New Table

[Itchigo]

I have a new table for you guys but I don't know how to upload it or what thread to send it to. I designed it but it's not ready yet. It needs the script written and it needs a playfield background worthy of it's name (Rue Goldberg)- 2 things I don't know how to do. I would like to put it out there for someone else to finish. I have instructions as to what scores how much and what kicker shoots where, I only ask not to change it too much unless there's a problem and to be included in the credits as this is my first table.

 

[faralos]

well you can just zip it and post it here, or go to the download section (you must log in again first, don't know why but you do) then just 'add download' in the bottom left corner, scroll down to the 'manage attachment' box and upload from there, I'd like to see if I can code it using my table skeleton as a base (see faralos table skeleton at vpforums.org) and to keep your kicker directions is no problem either, but really you should try your hand at learning coding so you can keep all the credit to yourself. It is not as hard as it looks trust me if I can learn it than anyone can. (I have adhd and it took me a while to get over that initial hump of learning to code, but I now know much more than I used to, enough to build my own originals anyway)
I have only been building pins for about 1 year and a few months now and so far I have 10 custom originals built already. go to vpforums.org to see all my tables,(look at any post from me, click on the 'upload list' box under my avatar picture and see that list of tables, just click on one vp8 or vp9's download them, they need no rom's since they are originals.)
I have a few here too, but not all of them have been uploaded into this site.
So, post it already, if you still have issues with getting it up here, just send it to me at faralos1@yahoo.com I can't download it till the weekends since I don't have internet access where I live (am currently online at my local library) but this weekend if you get it up here I will d/load it and take a look-see at it. OK?
oh and fyi it's RUBE goldberg not rue it stands for anything that is thrown together to work (like wiley e. coyotes numerouse 'inventions' or the game 'Mousetrap') anything that in parts looks like they won't work togther but assembled somehow it all works :)

 

[faralos]

just downloaded this one...

I have a new table for you guys but I don't know how to upload it or what thread to send it to. I designed it but it's not ready yet. It needs the script written and it needs a playfield background worthy of it's name (Rue Goldberg)- 2 things I don't know how to do. I would like to put it out there for someone else to finish. I have instructions as to what scores how much and what kicker shoots where, I only ask not to change it too much unless there's a problem and to be included in the credits as this is my first table.

ok will have a looksee of it soon and will start to code it for you. thanks for figuring out how to upload it here...while coding it, I'll toss in notes explaining the coding as I go so you understand what does what and why. to better help you to learn how to code a pin.

 

[Itchigo]

Thanks, I will learn this, I have a pdf somewhere about how to code in VP. I have to find it, I also have to get more images to import for various items. If you have a better playfied image go ahead and add it, I was limited to what I had in "my pictures". This is something akin to Hell freezing over- a little over a year and a half ago I didn't own, know how to use or want a computer. Now I'm making my own machines! By the way when I try to download it to check it I get error loading file. Did it go through ok? And did the table info go through when in the VP schematic?

 

[faralos]

it went in ok, here's what I have so far...

I put in the start and end game coding, the kickers all work ok, I did not put in the code for the one in between the drop targets on the left side yet. The drop target routines are not in yet. I built a cabinet around it, I also put in a custom plunger. I redid the top plastic graphics, but may change it again right now it's Oak woodgrain, but if you want it to be changed I can do that easily. I changed the ball image to a shiny one. There are no sounds in it yet either. I'm guessing you want it to emulate a 70' pin? I think that was mentioned in the table info, so I will hunt down bells, dings and such. I also put pics on the drop targets to look like the machines that came out in the 70's (bullseyes) that center spinner has two different pics in it that change as it spins, I will also do a similar thing for the left side one. I will put in a (green) line for each line of code to show you what that particular line does and why. when I say green if you put a " ' " at the start of a line of code, the program will NOT think it is code but it will be there for a reference. you'll see it better once you look at the coding, by the way, all that took a little over 2 hours...now about all those lights, can I change them to let's say 5 for the bonus scoring (you know 1x thru 5x) and maybe one per target bank? or maybe one per target? your call there... I also will make them smaller and change their shape too to something more pleasing on the eyes (color will be different too , maybe)

 

