I'm doing the same haha

Finally - a video that actually shows the alien eat the ball. Never gets old for me.

Those ramps are the nicest I’ve seen on a new machine ever.

***joining in the other club thread to this. Website rules will be updated to reflect what just happened, which makes sense to me.***

So I received an update from Pinball Brothers regarding my question around hooking up the beacons. For those new, the OG LE came with them and other SE owners installed them as the code during certain modes will turn them on and they look great.

Rather disappointing but they said they haven't tested or discussed the beacons for the remake so they have no instructions. Personally, I'm not sure why that's the case and probably shows how short term these plans have been (focusing on getting standards first) but I still bought a pair on ebay assuming we'll have someone smarter than me figure out how to plug them into the remake as the code already has it built in.....

On a side note, I'm impressed that documentation has already been created for this game about how things hook up, hardware etc. Already a step ahead of the OG release. And those shiny ramps? Damn they have to be the nicest ramps I've ever seen in a pinball game.

Pumped

Guys - from my experience, these are the beacons that work perfect. They did on the OG and apparently were the stock used by HW pinball (although I can’t say for certain). What I can say for certain is that they worked on OG and hopefully they do here too

4 Colors Rotating Beacon Warning Light Lamp Spiral ABS 10W 12VDC-220VAC

ebay.com link: itm

Great to hear about the 4 arriving. Look forward to hearing and seeing more.

Yeah I was only going off of OG. That was 12. Hoping it’s the same.

Appreciate the feedback - keep it coming! So glad to see these games coming in. Mine can’t be far away. You know for sure I will be posting impressions especially how the new one compares to old. It will be fair no doubt from me! That’s an interesting point though on the lack of PF screen resulting in faster gameplay. I would believe it. There def was friction caused by the PF. Not saying I rather not have it but good observation.

Great video however that Xeno is still not working 100%. The first test it ate the ball as expected but the jaw should close, not remain open. The second time (at the end of the video) it ate the ball correctly (open for tongue, jaw closes after it eats it).

I must say it’s a little disappointing that this mech is not 100% out of the box considering it always had issues in the OG however from what I understand, yours was a very early/proto maybe and the ones coming out work well? Interested to hear how other owners experience it.

pballjunkie - let us know how yours reacts. Does the jaw close after it eats it. Looks odd with the mouth just stuck open during MB.

PF looks so smooth / like glass! I did see some odd dimpling by the xeno magnet, although might have been the glare. Appreciate the content.

Hell yes!

Very interesting. Thanks for the update. I wonder if it’s software or hardware related. To me it sounds like hardware.

TinyBlackDog - thanks for sharing! Hopefully your flood is taken care of. That’s no fun.

Any feedback on your xeno? Is it working well?

Congrats to PB and also Cointaker for delivering on this....again. Excited to see more.

I was thinking would mirror side blades work well on this game. It would pick up all of the lights and make it a little brighter too although I’m just not sure it fits aesthetically.

the chrome is starting to grow on me although I'm still prob powdering it. For the guys with their games - are those just general bally williams

yeah you're right. Damn. Yeah it will likely be powdered. I'm assuming it's standard bally williams parts on there (lockdown bar, side armor, etc)

Did you find ones that will work? I want to order as well. Thanks!

D'oh!

That's a good point.

Also I would like more art too and trade with no lollis.

Last I heard from Melissa, she was confirming with them the latest on where things were. Not the best answer but it feels like the next two weeks or so. We’ll see.

Nicest ramps I’ve seen on pinball - they should all look like that

deja vu from my OG delivery! Love tracking boats. Thanks OP.

little do they know that lunatic pinball collectors are tracking their boat every step of the way! Love it.

Well officially have my spot free’d up now for alien to arrive. Perfect timing. I believe this is the week it’s expected to dock right?

Edit - June 11th it looks like

https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/NAVIOS-INDIGO-IMO-9324875-MMSI-538003035

Any update/thoughts from owners about installing the Beacons?

