That suddenly makes the video mode less lame. I knew there HAD to be something more to it than just hit the button. Hitting it with balls in play is a whole different thing...kind of like that shoot the dinosaur mode in JP. Love that...such a risk/reward with no time to think about it!

Multiplier trick sounds interesting...definitely sounds like something Dwight would do.

I'm hoping for either a second video mode, or a different (non-video) mode used for Hoth 1. You should not get the same mode from both the Force targets and Hoth. I do like the mode (and I'm usually not huge on video modes), but I don't want to do it twice in the same game. Maybe add a stormtrooper blasting mode similar to BSD's vid mode?

You also shouldn't have to play Light Saber Duel again if you beat it. It would be nice if you could choose to pass on the mode (even the first time). Ultimate wish would be a completely new mode for the second, third, etc completion of the FORCE targets, but that's wishful thinking.

Amazing game just as it is though. Any tweaks from here will be icing on the cake!

Anyone have an issue with a pro having a hard time catching the ball to start a Death Star (or more rarely Hoth) mode? On a fast, clean shot, mine fairly often will hit the back up-post, but then bounce out before the front double post can catch it. This seems to happen at least once a game. I'm at 6.5 deg and level. I've tried steeper without change. I tried setting coils to soft hoping for slightly slower flips, but that didn't make a difference either. Optos are clean, both lock mechs are tightened down and the plungers move freely with no binding. Anyone else experience this or have any ideas? Or is this just the nature of the beast and a fast moving shot simply can't consistently be caught in such a small area?

I love the game, but I swear this is the most tweaking I've had to do since Avengers. :/

I'm at latest code. Mine is much more frequent from the Death Star, but Hoth definitely does it as well. I had my best game ever earlier today, had every mode completed except one Hoth mode. Two Hoth rejects in a row, then drain. BURN IT WITH FIRE!

Bumping this once for the fast moving thread. Thanks for the input so far. Anyone else having this problem or have ideas? I am running the latest code. I think I might remove and disassemble the mechs to double check for anything slowing them down or loose just to be sure. Will check and reflow the solder joints too I think.

Unfortunately this method is changing the play of the game. A left loop (Death Star shot) should exit to the right flipper, not the left. I would loosen the screws holding the loop's outer rail and see if there is any play outward. You also may have to bend it slightly out. Left loop (Death Star) should go to the right flipper, the right loop (Hoth) should go to the left flipper. Mine originally was draining like crazy. When I went to adjust it, a mounting post broke while tightening it. I'm guessing it was partially broken already with how easily it twisted off. Stern sent a new one and the new one exits perfectly.

Adjust the scoop first...that should take care of 90% of the problem. Take off the plastic above it, loosen the screws holding the back of the scoop, and you will see that there is plenty of "twist" adjustment. It will likely have to move counterclockwise closer to the metal lane guide. You want to the ball shooting out as parallel as possible so it follows the guide.

When I did this it made a huge difference, but would still SDTM once in awhile. I then dropped the stand-up target at the front of the lane guide which gave me plenty of room to bend the end of the guide slightly left. An adjustable wrench with the jaws covered in electrical tape to protect the edge works great for this. It didn't take much and now the feed is 100% to the left flipper as it should be. (Don't forget to reinstall the stand-up target! )

A little birdy told me that the new code will solve my Death Star and Hoth lock timing problem (allowing bounce-outs from a fast clean shot). No idea what else might be waiting for us, but hopefully lots of goodies!

I agree...and it could definitely use more Jabba. But honestly even if it's just bug and timing fixes, that's ok. I have things I'd like to see (no repeating video mode and having LSD be optional or different the second time), but the code is pretty great as it is.

Yea...that post has saved my butt many times. Mine will sometimes sweep the drops downward and I know it would head for disaster if it wasn't for the post. That said the left outlane is still a hungry SOB, even after moving the post down. Such a mean game! For anyone who has ever said Ritchie games are too safe, here you go!

LOL...funny thing is I wasn't sure if incest mode was for SW or GoT...

Trying to decide if I went too overboard with the ships. I think the balance may be off a bit, and we know how important balance is to the force! I may end up moving the Slave 1 either to the right side (B-Wing spot maybe?) or to the back (in place of the Lambda Imperial Shuttle, but higher?). I love the B-Wing there, but it's a really fragile ship and is just begging for an airball where it is. Moving the Falcon to the right side would balance it perfectly I think, but I do not think I can find a good placement that doesn't block any shot view...and I do not want to pull a Groot arms on it! I'm really loving the X-Wing miniatures though...so nice and detailed. I just hope they hold up.

What do you guys think...too much? I do not want to end up like that crazy Twilight Zone with everything imaginable piled in!

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LOL...yea you are probably right. I think I need to throttle back a bit to a few strategically placed. They are just so damn good looking that I want them all to work.

*quietly pulls the plush Ewoks, Yoda nightlight, 12" Jabba the Hutt, and build-your-own Walmart lightsaber back off the playfield...*

I love LSD, but agree that there are times that it becomes an inconvenience when I am focused on getting to a planet multiball. Since they stop the ball at mode start anyway, I'd like to see the option to play or skip, just like the planet modes have. Doing that would fit in nicely with the structure of the rest of the game being a "choose what you want to do" / non-linear game. It would also be a nice risk/reward decision as if you end up with a great game and getting close to Jedi, you might regret not playing it the first time around. I'd set it up so if you decide to skip it, you have to go through all five drop bank completions again for another shot at it. That would definitely put some weight behind the decision. I do really appreciate that the mode is no longer repeated until after Jedi.

As for video mode...I enjoy it, but in a perfect world I would rather see an additional normal mode for Hoth 1 with the video mode being only used when video mode is lit. The game needs some tauntauns and Wampa, and Hoth 1 would be a great opportunity for a mode based on that scene! Then video mode would be stand alone only, preferably skippable like in Game of Thrones. If skipped, be required to requalify...and adding a different reward such as a hidden extra ball in the asteroid field would be a nice addition and extra incentive to play.

Of course both of these are just my "perfect world" wishes. The game is completely awesome as-is and I do not hate how those two modes work now.

