Tron Pinball feedback?

[VectorInvadr]

One man's random crap is another man's treasure I can attest to helping fund VectorInvader's Tron Pin and am looking forward to trying it out once it arrives!

Dave hooked me up with a grail I'd been looking for: a Berzerk in pretty nice condition

Tom

True to that Tom
and thank you
Your welcome anytime to play it.

 

[Hyde]

Such talent and creativity on display there on that Avatar side art...

1. Open Rcabinetside.ai template in Adobe Illustrator.

2. Drag and drop various jpegs from the Avatar press material the studio sent over.

3. Save.

Know what would be really cool? They should just cut the actual movie posters to fit and glue them on the cabinet sides! Totally rad!

I don't want to start a huge debate or anything over the Avatar artwork (after all, that would be derailing the thread). But I've taken several design classes in school, and I feel the need to defend the designer who composited the Avatar artwork.

If you examine the art a little closer, you'll see how well-designed it actually is.

*Notice the 2 main colors: Blue/Violet and Orange/Yellow. Those colors are complimentary (opposites) on the color wheel, and complimentary colors cause one another to stand out and look more vibrant - not only emphasizing the explosion, but also establishing unity throughout the piece.

*The artworks is very balanced. Notice how all the creatures and machines are placed along the edge of an oval shape. More unity.

*The slight darkness gradient around the border emphasizes the main action.

*All items are composited expertly - AKA nothing looks "out of place" as if it were crappily photoshopped into place. Depth of field is used well, as objects and creatures in the distance become more blurry.

And while the "AVATAR" font is definitely Papyrus, that was not the designer's choice to change.

 

[Deadly]

I for one miss the days of original artwork. There were several machines that were simplistic but yet very attractive and/or tastefully done. Funhouse and Addams Family I feel are very good examples of what I speak of. The age old saying, "You play the machine not the artwork."
Don't get me wrong, I look at my LOTR every day and cringe at the pix elated artwork but it sure as hell has NOTHING to do with my over all enjoyment/experience. But I can assuredly understand that when a person has to spend $4300+ for a new machine one would expect higher quality artwork than what we've been getting.

Let us not forget and take into account TRONs artwork appears to be a major improvement and very well could be the new standard. Time will tell the tale of course. As far as Avatars artwork, other than the pixelated CF that it is, the artwork layout itself IMHO is wonderful. I would even bet that when JJP releases their original pin, the original artwork won't be simplistic. The days of simplistic artwork is gone. The majority of people want a "pretty" machine and simplistic isn't good enough for most. My .02

 

[timberterror]

I was there when it was being unboxed and it looks pretty cool. I prefer the Quorra side of the game as far as art goes. My first impression was somewhat disappointment. The playfield seemed empty and boring. They had to upload software on it before it could even be played but it was cool that they were able to.

I enjoy pinball, but I'm a casual player so as of now I could care less about rule sets. That being said after playing it I thought it was fun. $4000 fun no, win it for $20 hell yes. I would have no problem buying one for $2k, but $4 is too much for me regardless of the game. I had been considering selling off most if not of all my collection to buy one and I'm happy I didn't.

My favorite parts of the game - sounds and soundtrack, the spinning disc is killer, The glowing TRON under the left side of the playfield is cool as well. The LE adds some cool things as we were able to see some pics.

Overall I thought it was fun. - Barry

 

[DreamTR]

After going to the Tron Pinball party in Birmingham, I gotta say, this game is blazing fast and fun. Anyone talking crap about this game doesn't know what they are talking about. If you like fast pins like No Fear, this one is for you.

It's not an "easy" pinball either. If set/leveled correctly you won't play long and even if you get good scores you won't play long; very fast paced.

I would say this is more like Attack from Mars with the middle area and the circle reminds me of a live "Ark" like in Stern Indiana Jones or Twilight Zone/Shadow not bottom flipper playable magnet area.

They got the music right and the gameplay right and the art looks good. I don't know if the LE is worth the extra $1500-2000 right now, but compared to crap like Avatar this is golden, definitely players who like Tron will be pleased and REGARDLESS of whether or not you like the theme, this is a REALLY solid pinball.

It's not easy mode like Iron Man and Batman; it's a solid fun pin with a lot of fast paced stuff going on. Not sure where all the hate came from but with as many pins as I have played in my lifetime, this things holds HUGE promise.