I can confirm as well. Mine hasn’t been shipped bc of this either. I am local though so it’s really on me as I could drive and grab it. About 4 hrs away but work is just too busy right now. Hoping it still gets shipped on Friday or Monday.

As for the OG alien cabinet, I never thought it looked bad. The head is definitely weird but overall, it looks fine and the lit up side art on the outside is a nice touch.

random but does the game come with apron cards or no?

Never gets old to look at that. Amazing.

Without the original side art cutouts, we no longer need to worry about retrofitting art blades and EL wire in the new version. I’m expecting the side blade companies to offer those lit up side blades they have for other games in here for alien. Would be a match made in heaven. I’ve already emailed them as well. For now, I might put mirrors in it to see how that looks. The reflection might show off the light effects well. Then I can just remove them and put in cool side art when they become available.

I have no idea as I haven’t received mine yet but those are the nicest ramps I’ve ever seen in a pinball game. Damn they are sexy

As for the lock, keep us posted as I’m sure others might have a similar issue

I had the same issue with my first OG alien and the trough and it was due to be changing the balls out for shiny ones. Once I put the original balls back in, no trough issues. I never tried to figure out why….. but not surprised to hear it’s happening with PB version

Yeah mine must have been magnetized. Solution is not to change the balls it comes with

Mine was delivered today. As a former OG owner, I can already see a number of differences besides what is obvious.

Here’s the problem though - my Alien head says switch error and gets stuck trying to get the ball. Won’t even work right in first boot. Any owner experience this yet before I reach out to PB? I’ve tried calibrating like OG but no luck

Edit- seems like someone else experienced this as well

Edit 2 - it now comes out and goes in with no error but man the gears grind, mostly in test. Is that normal for pb? Update - seems like it is but you can adjust strength by turning the screw per Averell

Edit 3 works. Under tests run calibrate and then it fixed the error

Edit resolved

I’ll add another PB whoopsie on mine. My left flipper didn’t work! Looked under the hood and the wire was broken off. Maybe it happened during travel - who knows but I soldered it back on

For those skeptical, I can understand. We all went into this eyes open and expected some immediate challenges up front. Too tired to summarize but there are a number of nice additions I’m already appreciating - and that doesn’t include those shiny ramps! I’m sure there will be a few more gremlins and no doubt it’s frustrating opening a 8k game and your left flipper doesn’t work but this is also a crazy hobby.

Btw the open pop bumper egg that was sold separately by Matt at back alley creations for OG fits this one perfectly. Nice to have one of the eggs diff than the other two.

On a complete side note, go Canadians as those damn lightning beat the islanders tonight. No one cares about Tampa. Would have been one hell of a Stanley cup if it were NY vs Canadians

From my experience thus far, that’s what I’m seeing. Solder, tweaks that I need to do (alien gear) etc. I rather not but also not surprised. Comparatively speaking, happy with this purchase as you said - game has been brought back from the dead with a company who still picks up the phone and a fantastic price point (assuming you weren’t an OG owner expecting to only hold onto it as an investment). I expect drama / catastrophe pumping from those that don’t actually own it but what’s new. I’m excited to hear more impressions from owners of the PB version. I should be posting mine later.

well - I've been playing this game for about a week (dedicated) and I can confidently say that Pinball Brothers did it. We have a new more refined alien pinball machine for a fantastic price. For those that don't like to tinker at all with your machines however, be prepared to be frustrated upon unboxing. From my experience, I had multiple "issues" when I unboxed which I was able to resolve myself but I must state that they were there, and many others have experienced them too (NIB owners). Good news is that thus far, it was an initial group of challenges that were minor, no doubt and I have been playing trouble free since then.

See my impressions below. I've owned 3 OG aliens before and played this game a ton so I know what to expect. This game is still my absolute favorite and PB's updates makes it even better.

