Swords of Vengeance: a conversion kit sequel to LIONMAN!

Lionman is back! What started as my next homebrew project inspired by the adventures of Lionman is now officially the sequel to Swords of Fury !

Swords of Vengeance will be a conversion kit game that takes place twenty years after the original and dives deeper into the magical land of the humans and orcs, the history of the Titans and Balrods (yes, still intentionally "mis"-spelled), and what exactly Lionman was doing back in 1988. It features new characters, an original story, a full modern ruleset with a progression of unlockable modes and a narrative-driven, branching-path storyline. It's got everything one would expect from a modern pinball game (except an auto-plunger, unfortunately), but is filled with throwback mechanics to delight fans of the original.

While Swords of Vengeance is still in a pre-alpha state (about 80% code, 50% artwork, 20% audio completed), I'll have two machines available to play this weekend at the Northwest Pinball & Arcade Show (along with my other homebrews), so come on by and give it a flip! More details on the game—including the amazing artwork and kickass soundtrack—will follow in this thread after the show ends.

LIONMAN!

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Post last edited 1 year ago: “Forgot punctioation”

#2 1 year ago

TIM

rintintim

Pinside member

Sacramento, CA

3y 12,700 6 2

Awesome, can’t wait to see some gameplay!

#3 1 year ago

???

feedthebiscuit

Pinside+ Frequent

5y 49,600 128

I will definitely be following. I love my swords of fury. Hopefully you will be keeping the grunts and dying at the end.
Lionman!

#4 1 year ago

AVW

avanwinkle

Pinside+ Frequent

Thanks to everyone who came by and gave a play at NWPAS! I was a bit nervous taking the game out of my house for the first time, and while yes, there were definitely some snags, overall it went great and I really appreciate all the feedback and compliments (and critiques too).

I only received the custom translites a few days before the show, and immediately saw that I underestimated how much the baffles would affect the lighting. Oops! Looks kinda awkward, I guess my next task is to build a custom system11 light panel. Also, interesting to see the difference between a stock SoF with its warm lights (mine) and an led-converted one that went all-in on the cool tones (borrowed).

feedthebiscuit Oh don't worry, it's got grunts, dying, clangs, and LIONMAN!! Wouldn't change those for anything.

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#5 1 year ago

LAG

Nihonmasa

Shoot Again

Chénens

5y 82,100 1,095 51 11

SoF is my all time favorite, and is never leaving the pinball club I run.
If you need a beta tester in europe with a publicly available machine, don't hesitate to contact me. Quite intrigued and interested

#6 1 year ago

BMS

Betelgeuse

Pinside member

13y 129K 3,645 72

Following. SoF has such a great playfield and fantastic audio, but the original rules hold it back.

4 months later

#7 1 year ago

BRI

BrianMadden

FAST Pinball

Seattle, WA

10y 55,700 170 9

For anyone at the Pinball Expo in Chicago this weekend, we have a Swords of Vengeance here in the FAST Pinball booth with Anthony's latest code. Come check it out!

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#8 1 year ago

LIN

Linolium

Pinside member

11y 66,350 966 6

Played it
Found a software bug
I’m exited to see where the software ends up once it’s done
I don’t own a SoF anymore… but I will buy another one as soon as this is ready.
I want a kit

#9 1 year ago

CEC

JustEverett

Wichita Pinball (WPC)

Wichita, KS

6y 133K 1,751 25 71

OP
Quoted from avanwinkle:
Thanks to everyone who came by and gave a play at NWPAS! I was a bit nervous taking the game out of my house for the first time, and while yes, there were definitely some snags, overall it went great and I really appreciate all the feedback and compliments (and critiques too).
I only received the custom translites a few days before the show, and immediately saw that I underestimated how much the baffles would affect the lighting. Oops! Looks kinda awkward, I guess my next task is to build a custom system11 light panel. Also, interesting to see the difference between a stock SoF with its warm lights (mine) and an led-converted one that went all-in on the cool tones (borrowed).
feedthebiscuit Oh don't worry, it's got grunts, dying, clangs, and LIONMAN!! Wouldn't change those for anything.
[quoted image][quoted image]

Don’t cross those swords. LIONMAN!!!