[faralos]

i also put in the top lane dividers, and it is set at 3 balls but again if you are looking for a 70's feel I can always change it to 5. oh and the slingshot rubbers and posts are new too as are the ball lane guides... the rollovers are new too and I will put in lights under them that light up (and shut off again) as the ball rolls over them. I also added another drop target on the left side, since you mentioned that you wanted 5000 scoring as the bonus it's easier if there are 5 targets each one will be worth 1000 then a bonus of 5k once they are all dropped, you have the 3 for the right side with 3k as the bonus, so they are consistant now ok? oh and I changed the angle of view to a lower shot to emulate actually standing in front of the pin and playing it and what do the two triggers at the top ramps (under the lanes) do? I can't figure out why you put them there, are they just for extra scoring? and yeah the high scoring name will be yours before its finished (not mine) just throw in my name as one of the table authors and I'll be happy! :) i am doing all this as a 'pay if forward' since I had numerous people helping me over these last 14 months with my tables, it's the least I can do, since I know more than you, just promise me that when you get better, that you will help others who know less than you...and yer welcome!!!

 

[Itchigo]

I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH!! I will definitely do what I can. I'm learning to import images for various items and am trying to build a collection of sounds and such. I tried on my copy to get the spinner to score and sound but I wasn't sure at what break to insert them. I mimiced the script of Bally Wizard for the spinner and though I compiled the script with no errors it did not recognize it. ( SubSpinner1 Hit() Addscore 100 ). I do know about the ' trick and have used it to play VP9 games in VP8 before I understood what VP9 was (example- maxballspeed). I do know enough to go into a working script and change something but not yet to start from scratch. Also I don't know if things have to have a specific order- ( targets, spinner etc.).

 

[faralos]

your table so far...!!!

ok in this version I labeled most of the coding lines as to what they do. and the code for a spinner is Spinner1_Spin() not 'hit' you must have that underline and the perenthesis also. And no, it does not matter the order of the actual coding, since the entire program is read before the pin actually starts. check out how I grouped the objects in the code, and their labeling also.
The drop targets are all working as are all the kickers now. I added some more sounds, for the drop targets and slingshot rubbers and pop bumpers. As for that playfield pic, honestly I couldn't figure out what it was until I imported it into an art program. So, you may want to change that to something else, I'll also do a search for 'rube goldberg' devices online to try to find something better too. hope you like it so far... oh to add pics try to save them as bitmaps this way no color is lost (jpegs tend to blur around the edges leading to some odd looking pics) for actual playfield pic a jpeg (at 1024 by 768 is fine, but for targets and plastics and spinners and such bitmaps are better. check out the targets too, notice how they have 3 points across their front, if you go into the editor and look at them. I'll give a more detailed explanation in a later post so you can understand it better. but these three points greatly improve the picture quality that is pasted on a vertical surface (walls, targets, etc.) I also added the rollover lights at the top lanes and the ball guide lanes towards the bottom of the field. (outside of the slingshots) hope this is ok with you! they light up as the ball rolls over them. don't have any sounds for them yet though, and no bonus scoring routine yet for the upper lanes... (you know 1x thru 5x!)8)
oh and honestly most of my coding is cut and pasted too! the only stuff I really write from scratch may be drop targets, spinners, pop bumpers, I know how to do all this, but it is far easier to just copy it from one of my other originals and paste it into another pin, changing the names along the way. this saves oodles of time!! so don't feel you are cheating if you 'cut and paste'!!!

 

[faralos]

the new table so far...

Now I can thank YOU, Itchigo for helping ME! See, in all my other (10) originals I didint have any multiple scoring lanes, but since you had asked for them to be put into your table, I persevered yesterday (3 1/2 hours!) and finally learned it and put it into your table! I found a version that would work with a bit of tweaking for the text boxes on your table, so I screwed around with it for a while and got it working!! As you can now see, the multiple scoring is up and running! when you get all four lanes lit the first time the score is multiplied by 2, then 3x then 4x then it says it is maxxed when the 5x light is lit! each time they are all hit they will go out again till the next time they are hit, when all four are once again lit the multiple scoring will increase by 1 till they are at the max which is 5x!