Game of Thrones does stuff like this. Winter is Coming hurry-ups and Winter Has Come mini-wizard both have crazy strobe lighting effects that honestly feel like trying to see and battle through a heavy blizzard. Some people love it, some people hate it. I find it incredibly immersive. I love things like this when used in proper context to add to the "story". Not sure where it would be used in Star Wars with the same effectiveness...but that would be a nice addition if they would add the tauntaun / Wampa mode I mention above!

It doesn't matter who you play as, the mini-wizard mode at the end of each planet path is the same. Different characters will "spot" you different modes along the way (depending on their involvement in the movie scenes the modes are based on...which is FREAKING COOL theme integration!), which makes it easier to get to some of the end modes.

If you are looking for the trench run scene, you want "Destroy the Death Star", which is the mini-wizard at the end of the Death Star modes. It is easiest to get there with R2 as he will spot two of the Death Star modes, so you only have to complete one mode to get there. It's a tough mode though...I think I've only blown up the Death Star once on this one. Using the Endor path to blow up the second Death Star is definitely easier, but of course that is not the trench run scene you are looking for.

Good luck!

I love all the "math scoring" whining. The machine literally does the math for you. All you have to know is higher multiplier is better than lower multiplier, and if you make the little X light in front of a lit shot green, it will multiply it's value by whatever number is at the top of the display. There is exactly zero math that you need to do. And it couldn't be any easier to understand how to build the multiplier...just hit the targets in front of the little screen. It doesn't even matter which one. It even makes an easy to recognize sound when it's about to expire so you know to hit it again. It is literally the easiest to understand shot multipliers in any game I have ever played.

People are weird.

While I agree it is the moving that is unfamiliar, it has even less to do with math. LOL

And I'm not sure why some people claim that's so hard. Unlock with button. Move with flippers. Lock with button. In the scheme of complicated pinball rules, this doesn't even register, other than being an unfamiliar mechanic.

I can understand people not enjoying it...we all have opinions that should be respected. But to complain about math or how difficult the concept is? I just do not buy that. That's just people complaining to complain.

Yup...that's one of the great things about the game. You can ignore the multipliers all together and still have an amazing experience with how well the game uses the movie assets to build excitement in even the easiest of modes. Sure, scores will not be high, but most inexperienced players who cannot trap or grasp the concept of multipliers are not putting up monster scores anyway...nor do they likely care about their score. It's the experience that matters. The multipliers, victory multiballs, etc are there for the players that do have the experience or desire to learn the depth. Something for everyone...just like all well coded games.

The ball comes out of that scoop with some pretty good force, and it takes a good smack going in. I'm sure over time it can creep a little. Afterall, screws in wood are not exactly the most stable connection point with the amount of impact and vibration they are subject to. I would assume a little adjustment to the scoop itself is going to be required as semi-regular maintenance on this one. I'm guessing lots of other games scoops creep a bit over time, but not too many of them are so critically aimed as this one so we do not notice. There is quite a bit of adjustment in the scoop itself if you loosen the screws. Try that before bending the lane guide. Mine required a bit of both initially, and I'm sure will need some tweaking every couple hundred games. Just the nature of the beast.

LOL...thank God Stern was able to use all of the original voice clips. We could have ended up with TWD's hillbilly and actually had Bubba Fett!

Had one of my best games last night. Ended up about 6.5 billion, which I know is nowhere near the crazy scores some of you guys have been putting up. I played all four planet multiballs, but still needed to complete LSD (just couldn't do it on this game for whatever reason) and Escape Bubba. Probably the closest I've been to Jedi though. Someday...

That said...any tips on actually finishing the planet multiballs? I am generally terrible at them and have only seen a Victory multiball a handful of times. I've made it though Endor a few times, but the others maybe once each. I find myself playing defense and just trying to stay alive during multiballs on this game rather than being able to concentrate on the right shots. That and I'm not sure what the right shots are for each.

Such a brutal game...I swear I get more outlane power drains than any other game. There is just so much side to side danger that I'm tempted to put a level on my game to make sure it isn't warped to the outlanes, LOL. This has to be one of Steve Ritchie's most dangerous games. His other games have the same speed and flow, but I swear all feel more safe than this one. I love and hate it all at once, LOL!

That's definitely part of my problem. I never seem to be able to look at the lit shots to see what I need and aim for them. I have a really hard time getting control and trapping on this game...much more so than on any of my others...so it just ends up being a flail fest of failure. I gotta work on that whole "Play Better" thing!

Assuming it is mechanical (doesn't drop when power turned off), for a game this new it is most likely tightened down too far against the playfield bushing. Grab the flipper bat and pull/push it up and down. There should be a tiny amount (1/32" or so) of play. If it's tight and doesn't move up and down at all, simply loosen the pawl and move it up a hair. Make sure it is aligned and retighten. Check both sides while you are at it. I've had this happen with a few new pins. Not a big deal at all.

If it's going into mission select, I am thinking the switch associated with whatever planet is lit/starting is over sensitive and is being triggered during play. Is it always the same planet that is starting? Say if it's always Endor, then my guess is the switch on the left ramp needs to be adjusted. If Hoth, then the right inner loop, etc. I would start there.

Can't help you on the hyperloop though. If you are sure it is slow, a pure guess would be one of the magnets that drive the ball are weak or disconnected. Check all the connections first. Sorry I only have a pro so I am not really familiar with how that feature works. But it never hurts to go under the playfield and make sure everything is nice and snug...especially after shipping/moving a game.

Good luck, and congrats on picking up a fantastic game!

That's all true, but best to check the simple stuff first. The easiest, and most likely, is a sensitive switch that will be a super easy fix. If that isn't it, then start looking for shorts along the row/column which the offending switch is on in the switch matrix, as well as diodes, wiring, connectors, etc. In the old days even as far as transistors, but I do not think that's relevant in the Spike system now....

Hopefully it's a simple fix for you...but if not Stern will definitely take care of you. Let us know what you find!

Glad you were able to fix it! Sometimes the best fixes are the ones where you do not even know what you did...just roll with it, LOL! In truth it was probably one of the switches you adjusted, a slightly loose connector, or maybe a minor short that you moved, but whatever it was, I'm glad you solved it!

