The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Pinball Mods => Custom Games => Topic started by: pinsanity on March 24, 2012, 08:48:26 PM
-
Here's an interesting custom pinball being made by a group of hobbyists (skitbpinball) in the US.
http://skitbpinball.com/index.html
They started working on this machine last year and things progressed slowly at first with only a few updates, but there has been quite a bit of activity on their website in the last week or so, so thought I would make a post.
Their plan is to be a custom run of 200 machines and pricing was semi-finalised a few days ago at $4750 US. It uses a standard DMD screen with proper animations and a partially complete whitewood playfield layout was released a couple of days ago (as below):
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll153/pinball1974/Predator/v.jpg)
Here are the DMD animations which look very impressive:
If you are interested, there are plenty of other in progress photos on their website, such as cabinet art but most of them are mockups so could be subject to change at this stage.
http://skitbpinball.com/photos2.html
Update: skitzpinball have just announced on rgp that their prototype is almost complete and will hopefully be playable at the next major pinball meet in the US. There will also be an optional laser kit that will ship with the game that is CPU controlled to shine you at certain times in certain modes.
Preorder list opens in April, too.
Hope we can get some footage!
-
Nice find, will be interesting to follow their progress.
Thanks mate
-
Nice find, will be interesting to follow their progress.
Always thought Predator would be a cool theme. I will keep an eye on these guys too.
-
Interesting project. Thanks for sharing.
-
some recent released photos
-
Prototype gameplay vid:
Love the soundbytes. ^^^
-
Yeah just watched on pinside, beat me to the post. The hunt mode at the 3min 50sec mark is cool as well as the orbit shot with the pop up post control. ^^^
-
WOW that looks AWESOME!!
I've been thinking for years of building a Predator theme pin (im a big fan of the Predator movies), these guys have beaten me to it :lol
I still might do it one day just for my own amusement, i have some what i think are cool ideas in my head to incorporate into a game
Will be following the progress of this game with much interest *%*
Thanks for posting ^^^
-
WOW that looks AWESOME!!
I've been thinking for years of building a Predator theme pin (im a big fan of the Predator movies), these guys have beaten me to it :lol
I still might do it one day just for my own amusement, i have some what i think are cool ideas in my head to incorporate into a game
Will be following the progress of this game with much interest *%*
Thanks for posting ^^^
Tell me about it. I am rapidly running out of themes that I had in mind for a custom pin since most of them are being done now by private pinball collectors - Ghostbusters, which has already been done was my number 1 choice just to have that Ray Parker Jr song intro playing when you press start.
-
They are considering making 200-250 units which all depends on interest @ $4750, very tempting ^^^
They will be at a small this weekend and starting to talk orders.
-
They are looking into a power change for Europe and Aus to anyone interested should put there name down.
Here is a statement from the guys at Skitpinball:
"We're going to open up pre-orders here on Pinside early. Not necessarily open only to Pinside members only, so if you have friends that are interested go ahead and let them know, as well. If you'd like to get on the list, send me a PM here or send me an email to kevin@skitbpinball.com with the following information:
Name - This will be engraved on a numbered plate on the apron, so make sure it's spelled right and it is the name of the person who will actually receive the game.
Preferred production number - Games will be marked with their production number. If there is a number you'd like to have, like an old high-school football jersey number or something, let us know. It's probably best to include 2 or 3 numbers that you'd like, in case the ones you like have already been taken.
Contact information - An email address is good to have, but a phone number is necessary in this situation.
Where you live - Country, State, City. Full address would be preferred, but isn't totally necessary.
Thanks to all of you again for all of your interest and excitement!"
-
Some technical stuff:
FromPinside
badbilly27 said:
Noticed something in the video. Did it save you user name and game?? I thought I saw at game start you pick your user name. Or did I see something wrong?
"You definitely saw that right. This leads me to the next comment:"
The_Dude_Abides said:
I think we will be able to save up to 4 profiles and it will save some play info on those with options to delete and start a new one.
"If I explained the system in full, it would take up like 4 paragraphs and get extremely wordy, so here's the abridged version:
The game will save virtually infinite users, limited only by the amount of flash memory that the game comes on. The files are SUPER small, so it really is spit-in-a-river in the grand scheme of things. Without doing any real math, I can tell you it would take about 2 million user files to fill the game up and cause an issue. To log in, you simply hold the login button (pretty much in the placement of your usual buy-in button) while you press start. If you don't have a user on the game already, you just pick "NEW USER" and enter your initials as if you were entering a high score, then pick your newly created user name. Users can be removed individually from the settings menus, or you can keep the file and simply clear out the stored data or Wizard Points information.
