Do we know how long they are running production? My hopes are they are learning from issues and later build date models should come with all of the known common issues resolved.

Any idea how long PB will be producing this game?

Any idea if production of Alien is ending with the release of Queen? After seeing the price point of TNA 2.0, and the leaked images of 007, I think Alien is still the best NIB deal out there.

How long after ordering were you invoiced in full?

Looking forward to seeing more high def pictures of the Ripley edition from Expo. At this price with the all the updates included (minus topper and shaker), I’m very tempted. Have room for one more. Have a PF on order but looking like that won’t be shipping for…who knows? Might pull the trigger and figure it out when the time comes that PF starts shipping.

If this price is limited, how long until it jumps?

Also very surprised to see only 300 toppers. Will that be a 24hr sellout? Glad I’m not into them. They can be cool but not near worth the price they command (to me). Would love to see a video of it inaction though.

How are you seeing that from the promo pic? What they've released so far is horrible quality, and I feel hard to make a full judgement on the art package.

I'm hoping so, really need better pictures of the art than the flyer.

Thank you! I had not realized the art on the left side was different. The whole package looks fantastic. Finally a quality pic to see the colors pop on the backglass. Might be time to ping the distributor...

Is the mini beacon kit being discussed included with the RE version?

Electric Bat is the pinball mecca in that state, but per Pinmap they do not have it currently. Uncle Bear’s brewery in Gilbert says they have one. I’d call them to confirm if you’re traveling far.

I can’t wait to go to EB again in a few weeks when I go out to visit family.

Red_Devils thoughts on adding RE edition to the poll?

Are the OEM, low profile style, topper beacons what will be available direct from PB? Does anyone have some they want to sell because they replaced theirs? I prefer this look.

Everyone who seems to hate the OEM beacons sell or replace theirs? I prefer that look, and am willing to buy them. Thanks!

We ever get an answer on two stage flippers being in RE?

Very interested to see what you do with Ripley! The dual layered back glasses for this title are the best I’ve ever seen for any machine.

I'm really confused how they could go from that style to this suspected new one.

The handdrawn style had to of taken so much more effort though. I'm guessing they did multiple iterations, would lead with one, and if rejected, go with their next choice.

I still don't believe it's not going to be the loader one.

We are creeping past mid-November. We still don’t know what the official artwork will be, and no one (here at least) has received any info on shipping ETA. Glad I did not pre-order.

FYI, my distributor said the current RE pricing is good until the end of the year. Anyone hear the same?

I will ask my distro. What did the initial SD pricing jump, 8k - 8.5k?

Awesome to see them offering both translite options.

Someone want to ask PB when these start shipping I’m feeling that hopes of securing one to enjoy on Christmas break are dashing.

Awesome! Only makes sense for code drop to align with shipment. Really impressed that this update is going to include 33 new cut scenes. That seems massive.

Curious on everyone’s thoughts of Ripley on the left side of back box? That’s a new reveal from what we saw at announcement.

I’m more excited about Jonesy. Sigourney never did anything for me. She is absolutely the face of the franchise though, and when you see her you think Alien.

I was surprised by the addition of that decal but I think I’ll like it.

On Facebook I saw a comment from PB that side the side blades on the RE are similar to the LV but not lit.

Yes, but only sometimes? Here’s an odd response from PB.

IMG_3411 (resized).jpeg

Yet this is the first time I’ve seen an answer for it. Maybe that is because initially I didn’t even consider it being a possibility of not being included, so I didn’t think to look for that specific detail. From a technical stance, it makes sense why the audio may be muted at times.

I mainly thought it was odd because of the “why would it even be relevant” part.

My preferred distributor was on that list. Had a bit of FOMO bite me and reached out to them and was able to secure one. Looks like I'll be officially in the club soon. Time to order the shaker and the beacon lights.

So, how long does the trip from Italy take? Is it possible these will be landing in homes in 2 weeks? Assuming 1 week to the states then a week from the distributor.

Not sure why but I was definitely thinking air when I said a week, knowing they do this by shipping container. Thanks for the insight.

