You should ask him what that entails and why it needs it, because that's not a "thing" as far as I know.

There's "factory reset" which restores to default settings and can sometimes clear up some issues, or you sometimes have to do if there are problems related to the batteries, but it would be weird to say it needs it, as anyone can just do it by pressing a few buttons.

I'd be suspicious why he hasn't done the factory reset himself if that's "all it needs", as it is only a few clicks. Plus, there's very few problems that would fix, so it usually shouldn't be 'needed'.

It is probably booting up with Factory Restore on the screen. This means that the batteries have been taken out or are dead. It could also mean that there is battery damage on the MPU board.

Sean

If that is all it needs ask him to do it. There are a lot of people here that have Cyclones and I don't mean to step on their toes but the game is boring as fuck. If you are just going to have one pin do not buy that one as you will be bored with it in no time.

His profile says he currently has 5 games, but I agree. This is not a game I would be clamoring for either.

It comes down to this - either it works or it doesn't. Tell the seller you're willing to pay his asking price if the game is functioning. If not, tell him you'd like $275 off the price for new boards.

this is the most likely scenario

Answers to all the questions regarding this problem:

3n. When thing don't work: "Factory Setting" or "Adjustment Error" (Battery Problems)
http://techniek.flipperwinkel.nl/wms11/index3.htm#factory

I thought there was going to be an announcement that Williams was making a comeback...

Same

This may be the best advice in this thread. I love how this game looks, especially with bright LED's, but holy hell at the local arcade I always trick myself into playing this game and then 5 minutes later I'm looking at myself like "why did I just do that?". Especially as it's next to an ES and WW!

Cyclone may be a hit with you/family/friends for a while, but it unfortunately won't have a lot of staying power. Even Rollergames would be a substantial upgrade at what's probably the same price point.

To each his own, I respectfully disagree. My buddies only game, and only game forever - and my story of how I even got into pinball.
https://pinside.com/pinball/community/pinsiders/wayout440/stories/hey-you-with-the-face

I'm always leery of games that "Just need a switch adjusted" or "It's probably just a wire or something"

It's ALL switches and wires if you know which ones to adjust, replace, and you even CAN get the switches, chips, and other assorted parts!

-Brian

Guilty of same thought, then let down...

Man, if that were to happen the next sound you heard would be of the hammer nailing the coffin closed on Stern.

Thought the same thing!

Williams (now WMS) is focused on iGaming (gambling)...they will never be involved in the pinball market again, I guarantee it.

No way, Stern isn't going anywhere.