Recommended tables

[TedB]

I haven't seen a thread with the best / recommended tables yet and I love these kind of threads.

I like tables most that are not very resource demanding, are visually actractive, preferably with good sounds, and not too small. My playing style is play a lot and not long. Lets face it pinball is a pretty dull game, so I need a lot of tables to keep it interesting :)

Lately I have been searching for tables that work great on my eeepc, and I've found some great originals. Some of them are not very well known.

Great originals:
Fight Night (amazing!)
Metal Jail
TAF
Pinzee
S.T.A.L.K.E.R
Trigon (amazing2!)
Wacky Races

 

[TheHermit]

... Lets face it pinball is a pretty dull game ...

Burn the heretic! Burn the non-believer!

Seriously, what a strange comment to say on a pinball forum...

You missed Wallace & Gromit by the way, and the slightly less well known Nova.

 

[TedB]

Seriously, what a strange comment to say on a pinball forum...

Why? When looking at the basics, pinball is a pretty dull and boring game. Aim, shoot and a bit of luck. I absolutely love pinball, but I can't play one table for a very long time. After a couple of games I reach my predetermined skill limit (talent) and I will not score much more without a lot of effort and time. Then it is time for a new challenge. Playing like that keeps it interesting and fun.

You missed Wallace & Gromit by the way, and the slightly less well known Nova.

I haven't missed W&G, I think it is not as fun as other tables of Eala. IMO the tables objects are a bit too small. I like tables with a lot of contrast, that are easy for the eyes. That's why I also love bobs tables.

I'm not sure if I have ever played Nova, but I will search for it and give it a go. :)

 

[bob]

I like tables with a lot of contrast, that are easy for the eyes. That's why I also love bobs tables.

Thanks man!

Best VP table ever is.... Rapid Vienna Kick'n'Roll by Walter derVito aka starman7007.

You can download it below

http://dvo.hexadyne.com/rv/index.html

 

[Crazydan]

I haven't seen a thread with the best / recommended tables yet and I love these kind of threads.

I like tables most that are not very resource demanding, are visually actractive, preferably with good sounds, and not too small. My playing style is play a lot and not long. Lets face it pinball is a pretty dull game, so I need a lot of tables to keep it interesting :)

Lately I have been searching for tables that work great on my eeepc, and I've found some great originals. Some of them are not very well known.

Great originals:
Fright Night (amazing!)
Metal Jail
TAF
Pinzee
S.T.A.L.K.E.R
Trigon (amazing2!)
Wacky Races

I know there's a very good table called Fight Night, but this's the first I've heard of a Fright Night.

Rapid Vienna Kick'n'Roll is definately my favorite (Good call, Bob.) If I'm gonna go for originals over recreations, I look for features that can't be easily implemented in real tables, which RV has in abundance. Plus, it's just a great table.

Scapino's Top Gun is a pretty fun table, with a nice touch of the pinball morphing into a jet and back again.

Card Sharks is also worth mentioning. It's also pretty simple, e.g. no fancy multiball or tons of ramps, but it is a nice looking table with good art, and pretty fun rules.

I hear great things about Trigon. But, you can't find the thing! From scouring around the web, Shiva's site was the only place to get it, and it's not up anymore.

 

[shiva]

There are problems with that host's server, as well as sudden host policy changes that FUBARed the site. It would have to be completely redone, and I would rather find a different host if I have to do that. I'm presently working on a new design and getting ready for a new website, but it will not be for pinball at all, as I am no longer active, and retired. There will be no availability from me in the future, maybe someone can send it to you by email.

 

[TedB]

I know there's a very good table called Fight Night, but this's the first I've heard of a Fright Night.

You're right, I did mean FIght Night. :)

I hear great things about Trigon. But, you can't find the thing! From scouring around the web, Shiva's site was the only place to get it, and it's not up anymore.

I can send it to you if you PM your details.

There are problems with that host's server, as well as sudden host policy changes that FUBARed the site. It would have to be completely redone, and I would rather find a different host if I have to do that. I'm presently working on a new design and getting ready for a new website, but it will not be for pinball at all, as I am no longer active, and retired. There will be no availability from me in the future, maybe someone can send it to you by email.

I was hoping you would reconsider your 'retirement' one of these days, but anyway you've left us with some fine tables.
If you give permission I can upload your masterpiece to pinballnirvana :)

 

[Crazydan]

Thanks, man! :D

 

[Crazydan]

There are problems with that host's server, as well as sudden host policy changes that FUBARed the site. It would have to be completely redone, and I would rather find a different host if I have to do that. I'm presently working on a new design and getting ready for a new website, but it will not be for pinball at all, as I am no longer active, and retired. There will be no availability from me in the future, maybe someone can send it to you by email.