7.5 is really steep for this game. I was running mine at about 7.2 in an attempt to cut down on the side to side drains and make it easier to trap (not to mention I like speed). I was getting a lot of airballs and the shots just didn't feel quite right. I read/heard in a few different places where Steve Ritchie himself said the game was designed for 6.5 and that is where it will play best. So last week I followed his advice and sure enough...everything plays 100% better. It is still plenty fast, but my airballs have cut way down, backhand shots are easier, and everything in general just feels better. Give it a shot. As always, do not trust the bubble level in the game...use a real one. Even at 6.5, my bubble level is pegged at the top, LOL. Of all the things they have done to cost reduce, I do not know why they still haven't gotten rid of that useless thing.

I never felt the need to adjust the coil settings. Mine are plenty strong at the factory setting. I also haven't tweaked any sound settings other than volume, but I do have an external sub hooked up which adds a lot to the game.

The shot multipliers are way easier than they seem at first. Hit any of the targets under the small screen to add 1x. These will time out eventually if you do not hit them again within so many seconds. You will hear an urgent "time running out" sound when you are close to losing it, and if you do not hit them in time you will go back down to 1x. The time needed between hits decreases as the multipliers get bigger. The shots which are multiplied are indicated by the X inserts. You start with 3 adjacent shots, but as the multiplier gets bigger this goes down to 2 and then 1 shot being multiplied. You decide what shots you want multiplied by simply hitting the action button to turn the Xs red (unlocked), moving the shots around with the flipper buttons, and then hitting the action button again to lock them in and turn them green. You can build the shot multiplier up to 20x with repeated hits to the screen targets, and then that can be doubled as a reward for completing the third (I think?) set of FORCE targets to get up to 40x. Once you are maxed out, you will need to hit the screen targets relatively often to maintain that level. R2's special ability is he is good with multipliers, so you do not lose your multipliers as fast, and he keeps a wider spread of multiplied shots longer. If you do not want to think too much about moving them around, it is a pretty good idea to just lock them in at the three shots around the left ramp/inner loop and just leave them there. That covers most of the bigger value shots in the game. Once you are built high enough to be down to just one multiplied shot, I would leave it on the left inner loop to multiply Hyperspace hurry-ups and jackpots, and other big shots like blowing up the Death Star. The only exception to this is if video mode/Hoth 1 is lit, you definitely want to multiply that shot (right inner loop) to make it worthwhile. Of course the best is to keep moving the multipliers around to cover every lit shot you shoot for, but that's not an easy task and I have lost many balls while screwing around with that. Big risk reward...which this game LOVES to throw at you!

So the cliff notes version of that rambling: Red Xs to move them, Green Xs to lock them in. Targets under screen increase shot multiplier. Avoid timing them out by hitting them again when you hear the time running out sound. Inner loop/left ramp shots are a good place to park them if you do not want to try moving them around a lot.

I have a digital level which I really like, but a simple angle finder will work too. I haven't tried the app...not sure if I would trust that, but a lot of people use it and like it so I should really give it a shot someday. Like other said, measure on the playfield, not on the glass (same for left/right level).

It will be crazy fast at 7.5, but if any of the shots are giving you trouble or not flowing correctly, consider giving 6.5 a shot. It took me a little while to get used to the slightly slower speed when I decreased mine to 6.5, but it shoots so much better. Both ramps and both sides of the inner loop should be able to hit with a clean backhand shot (though Death Star is tough!). Even the left outer loop should be backhandable.

How are you guys dealing with (or avoiding) playing the video mode again and again and again? One of the main reasons I sold mine was on a good game, I was playing that damn video mode 5-6 times with no way to skip it. At least with GoT, you could choose to play or skip. Why can't that be an option here? It is honestly one of my favorite video modes, but I really do not want to see it more than once per game.

I also wish you could avoid getting stuck in "LSD Jail". It seemed like if I was focused on and making headway towards a planet multiball, I would end up having to start LSD and that's when I would magically be unable to complete the shots on time. Since you have to shoot the left ramp to start the mode anyway, I would love to see a skip for now option like the regular modes have. Either that, or at least after you drain, have the option to continue or not. It would add some strategy too by making you requalify to play it later. Even though LSD is an awesome mode, I hate that it locks you out of everything else, especially when you are close to a planet multi. I do not want to stack it, but I would love to choose whether or not I want to play it...especially after draining.

If Dwight would add the ability to skip replaying the video mode (at least after the first one), and a way to opt out of LSD (at start and at next ball start), I would seriously consider buying it back. I really enjoyed everything else about the code. Heck...I could probably live with the LSD thing if repeating the video mode would at least be avoidable.

LOL...I wish that were the case, but sadly, no exceptional percentile here. To be fair it wasn't something that happened all the time. I definitely hit it 5 times a handful of times, and 6 times on my very last game on my machine, where I finally made it to The Emperor. But I will say 3-4 times was pretty common on a decent game, and I rarely hit more than 2 or 3 planet multis in a game. It just killed the flow for me. John_I had a good idea letting you take points instead (just like STTNG would be perfect!), but I wouldn't even need points...just don't force me to play it.

Maybe mine just had more side-to-side action than most...I rarely ever aimed for the FORCE targets...they just pretty much happened on their own from bounces and ate through bank completions pretty fast. I donno...

Shaker is great. There is zero chance a shaker broke a weldment, unless it physically hit it. Bad parts happen.

In my opinion, if you decide to pass on LSD you should have to requalify it if you want to play it later. That would make it a weighty decision at least. I would usually want to play it, but if I am close to a planet MB I may choose to pass, especially if I can't complete it on the current ball. I agree with TheLaw that the best bet is to just beat it quickly, but for me that isn't always an option. I swear those shots shrink a few millimeters during that mode!

Video mode I would be ok with being forced to play it for Hoth 1, but make the "reward" from hitting the drop bank optional. I also like the idea of adding an extra ball reward to make it a bit more enticing to play.

Don't feel stupid. We all started somewhere.