#10 1 year ago

AVW

avanwinkle

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from Linolium:
Played it
Found a software bug
I want a kit

Hurray! Thanks for giving it a try, I look forward to collecting all the bugs found at Expo and making the game ever better. LIONMAN!!

#11 1 year ago

JCD

Analogkid

Pinside+ Frequent

Adel, IA

11y 55,100 78 4

I think it’s an amazing start- I’m loving playing it at Expo this weekend. I really hope this is available sooner than later - it’s exactly what my SOF needs.

#12 1 year ago

MOO

Cheeks

Pinside+ Frequent

Lockport, IL

11y 82,950 2,633 41 2

Is there any gameplay footage of this? I think I might pull my SoF down from the marketplace based on this kit.

#13 1 year ago

RCP

SkyKing2301

Played SoV this weekend at Pinball Expo and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. I kid you not, this was one of my favorite games at the entire show. The music was awesome, the animations were awesome, keeping and expanding a fantasy theme was awesome, breathing new life into an already fantastic game is awesome! Definitely want a spot on the list to enhance my SoF!!!

Playing the Haggis Fathom nearby, made me wonder -- will it have code to allow you to play the original ruleset too? I really like the idea of being able to have the basic classic experience (especially for tournament play and/or family/friends who want to try it the old way) for shorter/simpler gameplay, or launch into the grander quest when I feel more adventurous.

#14 1 year ago

BRI

BrianMadden

FAST Pinball

Seattle, WA

10y 55,700 170 9

Quoted from SkyKing2301:
Playing the Haggis Fathom nearby, made me wonder -- will it have code to allow you to play the original ruleset too? I really like the idea of being able to have the basic classic experience (especially for tournament play and/or family/friends who want to try it the old way) for shorter/simpler gameplay, or launch into the grander quest when I feel more adventurous.

I know this is off topic so I'll keep it short. YES! The Haggis Fathom revisited already includes the original game play too. During attract mode, you can push the left flipper to switch to classic mode and the right flipper to switch to modern / revisited mode. The attract show changes instantly so you know which mode you're in (as well as indicating on the apron cards). They did a great job with it!

#15 1 year ago

RCP

SkyKing2301

Quoted from SkyKing2301:
Played SoV this weekend at Pinball Expo and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. I kid you not, this was one of my favorite games at the entire show. The music was awesome, the animations were awesome, keeping and expanding a fantasy theme was awesome, breathing new life into an already fantastic game is awesome! Definitely want a spot on the list to enhance my SoF!!!
Playing the Haggis Fathom nearby, made me wonder -- will it have code to allow you to play the original ruleset too? I really like the idea of being able to have the basic classic experience (especially for tournament play and/or family/friends who want to try it the old way) for shorter/simpler gameplay, or launch into the grander quest when I feel more adventurous.

Quoted from BrianMadden:
I know this is off topic so I'll keep it short. YES! The Haggis Fathom revisited already includes the original game play too. During attract mode, you can push the left flipper to switch to classic mode and the right flipper to switch to modern / revisited mode. The attract show changes instantly so you know which mode you're in (as well as indicating on the apron cards). They did a great job with it!

Ok I might need to clarify. I did notice the Haggis Fathom could play original or new rules (and played both). So my above question was, will Swords of Vengeance be programmed the same way? In other words, with the SoV upgrade, will we have the option to play both the original SoF rules and the new SoV rules?

I'd really like to be able to have the original gameplay maintained for when I'm feeling less adventurous or when hosting novice players or tournaments.

Really looking forward to this becoming available!