-Love that new backbox. Great art and the lighting is very nice. High quality for sure. Chrome trim is also very nice. Still not a huge fan of the silver around the cab itself but that's what powder is for. Art on the cab is nice too - not low quality at all.
- The game is def brighter. everywhere. Insert lights, by the flippers, Much brighter than OG however it's still dark and keeps that great vibe.
- Playfield quality is very nice. OG had a great PF too and it was nice to see this one come high quality too.
- The sound on OG was incredible and I'm happy to report it's equally represented here as well however you NEED an external sub. Big time diff when I added that.
- Flipper strength is good, however my OG felt stronger (even too strong). Not sure the flipper strength adjustments work well though on the current code. They should look into that
- Pop bumpers are much more effective than my OGs. They pop like old school williams. Huge upgrade from my experience. Also the open egg pop bumper works on this version
- LOVE the new magnet on the top right along with the additional scoop entrance (which leads to additional strategy when shooting) and the hard lock. These are all great additions.
- Playfield speed/feel is very good. OG was very good as well - feels just like it.
- Beacons (or lack there of) is a bummer. Very cool on OG and really needs to be figured out on how to hook up. Mine are ready! Also no side art is a bummer too but I'm sure those will be coming (and lit as well).
- Stand up targets feel great and appear to be more durable than OG.
- The screen on the head is very nice. Bigger than stern but not as big as JJP. Any smaller, it would have been bad but the current size is fine. The lack of PF screen was actually better than I thought too. It made me look at the main screen since it was no longer a redundant screen (ala OG). During alien mb it actually made me feel much more pressured b/c I had to occasionally look up to see the screen vs always having that in front of me. This led to having the feeling where in the movie they had to look at the actual bugs on the radar screen and then shoot just like I'm now doing in the pinball game (looking at the screen on the head unit and then back down to make my shots). Very cool.
- Absolutely hate the lockdown bar this game has. Prob the worse one I've ever used.
- I believe there is some new game over music too. Music on this pin in general is some of the best, if not the best in pinball.
- Underneath the playfield is absolutely stunning and streamlined. Great job PB.
- I've said this many times before, but nicest ramps in pinball ever. Gorgeous in person.
- Mylar your scoop and shooter asap!
- Apron is better than before - just needs something on the left side. I'm thinking a sticker or something along those lines.
- Material used on the sling shot bugs is stronger and more durable. I could tell by touching them. OG they would break apart. Nice to see that update made here.
- Xeno tongue works well however upon startup, the tongue comes out much slower and grinds. Doesn't happen during normal play though. OG it would boot up and act the same (as in normal gameplay).

Some fixes I applied to mine:

1) Both scoop and saucer needed to be adjusted. I ended up using some velcro tape and added it to both. The left saucer now kicks out very smooth to top left flipper where before it was a mess - didnt line up at all. The scoop was shooting too far to the left but the velcro trick helped resolve that as well. I just applied a piece underneath the scoop on the left side and its better. For the saucer I applied it against the left rail. See pics below. You can't see either from the players perspective.
2) Xeno had an error when I initially started up. I ended up resolving by going into the test menu and running calibration
3) Left flipper wire broke off - didn't work. Had to solder that back.
4) Ball trough - mine would get jammed (coil release would stick up) restricting the next ball from being released. I greased it a little and no more issues.
5) Turn around ramp - I had to bend mine down a little otherwise I was getting a ball stuck in there.

For this price in this insane market, this game is a steal. Will I sell mine for the collectors when that is released - hell yes. But that's b/c this game is my fav and I now know PB is not joking around. Happy to have alien back and happy to see many others will be able to enjoy this unbelievable game. Whether it's the OG (which is a great experience as well) or PBs, this game need to be experienced by the community. It's one of the best.
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Quick update is I downloaded and installed the new fw and the alien tongue during boot up is now normal (ala OG) - not slow and grinding like before. Nice!

Haven't had a chance to look at new posts on here but plan to catch-up tomorrow. It's 4th of july party time and about to enjoy some drinks. Alien tomorrow. Cheers.

Check my earlier pic. Not ideal (although you can’t see it) but Velcro sticky right on that left side plastic did exactly what you’re suggesting and the ball now rolls down to the left flipper. GL and great tutorial video btw!