So happy to rejoin the club after six months away. Selling was a near instant regret. It was the only machine my daughter ever cried over selling, and I really knew I was in trouble when I went downstairs to play it the day after it was gone, LOL. I was lucky enough to buy back the exact machine I sold, and the interim owner took very good care of it.

While there are things I would love to see updated, and I still hate the ball launch, there is so much that I love about this game! Absence definitely made the heart grow stronger, and I am now looking over the "flaws" more and concentrating on all of the good things.

I will continue to keep my fingers crossed (but not hold my breath) for an update. I hope some A/V priority changes happen to keep tie-fighter/hyperspace from burying planet multiball (among other things). I would LOVE to see finishing a planet given way more fanfare. I'd even go as far as killing the flippers and letting all balls drain during the celebration, then relaunching them all into Victory Multiball. I think that could be an amazing way to choreograph it and it wouldn't have to be long enough to kill the flow of the game or become old. Blowing up the Death Star should be a big deal, but unfortunately as it is now, sometimes you barely know you did it with everything else going on. Make it special. Same goes for all four planets. My other wishes I have discussed before, so will not beat a dead horse, but the ability to skip video mode (especially after the first one) would be great, as would the ability to pass on starting and/or continuing LSD (though this one I'm not too set on). In the mean time though, I will change my perspective and look at video mode as including the extra challenge of avoiding the start shot until I have a large multiplier on it. As far as LSD, I just need to look at it as a reward of it's own and the awesome mode that it is rather than the road block it can sometimes feel like. If I can't finish it quickly or on the first try, that's on me. Play better.

But honestly even as-is, it is such a fantastic game. I love the unique code, loaded with strategic choices and risk-rewards both in your decisions and your physical playing (is it worth taking my hand off the flippers to kill a few more tie fighters quickly? etc). It may not be loaded with all the gimmicks and toys that most people wanted from this theme, but the rules and A/V assets are used so well that it sucks me into the Star Wars universe in a way few other games can. And the layout is deceptive. At first I didn't get a lot of satisfaction from shooting it (compared to most Ritchie games anyway), but now I really love the feel of the ramps, orbits, and especially the inner loop. Backhands feel amazing, especially the right ramp. My daughter even managed to backhand the RIGHT orbit the other day. Granted it was a lucky on the fly flip, but still it looked awesome. Fast, furious, and flowy. Love it.

Sorry to ramble...just really excited to have this game back in my basement!

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Love the idea of the hurry-ups going to the small screen whenever there is a mode active! It seems a bit underutilized right now, and with so much LCD real estate between the two screens, it should be easy to show all the useful information at once.

Gravity must be different in France.

I'm guessing that's about 5. Cool stuff though...nice work!

Very cool info on the planet unlocking, Leia ability, and multiplier info Hoochoo! I thought I knew the game fairly well, but I had no idea the depth in these areas. The thought and effort Dwight put into this game is amazing. Dude doesn't get enough credit. I'd love to see him take one more polishing pass on it (at least some A/V priority fixes), but what an awesome game as-is!

I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but try increasing the pitch before you sell it. You mentioned having it as flat as possible, and that might actually be making it harder. The side-to-side motion in this game can be brutal, and increasing the pitch will help minimize that. If you go too far, you might have trouble making some shots though (especially the backhands). At least give the standard 6.5 a shot, and increase up for 7 or so to see how it feels. It definitely will not turn it into a "safe" game by any means, but it might actually help a bit.

Yes, I understand that, and that is why I suggested it since he currently has his as flat as possible. Some people enjoy steeper, and some games even play better steeper (Deadpool), but that can sometimes affect things working correctly. I tried mine steeper to help the side-to-side motion, but everything just felt off. 6.5 is where mine plays the best. I can't imagine shallower due to the already insane outlane drains with the side-to-side action.

Depending on the type of carpet, it could have just settled in. Backside is heavier than the front (oh my), so it could have sank further down. Not sure that could account for a full degree difference, but maybe.

Nice....same thing happened to me. Last game before I sold it was my first time getting to the Emperor. I didn't defeat him, but it was close. Of course, I unexpectedly missed it more than any other game I have sold, and luckily bought it back six months later. Since then I have gotten back to the Emperor only once, but this time I beat him. Great game...and for those of us who click with it, it really gets under your skin. I really thought I had enough of it, and was frustrated by it's unfortunate quirks. But man...I missed that game almost instantly and it left a hole in the collection. I had to have it back. I hope you do not end up regretting letting it go!

Very cool! I'm (thankfully) quite happy with my pro art, but I know many people were not, so hopefully this will help others discover this awesome machine.

I prefer the original cab/translite art (at least the pro), but I have to admit...I'm a bit jealous of the new playfield. Can't wait to see them in person!

2-3 video modes in a decent game is unfortunately pretty common. I have had it 5-6 times, and that's a drag, but that's a pretty rare thing. This is one of the things I would love to see Dwight update on this one. Give us the chance to opt out of it like GoT or ST:TNG (with or without consolation points...I don't mind either way). I would love to see a "real" mode added for Hoth 1 (since it's exactly the same as lighting video mode), but I won't hold my breath for that. If it must remain as Hoth 1, I could see forcing the player to play for that completion, but then giving the option to skip it all other times.

Yup, that is exactly it. Button switches between unlocked (red) and locked (green). When red you can move with flippers, but the multiplier is not counted. Green locks it in to not move and to multiply. When in doubt or not feeling like messing with them, park them in the LL,LR,RL area. Also the spread will shrink down to only one shot as the multiplier increases above a certain level (R2 ability helps this).

Increase and maintain multiplier level at the standup bank. Any of the three targets will do. You will hear an urgent sound when they are about to expire. R2 again helps here by giving you more time between target hit requirements.

That's all that's to it...not nearly as hard as most people make it out to be...it's just an unfamiliar mechanic. Enjoy!

I believe he means you can safely reposition your multipliers while Mystery is being collected at the Tattooine shot.

Just park them on the Death Star (LL), Endor (LR), Hoth (RL) shots if you do not want to mess with them. As multiplier increases to where you only have one multiplied shot, I usually park it on the Death Star as that is usually a money shot. Depends what you are doing though.