My distro just confirmed this batch is indeed shipping via air

I believe the code will drop as soon as the first shipment leaves the building, which is nice as it will give us further insight on shipment timing. If it releases by the end of this week, I'll feel that there is the slightest possibility of flipping my RE with the family on Christmas.

Was looking through some PB comments on FB and they confirmed the audio for the "iconic line from the loader bay" is included.

Edit: also just saw a comment from 11/26 where they said the code would drop "end of next week".

Can get the two RE translates direct from PB -
https://pbusasales.com/add-ons/alien/

I asked PB if the code release means that the RE models have shipped out and they confirmed.

I think I recall them saying they are coming updated. Given the 11/23 date on this code, that sounds correct.

Taken from PB Facebook post:

FAQ – Ripley 4.0
For Alien and Queen, you will find our support section on Freshdesk.
With all game updates and other downloads provided, and also the Support Ticket System.
The correct Update link is provided via Freshdesk only. If a link fails, we will provide alternatives (the demand was very high today).
With any update, please always carefully read the liner notes on the update page.
They always state the Game Version and Firmware needed.
Current firmware is 0.71 – this is fine for Game Code 4.0The firmware 0.72 is in preparation and caters to add-ons like minibeacons and topper.Note that very new and large USB-Sticks may not work.
Best keep a stick that works handy for your updates. More detailed info on freshdesk.
We will keep all info updates central in this post.
–––––––––––––
SV – Standard Version
This version is being discontinued. Distributors or 2nd hand traders may still offer some.
https://www.pinballbrothers.com/AlienSV
LV – Limited Version
The only Limited Version (we have almost reached the limit of 1000 units). With ShakerMotor, Top Beacons, special Metal Side Trim and illuminated Sideblades.
https://www.pinballbrothers.com/AlienLV
RV – Ripley Version
Celebrating the Alien Franchise including Ellen Ripley on Cabinet, Translite and VideoClips.Game Version 4.0 with Ripley goes to all SV, LV, RV owners.
https://www.pinballbrothers.com/alien-ripley-version/
All orders in 2023 ship with both Helmet and LoaderBattle Translites
All Add-Ons, extra Translites etc. available directly via https://pbusasales.com
Check out this Facebook Group for all info and community assistance!
https://facebook.com/groups/679568609591140/

Yes to the decal questions, can see them all here - https://www.facebook.com/100054888708200/posts/pfbid02eEF6JYpEgatKyxv2td1XmfRZBX6nEA9woJwKHSaWYjQ5uZLUrqR3U8jwCHFdHFyWl/?app=fbl

They’ve said the art blades are similar to LV but not lit

PB posted about another shipment of RV's heading out yesterday. They included my distro in the list. Has me confused as they also included my distro in the list on 11/28, as well as a few others that were listed in this recent post. Contacted distro, they said it's in transit to them. Still not sure if that is from the shipment 2 weeks ago, or the one yesterday.

That would require me following the most negative person I've ever encountered on social media. I did for some time until I decided I did not need that level of negativity feed to me on a daily basis for a hobby I go to for bringing some joy to my life.

They said on FB that shipping update on those coming soon.

I ordered a shaker and the topper beacons 2 weeks ago and haven’t seen anything from them but my order confirmation. Shouldn’t those of been in stock and shipped by now?

5 weeks for the shaker? Bummer. Was hoping that if the top beacon kit was the hold up, I could ask them to ship the shaker separate so I could install on day one of receiving my RV. I think I am going to reach out and add the mini beacons as well. Might as well have it all (minus the topper, not into it personally).

So when the loadwr translite on the RV was first revealed, there was an ask about if the art shown on the display was updated to match. That was confirmed, I believe. Now I’m wondering if the same is true for the second translite that was revealed, the one with Ripley. Also, is that something you just change in the menu options?

Rejecting the delivery is the best thing to do I’ve heard.

Should be an easier process with it being from distributor. Definitely the only expectation to have. Sorry to see that happen.

My beacon topper lights and shaker that I ordered on 11.28 are set to arrive Monday. Wasn’t able to add mini beacons. Will prob order that next month. Really hope my RV arrives over the next 2 weeks.

This has me hyped.

I don't think they'll land by Christmas. Still holding out hope for before New Years.