So once again thanks to YOU!!! For without your asking about it, I probably would never have learned it, but now that I know how it works, I can use it in my future wip's (works in progress)
I changed the pop bumper sounds to a more 70's sound (bells) switched the pics for the spinners and tweaked a few other things. So here it is, still not quite done (I want to clean it up a bit more, and label the new coding so you can follow what I did) and get rid of the supports for one of the gates. The ball keeps on hitting them causing it to deflect funny. but it's getting there! right now it is about 95% finished! I'll work on a more today and hopefully by Monday it should be ready, if you have any more pics or ideas for the table pic just zip 'em and post them here and I'll get them...ok?
One more thing, if it's ok with you, once this table is finished can you (or with your permission, me) post it also up on vpforums.org? I hang out there more than this site, honestly, and I think if you visit there you also will like that site too. they have MANY coders there and a bunch of tutorials too if you need any help with anything... let me know one way or the other...

 

[faralos]

just a thought too, I was thinking to put a lane right under that right kicker as a penalty if the plunger isn't pulled all the way back to have the ball drop onto the field just under that right kicker but again that's your call, I will try it when I get back home (am at girl friends house atm since I have no internet at my place) and will post the updated table here on Monday for you to see what I mean. It just would seem like a better idea to ensure that the plunger is pulled all the way back that way if the player does NOT pull the plunger all the way back the ball would drop onto the playfield missing the advance scoring bonus lanes making it just that much more of a challenge to get it back up there.

 

[marv75]

Nice table guys! :)

 

[Itchigo]

Thanks Faralos, My mind has been elsewhere because I had to take my cat in for surgery. She's doing ok (feline breast cacer). I would be honored to have a table at VPF or PN or IRP. I think we'll have to see about the bonus light colors depending what pictures you can find for the playfield. I was thinking the traditional green. I didn't have a lot of pictures so I used one from my Kenwood pinball cabinet. I do go to VPF, I think I've just gotten into a habit of coming here. I have looked at and downloaded what tutorials I thought would be useful. I'm looking for more sounds to use, Ive gotten what I can from VP, IRP and PN. I'd like to have a library so I don't have to export constantly. The woodgrain looks great, although I think we could lose the wood grain in the middle of the table, such as the slingshots and just keep it for the outer perimeter. If you want to add something go ahead, I think it's coming along great. I'm learning how much goes into these and why it takes a while to get a new table.

 

[Itchigo]

I made a few changes, sounds, colors and images. All of the sounds aren't there, but I think I got most of them except for targets and kickers.
Known Issues:
Start button will give multiple balls if pressed repeatedly.
Ball gets hung up on the middle spinner, but without it's frame it's difficult to see.
Plunger goes back a little slow.
Drop target reset is a little slow.
Shadow over the left side of the playfield.

I went into the script to change/import sounds and I understand what you did, it was VERY helpful, but I think it will still be a while before I can totally do it on my own. I did try to cut and paste with no success, I've done it before with other things, but my laptop is getting a little funny right now so I don't if that's it. I havent tried it on my desktop yet. The editor was running VERY slow on my laptop. By the way you might find these usefull. I think I found this at IRP. It won't let me upload the table, says invalid file (VPT).

 

[Wizards_Hat]

Faralos,
seeing as you're doing the coding for someone else (& trying to teach them how to code) I think you need to take another look at your "Sub AddScore" routine.

There are loads of commented out lines (that you had from one of your first pins when you wanted double scoring), and then you have the same line twice "Score=Score + Points", so every score is effectively doubled.

Regards,
Dan.

 

[Itchigo]

Since it won't let me upload the attachment, here's what I did:

Changed 2x, 3x etc. to green
Used BELL 10, 100, 1000 for sounds from shiva sounds.
Changed rails that run along the flippers (inside lanes) to stainless, kept all other woodgrain - changed my mind as the stainless helps break up all the wood.
The kicker that shoots to another kicker had a wall in front of it so I removed it.
Changed kicker color to silver/gray so they would show up better.
Added knockeTWO sound for high score.