Not sure what you mean by lose a X. If you mean when the window narrows as you increase multiplier level, then yes...I believe you lose them from right to left. If you mean when they expire because you went too long without hitting the target bank, then it drops from wherever you were (max 40x) all the way back to 2x. It's a really clever mechanic. Love Dwight's work!

I understand some people wanting to be purists, but in my opinion, there is nothing wrong with adjusting a machine to maximize your enjoyment of it, especially if within the parameters the designer gave you to work with. I wouldn't fault anyone moving the posts to the "easiest" position, any more than I would fault someone for moving them to the "hardest" position if they wanted more of a challenge. Steve f'ing Ritchie gave you those options for a reason...and with an item this expensive, you deserve to get maximum enjoyment out of it. Now if you were drilling extra holes or stuffing socks in your outlanes...that might not be as cool, but on the other hand it's your machine! Simply moving the posts though...that's a designed in option. I wouldn't never adjust my car's seat just because it came in one position.

I wonder if all the purists who frown upon moving posts also have their machines set at exactly 6.5 degrees? That's what they were designed for, so anything outside of that is not "factory". To me that's pretty much the same thing.

Life is short, pins are expensive...do what makes you happy!

The agony of defeat. The other night I was two good shots away from facing the Emperor for only the third time. Had Tatooine multiball lit. Just had to hit that bear of a scoop shot to start it. Had everything else in the bag (which is why I had to start it at the Tatooine shot rather than any of the other planet shots). Would have just had to play that out, and then hit the left ramp to start Jedi. I could not hit a clean Tatooine shot to save my life. Probably got a half dozen shots at it before finally draining. So close I could smell the old bastard! *sigh*

I love this game. So many ways to tackle it, all satisfying. I just keep my fingers crossed for one more code polish. This was another game where I hit video mode 5 or 6 times, and that gets old. Give us a choice to skip video mode (other than for Hoth 1 credit (or better yet give us a real Hoth 1!)), and clean up a few A/V priorities to not let anything step over the planet multiballs and I will be a very happy camper. I'd love to see the game "die" and drain all balls after a planet multiball final shot for the celebration, then relaunch them into Victory. Half the time I do not even realize I blew up the Death Star, etc in the heat of an intense multiball until I hear the Victory music hit. I'd like to take a moment to savor it, LOL! But even if we never do get that final polish, I still love it!

Starting Boba Fett always stumps me a bit too. I rarely specifically go for it and just play it out when/if it starts. It does not stack, though the first few combos to qualify it can be done in a mode I think. The mode itself is pretty straightforward with what needs to be shot clearly flashing, and the narrator telling you what to shoot. Very cool mode...immersive and super stressful!

Here is a copy/paste from the great rule sheet on Tilt Forums:

Escape from Boba Fett: Shooting combo shots will light the shots that ended the combo with a white arrow. Complete four white arrow shots (with the last two in non-mode play) to begin the mode. Escape from Boba Fett is a sequence of five hurryups: left ramp, right mini-loop, right ramp, left orbit, and left ramp again. Shooting the 3-bank will add more time to the mode. Make good use of your shot and shot multipliers during this mode - the final score can be huge. Completing this mode is one of the qualifications for Jedi Multiball.

I'm with you there. Even the deepest B/W games that everyone adores can't hold a candle to most modern games when it comes to rule depth. Then something like Munsters comes out and everyone loses their minds with how shallow it is...yet many of those complaining have a collection full of B/W with no more actual depth that it has. Sure I enjoy playing B/W era pins, but for what I am looking for in a home collection, they do not hold a candle to modern Stern.

Usually when you get a switch alert, it just means that switch hasn't been activated in awhile, either from poor play or being broken. I'm not sure if one for the tilt works the same though. Do you have your bob installed? If so, tilt the game and see if that clears it (or at least if the switch activates). Hopefully that is all it is.

A perfect run with a lot of boost (center button) at 40x = huge points. I think I had a 1+ billion video mode last night. I'll have to double check that I'm not imagining that. Either way...lots and lots of points waiting here. I like the video mode quite a bit, I just hate how you can be forced to play it again and again and again in the same game. Should be once a game only, or always give the option to pass like STTNG or GoT. I have played it 5-6 times per game on multiple occasions. That's a rarity, but still should never happen.

Yup...BIG money.

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Nice! I couldn't agree more...this game is everything I love about pinball. I defeated the Emperor last night in front of a couple buddies I had over to play. That felt awesome and everyone was pumped just watching it. Only the third time I have gotten there and second time defeating him. I was sore, tired, and sweating after that! Not a GC score, but ~10b. Only got to one Victory and didn't even get a medal. But it felt damn good!

Nice! Keep at it. You'll get there, and I promise it will be worth it. It's amazing!

Sounds like you beat the Escape From Tatooine mini-wizard mode. Nice work! Each of the four planet mini-wizards lead to Victory Multiball if you beat them. Doing well in Victory leads to medals. I think you get bronze for hitting every shot, and then upgrade them to silver and gold by hitting them all again. Medals bring big points when you get to the Emperor.

I rarely get to Victory...especially more than one per game. I even more rarely get a medal. I have only fought the Emperor three times, and have not yet been able to bring a medal with me when I did!

Amazing game all around. So many paths to take, all rewarding. Love it!

Yeah...all these issues can be addressed with a few guide rail tweaks. Might take some fiddling around, but it can be done and isn't that difficult.

Yup...I agree. For my machine, leveling was not enough but since getting it dialed in it's been solid. Most tweaking I have had to do since Avengers, but SO worth it!

Possibly getting jammed in the hole (oh my) and binding. Check the mech underneath to make sure it's tight in place. You may need to adjust it slightly or possibly bend the bracket slightly if the pins are angled too much. If it isn't binding up in the playfield holes, make sure the coil stop/bushing are good and the assembly can move freely. Should be something fairly simple. Good luck!

Oooh...more pics please. I've been thinking of doing the same. Wish they would make this design in the original art style also...