 

[LeeB99]

Being at the same event as DreamTR, I also share a similar view of the game. It can be BRUTAL at times and quite unpredictable. Luck factors in quite a bit, as it plays VERY fast and hectic. It is DEFINITELY a game where you won't have to wait around long for your turn when doing multi-player games. Before the "tournament" started, they had two machines running 4 player games simultaneously, and I don't think that anyone had to wait more than two or three minutes after losing a ball before their next turn/ball was up. ALL of the people who had the highest scores before the event started were not in the top eight when the first round was done. It is THAT unpredictable.

As for the artwork, I noticed (and commented on) how the sides looked like they were printed on a printer that was "messed up", showing lots of large dots in the printing. Or at least it looked as if the artwork started as a "low resolution" image that was blown up really large, causing the "pixelated" appearance that others have complained about. It wasn't until I looked closely at all of the other Stern pinballs that were present at this location that I found that this was (obviously) intentional. I don't know the exact reason, perhaps it is to hide blemishes or scuffs that the cabinet may endure during it's lifetime, but ALL of the Stern games that I looked at (including Avatar) were like this. If someone were to take a close-up shot of the cabinet and post it, this would be easy seen on the computer. I should have thought to do this myself, but there was so much going on that I didn't think to do it. Overall, I like the game. Is the LE worth $2,000 MORE than the standard game? I doubt it. It would seem to me like you could buy the standard version a customize it (add your own EL wiring to it or wait for someone to make a kit for it) and save a lot of money...

Lee

 

[MWC]

^^ Well then I look forward to playing this @ Game Galaxy! Wink wink nudge nudge.

 

[LeeB99]

I don't think that is going to happen. They were VERY CLEAR that the LE model that they have on order is going STRAIGHT HOME when it is delivered...

 

[blkdog7]

I don't want to start a huge debate or anything over the Avatar artwork (after all, that would be derailing the thread). But I've taken several design classes in school, and I feel the need to defend the designer who composited the Avatar artwork.

If you examine the art a little closer, you'll see how well-designed it actually is.

*Notice the 2 main colors: Blue/Violet and Orange/Yellow. Those colors are complimentary (opposites) on the color wheel, and complimentary colors cause one another to stand out and look more vibrant - not only emphasizing the explosion, but also establishing unity throughout the piece.

*The artworks is very balanced. Notice how all the creatures and machines are placed along the edge of an oval shape. More unity.

*The slight darkness gradient around the border emphasizes the main action.

*All items are composited expertly - AKA nothing looks "out of place" as if it were crappily photoshopped into place. Depth of field is used well, as objects and creatures in the distance become more blurry.

And while the "AVATAR" font is definitely Papyrus, that was not the designer's choice to change.

]

AFAIK, it goes like this...

Licensor sends over a style guide. Style guide has colors, images, fonts, etc. that are acceptable for usage. Example layouts, etc. Some are hi-res, some are not. Designer can't deviate too far or at all from the style guide. Designer realizes some images that were supplied will work, and some will not. Designer follows style guide and doesn't get too far from the source material. Designer's hands are to a degree, tied. Designer can try to get outrageous and take chances with the material but more often than not you end up right back at the style guide. THE END.

Wiliams back in the day was doing some bad ass stuff. It's actually mind blowing to think about. They didn't really follow what today would be considered a style guide. They were creating ORIGINAL art from scratch. Sure they followed some guidelines and had to get approvals. BUT, they were creating this art and paintings from fucking scratch. THAT'S NUTS. HOWEVER, they had to do it that way. They were silk screening everything. That's really sick and amazing compared to all the cookie cutter licensed products on the shelves these days. Stern's pins, right now, are being designed no differently than a box of Dora cookies on a grocery store shelf. The licensor gives them fonts, colors, images, etc. They choose how to arrange it. That's it. They are moving pictures around. Williams was actually creating original art for their pins. From scratch. HOWEVER, Stern has done some pins with original art. Look at The Simpson's Pinball Party. That's all original art created for that pin. That's not clippings from episodes. It's original art that was made specifically for the pin. I think Family Guy is the same. But, Avatar, Tron, etc. IS NOT. They simply used images/photographs they were given from the licensor and arranged it. So, it looks a little uninspired compared to all the other licensed products out there. Stern was probably given the same exact style guide that Spinmaster was given for the Toys. So, the look is consistent, but it also makes the pin seem less exciting/original. If Williams was still making pinballs today it's possible they would be taking the same approach. So, who knows.