The game stores a ridiculous amount of information about you as a player; way too much to list here. The point is, the data goes very deep. Think of it as something of an expanded 'audits' file that is personalized to the player, with even more information than your standard audits file would care about. Some examples:
Tracks how many times you've attempted each mode,
Games played, extra balls, avg ball time, avg game time, etc,
Your personal highest and lowest completed game scores, along with an average score,
Tilts, warnings, left drains, right drains and center drains,
Hunts stocked, hunts attempted, hunts completed,
Game also remembers how many times you've made each individual shot, such as left & right ramps, left & right loops, "jungle hole" scoop shots, how many times you've advanced your multipliers, total pops hit and total successful skill shots. There is quite a bit more, but that is the really important stuff that I think people will be wanting to check up on.
The user file also stores info for the "Wizard Points" you can achieve. If you haven't already guessed by the context, Wizard Points are akin to achievements or table goals, if you will. There are three brackets of Wizard Points, cleverly categorized as Easy, Medium and Hard. You guessed it, the easy ones are entry-level achievements, medium ones will challenge an average player fairly well, and the hard ones are, for the most part, extremely difficult to pull off. I would be extremely surprised if someone (with the glass on!) could complete all of the Wizard Point goals within their first year of owning the machine. Here are just a few examples of the goals:
Ramp Redemption - Easy - Collect an Extra Ball earned by completing a set amount of ramp shots.
Big Money, No Whammy! - Easy - Collect your first multiball jackpot.
What's In The Box? - Medium - Collect all available mystery awards in a single game.
Money In The Bank - Medium - Collect over 100,000,000 in bonus.
Good To See You, Major - Play 250 games.
Stocked For The Winter - Complete 75 successful hunts.
Many of the hard goals are collected over time. No one could be reasonably expected to complete 75 successful hunts in one game, obviously. These are just examples of a few of the Wizard Points in the game; there are of course many more that you'll just have to earn to figure out This post is now officially too long, so I'm going to willfully make a dbl post after this one to answer another couple of elaborate questions that were recently asked. Bad etiquette, I know, but so is an 8 paragraph post "
-
some history of the guys
"There is. The name has been with me for a LONG time, and has been used for lots of different things in its days. Used it as my Flash "Studio" name for awhile when I was much younger and made Flash animations out of boredom. It was also my company name when I used to buy/sell/trade new and used video games, arcade coin op stuff and pins. While we were in the process of making the Predator and it came to our thoughts that we were going to need to become a company of some sort to make it happen, Skit-B was the obvious choice simply based on the idea that we think it's neat, based on its history within our small group here in Mid-Michigan, and the fact that coming up with a new and flashy company name would only slow us down. Oh, and as for the meaning, it's an acronym. Skit-B literally stands for "Some Kids In The - Basement." We are oh, so clever, I know "
-
Another quote from Pinside in relation to the playfield art.
toyotaboy said:
what about a thermal mode when the general illumination goes off, UV black light turns on, and it reveals UV paint that wasn't visible before
Did I mention we just love you guys? Nothing gets past anybody here. You can't see it on the whitewood because...well...it's a whitewood, but that has been the plan all along. UV-only colors are applied over the existing playfield art to turn all the leaves blue and all of the characters different shades of red. One thing we're thinking about changing is allowing the two closest red GI lights to the flippers to stay on during hunt/hunt multiball, just to help you keep an eye down on the flippers. Thoughts on this?
-
They are setup at the Michigan Pinball Show (14-15th April)
Don't to forget to check out updates at
http://www.skitbpinball.com/
Also they have been taking pre-orders at Pinside and will be mopen to the public at this show so if you want to reserve a position for one of these do it today - send a email and request a number at this stage.
-
2 videos from the show
utoplay=1&rel=0
utoplay=1&rel=0
-
Here is a update and review by vid1900 from Pinside that had a few game sand spoke to the guys about the Predator.
"The first thing you DID see when you entered the main hall was Predator!
Although void of any side or playfield art, the Predator was up and running for everyone to play. We played the crap out of it and you could tell that it was well thought out and fun to play.
The CPU for the game was sitting outside the cabinet and could be tweaked at will by the owners"
"The ramp entrances are going to be opened up in the final production model.