Make sure the sling posts are tight in the playfield. I've had a few games where they were pretty lose from the factory, causing some nasty airballs and other issues. That goes for all the other posts in the game too...not just the slings. My BK:SoR had literally every post barely finger tight causing all sorts of fun... :/

I'd love to see one more update...not sure if we will or not. Probably all depends on what point Dwight is at with whatever new game he is working on (please be TMNT...please be TMNT!).

Here's my code wishlist (discussed before, but it's been awhile):
A way to either pass on video mode, or have it come up less. A long deep game means 5-6 video modes in a single game. I love the mode (as far as vid modes go anyway), but that's way too much. I should never see it more than once, maybe twice a game. While I would love to see Hoth 1 get a "real" mode of its own (Tauntauns / Wampa?), if that can't happen then require the video mode for that, but then have the rest give the choice, much like GoT or ST:TNG do. With or without consolation points, I don't care. If you decide to play it later, you have to requalify it. Also throwing in a floating extra ball or other rewards would be a pretty cool incentive to play it.

A/V priority tweaks...especially for the planet multiball mini-wizard modes. Tie fighters or hyperspace should never step over a wizard mode. I would say if there is any other mode (but especially planet multis) going on, move tie fighter hurryup/bashing and hyperspace countdown to the small screen. That way the info is still there to stack effectively, but it's not burying something more special.

Make a bigger celebration for finishing a planet. My suggestion would be when you hit the "kill shot", have the machine kill the flippers, and launch into a big celebration while the balls are draining, then relaunch the balls for Victory Multiball. Think the end of Cherry Bomb in GOTG, join the Cirqus in CV, and others...even battling the Emperor in SW if I remember right? As it is now, in the heat of an intense multiball, sometimes you do not even realize you blew up the Death Star or took down Jabba's barge. Killing the flippers gives you a chance to savor the moment, watch the DS explode. It wouldn't take long...just a few seconds and then launch into Victory like a boss. If you had anything stacked, that can carry in as well. This would truly make for a special fanfare "moment" when you beat one of those modes (which isn't something I do all that often..getting to them is one thing, beating them is another...for me at least!). Some people may not like the interruption in flow, so you could even make it an option in the settings.

I go back and forth if I want a way to pass on or "escape from" Light Saber Duel. It is such an amazing mode, but once you are in it, you are stuck until you finish it, time out, or drain all your balls. Way too often I have gotten stuck on a shot and ended up spending my whole game locked in. Since getting better at the game, this is less of an issue, but it can still be frustrating some days...especially if I was close to a planet multi. Not sure how to handle this one, but maybe at least giving the option whether or not to carry it over to the next ball would be nice. If you opt-out before it's done, you need to completely requalify it before trying again...so that would give the decision some weight if you are going for the Emperor.

Maybe help clarify mode shots a little better in some cases...especially the planet modes. I still get a bit lost in some of them, like Escape from Hoth. I'm never sure what shots just build points vs what shots progress to finishing.

Would love to see more end of ball sequences and stuff like that. The game needs more Chewy and Jabba especially. But that's minor.

Maybe the max shot multiplier could be nerfed a little as that does get pretty crazy at 40x. I do not mind it, but I know it drives some people nuts. My argument is the game can be completely enjoyed while ignoring the multipliers. I'm more of a progression guy than a score guy anyway (if not competing). But I can see some of the annoyance. I'd be ok with the max being lowered even down to say 10x. That's still a huge multiplier compared to most other games, and worth going for, but not a complete game changer if you choose to ignore them. I don't know...just thinking out loud here to help a complaint that I hear about the game. It's not something that I personally really want/need changed and it wouldn't affect my enjoyment either way. I mean...a HUGE 40x cash-in does feel good...but realistically so would a 10x if that was the max. And either way you will kick yourself when you accidentally slop into the video mode without having the multiplier on it! LOL

I'm sure there are other things that could be tweaked, but this is just my wishlist. Honestly...I love this game just as-is. This stuff would put it over the top the way Dwight's last GoT tweak did for that game. I'd love to see at least some of these, but if not, it's still awesome right now.

I totally respect those that love the prem/LE, but I will say I adore my pro and have zero regrets and no urge to upgrade. You can't lose either way. If you have the extra money and do not mind spending it, go for it. But if not and a pro is all you can reasonable do, it's still an awesome game.

Sorry this happened first thing out of the gate. I'm sure that's frustrating...but that's pinball for you! I'm afraid I do not have a premium, so I am not familiar with the hyperloop assembly, but my guess would be the easiest thing to do will be remove your Death Star to fish it out and figure out why it was able to do that. It comes off easily on the pro, but I'm not sure how it's different on yours.

It will probably take some tweaking to get perfect, like most machines do, but it will be very worth it in the end! Best of luck!

What are you asking? And do you have anything authenticating the signatures?

Awesome. It's a great piece. Wish I had the free cash right now as it would look really good in my pro!

I talked to my buddy who is a big SW autograph collector. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal on the Hamill. Fun stuff. It's amazing how much some of them get for a signature!

I think the only Armada ship regularly used is the Star Destroyer. Most of the other ships are from the X-Wing game expansions. Perfect size and beautifully detailed.

Besides leveling, the lane guides will most likely need to be tweaked some. It might take some work, but you should be able to eliminate 90% of the SDTM issues. Mine honestly took a few hours of trial and error, but it was well worth it. SDTM from a good shot are a rarity now.

Shaker motor is about as plug-and-play straight forward as it gets. No worries.

Some of it will honestly be trial and error. The first thing to check is make sure the lane guides are actually tight. Stern has had a nasty habit lately of not tightening posts and guides down well from the factory. If your guide is slightly loose and has some give, that could be enough to mess up the ball flow. If that's all good, before actually bending, loosen the mounting screws/nuts and see if there is any play in them. When re-tightening, put some pressure on the guide in the direction you want it to go to see if you can get it to snug up a hair in that direction. Sometimes that's enough. If you have to bend the end of your lane guide, do it carefully to not scratch it up or crack the mounts. And remember a very small amount can make a big difference.

Left inner loop (Death Star) should feed clean to the right flipper. Right inner loop (Hoth) should feed clean to the left flipper. If memory serves, there was much discussion about that early on, and that info came from Steve Ritchie himself (at least I think it did....fuzzy memory and too lazy to dig it up now). If you look at the geometry, you can see that is how it was designed to work.