#16 1 year ago

ACE

MacJedi

Pinside+ Addict

9y 92,200 340 69

Hey gang, is there any video of the gameplay? I didn't get to make it to Expo, and would love to see it. Thanks!

#17 1 year ago

AVW

avanwinkle

Pinside+ Frequent

Quoted from SkyKing2301:
Played SoV this weekend at Pinball Expo and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. I kid you not, this was one of my favorite games at the entire show. The music was awesome, the animations were awesome, keeping and expanding a fantasy theme was awesome, breathing new life into an already fantastic game is awesome! Definitely want a spot on the list to enhance my SoF!!!
Playing the Haggis Fathom nearby, made me wonder -- will it have code to allow you to play the original ruleset too? I really like the idea of being able to have the basic classic experience (especially for tournament play and/or family/friends who want to try it the old way) for shorter/simpler gameplay, or launch into the grander quest when I feel more adventurous.

Thank you for the kind words! This machine is built on the same platform as Haggis' Fathom, and yes it does include full support for playing the original Swords of Fury via emulation. The gameplay and feel is indistinguishable from the original, but because of the way System11 split audio between the CPU and Audio Board, sound emulation is only partway complete (which is why emulation was not presented at the show). But it will definitely be available, for maximum LIONMAN!!

#18 1 year ago

BAH

BalkeBoy

Pinside+ Frequent

Rochester, MN

3y 77,100 152 4 58

A lot of pins have come and gone, yet Lionman always remained. I'm watching this thread and supporting your success loudly with an order waiting, @avanwinkle!

#19 1 year ago

DOG

RatShack

Pinside member

7y 57,650 782

LIONMAN!

#20 1 year ago

RCP

SkyKing2301

OP
Quoted from avanwinkle:
Thank you for the kind words! This machine is built on the same platform as Haggis' Fathom, and yes it does include full support for playing the original Swords of Fury via emulation. The gameplay and feel is indistinguishable from the original, but because of the way System11 split audio between the CPU and Audio Board, sound emulation is only partway complete (which is why emulation was not presented at the show). But it will definitely be available, for maximum LIONMAN!!

AWESOME!! Thanks, can't frickin wait. But I will. Take your time and get it all ironed out, and keep up the great work!

#21 1 year ago

MOO

Cheeks

Pinside+ Frequent

Lockport, IL

11y 82,950 2,633 41 2

I'm SO in on a kit for this...

Sign me up!

#22 1 year ago

ASH

andyharsh

Pinside+ Frequent

Salem, OH

10y 48,350 66 27

This looks incredible! Sign me up too,

Lionman!

1 week later

#23 1 year ago

RCP

SkyKing2301

Just did a flipper rebuild on my SoF last night so it's playing better than ever, so I'm even more ready! Can't wait for this!

#24 1 year ago

DNA

dnaman

DNAMAN

10y 83,850 1,863 26

It's an increasingly exciting time for pinball. The technology that we are starting to see and the way that it is being implemented is impressive. So many talented enthusiasts are really making this technology shine.

#25 1 year ago

RMW

rwmech5

Pinside+ Frequent

Lethbridge, AB

8y 77,100 1,493 14

Waiting impatiently to do my tear down, hardtop, cab etc.

1 month later

#26 1 year ago

DRM

FinsterQuinn

Pinside+ Frequent

4y 33,450 12 1

Sign me up! LIONMAN!

#27 1 year ago

BAH

BalkeBoy

Pinside+ Frequent

Rochester, MN

3y 77,100 152 4 58

Any progress updates to share or a little video footage? I’ve been talking up this kit to friends, and I’m eager to support your good works!

#28 1 year ago

AVW

avanwinkle

Pinside+ Frequent

Ask and you shall receive! I've just made a quick video to introduce Swords of Vengeance with some gameplay footage and on overview of the mode mechanics. I'll make many more videos next year to go in-depth on the different aspects, please let me know what's most interesting to you. And thank you all for the support and kind words, I'm thrilled to be bringing more LIONMAN!! to the pinball world!