The inserts were simply marked with a Sharpie Marker.
The cabinet was made from very high quality plywood. Not the 5 core junk from Home Depot."
"Williams flippers and bumpers - Yeah!!!!
Here you can really see the Sharpied inserts."
"Here you can see some of the lighting effects.
The upper part of the playfield will be covered in heavy jungle canopy - but we have been assured that the ball movement will still be visible."
"Predator summary:
Super DTE (down to earth) guys designed it. No bragging about how much they paid for the movie rights, no bragging about being the best company on earth, or putting anyone else out of business. Just real pinball fans who put everything they ever wanted to see in a pinball machine, in an actual pinball machine. They WANTED to hear suggestions, they WANTED to watch you play, cool cats for sure.
Great multiball mode where Mac (the smaller of the two black guys) mows down the entire jungle with a chaingun. Once all the balls drain, you hit launch and get back to regular play. The game plays fast, so much swearing came about.
Williams hardware = easy maintenance and familiar feel.
Stainless Steel lockdown bars and rails = durability. There is a sad trend with painted hardware nowadays that is going to chip and wear off. Being at a Pinball show and seeing stainless games 30 years old and still looking great gives you a real sense that 30 years from now that paint is going to be worn to bare metal."
-
The Predator turned up to give his approval......
-
Even though these guys have not shown any art as yet, here is a sample of what they can do.
http://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=132281&gsub=11357
-
SkitBpinball recently posted:
Matt (BackAlleyCreations) and I have been talking passively, and while we haven't come to terms on exactly what's going on, we know that something will definitely be going on. So yeah, Matt from BackAlleyCreations will be making the toys for the Predator!
While I'm on the subject of adding to the list of people who will be helping out with the project, there are a few more announcements to make.
I've spoken with Michael Pupo of Flipper Fidelity and he will be coming up with the sound system for Predator. An audio solution of this caliber is sure to get the neighbors' attention when you start the Showdown wizard mode.
Another announcement is that Marc and Paul from MacroSpecialties have gotten on board and will be providing Predators will all new parts sourced from industry standard spec. This means everything on your game can be ordered directly from Marco if you need a replacement, all of the intricate workings under your playfield will be as familiar as ever, and all of the parts will be just as tough and robust as you could expect.
Lastly, I'm not sure if he wants his name mentioned in conjunction with the project or not at this point, but a very well known supervising sound editor who has worked on the Predator series in the past has shown some sincere interest in working on the project. This is balancing on the question of if Fox will help us out with a few things, at the moment. More on this as it develops.
-
SkitBPinball recently posted:
"Within the next month or two. I'm really pushing to have the first "real" game done by the end of May, so it can be brutally tested and beaten on for a while and get on to moving completed games as soon as possible. I almost feel bad for the fact that other people will be playing the game before you guys (who have ordered one), but it's unavoidable. The game needs to be tested into the ground before going out. It simply can't be a disappointment in any way."
-
Here is a recent article:
http://gameroomblog.com/features/hunting-down-details-on-the-upcoming-predator-pinball
Also this months spooky pinball podcast has a interview with the guys building the Predator - here is a link where you can listen without downloading to a ipod etc.
http://www.spookypinball.com/podcast-2/
-
Update a few days ago
"Login system is being revamped quite a bit. We had mentioned the idea to a couple guys in Allentown, but now the updated stats viewer is becoming a reality. When you check your personal user stats, you can now check TWO users side-by-side for direct comparison / bragging rights. This will likely cause fights, but it's pretty cool to be able to do
Tracking mode now stays in UV for the duration of the mode, and there has been some serious sound / music manipulation to add to the ambiance of the mode.
Reveal mode has been completely changed. Originally, it chose a set series of shots you had to make in order to complete it, but it just felt too much like the Tracking mode. Not to mention once you knew the pattern, it got a little boring. The 'theme' of the mode remains the same, but the mode has now become an Add-A-Ball. When the mode is started, another ball is thrown into play immediately, and every time you hit the two lock targets in the middle, another ball is added. After 15 seconds, balls are no longer able to be added. While the mode is active, ramp shots are worth a set score plus a value multiplied by how many balls are in play. Mode is over when you're back to one ball in play.
Triggering Hunt mode now stops all other music and sounds from playing while you try to take your shot. Helps to focus a lot better, and gives the mode more of the feeling we were shooting for when we thought it up.
A few of the Wizard Points achievements have been rearranged, and a few of them have been omitted or replaced.