 

[faralos]

that wall is a passthru one. if you look at the option for it I made it NON collidable so the ball will travel thru it!! it looks like the ball will hit it but can't because the ball actually goes thru it! always check the options first! as for the gate, I did mention that the ball hits the supports, I removed them in my version. I tweaked a few other things too ok I will change the bonus lights back to green, it's just that so many tables use yellow and green I thought you'd like something different. but no prob.
Thanks Wizards Hat! I noticed the double scoring and again in my version I deleted that 'score' twice line but forgot to put it in the uploaded one. And yes, I saved the double scoring routine in case he wants to use it in another pin. i will also upload my table skeleton for him here too so he can see how the scoring routines work. I also learned bonus lane stuff and will incorporate that into my table skeleton.
I used a (ta da) sound for the high score routine but to stay traditional you can go with the knock sound!
in my version also I DID put in another passthru area in the plunger lane. what I mean is if you don't pull the plunger all the way back the ball will drop onto the field UNDER the kicker on the right side, making the shot to the top a bit harder now. I
ll upload it tomorrow, and show you my version of it. if you don't like it that way, just let me know, but I think that way it 'punishes' the player for not getting the ball all the way to the top
I fixed the start button also so only one ball will show up and also the flipper code so that at game over they will NOT work. for the drop target reset yeah a few of them are set at 4500 but I'll switch them back to 3000 to make them pop back up faster (or you can do it too if you know how; look at the code for them see the 4500? change it to 3000 (3000 equals about 1 second) or if you are unsure wait till Tuesday and I'll post the version I have.

I also put in kicker sounds too, and the drop targets just 'click' when they are hit that is the default sound for them but let me know if you want them changed to something different. i also added a ball roll sound when the ball is traveling up the plunger lane to emulate a real pin.

BTW great table layout!! For your first pin, you put a lot of thought into it! most first pins tend to be a little 'right or left flipper' heavy, meaning that the ball will favor that side, but your table flow is great! even after hours of playtesting I don't tire of playing it! so again great table there!!! hope to see more from you now that you know the basics. For any future projects you do, just give me a yell and I'll help ya' again. This one was fun!!

On a good note, my gal purchased a USN modem for me, so soon (if it works) I will be able to go online at home! apparently it just plugs into the usb port and I can get online but we'll see! (fingers crossed here)It should be in around Tuesday or Wednesday...

 

[Itchigo]

Thanks for the compliment on the table and the help. I can change the targets or you can, I just didn't know what the values equate to in terms of time. I've changed flipper strengh on games to compensate for slow reaction, but I've done it on a percentage basis (add 10% to the number and change it to that). I've just haven't had a lot of time on a given night with the cat situation. I'm more of a traditionalist when it comes to sounds and colors unless it goes with the game. My dad had (still does) a game buisness since I was a kid and we were putting 3 Stooges and The Little Rascals movies in the Ground round restaurants on 8mm film. Then Pong came out and my dad switched from the movies and it went from there. If I was'nt playing I was repairing or making games go faster. And yes it is possible to break the glass with the ball only. All you need is a Gottlieb? Volcano machine and slingshot switches about 2-3 mm apart, then during multiball get a ball on top of a ball on top of a ball (doesn't happen every day) and voila! I know sounds easy.

I did try to upload what I did but it wouldn't let me (don't know why it says invalid file) I even added a 1 so the title wouldn't be the same. But the other file, the Shiva sounds went through. Were those usefull, or did you already have them? Seems like we make a good team, when I work on another one (I'll have more done on the next one) do you want it?

 

[Itchigo]

I forgot, I bulged out the right side just above the right slingshot just a little on my copy (losing too many balls to the right), what do you think about a kickback ala Firepower for the left side after making a set of targets. Just an idea.

 

[faralos]

here's what I have so far (again)

ok fixed the start button, flippers and put that NON-collidable wall back into place, ( i think you should leave it as it hides the kicker, fooling the player into thinking it is just a wall. I also put the arrows up by the kickers for an added touch, but if you don't like 'em I can delete them no problem.
I changed the red bonus lights back to green, but (I also used to fix the real things back in the 80's) older pins also had red lights too but again no big deal. I have another non-collidable wall byt the right out lane to hide the ball when it is made in the plunger lane. I added bells for the outlanes (called ding in the sound files) but am having a problem with a disappearing drop target. I am posting that pic also and maybe Wizards Hat can help here (or anyone else?) I tried everything from moving it a bit to unchecking shadows, but it still won't show up. it registers a hit and drops but it won't show up at all. weird I know.
Except for the playfield pic I think it's just about finished pending your approval.
and YES to any future pins you want to toss my way! I had fun doing this for you and hopefully for your future pins you will learn more and start to put in your own coding (less work for me!)
thanks for letting me help you (since I learned bonus lanes thru you) and yer welcome for the help I gave ya' too.
that last pic shows that disappearing drop target