Speaking of toppers, anyone hear about how to hook up the beacons as the software has their functionality built in. Its over my head on how to even do it on the new version

anyone resolve the random alien tongue issue where it doesn't fully extend during boot up (resulting in a stuck switch error)? I am able to resolve it after a test calibration or two but I didn't know if there was a silver bullet. Funny is that this happened on the OG too so maybe it's just the mech.

What exactly did you adjust? Anyone experience this and what did you adjust on the switch?

Thanks

Interested as well. I was thinking of doing the same including t mold replacement but I’m also planning on selling my standard once LE is announced so I might hold off for now….. although who knows when that is really going to happen.

Mine didn't come with a cliffy either. I put mylar on it for now as I don't like how they look. If it begins to get beat up, I'll cliffy it to cover.

So I figured out the switch issue on my Xeno which caused the stuck error. Switch needed to be bent down more. Now it works great - see pics for what my updated switch looks like in the event others are having the same issue. Shout out to PappyBoyington for the help.

Also Ridley figure added too. Hallmark ftw

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Where can you download 2.2a? I only see 2.2 on the help page

Considering stern will try and get 10k+ for their LEs (which is an absolute joke), I'm fine with this price. I always thought the 7777 for SV was the steal/buy of the year and happy with mine but it will be on the market as soon as I get the LV. For me, LV has to have the interior lit blades. Comparing the OG to PB, the new one hands down beats the old with all of it's additions EXCEPT the missing interior lit blades. Those need to happen. Screen I can live with or without which is prob the biggest surprise since owning the new PB version is how much I don't miss it. Beacons need to happen too although they will work with the SV (PB confirmed to me yesterday) and assume same with LV so no worries there.

Bring on the LV. New code btw, really fixes the magnet grab by xeno. OG had the same issue as well but this new FW grabs it better than I've seen on either version. No issues to report and I'm loving it. Alien pinball continues to be my fav pinball game out there.

On a side note, don't sleep on Dialed In. Game is legit.

Just be careful as pinstadiums in alien absolutely kill the atmosphere. I have them in many of my games but they don’t belong in alien

On FW D - no issues here either. The 7777 was a thank you to the early supporters (although I'll likely be selling this and getting the LE).

I did need to adjust the xeno tongue (perfect since) and add some more padding to the scoop and mother kick out along with resoldering the left flipper.

This - fixed in software as I experienced this too.

So I tried this with my previous OG Alien and it was just too bright. I ended up removing it.

Alien is one of those games you think you need more light but when you add it, you're like something doesn't feel right anymore!

Edit I figured it out

I can confirm that I experienced the bug where the ball doesn’t release from the scoop unless you press the flipper buttons…..

I added one to my OG and felt it literally once or twice. The old code didn’t incorporate it well. Not sure if the new code has any more use of it but I would def not buy it for my new one if that didn’t change.

I’m pumped to see the LV!

Didn’t realize that powder came from PB. Talk about a sweet surprise.

For me I hope they have the lit side blades and beacons working. That would be great. Larger back box sure or pf screen but both would be fine without. Of course I’m on the LV list and high up at that. Can’t wait to see the new features

Where do they say this? Just reading about the LV now….. didn’t see this formally announced

You can add the back box art too? Where is the backbox lcd in the LV released photo? How do they not release a video of this thing?

EDIT - cointaker confirmed this is true. Interesting. Going to read up more on this

I’ve always appreciated PB bringing this game back but that was just a terrible reveal. Period

The LV was an instant buy for me but considering the major things can be added to the SE and I bought it at 7777, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

Beacons are terrible looking but good news, we can add the OG version Once we see how the new beacons were added.

The art IMO is better than standard but not sure that’s worth it alone.

On the positive side, they brought the two items I wanted the most (beacons and side art lit)…. But PB, what a blown opp. 1k is too many for a boutique manufacturer’s LE.

No one cares. We get it - you’re jealous. That’s fine but keep it to the OG thread.

Seriously it’s embarrassing how some just can’t let it go. There are more aliens available period which is a good thing.

If you’re not an owner or have interest in this game or something helpful to say don’t post. Pretty simple.

EDIT - jealous that the value will go down. Good point fellas.