New easter eggs have been added!
The biggest update comes in the form of a new mini-wizard mode that I had hinted towards in another thread, and those of you who talked to us at Allentown may remember me saying that we had just thought up a big addition to the game on the drive there, and this is it. This is a huge addition to the overall game, both physically and on the software end. We're still working on the finer details of how this works, but there are going to have to be at least six new lamps placed on the playfield, and maybe even one more at every major shot, as well. I'm not going to say too much here yet, as we're still working on it, mentally, to make it all come together, but I'll give you the really important notes that you're probably wondering.
-This is another 'passive' mode, so you can access it and / or work towards it at any time.
-Yes, that means it's another stackable multiball, also.
-The mode is activated by making general shots on the playfield a set number of times.
-Playing the mode requires more thought than raw skill."
-
^&^. Man that's so cool
-
Not many updates as the guys are flat out finishing it off.
Even the girls love Predator.
-
Not many updates as the guys are flat out finishing it off.
Even the girls love Predator.
Nice up date. Any before and after shots on that last pic? &&
-
The guys have released a small update, but keeping the looks of the game under wraps.
Here is what they have done recently.
Changes:
1. Balanced scoring issues across a few of the modes. Each mode, when completed properly, awards points within a 15-30M window of one another. This doesn't exactly apply to Unload or Reveal, which are more dependent on how they are played and how long they are active for their scores. As a refresher to newcomers to this thread, Unload is a mode which lasts 30 seconds with all 4 balls out on the field with unlimited ballsave and all shots on the field are worth their initial value +1,000,000pts. If played well, this mode usually nets between 95-145M. Novices seem to average closer to 50 or 60M or so. Reveal is handled a little differently now, which I will get into in a second.
2. Completing H-U-N-T inlanes and outlanes now adds four hunt attempts instead of one. One just simply wasn't enough. Game now starts with 4 attempts available at outset, as well, which I'm admittedly worried about but doesn't seem to have posed any balance issues just yet.
3. Hunt Multiball has been revamped in both scoring and playstyle. Previously, it would select a random shot and light it for 5 seconds then change to another shot. This required a level of control that I simply do not possess, and caused a lot of other players to become a little disappointed when they achieved the Hunt Multiball and didn't see much of a score increase afterwards. After the revamp, Hunt Multiball now selects a random shot (out of the two ramps or two loops, for a total of four possible), waits 5 seconds and selects another, leaving the first one lit, as well. This process is repeated until all four shots are lit or a successful shot is made on a lit ramp or loop, at which point it resets. The player is rewarded for making the shots it selects first by decreasing the value of the shot based on how many have been made lit. In short, if you hit the first shot before it adds another one, you earn a big 40M, but if you wait until all four are lit, nailing one nets you a quick 10M. Can you control the madness? Your scores will definitely show it.
4. Mystery is now lit after making 8 collective shots on the loops (4 left and 4 right, 2 left and 6 right, etc) instead of one of each shot.
5. Showdown Wizard Mode is now worth quite a bit more points overall, and the sounds have been balanced better to be louder and more obnoxious. Your wives will thank me at 2am.
Additions:
1. Mystery now has a 1-in-5 chance of starting Quick Multiball; a simple, two-ball mode in which all major shots on the field are worth 10M apiece. This mode is also stackable with the standard Multiball and Hunt Multiball modes, but not Showdown, Unload or Reveal.
2. If you remember the old Reveal mode, then you are one of the few. Originally, the mode would pick a random shot and, when the shot was made, pick another random shot and ended after six shots were made. As a player, I'll admit that this mode was just very boring and...blah. That being said, it has been completely scrapped and has been totally redone. Reveal is now something of an add-a-ball mode in which the Jungle Hole, Left Eject and Right Eject are lit as the active shots. A ball is added to play when the mode starts, and once for the first time either of the ejects are hit, for a potential of 4 balls in play at a time. Each of the three shots are worth the same point value, which increases when another ball is added and decreases when a ball is lost. Mode is over when the player loses all but one ball. Ballsave is active for 9 seconds after each ball is added, and if you have already lost one of the added balls when you add another, you get both of them back. Of course, this mode stacks with Hunt Multiball and standard Multiball, but does not stack with Unload or Showdown.
