SS Original Table BAM FizX FP Road Runner (Original) 1.04

Version 1.04

My intention on this version was to update some minor errors on the FizX tweaker. I have been playing it quite a bit and decided it was worth adding more features, especially since everyone seems to like it. The main features I added are Surround Sound Feedback (SSF), Lighting, and Easy Play Mode. I think this table would appeal to children who would probably prefer the Easy Play Mode. All the features I added are listed below. I highly recommend you read the Instructions PDF file in the download or else you will probably miss out on some of the nice features I added.

BAM – Must Read

This table requires BAM 1.5-373 or later for it to perform as intended and to not crash or generate error messages.

Lighting

I added lighting modes for Day, Dusk, Night, Dark Night and FP Original. Press the Special 2 key to toggle through the lighting modes. FP Original disables the spotlight but it helps those that have lower end PCs.

FizX and Tweaker

I upgraded from FizX Lite 3.0 to the full version of FizX 3.3.1 which includes updating the menu system we call a tweaker. Press the Special 1 key to open the FizX tweaker and read the directions on the overlay on how to navigate the system. I moved the options on the tweaker so the parameters I use the most are display first on the list with the lesser used parameters at the bottom of the list. By default, the full version adds upgrades to rubber posts, slingshots and drop targets. I manually added the FizX bumpers. I also added 2 invisible rubbers posts to each slingshot which helps to perform post passes and works quite well on this table.

Surround Sound Feedback

I added Surround Sound Feedback (SSF) the for both DOF and PUP to help out the pinball cabinet users. Debo26 tested this table on his cabinet. To make SSF work, you must add the PUP-Pack that is included in the download. Copy "FP_PUP_SSF_GEORGE" to your PUPVideos folder. You also need to change the following options in the script to "True":
DOF_enabled = false
PUP_SSF_enabled = false

This change actually benefits everyone because the process of adding SSF requires replacing all the standard FP mechanical sounds with Fleep's incredible recordings. I am sure you will notice an improvement.

Plunger Modification

Popotte developed a plunger mod that added a new feature to the code I had been using. The code that I used in the past makes the plunger pull back more slowly, making it easier to hone in on just the right power to hit certain skill shots on most tables. This table does not have a skill shot but it does help to be able to control the ball on the upper playfield.

The plunger that Popotte created has two modes of operation:

1) The slow plunger pullback is the same as previous versions I used and works like a normal plunger would by pressing the plunger key. The only difference from the default plunger is that it pulls back more slowly so you can more easily identify the place where you want to let go of the plunger.

2) The second method is where you can use the up and down arrow keys to position the plunger exactly where you want it before it is released. Then you press the plunger key to release the ball. It can be adjusted very precisely for your shot.

Camera Views

I created two camera view profiles. I set one of them, to be the default in the script although the changes you make will be saved. You can change the default camera view by pressing the "V" key repeatedly to toggle the two options.

Easy Play Mode

You can change a setting in the script to "Easy Play Mode". The default is set to "Normal Play Mode". The download includes two sets of rules in PDF form, one is for easy play and the other for normal play. An example of one of the changes I made is to change the drop targets on the upper playfield to light two of the lights on the playfield for RUNNER when you hit all 4 drop targets. Normal play mode requires you hit all 4 drop targets 6 times to spell RUNNER which gets rather tedious. This option is great for children but it's good for everyone because it helps you get higher scores and makes it more fun.

Rotated Display

Finally, I added a version of the table for those of us that have desktop PCs with a single monitor that can swivel so it is oriented in an upright position. I call it rotated display. The "Full Table 2" view only uses about 50% of the screen for the playfield where this option uses about 90% of the screen. It produces a more immersive gaming experience. If you don't have a single monitor that can rotate, then you need to use the other version of the table in the download. You can try it on a standard monitor to see what it looks like but it will be oriented sideways. In order to play the table, you need to change the "Rotation" option to 270 degrees on the "Preferences" > "Video / Rendering Options" screen of the FP editor.

List of Changes:

1) Added 5 lighting modes that can be changed by pressing the Special 2 key.
2) Added adjustable Ball Brightness and Shininess options in the script.
3) Added ball count and # credits to the HUD which previous could only be seen on the backbox.
4) Found that the previously added BAM code that allows the score to exceed 2 billion points did not work correctly. Some coding was changed to make it work.
5) Upgraded to FizX 3.3.1.
6) Corrected minor bugs in the FizX tweaker (Press the Special 1 key to open it.)
7) Created version of the table for Rotated Display.
8) Added new plunger mod.
9) Changed drop targets to reset at end of game.
10) Changed to a different ball rolling sound on the playfield than used on version 1.03.
11) Added an invisible wall to prevent the ball getting stuck between the upper right flipper and the gate.
12) Added Surround Sound Feedback (SSF) with DOF and PUP which includes changing to Fleep's sound recordings.
13) Added 2 switchable camera views that can be changed by pressing the letter "V" repeatedly.
14) Added a set of instructions to the download as a PDF file.
15) Added a set of rules to the download as a PDF file.
16) Added Easy Play Mode that can be set at the beginning of the script. The default is Normal Play Mode.
17) Fixed a problem where the segmented display for credits would display random numbers after entering initials for a high score.

Version 1.03

One of the guys informed me that when the ball rolls down either inlane and hits the flippers, it bounces upward. I moved the flippers down slightly to correct the problem. I thought the flipper angles and swing might need to be adjusted but I found that the old settings worked best.

When I was working on the issue, I also noticed the ball would sometimes get stuck in the inlane below the right wire ramp. I found the ball was hitting a ring hanging down from the ramp so I changed the ring. I changed the ring so it has an open bottom and allows the ball to pass.

One of the guys recorded a video of the table and I noticed that the player never held the plunger down long enough to launch the ball up to the miniplayfield. I think the reason for it was the plunger mod that I added. The purpose of the plunger mod is to take more time for the plunger to pull back to provide more control over when the ball is released. I decided it took too long to pull the plunger back so I shortened a timer on the plunger mod to make it draw out a little more quickly. I also enlarged the opening over the plunger so you can see more easily when you want to release the ball.

Even before I released the table, I thought the ball rolling sound was not quite right on the wire ramps. When I was developing this change, I realized that there was an alternate wire sound that I liked better so I added it.

The light inserts on the playfield seemed too dark, especially during the attract mode so I brightened them a little.

List of Changes

1) When the ball rolled down the inlane, it was changed so the ball did not jump up when hitting the flipper.
2) Fixed the inlane under the right ramp so the ball no longer gets stuck.
3) Decreased the timer setting for the plunger mod so you don't have to hold the plunger key down so long for the ball to reach the miniplayfield.
4) Increased the size of the plunger opening so you can see the plunger more easily and determine when to release the ball.
5) Changed the wire ramp sound from "mech_ballroll_wire" to "mech_ballroll_wire2" which I think sounds a little better.
6) Brightened the light inserts on the playfield.