I understand what you are saying. You explained it very well....much better than I could do in any other language!

It is definitely possible that the overall shape is distorted a bit. In this case I would loosen the entire guide, make sure none of the attachment points are stressed, twisted, bent, or pulling it in the wrong direction, then tighten it back down. Also make sure the welds on the attachment points are good. I had a bad one which actually broke when tightening mine (not overtightened...it was partially broken already) and I had to replace the entire guide. With the bad weld, I do not think my original one ever could have been adjusted right. My new one was perfect with very little adjustment. So that is something to watch for too.

Many prem/LE owners will balk at this, but the pro really is a good option. I've played multiple prem/LEs and the hyperloop is a decent gimmick, but to me it doesn't outweigh the issues it causes. The Death Star shot is hard enough without adding a 50% reject rate into the mix, plus the forks kill the flow of the Hoth shot since they can't drop out of the way fast enough. On the pro, both shots are always smooth as butter, 100% of the time. I personally wouldn't trade that for the ability to watch a ball zoom around a racetrack a few times. I also love how the pro handles Hyperspace multiball, with needing to smack the captured ball out of the horseshoe and then lock another one in there. It's a great feeling shot, and still feels special and different than other multiballs. Opinions definitely vary on that, but I would urge you not to overlook the pro. It's an awesome, vastly underrated game either way.

While I have a tough time understanding how one gimmick can turn hate into love on a machine, I respect your opinion and I'm glad you found a version you like. The hyperloop really seems to make the game for a lot of people, and that's cool. This is one of those situations where it's nice to have options and something for everyone. I think it's a great full package game either way. The code and theme integration are awesome and really pull me into the world. Total adrenaline rush.

Mine look the same. Pretty sure that's normal. The large single post near the back of the loop is closer to flush, which makes sense as the ball rolls directly over it, unlike the double posts.

Also don't forget there is an saucer eject ball save setting that can cover you for the occasional SDTM. Makes life much less frustrating since you can likely never get it 100%.

You really need to play them yourself. We all have different opinions of what we like and what we don't like. I own a SW pro and love it. I have owned a JP and DP in the past, and they both moved on (though DP will be back someday). Most people praise JP as one of the best ever made. I personally would take SW all day every day over it. It all comes down to personal preference.

As for difficult to tell what to do next, that's pure BS. The base rules of SW are super easy to understand, and the game makes it very clear what it wants you to shoot. Even the multiplier system, which is what most people would rather whine about than learn how to use, is super simple. I find JP much less intuitive overall. Yes, the Death Star is a hard shot, but no harder than many of the shots in JP really. I've never heard of the movie scenes as being a negative against SW...I think most people would point to it as an example of how to use movie clips effectively. The theme integration, at least from a software side, is second to none in my opinion. Every mode is unique and uses the move assets perfectly.

I love SW. I wouldn't say it's the best game ever made, but it's definitely in my top 10...maybe top 5. That is going to be different for every person though. You really need to play it first, preferably somewhere that it's set up well and you can give it a fair shake before deciding. Best of luck!

That's one of my favorite parts about the game...it is LOADED with risk/reward decisions. You can completely ignore the multipliers and still progress happily through the game all the way to the Emperor and have a great time. But if you want the big points, you need to take the risk of moving that multiplier around and keeping it from expiring. Same could be said for Tie Fighters. Do you want to take your hand off the flipper in order to bash them during the hurry-up and get to multiball quicker, or play it safe and collect them more slowly as you play. So much strategy if you choose to dig deep...but you can ignore all that and just have fun if you choose.

I don't think it's bashing at all...just giving the lesser vocal other side of the story. It's been years of people straight out saying the pro is empty trash and the absolute only way to go is the premium. It's kind of nice and refreshing to see I'm not the only one that prefers the pro. Any version is an awesome game though...I wish more people would give it an open minded chance. Their loss writing this one off, in any form.

No Fear at least you interact with the ball...it's up to you to keep it looping. Getaway and SW you just load and watch. Not saying it isn't a cool gimmick, but in my mind it doesn't compare with NF.

Never trust the bubble. It's a complete waste of space. Use a digital level. They are cheap and accurate. Some people use an app on their phone. If you do that, make sure you calibrate it correctly. It's well worth the $20 to buy a real one....especially for a game that is ultra-sensitive to pitch and level like Star Wars.

It is, and it's a great video mode as far as video modes go, but there is no excuse for making me play it 5-6 times on a great game. Once, maybe twice in a good game would be fine. I can live with it as-is, but this is at the top of my code wishlist. Dwight surprised us with an absolute kick-ass GoT update long after anyone would have thought one was coming, so I am holding out hope. Not holding my breath, but maybe keeping my fingers crossed.

I did that once. But then I came back, LOL. Biggest selling regret I have had, and I've had a few. It's always tough to let go of a game you still enjoy (at least it is for me), but thankfully in this hobby they can always be bought back if there is too much regret. In my case I even got back the exact same machine. Hope you are trading to something else fun!

You will always get slightly different readings in different places around the playfield. I try to average it out, but for slope go mostly by the middle of the playfield. For level (left and right) I do the same, but mostly concentrate on the area closest to the flippers. While there will be some difference, it should be very minor and not make a huge change in play. Slight warp in the wood, slightly uneven clearcoat, and slightly raised inserts can all contribute to the difference you are seeing, but unless it's a huge difference, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

After leveling and getting the slope right, you still might have to adjust the lane guides on the loop and the orbits, and also the Tatooine scoop. Make sure the guides are tightened down well too...mine were a bit loose from the factory making the shots inconsistent. Also make sure none of the targets are leaning far enough to interfere with the ball travel, and check the roll-under switch gate at the Death Star entrance and the left spinner to make sure they are not affecting the ball. My machine needed a TON of tweaking, most of any game I have had other than Avengers. It's worth it though...once it's dialed in it is a super fun machine and it has needed very little additional tweaking once it was done. Good luck!