#29 1 year ago

MOO

Cheeks

Pinside+ Frequent

Lockport, IL

11y 82,950 2,633 41 2

Holy hell I need this!

#30 1 year ago

RMW

rwmech5

Pinside+ Frequent

Lethbridge, AB

8y 77,100 1,493 14

Take my money.

#31 1 year ago

BAH

BalkeBoy

Pinside+ Frequent

Rochester, MN

3y 77,100 152 4 58

Yep. Put me high on that list!

#32 1 year ago

RCP

SkyKing2301

Showed my family your video, now they're just as pumped as I am! Let's do this! CHALLENGE ME!

#33 1 year ago

???

feedthebiscuit

Pinside+ Frequent

5y 49,600 128

This sounds awesome. Can’t wait

#34 1 year ago

AWW

Triplecdad

Pinside member

Tucson, AZ

7y 48,100 262 9 12

Almost sold my SoF last month after owning it for 20 years. Son who grew up playing it, asked me not to. Now I am doubly glad I did not.

#35 1 year ago

SSD

TheNoTrashCougar

Danesi Designs

Sleepy Hollow, IL

12y 130K 3,900 21 7

Nice work! But wait..... You are trying to defeat LIONMAN!!!??? LIONMAN cannot be defeated!

#36 1 year ago

RJW

RandyW

Randy's Pinball

Maryville, TN

11y 94,800 1,302 18

Yep, guess I am shopping for an SoF.

#37 1 year ago

???

cfh

Pinside member

12y 90,550 3,229

We at the VFW Ann Arbor pinball museum would LOVE to be involved in alpha/beta testing for Swords of Vengeance. Please contact us we can get involved! our swords of fury game is waiting. thank you. [email protected]

#38 1 year ago

BJY

byurick

Port City Pinball

Kittery, ME

3y 46,950 112 8

shutupandtakemymoney (resized).png

#39 1 year ago

ABB

Aurich

Mods and Opinions

Torrance, CA

11y 144K 23,395 3

Quoted from TheNoTrashCougar:
Nice work! But wait..... You are trying to defeat LIONMAN!!!??? LIONMAN cannot be defeated!

What if I put a dollar on the glass but you have to pick the orc?

#40 1 year ago

FST

fastpinball

FAST Pinball

Gig Harbor, WA

10y 91,550 1,699 3

avanwinkle you do great work!!! Way to keep the bar for these conversion kit projects high!

Aaron
FAST Pinball

#41 1 year ago

ACE

MacJedi

Pinside+ Addict

9y 92,200 340 69

LOVE IT!!! I'm interested! And I'm in Seattle if you need someone else to test it. /wink

Cheers,
MacJedi

#42 1 year ago

???

Purplecheesemonk

Pinside+ Frequent

Unknown

3y 27,800 61

I'm excited put me down for one!

#43 1 year ago

MrPar

Pinside member

Jönköping

9y 17,150 12

Looks fantastic
I want one

Hope the spinners will come in handy in the code…

#44 1 year ago

MXZ

truemagoo102

Kickback Arcade AirBnB

5y 128K 1,135

Yeah count me in as well!

#45 1 year ago

GEE

Pinslot

Pinside member

Duisburg

8y 54,800 572 2

Wow! Very impressive.

#46 1 year ago

KNT

Coindork

Pinside member

Cave Creek, AZ

7y 147K 4,623 20 74

Looks fantastic

#47 1 year ago

PDK

Pugster

Pinside member

Kelowna, BC

4y 49,850 580

Well now don’t I regret selling my SOF! Amazing work!!!!

#48 1 year ago

TOM

Tomass

Pinside member

Wasilla, AK

6y 98,350 3,835 17

Following this. I would love to buy one of these if you release it. If you are starting a lost please include me.

#49 1 year ago

AVW

avanwinkle

Pinside+ Frequent