My distro said the games are stateside and going through customs as of today.

It wasn't

These are more expensive than I thought they would be..

https://pbusasales.com/spare-parts/alien/playfield-parts/standup-targets/

4 of each size? Or is one more prone to failure than others?

What about that mod that puts the spacer between the banks of standups, I've seen people say that has resolved failure in those entirely.

Thanks for the feedback, will be ordering some after the game arrives.

I guess they aren't too bad. Still about 2.5x a standard stand-up.

This is what I'm hoping! Will have some time off work after Christmas, would love to spend it getting my new RV dialed in and exploring the code a lot more than I've been able to on location.

Wooo! Going to be a fun NYE w/ Ripley.

Got some good news on my RV today. Planning for delivery being tomorrow.

Ripley's home! Courtesy of Mad Pinball. Waiting for my wife to get home tonight to unbox and move into the game room.
IMG_3579 (resized).jpeg

No, those are extra for any model.

Looking at how PB packs their games is.. concerning. No moving blankets or thick padding? This is my first NIB so maybe that's normal across all manufacturers. Hoping mine is fine but am now considering how to protect it to get it through 2 tight doorways. Likely will plastic wrap it like I do with used games.

Will report back once its setup.

I couldn’t wait any longer to unbox. All seems fine but it’s still in the plastic. That is a nice thick mill, so I think I’ll just leave it in that and should be ok going through the doorways.

Got my machine safely in the gameroom and setup, haven’t played yet.

And found my key

Further updates to come!

Is the backbox just secured by the rear latch, or should I be putting this extra leg bolt I got somewhere in it?

There’s a latch on the outside in the back. I have an extra leg bolt. I assume that’s to really secure the backbox but I’m not seeing a hole for it anywhere. Obviously a first time PB owner here

Got a game in before having to call it a night. Will play a bunch more this weekend, but based on that game no issues so far.

Couple initial comments:
- I did receive the alternative translite. Was going to put it in but need to swap the lock out.

- It’s a pain to get the translite out of the backbox. I think my lock isn’t properly unlatching once popped out. Need to look at it further.

- The pictures of the new apron decal do not do it justice. Very nice looking with the textured metallic print. I think it’s worth the cost for SV and LV owners to add.

PB confirmed that yes, the latch is all that is used to secure the backbox.

Just installed my shaker as well. The instructions included weren't quite relevant for the RV version.

Some tips for others that are installing theirs:

I mounted mine behind the coinbox, in between the board and the PSU, instead of to the left of the coinbox as the instructions showed, as it would not fit there with the wiring harnesses that run on each side.

I had to plug the shaker into the middle open port on the board to get it to work, no other changes needed after that.

I was not able to get it fully snug, as they included carriage bolts to mount it. Carriage bolts work by having the square section right under the bolt head lock into something so they don't spin while you tighten the nuts. Since the bolt is going into just an open 7/32 hole, it spins when tightening down the nuts from the inside. I may swap them out, or add another washer or two. Did you get yours fully tightened down @pinball-cruiser?

Left did nothing and middle worked. I have beacons on order, but PB said they are 1-2 weeks out. Will be interesting if the left is what now works for those.

I just double checked and can confirm I did not have pre-marked drill spots on either side of my coinbox. Oh well, I think it's fine where I put it. I just went after the bolts again, for the ones being difficult I was able to use some channel locks from the bottom to snug them further. It's much better now, not 100% as snug as I'd like it, but very close.

I think mine is as it should be.

AlienRV (resized).jpg

At at least it’s not a gameplay affecting issue.

Does anyone know if the lock for the translite is something I can order from a 3rd party? I want to just put a new lock in the alt translite so I can easily swap them. I’ll probably contact PB USA about it.

Yep. Lucky I didn’t break it pulling the box off. I don’t want to swap locks back and forth, seems like a good chance to cause damage. Want to just get a new lock before installing.

IMG_3614 (resized).jpeg

I opened a ticket with PB (an hour ago), they replied and confirmed it’s not included but they are sending me a lock and key set next week for $15 shipped.

I agree it would be nice to have been included, but understand why it wasn’t. I’m not complaining about that cost.