3. Login is now operating as intended. Login is optional, of course, let's just get that out of the way. Instantiate the Login screen by holding the Login button (located where most games have a buy-in button under Start) while you press start. If you're not yet in the list, you simply select new user and enter your initials as if you had just gotten a high score. If you are in the list already, just page over to your initials with the flipper buttons and press start or ball launch. Repeat this process for any or all other players who wish to log their stats. The entire process seems to take about 2 seconds per person, and the novice players around here are just as quick on the process as the veteran players. The next video will cover this system very in-depth.
4. Stat tracking is coming along very nicely, as well, but is not quite finished yet. When outside of normal play (i.e. not in the middle of a game), you can hold the Login button and press the Ball Launch button to instantiate the stats screen. Once you do that, you are presented with a similar screen as if you were logging in, only no new users are allowed here, obviously. Page to your initials and press start or ball launch again to view your stats. The stats screen shows every little bit of information the game collects about you and how you play in a series of screens which pans vertically. Here you can see how many multiballs you've gotten, how many jackpots and super jackpots you've collected, and how many times you've reached the Showdown wizard mode, along with all the little details right down to how many left ramps, right loops, center drains, etc that you've ever had whilst logged in, along with how many Wizard Points you've achieved and much, much more.
5. Added the ability to check two different users' stats side-by-side. While checking your own stats as denoted above, simply press the ball launch button again to select another user's initials to add them to the stats screen. After selecting the other user, the stats will be presented the same way as before, in the vertically scrolling manner, except there will be a line through the horizontal center of the display which divides the first user and the second user. This way, you can directly compare blunders and achievements against a friend. I would like to note that, of the 15 or so regulars that play Predator here, I'm currently leading in a few departments
6. Mini wizard mode has entered final testing. This is another mode I am quickly falling in love with. Mode is accessed "passively" by making a number of shots during regular play. When the requisite has been fulfilled, the mode starts immediately, regardless of what is going on, making this stackable with any and all other multiball modes in the machine, including Unload, Reveal and even Showdown, not to mention standard multiball, quick multiball and hunt multiball. I won't give away the meat of the mode at this point, though I can say that the mode appears to be pretty straight forward at first, but only a real fan who has watched the movie a few times will truly figure out and understand how to get the most out of this mode.
-
some info released today
"First off, there was a brand new video posted to the website (www.skitbpinball.com) tonight that shows off some of the fancier features of how the game works both in the gameplay and behind the scenes. I hope you guys enjoy it, just keep in mind that it is a bit lengthy (closing in on 20 minutes, total) and there are some quotes in the sound clips that are slightly NSFW that can be heard in the video.
Game information: 100% custom game based on the P-ROC hardware available at http://www.pinballcontrollers.com. Game is officially licensed to carry the Predator brand and has a giant list of sound and voice clips cut from the movie itself.
Industry information: There will be no more than 250 machines produced, and yes, there are a small number of pre-orders still available (I will update this post when this changes). Marco Specialties has signed on to provide all the parts for the game, Matt Reisterer from BackAlleyCreations will be making the playfield toys, and CoinTaker Amusements will be providing all the lighting for the machine. Pinball Inc. will be custom producing the ramps for the machine, and it will come stock with an all new sound system provided by Flipper Fidelity.
We are bringing the game to the Chicago Pinball Expo this month, as well, so if you're in the area or on the fence about going, just come see us and have a blast at one of the best pinball shows in the country.
Production information: We expect the start producing our first handful of machines within the next month or two, meaning we SHOULD have a few people out there with Predators under their (gigantic) Christmas trees. Price range still hasn't moved from the projected $5000 range, either, and I will certainly let everyone know immediately if that has to change for some reason.
If there is any info you feel should be added to this initial post, either PM me or just sound off below."
Go to this link for the video
http://www.skitbpinball.com
-
I put my name down for a machine - #215 of 250 run - am stoked #*#
Are there any other AP members getting one?
-
Congratulations, it's a cool theme and the game seems to be progressing well.
It will be interesting to see how they go at the Chicago Pinball Expo.
-
I put my name down for a machine - #215 of 250 run - am stoked #*#
Are there any other AP members getting one?
I was very tempted but no I won't be buying one. Only have room for a few machines here and I want to go on some golf holidays as well next year.
Congrats mate, i hope it exceeds all expectations, top theme for sure!
-
here is some line art released, hopefully a bit more by the end of the show.
I am hoping for a real jungle feel with the artwork and would be cool in hunt mode if the black lights reveal the predator.