No problem. Just remember that very small changes make a big difference. If you are bending anything so far you can't get it back in place, it's WAY too much. You likely do not need to remove the guide. Just loosen the mounting points, then push on the rails a little bit in the direction you want to change as you tighten them back up. In one case I found that from the factory my rail was tightened down with some tension that deformed them a bit. Once I loosened the nuts, the rail "sprung back" into shape, then all I had to do was tighten them back down. A little bit will do...a 1 mm in either direction is probably all you need! Good luck!

I do not mind that they stack in (in fact, I quite enjoy the rush of stacking them all sometimes), but one of my BIG wishlist items would be to change the A/V priority to keep them from "taking over" and minimizing the planet multiball. Tie fighter and/or hyperspace could easily be relegated to the mini-LCD screen and lighter background sounds and still be just as effective, allowing the main screen, sounds, and lightshow to concentrate on the mini-wizard. I would really love if additionally the "kill shot" to finish the mini-wizard would kill the flippers, let the balls all drain, and allow you to enjoy the end animation/celebration. It's a big deal, so make it an EVENT! Then the balls could relaunch into Victory Multiball while the pomp and circumstance is going on. Any stacked multiballs could easily just continue where they left off. Yes, it would interrupt the flow a bit, but it would be a super cool moment. Maybe have a setting for those that may not want that to happen.

After seeing the brilliant tweaking and clean-up that Dwight did on GoT, I still have my fingers crossed that he will swoop in and give the same love to SW when we least expect it.

Adjust your rails. Not very hard to do, but it's one of those things you have to feel out yourself to see which direction and how far you need to go. Lots of info in this thread if you dig a bit. Even when adjusted perfectly you might still have a random drain from them, but you should be able to get it 99% good. Mine took a LOT of tweaking, but was well worth it in the end. It could be as simple as them not being tightened properly, they might have some tension on them deflecting the geometry a bit, or they may need to actually be bent a bit. Remember a little goes a long way. Good luck!

Just had the coolest shot. I was in tie fighter multiball with two balls cradled on the left flipper. One flip sent one through the Death Star and one through the right orbit...my two hardest shots on the game...for two jackpots. Couldn't believe it...I don't think I will ever be able to repeat that one! Went on to defeat the Emperor. Was a good day.

Congrats! I have heard of a few Tie Fighter wings breaking from a bad airball. If you can't glue this one back together to your satisfaction, you can probably get a new one from Stern or Marco (though it looks like Marco is out of stock). The plastics you are asking about are just fun little key fobs Stern usually includes.

Most games have that switch, but some of the newer Sterns do not. They did away with them for a little while and then brought them back. Not a surprise SW doesn't have one. Mine does not. I just checked, and my MF flasher also doesn't do anything. I am guessing it is for the premium/LE Falcon, but not sure (I have a pro). I wouldn't worry about it.

First make sure the posts aren't jamming in the playfield holes. If the assembly bracket is bent at all, that can happen. I had to bend mine a bit to keep them aligned right. If that isn't the problem, I would take the assembly apart and make sure the coil sleeve is clean and there isn't any dirt in there. Worst case I guess change the coil sleeve (they are cheap and easy), but I would be surprised if it needed it already. My best guess is alignment through the playfield holes. Just gotta get in there and see what is going on. Do not lube. Almost nothing on a pinball machine should ever be lubed (other than gear boxes or a drop on a spinner). Good luck and let us know what you find!

So very happy to get this unexpected treat! As I have made abundantly clear, the video mode issue was my #1 wish, and I'm so happy Dwight fixed it! As far as video modes go, I love this one...but I do not want to see it 5-6 times in a good game. I am very thankful for this! Game end shortcut is definitely nice to have, and hopefully the audio tweaks will eliminate the minor clipping heard in a few sounds. Good stuff.

I will still hold out hope that someday he will go back and tweak some of the A/V priorities so the regular multiballs no longer step over the mini-wizard modes, and make finishing a mini-wizard more of a big event (I'd like to see the flippers killed even, at least as an option, then relaunch into Victory after the celebration). Of course a bit more variety in end of ball callouts would be cool too. These are minor asks though. Vid mode was the big one for me, so I am a very happy camper right now!

Thanks Dwight and crew!

Yeah, there would have been a few ways to do it. I personally would have liked to see the STTNG method (trade for points), or even GoT (simple yes or no), but I'm definitely not mad with just not having it qualify again.

Just a quick reminder that this update will wipe all your high scores and settings, just like the good old days. So if you have any customized settings such as kickout strength, Tatooine ball saver in case it kicks SDTM, stacking settings, knocker volume, etc, you will have to reset them. I admit I have gotten a little spoiled by most Spike updates not resetting everything.

Just had a decent game, playing all four planet mini-wizards, and having only Boba Fett standing between me and the Emperor (as usual, lol). And you know how many times I played the video mode? Once. It was glorious. WOOHOO!!! That would have easily been a 5 video mode game before. Soooooo much better now.

I will slightly miss the huge 40x level 3 cash (I pulled off a 1bil+ vid mode once), but I won't miss it that much.

Thank you so much Dwight!

Oh yeah...that's a VERY common scenario for me. I bet I have been Fett Blocked at least a dozen times. It's my own fault though...not a code issue. Both orbits (especially the right) are my kryptonite, and hitting them on demand is...unlikely. It is a great, high pressure, immersive mode and I love it...but man it usually has my number. Every now and then though, when I'm on...it feels great. Especially if you go that extra step and move a 40x multiplier on to every shot of the mode. I only did that once but it was amazing!

No need for leg protectors as newer Sterns come with protectors already attached and the art is cut around them. Adding additional ones on top can actually lead to damage as they are larger and can touch more of the artwork.

Good call on no pf protector. Total waste, especially in a home environment, and a game as picky about set-up as SW is would surely suffer.

I attached my Falcon (X-Wing game one also) by making a simple music wire "bracket". Bend a loop in one end to go around the screw of your choosing, cut to the height you want, and hot glue the wire into the Falcon's base. Then you can bend it to any angle you want.

Sorry if it's a stupid question, but are you booting the game up with the door open by any chance? That can confuse the node boards...

Ahh...sorry I forgot many SW didn't have an interlock switch. Bummer.