Noticed there were a ton of posts on this thread….checked in and it’s just Dee-Bow getting downvoted, proving he continues to be a joke. The definition of embarrassing.

Keep on acting like a fool dee-bow. We’ll just continue laughing at you chump.

So my deposit for lv is in. They added what I wanted which was beacons and inner side art lit. The IV art is awesome and with the already enhanced gameplay (magnet, ball lock etc), I'm pumped for it.

My sv will be posted once its ready to be shipped.

I'm hearing some will be available before Christmas. I was inquiring b/c I plan on selling my Alien standard to get the LV but don't want to be left high and dry if they get delayed so I'll prob just hold onto mine until I know the LE is on the boat and coming to the US. My standard continues to play perfectly fine.

I wish I had better news but my help/guidance was back for the OG alien. I’m not aware of how to connect on the new standards unfortunately. I did end up buying and painting them anyway just to place on top of my machine until a viable solution/ if ever is found

apessino is good people - brado426 I get your point and we all appreciate the help but chill a little.

back to the ballgame.....I would love to see some LV action. Inner side blades, beacons, etc.

Brilliant!

I’m alienless right now until my LV arrives but will be watching the thread and related progress

Interesting - I was told shipping in December on Monday. Maybe that was for the first batch? Either way, I don't expect it until early next year.

You also need to consider timing of receiving the game. I know the LV list has grown so you might be able to get the SE earlier? Not sure what that list looks like though. Just another thing to consider. Both aprons will look great. That art on the LV - so damn nice.

Anyone hear anything about the LV? Now I’m hearing maybe by end of year although based on what I’ve seen or haven’t, I’m not expecting until early next year

Assuming no one has heard a peep about the LV? Man - it's been crickets since September.

about time we get some LV love, although weird it's on a saturday. I'll take it though. Nice.

No doubt the LV is the package I’ve been waiting for. SE imo was really uninspired. Art, beacons and those inner side blade lights really look great and are really needed for this game to complete the lightning. Game looks great especially that backbox art and side art.

Shaker, even if it’s on the LV, is a waste with this game. It was never programmed enough to truly make a difference so no worries if you end up missing that. Inner side blades is big and the beacons are really well tied into the code already

Yeah that LV really completes that alien feel. Although the SV felt like a solid package, that alien feel was a little subdued Bc coming from heighway version, I knew what it was missing. But that makes sense - is the entry version. The LV will bring everything together - the missing parts (Les the duplicate screen) and the reworked parts, magnet, back lock etc. can’t go wrong with the SE though if the budget isn’t there

Assuming it will be at cost like it was sold to you….. someone should get on that.

After seeing the LV apron, I’m going for the custom. Video looked great and the stock LV apron looks like the SE with a dog tag haha

If there is one thing to know about alien is that you can’t commit to anyone when alien is actually going to be there. My standard was all over the place timing wise but I eventually received it. LV looks like it will be more of the same. Melissa is just relaying what she is being told and that trip to us takes forever. Whether it’s PB’s fault or not, no one should be holding their breath on its arrival b/c disappointment will be the only result.

Good news is that once you get it, you’ll enjoy it.

Btw - I’ve been told just Q1 on LV. If that’s true, I will be happy. Who knows.

anyone else notice the back art on LV is diff than SE? I just noticed this - maybe late to the party! LV has a different back art all together (looks cool) and the original SE back art is now on the right inner side panel along with an extension of the universe feel. Left side art seems like all universe horizon (not as much of a fan). I didn't see any of the OG Alien side art carried forward (I believe it was alien eggs, which was very cool too).

space navigator is now on the right side art for LV. I liked that too and they kept it.

I'm in the same spot. Not sure the game # but very early and paid in full. Expecting end of month/ear Feb. Excited for the LV. Looks sweet.

hell yes. Love seeing new pics of it. I just hope they really get them to us by early Feb. If it ships EOM, I can see that taking a month so maybe end of Feb?

That’s helpful thanks.

