra Ball and Add-a-Ball lights better
Shooter lane protection

Ya, but there are other ones out there a bit cheaper that allow you to see the lights as well.
https://mezelmods.com/products/avengers-infinity-quest-pinball-sanctum-sanctorum-building

A few extra reasons for Power Gem placement choices that you can try out.

Power Gem on Black Panther
An additional reason for placement on Black Panther is that keeping a level 1 or higher Black Panther adds 3 seconds to the combo timer which makes it easier to get your combos and portal locks and makes the other gem modes easier (and more valuable).

NOT using Power Gem on Hulk if you don't like to shuffle gems
I don't like moving around my gems all the time, so I don't place Power on Hulk because once Hulk is level 2 then I don't ever get anymore Hulk Gamma Ray events which IMO are really fun.

Power Gem on Captain Marvel (for Pro)
I don't think this is necessarily optimal, but I tried this on the Pro and it was a lot of fun because you get so many extra Mystery awards and binary hurry ups.
I noticed that having those extra Mystery awards were really nice to have for the extra Add-a-Ball awards for multiballs, extra timed modes, and collecting avenger awards. Definitely something to try for fun sometime.

It has only happened to me twice but its definitely a known issue for people.

There's a plastic piece sold by mezel mods that blocks that spot:
https://mezelmods.com/products/avengers-infinity-quest-pinball-anti-stuck-ball

Also, some people have DIY'd their own solutions to this, but I couldn't find a link.

I think this is a recent change by stern.
Default NIB post position used to be closed but now the defaults have been moved to middle from the NIB machines i've seen.
But its possible this might be a designer preference.

This is one of those mods that does make scoring easier but its a lot of fun and really satisfying to get that disc ripping.
In some ways its similar to comparing some scores of spinner heavy scoring machines with super lubed spinners vs standard spinners.
I'd rather make the machine harder in other areas and keep the fun of ripping those spinners/discs.

Oh, I also like that it has a resting spot which solves my pet peeve of the disc where it's really hard to spin when the post is in the top position where i'm just clunking multiple shots off of the disc post to finally move the post into a spot where i can spin it from a bottom or upper flipper shot.

https://pinside.com/pinball/shops/shop/1341-precision-pinball-prod/05285-dr-strange-disc-mod-kit

Golden State Pinball Festival is coming up...

If you guys want to meet up for a AIQ lovers play session/contest, count me in.

Yes, i had it on my Pro.

Yes, but i do have to say that on mine it had a resting position in the lower left which made the sanctum shot hard from the bottom flippers.
Sometimes i would shoot the sanctum target from the upper flipper.
But you can play a little bit with the setup of the disc to see what works for you.

It was much less aggravating than the disc being in the topmost hard to move position