 

[Wizards_Hat]

but am having a problem with a disappearing drop target. I am posting that pic also and maybe Wizards Hat can help here (or anyone else?) I tried everything from moving it a bit to unchecking shadows, but it still won't show up. it registers a hit and drops but it won't show up at all. weird I know.

It's because of the textbox you have on the backdrop (called "textbox") - it is interfering with your drop target (if you untick the transparency on it you'll see what it's doing very clearly).

Personally I would just scap it - you already have the playfield lights to show what the bonus multiplier is, and that's all you use that textbox for.

Regards,
Dan.

 

[Itchigo]

Hey Faralos, check this out! I moved the wall because it didn't seem to be collidable, I couldn't seem to hit the hole with it hidden. I added more sounds. I fixed the right outlane the way we were talking about yesterday. The ball was getting stuck because of not enough space. The ball got stuck in the penalty area once. I can't seem to fix the front lockbar, it comes up ok in the editor but when I play the game for real it doesn't come up properly. Also I'm not sure how you got the red arrow, (I was going to add one by kicker 6). I also added sounds for 2x, 3x, etc. But I have a question, what does the multiplier multiply if there's no bonus to multiply? That's something I can work on at a later date. I'll have to e- mail it to you as it won't let me send it to you here.

 

[faralos]

the bonus multiplies all the scores that occur after getting it to light up. so anything that gets hit after that 2x is lit will be 2 times its normal score, same for 3x and so on... ok thanks agan Dan! I will just scrapthat text box then to have that target show up (with Itchigos permission of course!) those two red arrows... you ARE using vp9 yes? that's what I have been using. I have the table here and will get it to you soon...

 

[faralos]

ok here is the drop target fix for ya'

in the editor click on the backdrop option opn the left, change that textbox in the center to a height of 75 and the drop target will show up again. Thank Wizards hat for that answer he posted it yesterday! and good choice with all those bells! that is definitely a retro sounding pin! if it's ok with you, i want to 'borrow' those sounds you aren't using *the "2" thru "5" sounds) for my next wip my dragon table based on the 'How To Tame A Dragon' movie
oh and the reason you arehaving problems uploading your table is it must be in either 'ZIP' format or 'RAR' it won't upload if it's a vpt file.

 

[Itchigo]

I learned a lot today. For one, I didn't know this was done in VP9. I geuss I should have realized that I used the editor in 9.07. Not a problem I just didn't realize it. That explains the collideable wall issue. I don't get the wall though, I think it would look better with the hole and a red arrow like the others. Two, although I just don't see the attraction of the "penalty plunger gate", whatever you want is ok with me. I think the one time I got it stuck I must have hit it just right because I looked at it in the editor and couldn't see how it would get stuck. Any sounds you want you're welcome to them, I got most of them from the Shiva sounds. ? If I import/export sounds from a game to a game does it take those sounds from that game or copy them still leaving the original game intact? Finally, one last thing, how do I change the format to winzip or rar. I have I zip or J zip on both computers. Thanks, sorry for all the questions, I'm really learning this.

 

[faralos]

download '7zip' a freeware program it makes both 'zips' and 'rars' and a few other extensions too, just zip it in the 'normal' mode (once you open that program you'll see what i mean). it'll make a zipped file on your desktop, and fyi, you can ONLY upload a zip or rar file NOT a vpt to here...
when you export either pics or sounds it just makes a copy of it so the original stays in the pin! this is the best way to borrow stuff from other pins! Yeah, sorry for that mishap about VP9! I use vp9 exclusively for coding pins and usually forget to ask about others using it also! my mistake... ok i can put in a red arrow forthat kicker too then, when you get it in there the arrow will turn off ok? oh and i got the red arrow idea from 'exporting' it from my POTC VP9 table at vpforums.org!