Anyone aware of where to buy extra pcb boards or whatever is underneath the pf? For back up purposes, might not be a bad idea to get.

heard from? Curious if this is accurate or not. I was told shipping end of Jan but that was a few weeks ago.

EDIT - PB facebook post showing pics of LV before boxing was less than 24 hours so they're not on the boat yet but soon! Sweet.

Pictures of the LV look great - love that art.

Wait - weren't the legs expected to be powdered too? Pics show them standard chrome. I'm sure we can color match but that doesn't match expectations. Maybe something changed. Overall, looks like a really nice step up appearance wise.

guys - the legs are coated in the LV reveal video so I'm not sure what happened.

EDIT - @bigdaddy.....great point!

The same Haggis that took people's money and hasn't provided a meaningful update on why games still haven't been built yet? Yeah ok.

Guys - this is alien. As someone with experience, do not hold your breath on when you will get your game. You will not lose your money either with cointaker but you have to know this going in. I understand why that would bother some. Totally get that but if you try to matlock this and figure out the alien overseas shipping (especially with the current bottleneck), you're going to be disappointed.

I hear you. Definitely an understandable point. I'm not quite sure why these statements are made b/c from my personal conversations with Melissa, it's a struggle to really pinpoint or provide significant comfort once it hits the seas. I agree though that less definitive statements would only help the situation although the customer service nature likely pushes Cointaker to make some assumptions that lead to this frustration. When I hear dates I take them with a grain of salt, expecting it to not come to fruition - that would be my advice. That doesn't fly well with some which is why I understand folks pulling out completely and moving on to a next game. It's just that this game is so damn good.

glad to hear you guys are getting your games soon.

hilarious post. well done.

Glad to hear! Such a sweet looking game. Can't wait to get my LV.

LV first round? Nice.

Wait you received tracking for a LV? That would be awesome and earlier than I was expecting, which is great.

I wonder if any of those went to the US or does “us” mean UK and then AUS

I just love this gif. Where is it from?

Hearing by end of month

I own IJ and Alien (had standard but waiting on LV) and it is much faster than IJ. Not floaty at all - feels like a standard in a widebody - similar to POTC JJP.

Deez should have every right to route this game. He's doing nothing wrong and I'm sure it's frustrating.

Me? I would neve route it. In a home use environment where you can properly treat the machine is where this game belongs. Not to say it shouldn't be built to withstand routing/abuse - I totally get it but imo, this game is not made for that type of play. It's made to be played by folks that will no doubt treat it well and can immediately address anything wonky that pops up, which every game does.

Long story short, as a buyer, we should be able to route every game we buy. Alien just doesn't fit in that category and should be HUO.

Don't even bother responding. What's funny is I have his account ignored b/c he's such a waste of time and when I look at this thread I always see Ignore user comment and the next reply is always someone saying stop being a troll! It's literally the same thing all the time. I don't mind some controversy here and there but guys - do yourselves a favor (b/c some people are just lost and toxic) - and well, leverage the features this website provides to help with annoying things like this. I typically don't do that but he loves to live in this thread and it's beyond a waste a time. The best part is, when he reads this and thinks he has a good reply which is nothing but another embarrassment, I can't even see it! haha

I’m sure LV lighting seems way brighter in pics than in real life. Just like when everyone thought Halloween’s LEDs would be too bright. Curious to hear what people think who are playing it but I’m liking what I’m seeing for sure on the streams.

As for the support and PBs - it’s one of the most important things for me about this game vs the original. I really appreciate having that support if need be and so far they are killing it. Even though the last OG alien I had played perfectly fine, I never liked that one day I return to it and one of the I/O boards goes and now I have a brick with no support.

Thank you Pinball brothers for resurrecting one of the best.

I just love that LV translite

As for the beacons going off - they should go off during queen mode and some others like sentry gun mb.. Do they not?

Appreciate the creativity but I just think that looks awful.

Thanks for sharing. Would love to hear more Amy the interior lighting too.

Was this a TPF purchase that was shipped or is this the first LV shipped to a customer not related to TPF?

For the folks at TPF - how did the aliens perform there under so much constant use? Especially the LV?