It looks like a lot of things changed, since even a few years back. A lot of dead sites, and tables are much harder to find.. (I had the devil of a time hunting down Card Sharks Deluxe.)

But thanks for allowing someone to email it to me. I know from web hunting, that there was a time this would've been against your terms of use.

 

[shiva]

I have no problem with email. Others I do, but then I have justification as just about everything has already happened.

Speaking of which, Bob, next time you go around promoting RV, make sure you include my name in the credits as well. It is my script, and at the very least, I deserve some credit for the 10 months it took to write the engine.

 

[bob]

I have no problem with email. Others I do, but then I have justification as just about everything has already happened.

Speaking of which, Bob, next time you go around promoting RV, make sure you include my name in the credits as well. It is my script, and at the very least, I deserve some credit for the 10 months it took to write the engine.

I always give credit where credit is due, but you'll have to take that up with Walter as he doesn't mention you in the version I play.

'******************************************************
'* Rapid Vienna Kick'n Roll Version DVO4 by starman7007 *
'* 5-10/2003.....................D*V*O/Amabrush Design *
'******************************************************
'Original VP table last edit 02.december.03
'
'(c) 2003 by Walter derVito. All sounds used in Rapid Vienna Kick'n Roll are public domain,
'graphics, design and script by Walter derVito.
'This table may not be modified for redistribution and rerelease without the
'authors permission
'
'Contact: walter.vit@chello.at

'Instruction is available by pressing ' I ' during play. Table Information and
'a seperate Rapid Vienna Kick'n Roll Documetation file in txt. format. Individual table
'elements may be copy and pasted for use on other tables, as long as they
'are not used in the exact same position and manner. In other words, please
'feel free to borrow, but be creative in using what you borrow.

 

[shiva]

You may be right. I don't have a copy handy, but it is against the terms of use in the engine, and under VPF rules, it is considered a illegal mod as it uses my script while removing any copyright or mention of me. It's always been known it's se2 driving that script

Geez, thanks Bob.

 

[bob]

You may be right. I don't have a copy handy, but it is against the terms of use in the engine, and under VPF rules, it is considered a illegal mod as it uses my script while removing any copyright or mention of me. It's always been known it's se2 driving that script

Geez, thanks Bob.

I think Walter thanked you in one of his releases, but his script is absolutely nothing like the one in your shivaengine and I mean no similarities in scripting at all, none, but you have been taking credit for it for five years.

 

[shiva]

Yeap, he did say he used part of my code, because he found a bug in it. My mistake :)
I actually have no problem with him, I've talked to him several times. There is some very small se2 code in there, because I did answer some things, but that's long gone now with the old site. A bad way for me to put it, sorry Walter.

Since you are handy...

You did encourage me to get things off my chest, and I said it would be best if I didn't bring up stuff again, and considering some previous things, it would be very embarrassing to other members if I did lose my temper if I get baited. After all these years of this, I'm at my limit.

I would like to enjoy my retirement for a change, and it's been rather peaceful and enjoyable at VPF lately. I'm no longer a threat to anyone, as long as people don't poke me with a stick. I do appreciate you going to great lengths with credits, and wish people did the same. I mention this here, as my PM's are off, and this is outside VPF, which would be better than inside

BTW, I disagree that RV is the "best", but then it's a very bias opinion as well.

 

[bob]

You just need to not take things personally, especially from me..... I come from a different world then most people. I made my living by poking people with a stick, but it was more of a funny stick and it was all done in fun. I've been called an agitator my whole life, but I've had more laughs than you could imagine. Life is too short to be serious. I mostly say that RV is the best table of all time, just to agitate some people or to get their goat, don't get me wrong, it's a great table and Starman was always a gentleman like Curt and JP, but the table is a little dated. Personally, I get a kick out of saying my tables suck.... Here's a couple of Big Blues.

 

[Crazydan]

You just need to not take things personally, especially from me..... I come from a different world then most people. I made my living by poking people with a stick, but it was more of a funny stick and it was all done in fun. I've been called an agitator my whole life, but I've had more laughs than you could imagine. Life is too short to be serious. I mostly say that RV is the best table of all time, just to agitate some people or to get their goat, don't get me wrong, it's a great table and Starman was always a gentleman like Curt and JP, but the table is a little dated.