Please report back how these perform for you. Their temp chart on the associated thread is very compelling. I like mods that add functionality like this.

Where did you order the plastic protector set from?

Also curious what the standard spots to add some mylar on this machine are. I’ve put it on the shooter lane and at the airlock scoop so far (after I waxed). Searching the thread it sounds like the magnet and inlane drops are also suggested. May look into a Cliffy for those. Anywhere else, like outlanes to protect ball trails?

Oh they’re colored ones, nice. Can you share a pic?

Looks fantastic, thanks for sharing with the multiple pf colors. I have my Alien next to my TNA currently, which has green plastic protectors. These would pair nice, adding to my shortlist of mods.

Just ordered a PINsmx mixer so I can hook Alien to the same Polk sub I have TNA hooked up to.

Just re-watched Alien but first time seeing Directors Cut in 4k. Watching that scene before the ship self destructs with the countdown playing in my ear from my surround has me ready to overpay for the mini beacon kit

Forgot about these, I got them too.

They came in the bag with the rest of the included parts (which by the way PB does NOT staple inside the cabinet )

I asked PB support if there’s anything additional to secure the backbox besides the latch, they said no. I have not found where these would go in there. Could you share a pic next time you are in there? I don’t trust just the latch. My wife likes to nudge

I have a question about Ambush MB. Are the 3 left side shots (mystery, orbit, ramp) supposed to always be lit red? I thought I recall when playing on location that was the case. I find on my machine sometimes nothing is lit red at all.

This is extremely helpful. Will be re-reading a few times as I play through it some. Thank you!

I tried to thread from the top and it wasn’t fitting. If it was from the bottom it would make lifting and raising the playfield difficult. I’ll try next time I have the glass off though.

I received my replacement lock/key set to keep permanently installed on the alt translite to make swapping easier. Here it is installed. Really liking the colorful look of this one. Fits in the rest of my lineup a bit better.

IMG_3666 (resized).jpeg

Mine isn’t backwards, I think it was wired wrong.

So, I was wrong. Mine are backwards too. I think I was the only outlier. I’m back to, is this a code issue?

Done. Will report back.

I’m using the one you currently have in right now but I will also probably swap them frequently. Definitely put Mylar at the inlanes where the ramps drop the ball. I also put in shooter. Going to get the magnet Mylar from PBL to protect those.

There’s some power settings you’ll want to adjust. Go back a few pages or search for a good write up someone did. Off the top of my head, I lowered the trough eject 10-15%, raised the upper right flipper by 20%, and raised all the pops (jets) by 10-15%.

Response from PB regarding reversed staged flippers:

“You can adjust the 4 metal flipper switch leaf tabs (2 for each flipper) inside the cabinet to contact in the opposite order as they are now to fix this currently. All you need to do is look at them, to see which 2 leaf tabs are contacting first. In your case, these 2 metal leaf tabs are for the upper flipper.

Once you see that, you can use (with the game powered off) a flat-head screwdriver to widen that gap and shorten the other 2 metal leaf tabs so that they contact first.

However, as we speak our software team is creating brand new settings in the menu that will allow you to adjust them to coincide with how your flipper switches may be triggering; with the option to reverse them. Hopefully that will be available with an update very soon.”

I’ll probably just wait for the code update. Messing with leaf switch gaps isn’t my favorite thing to do.

So, these do screw in from the underside. I got one in, but the fitting on the other kept coming out. Even with it out it seems like something within the hole wasn’t installed properly. I think I’ll just leave it with one.

Wonder if this was a new add to the RV model since PB didn’t even know there was a way to secure the backbox beyond the latch.

IMG_3676 (resized).jpeg

So its pure coincidence that there are two holes on either side of the backbox that these thread into? Could be. But also, if they are for transit, why did they come in a sealed bag with the rest of the included goodies? Or are you saying they are so I can use them if I am moving the machine again?

Got my external sub hooked up last night using a PINsmx, wow. Shakes the house. I will say the factory sub is pretty good in this. But a cranked external is a noticeable improvement to not just sound, but feel.