 

[sosage]

Sounds promising. Thanks for the update.

Is the "unpredictable" and "quickness" of ball times more that the game is new? The Avatar San Francisco launch tournament was similar. Really good players were not having very long balls. I'm pretty sure NOW, however, those players could keep the ball going in Avatar for a much longer time.

Still waiting for one to pop up on location in the Bay.

 

[Frax]

Not sure if it's because it's new or what, but at the event here in Dallas, scores were all over the place..

My 3 from the tourney, in order, was 8 mil, 55 mil, and 13 mill, approx.

Guy who won had a 90 mil game before the tourney, then won 1st place with a pathetic 21 mil.

Guy who was closest to me in qualifier hit 44 mill, then finished 3rd with 15 mill.


I had a ball pop OVER the right side drain guard. I'm sure as the machine wears things on the table will "calm down" a little bit, but that was just batsh--- crazy. Like no chance at all, nothing I could've done, just heard the ball hit the glass, fly to the right and down the drain. :|

 

[DreamTR]

Yeah, that game is wild...before the Alabama tourney I had the second highest score at 47 million and my other two games were 12 million and 6 million (tourney score)...but Lee is right, none of the "pros" were able to muster up a good score on it, but even compared to something like Avatar and Rolling Stones; those games are far more controlled, Tron is rampant and action oriented.

I am still not sure where all the hatred was coming from for this game....

MWC: If I had the money I would have bought one on the spot; Rob is taking the LE one to his house so I am just playing it there.

 

[jonathan1138]

Being at the same event as DreamTR, I also share a similar view of the game. It can be BRUTAL at times and quite unpredictable. Luck factors in quite a bit, as it plays VERY fast and hectic. It is DEFINITELY a game where you won't have to wait around long for your turn when doing multi-player games. Before the "tournament" started, they had two machines running 4 player games simultaneously, and I don't think that anyone had to wait more than two or three minutes after losing a ball before their next turn/ball was up. ALL of the people who had the highest scores before the event started were not in the top eight when the first round was done. It is THAT unpredictable.

As for the artwork, I noticed (and commented on) how the sides looked like they were printed on a printer that was "messed up", showing lots of large dots in the printing. Or at least it looked as if the artwork started as a "low resolution" image that was blown up really large, causing the "pixelated" appearance that others have complained about. It wasn't until I looked closely at all of the other Stern pinballs that were present at this location that I found that this was (obviously) intentional. I don't know the exact reason, perhaps it is to hide blemishes or scuffs that the cabinet may endure during it's lifetime, but ALL of the Stern games that I looked at (including Avatar) were like this. If someone were to take a close-up shot of the cabinet and post it, this would be easy seen on the computer. I should have thought to do this myself, but there was so much going on that I didn't think to do it. Overall, I like the game. Is the LE worth $2,000 MORE than the standard game? I doubt it. It would seem to me like you could buy the standard version a customize it (add your own EL wiring to it or wait for someone to make a kit for it) and save a lot of money...

Lee

There will be no way to convert a pro to an LE - the LE CPU board is completely different and runs it own incompatible software than the Pro version. Even if you figured out how to get the exact same Fiber (NOT EL) wire for the playfield, and the moving recognizer on the pro, you wouldnt be able to install the software to use it....

Also, the LE has the silver silk screened playfield - which from pix - looks like it adds to the blackout effect of the Fiber wire modes..

 

[jonathan1138]

Not sure if it's because it's new or what, but at the event here in Dallas, scores were all over the place..

My 3 from the tourney, in order, was 8 mil, 55 mil, and 13 mill, approx.

Guy who won had a 90 mil game before the tourney, then won 1st place with a pathetic 21 mil.

Guy who was closest to me in qualifier hit 44 mill, then finished 3rd with 15 mill.