Perhaps, among all the VP tables. But, for originals I haven't seen many that compare. (And btw, who gets agitated? I just tried a search with Rapid Vienna, and found no goat catching!)

Not to sound like a bootlicker, but the only original table I've played that looks as polished is Trigon, that TedB just sent me.

Fight Night and Card Sharks are fun too, don't get me wrong.

 

[StevOz]

Eh, well you could go a lot worse then try mine, all depends on ya taste.

 

[shiva]

Fine, since I am retired, and now can actually comment on tables. There's 3 people I will automatically download. Walter, Chris, and Eala.

The odd thing is that of all the tables that are considered the best, none of them are less than 3 years old at least.

Okay, since VPF is down again, and I'm bored, gonna be leaving to run my new site anyway, and to make up, I will actually answer any questions that are table related, but one time only and only for a limited time. Ask now, or forever hold your piece. :)

 

[bob]

Hey Crazydan! Wazzup!

First off, you have to ignore that StevOz guy!

Second, why didn't you mention any of my tables?

I'll only recommend one of my tables to you as the rest of them suck..... Try Spider-man 2008, you can get it here at PN.

 

[bob]

Fine, since I am retired, and now can actually comment on tables. There's 3 people I will automatically download. Walter, Chris, and Eala.

The odd thing is that of all the tables that are considered the best, none of them are less than 3 years old at least.

Okay, since VPF is down again, and I'm bored, gonna be leaving to run my new site anyway, and to make up, I will actually answer any questions that are table related, but one time only and only for a limited time. Ask now, or forever hold your piece. :)

Hey! Try my Spider-man 2008 table and let me know if I've learned anything.

 

[shiva]

Hey! Try my Spider-man 2008 table and let me know if I've learned anything.

Don't need to, better design, better graphics, play looks good with no stops or sudden ball movement, and ball flow looks good.

 

[bob]

It includes an awesome mp3 of Spider-man by the Ramones. I bet your son would like that table. It took me 3 weeks to make it, it takes Steve that long to center a graphic. LOL :)

 

[shiva]

Spiderman is too "kiddie" for him now. He thinks the Hulk is far cooler.

The design is good Bob, but it's the graphics you need to work on. It's not what's there, it's what's not. Some simple additions would make the table better, even though they are just graphics, but graphics are not just something pretty to look at, they also serve a purpose in that they can be used as part of the layout.

The biggest one is the background, which stretches from top to bottom. It needs to be broken up, because it makes the table look like a mass of blue. Underneath all that artwork in Trigon is a gradient, Black at the top, to a light red at the bottom, and it makes a world of difference. I would say you need a graphic image up there as well

Most of the arcade tables used graphics as pointers for the player to highlight key areas, or to point to where to shoot. Long lanes usually had graphics lines, or a special design that highlighted it. Text was used to describe key areas, and sometimes had graphic borders. Lights had borders, some quite complex, (I would say a spiderweb border would be quite nice) and there were banners with text that was added to make key bonus or special features stand out.

Bally use to add line work around the bottom, like Playboy. Williams did that, but also added special graphics for the lanes to highlight them like Sorcerer. Most machines did that in fact. Arcade tables, especially EM type, divided the tables into 3 blocks with graphics, the bottom, middle, and top.

It's a shame you don't know photoshop or psp. Most of this stuff is very easy, photoshop has preset shapes you can download, and there's 10 of thousands of preset shapes. Just drag out the size, fill with the color. If I remember correctly, I used a few shapes in mine.

It's really just decoration that's needed. Sort of like adding tinsel on a Xmas tree, it's not really needed, but it ties the tree together and makes it look far better.

 

[Crazydan]

Hey Crazydan! Wazzup!

Yo!

First off, you have to ignore that StevOz guy!

Second, why didn't you mention any of my tables?

Haven't tried them out yet. ^_^

But I love Spiderman. (And I'm no "kid" either. )

I'll only recommend one of my tables to you as the rest of them suck.....

I don't believe ya. ^_^

But even if that's true, after some of the stinkers I've tried, if yours are as good as the VP demo table they should look favorable by default.

Try Spider-man 2008, you can get it here at PN.

I'll give it a try along with the Bubblegum Crisis table.

 

[Crazydan]

Fine, since I am retired, and now can actually comment on tables. There's 3 people I will automatically download. Walter, Chris, and Eala.

I've got all three. ^_^

Another author I hear lots about, is Sphere.

Also, there's a table called Inner City Life I tried recently. It's got an interesting design, with it's inner workings resembling a cityscape..

Anyone try it?