Newbie Questions

[BallPin]

So I'm looking to purchase my first pinball machine and I'm confused with a few things.

What is "code". I keep hearing the world code being thrown around a lot, like code isn't developed quite yet when new games are shipped and the code needs works etc.

I thought code was the rules, but maybe I'm wrong. I thought the rules are like printed on the bottom corner of the machine, so how do they change?

I also hear "deep" a lot. I thought that was like a longer game, is this right?

If I buy a NIB machine, should I wax it when I get it? What are the first things I should do and what's the maintenance schedule look like? I kind of researched that a bit, and I see a clean ever 6 months and wax. Anything else?

Going back to code and deep. Why is a game like AC/DC considered a deep or good code game, and something like Monster Bash isn't? Trying to wrap my head around it, and it will help me decide in picking a first pinball machine.

Sorry for the newb questions.

 

[BMHouze]

Code is programming and can change. Can also be adjusted if your fav call out gets nerfed.

Deep is basically how well the game flows together with all the modes to get you to wizard mode.

I use novus 5 for my 'wax' and did some very light cleaning with it when my new pin got home. Especially the high traffic areas. It came with a route card to check this monthly and that every few months.

Buy what you like. I personally can't get to wizard mode anyways.

 

[BallPin]

Code is programming and can change. Can also be adjusted if your fav call out gets nerfed.

Deep is basically how well the game flows together with all the modes to get you to wizard mode.

I use novus 5 for my 'wax' and did some very light cleaning with it when my new pin got home. Especially the high traffic areas. It came with a route card to check this monthly and that every few months.

Buy what you like. I personally can't get to wizard mode anyways.

Ok thanks for the respnse.

I thought callouts are just funny things the machine says or makes fun of you for not making shots. Man there is a lot to learn. So what is a callout?

 

[BMHouze]

Code can change scoring, anything really.
Call outs are a pretty common on the change list for Aerosmith.

Now when the bat goes in the toybox it rarely says 'swing batter batter"
In some music pins you can swap out the song chip with another chip with your song choices. Won't change the selection screen names or mode video, but you can have a more personalized experience.

 

[MrMikeman]

As previous posters have said, code is basically the software that runs the game. Stern tends to ship out games before the software gets finalized. for example I had my Jurassic Park for 8 months before Stern released code that had all the features enabled (v1.00+). On older games like Monster Bash the code is obviously not going to get updated as it was released 20+ years ago.

There are programs out there that permit you to hack the software on certain pins like recent Stern games. This gives you the opportunity to change music and callouts. However it's not simple. It's pretty technical and time consuming. Some folks publish their modified code for others to use but there is some clamping down on that because of copywrite issues. All this to say don't count on that being a possibility when you buy a game. Buy the game because you like it as-is. Then if you can update music and callouts to suit your preferences it's a bonus.

Buy something you like. You need to actually play the game if you can. Like buying a car. Would you buy one based on youtube videos or opinions on a forum?

Modern pinball machines are like video games. It's not just about racking up a score. It's about accomplishing things to get to "the end" of the game/storyline. Instead of using a joystick you flip a ball. Like playing super mario. There are mini bosses and the big boss at the end. Same with pinball. That's the "wizard mode" and there can be "mini-wizard modes" too. How much work is required to get there is what ppl refer to as "depth". It's usually somewhat related to how long the games last but not really. How long the games last is DIRECTLY related to how good you are and whether you are having a good game or not.

I've had 50 min games on Lord of the Rings when I had one and never got to the end. I've had 30 min games on Monster Bash and did get to the end. It all depends on what you like. Some of these games are so complex you almost need a Phd to figure out what you need to do. Typically a "simpler" game is probably better for a first pin as the deeper games can be pretty daunting and discouraging if you can't figure out how to get the wizard modes. Once you do get good enough to "finish them" once in a while it can get boring, hence the hunt for a deeper game.

Good luck with your first purchase!

 

[BallPin]

Thanks Mike, yah I'm thinking my first game will be Monster Bash, which I think is simple. I like it too because if someone comes over I can say the goal is to collect all the monsters and their instruments. Seems like 2 seconds to explain. So in the case of your LOTR, would you be able to explain to someone what the goal is in a few sentences or is it too deep to explain?

Also how do you know you made it to the wizard mode in LOTR? I know for Monster Bash it's when you collect all the instruments and monsters, but I only know that from reading it online.

Also I agree with "test driving" a pin like a car, but it is funny you mentioned that, because my current car is one that I never test drove, or ever been inside it, or even seen one in person. I just clicked purchase on the internet and got a car a few months later. Happens to be the best car I've ever had in my life and now I'm loyal to the brand and will be doing the same thing when the new model comes out. It's insane that I never drove it before I bought it, but here we are.

 

[MrMikeman]

I think Monster Bash is a great first game. Fun, funny, good music and easy to understand. In this case the mini-wizard mode(capturing all characters) would be "monter bash" and the full wizard mode(capturing all instruments) would be "Monsters of Rock". You may want to read up on "Lyman's Lament" as well. A somewhat obscure mode.

I like Medieval Madness for the same reason. Someone who knows nothing about pinball.. "hit the castle". Understanding the game is pretty simple as well. Damsels, Peasants, Trolls, etc.. Actually defeating the King of Payne is pretty damn hard.

And them in the extreme you have games like Jurassic Park and Wizard of Oz. I showed my gf the diagram(yes they publish a diagram in the manual - it's that complex) of all the things you need in order to get to Wizard of Oz "wizard mode". She was pretty dejected lol..

Funny I used the car analogy because in my case 2 of the last 3 new cars I bought I walked into the dealership, looked at it and bought it without even sitting in it. I don't get attached to cars. I buy based on price and something that meets my needs at the time.