I had a ball pop OVER the right side drain guard. I'm sure as the machine wears things on the table will "calm down" a little bit, but that was just batsh--- crazy. Like no chance at all, nothing I could've done, just heard the ball hit the glass, fly to the right and down the drain. :|

Two years back Stern mentioned this was their strategy - cleaner and easier to maintain designs, and increase of randomness to decrease ball times to promote increase in op revenue due to more plays (less time = more plays).

At first i cringed - i loved LOTR and SM longer ball times.

This design has been present on BBH, IM, Avatar and TRS. Of course, some games were designed to be more random than others - BBH and IM are those two where Stern got it right with their new credo.

I bought IM, and, cant believe the difference in play and fun with this new "method". Average ball times are around 1 - 2 minutes (if that high!). I am lucky if i can get a 5 minute game in.

The game gets played MORE than anything other Pin i've come across - it has this just one more quality that cant be matched by anything out there (even redemption games!).

So, i am looking forward to this quality in Tron - provided the software is Not annoying / fun to want you to come back to it.

 

[More Cowbell]

Why does everyone keep saying that the LE is $2000 more than the pro? Is the pro $3500? I bought my LE for $5500 which I thought was a good deal for the extras that it provides.

 

[DreamTR]

Two years back Stern mentioned this was their strategy - cleaner and easier to maintain designs, and increase of randomness to decrease ball times to promote increase in op revenue due to more plays (less time = more plays).

At first i cringed - i loved LOTR and SM longer ball times.

This design has been present on BBH, IM, Avatar and TRS. Of course, some games were designed to be more random than others - BBH and IM are those two where Stern got it right with their new credo.

I bought IM, and, cant believe the difference in play and fun with this new "method". Average ball times are around 1 - 2 minutes (if that high!). I am lucky if i can get a 5 minute game in.

The game gets played MORE than anything other Pin i've come across - it has this just one more quality that cant be matched by anything out there (even redemption games!).

So, i am looking forward to this quality in Tron - provided the software is Not annoying / fun to want you to come back to it.

I dunno, Iron Man seems pretty easy, I don't really ever have a bad game on that......Avatar is nowhere near as random and that game is MUCH slower because the activity on the playfield can be controlled.

Big Buck Hunter is very fast; a lot of people do not like the theme, though...

Rolling Stones is much easier than Tron and harder than Iron Man, but Tron really does speed up things...

 

[Frax]

I would say the most annoying part of the Tron "software" that I noticed was also the most annoying part of the movie:

Zuse.

The guy is a dick, and I don't want to hear his voice over and over....and you do. But yeah, I don't know what the deal is, maybe I'm just jaded because I haven't played pinball in so long, but man, I would about kill to get my hands on one of these somehow without having to kill my family to do it. :|

LOTR machine, I liked a lot too, but I've always been a fan of the "loops" type machines.

 

[jonathan1138]

I dunno, Iron Man seems pretty easy, I don't really ever have a bad game on that......Avatar is nowhere near as random and that game is MUCH slower because the activity on the playfield can be controlled.

Big Buck Hunter is very fast; a lot of people do not like the theme, though...

Rolling Stones is much easier than Tron and harder than Iron Man, but Tron really does speed up things...

IM rips my azz everytime i play it. Definitely gets my blood rushing in a good way. Now, there are other games that do that and just frustrate to no end, but not this one.

I hope Tron at least has longer ball times. If not, thats ok, i would just like to have one that is a little more forgiving.

 

[VectorInvadr]

the right outlane in Tron is a killer !
you have to do a lot of nudging to stay alive.

 

[LeeB99]

I will say this...

The Translite on this game is my #1 biggest gripe, with Zuse coming in a close 2nd! Oh, and as far as I am concerned, they could never have "too much Quorra"...

I don't think that most people WANT to see "old Flynn" so prominent on the back box. And the name "Tron" isn't even noticeable unless you are up close. To top it all off, the "3D" effect is virtually non-existent when compared with what they did on Avatar. I think that they should have used the "old school" Tron logo in large bold print to occupy the top 25% of the translite, and featured Clu (AKA "young" Jeff Bridges), Quorra and Sam more prominently. The premise behind the game, after all, is that you are playing AS Sam! And yet he doesn't seem to have a presence on the machine. And why they decided to make Sam and Quorra appear to fall "back into the depth" of the center of them image when they were in the middle of the translite is BEYOND me...

Lee