What do you all have the center magnet strength set to? It seemed like the ball grab right on my RE out of box was like 98%, but last night it was like 10%. Turned it up to 10% strength and not sure if it helped, but did notice the ball will occasionally get whipped into the airlock now when you hit the Xeno.

I don’t get why I’ve been waiting since November for just the beacon lights topper.

My balls game in the goodie box

My best so far is 98.

Physically activate them to test them? Can we not trust a switch test?

So the standups are what to physically check, even if they are still lighting up?

While on the subject of switches, why is no one else using the sensor type of switch that PB uses. Which results in them being all under the PF and not visible from above? Gives the game a very modern feel.

Those with an RE, how's your PF looking? Definitely seeing the dimples on mine. I searched here to see discussions of original buyers, seems to be expected and nothing outside of the norm of other major manufacturers. This is my first NIB so it's probably just more noticeable to me since all my other games are older and have been "smoothed out", that plus the darker color of the pf seems to make them stand out more when light hits them.

Thanks. I’ve gone down the rabbit hole before and knew it was normal, so wasn’t too concerned but wanted some Alien specific reassurance.

Will keep calm and continue playing the hell out of it

I got my shaker. Not my beacon lights topper.

I plan to soon order the mini beacon kit. Was just playing a Stern tonight with one or two of those mini beacon style lights. Really like them. The amount this kit adds should add an experience like no other pin.

None of the ones I’ve played on location locally stuck around. That’s one of the motivators in why I ended up buying one, no other way to play it!

No issues with my RE so far. Going on one month of ownership. Will have to check my total plays next time.

Is the airlock screen extremely underutilized, or am I still very new to the machine and not noticing all it offers?

Tracker would be 100% easier to see there. Also every other mode status tracking..why isn’t the APC count or the egg count shown on it?

How hard would it be for that display to just mirror what’s shown to track the status in each mode. (graphic wise, not video assets).

A mirror screen is a workaround I suppose, but I think the airlock screen is in a good spot and could be programmed to be more functional. What size screen are you using? I think a smaller one would look better.

In the video posted it looks like they go off based on various shots. If you hit the mystery scoop then the one closest to that shot goes off, if you hit the spinner than the one near that goes off. When the ball returns from left ramp, all the ones on the left go off. Same for the ones on the right. All based on where the ball is. That is really cool to me and adds a tiny bit of justification to the price.

I'm going to order it, but just bought some other dumb stuff so would rather not immediately. Safe to assume these kits will be on sale throughout the year while RE's are still in production?

It doesn’t update automatically. V4.1 is the newest. If it doesn’t say that during boot up you’ll need to update. Easy to do, PB support page has a how-to.

Put some Mylar under the ramp exits that drop into each inlane.

I just checked all my connectors were firm and went for it. Didn’t have any issues on my RE out of box. Is it a new build LV? Hopefully you’ll experience the same.

I ordered Mylar rings from PBL. Does anyone sell cliffys for magnet protectors? Cliff is like a year behind on orders I feel like.

Curious what the full set for Alien includes. Magnet, shooter lane, and airlock? Not sure what else there is.

Thanks. Didn’t consider mother too. I should probably get that.

I don't have much time on the old code, but I can't see how they did some of these modes without Ripley. Like Queen's Nest for instance. Her firing up that flamethrower is a must.

While on the subject, curious for those on 4.1 how they feel about the audio adjustments made? Supposedly they increased the volume on the Ripley clips. I think I noticed it in some, but definitely not all. It is still too low in Combat Drop, for example.

Thinking about opening a ticket to give my feedback if others agree, and if so, would suggest we get multiple open.

Abba

A distributor confidently told me that is what it’s going to be. Seems crazy, I know. Guess they’re looking to solely appeal to the Euro market? Hope he is wrong.

Received a surprise package from USPS today, my Beacon topper kit!

My wife and I did too. Just have only played it at shows (loud environment, usually rushed). Would love to get some quiet location time on it. Would be tempting at the right price, but I also don’t ever see them for sale.

Are you going to drill holes and screw yours down? Debating if I do that or just use some non-damaging 3M type of adhesive strip.

I saw a post on here where someone ran the cords through that top rear vents. Just snipped those a little and then fit the grommet in them.