-
here is a vid from the Chicago Pinball Expo - the black ramps are not staying, the manufacturer couldn't get the right plastic before the show for the guys show machine.
utoplay=1&rel=0
-
all 250 have now got names assigned but SkitBpinball are still keeping a list of any new interested parties in case of drop outs.
-
The predator is being run by a p-roc system and a single board computer. Someone on Pinside asked the question and thought it was a good fact to pass.
Guy asked - "I am intrigued by this single board PC/SSD mounted in the head that you'll be using. Got a link to something similar that can drive the P-ROC?"
Kevin said - "That depends on what you're doing with your pin. If you plan on running PinMame to keep your stock rules available, then you're going to need a fairly strong PC to drive it. If you're planning on simply running your own software all the time, it doesn't take much to run a P-ROC at all. For something off-the-shelf, you can use a BeagleBoard. From the talks I've had with a few P-Roc'ers, the Raspberry Pi doesn't quite make the cut, though, unfortunately."
-
I asked the question if the play field was silk screened, direct laser ink jet or overlay
SkitBPinball said "We're trying out an overlay kind of process for the playfield right now. It's a pretty fancy process which makes it nearly impossible for the playfield to groove or for the art to fade or wear off. The test playfield we have here--even though there is no art on it yet--plays butter smooth and shows absolutely zero signs of grooving or peeling"
I asked if the cabinet was going to be silk screened, direct laser ink jet or vinyl decal
SkitBPinball said "The cabinet art is applied with vinyl decals. We talked with the proprietor of a local vinyl shop here and showed him our old prototype cabinet (the one from Allentown) and voiced all of our concerns. After some lengthy explanations as to why certain things happen (peeling, fading, etc.), we were comfortable enough to let him give our newest prototype a shot and we are not disappointed in the least. We've left sun-lamps on it for a few days straight in very tight spots (like an 8 inch square on the side) and there is absolutely zero signs of fade. We've also held a hairdryer against the corners (read:problem areas) with no peeling issues. For those of you who saw the game on the Chicago Expo floor, you could see the cabinet looked as professional as any other game in the hall."
-
My question about the overlay caused a bit of a stir and I think it was a good thing for people to at least be aware of the play field overlay.
SkitBPinball said "Wow! I guess this is a big drawback to sharing information as it develops My post about the playfield art application just says what we are trying out right now. To ease all of your minds, there are a couple of things to be said here:
The process we're trying out is not a sticker on wood by any means. Formica is a close idea to what it is, but it's not exact. We are actually still in the dark on the nitty-gritty of it because it's military technology and civilians aren't privy to the information.
It has been out in the real world for some time now, and has proven to be nearly indestructible. Delamination was the number one concern we talked about, and the contractor was extremely confident that it would not be an issue.
Lastly, we've talked with Classic Playfield Reproductions and they have shown interest in doing the playfields for us, and we all know they do fantastic work and they do it through the conventional means that have been tried and true for years. This is one of the options we were looking at that WILL increase the price of the machine, so we were looking into something a little different that could compare to the quality that is needed. If it doesn't make the cut, then CPR is the only other option we're willing to follow. As potential owners of the final product, voice your opinions now. If you're genuinely uncomfortable with what we're considering, let's just leave the idea on the table of potentially increased cost for the comfort of knowing exactly what we'll be getting by going through CPR."
It will be interesting to see the developments / innovation through their hard work, could be a great thing for pinball.
Lastly - sadly had to cancel my pre-order so one less to Aus
-
I asked the question if the play field was silk screened, direct laser ink jet or overlay
SkitBPinball said "We're trying out an overlay kind of process for the playfield right now. It's a pretty fancy process which makes it nearly impossible for the playfield to groove or for the art to fade or wear off. The test playfield we have here--even though there is no art on it yet--plays butter smooth and shows absolutely zero signs of grooving or peeling"
I asked if the cabinet was going to be silk screened, direct laser ink jet or vinyl decal
SkitBPinball said "The cabinet art is applied with vinyl decals. We talked with the proprietor of a local vinyl shop here and showed him our old prototype cabinet (the one from Allentown) and voiced all of our concerns. After some lengthy explanations as to why certain things happen (peeling, fading, etc.), we were comfortable enough to let him give our newest prototype a shot and we are not disappointed in the least. We've left sun-lamps on it for a few days straight in very tight spots (like an 8 inch square on the side) and there is absolutely zero signs of fade. We've also held a hairdryer against the corners (read:problem areas) with no peeling issues. For those of you who saw the game on the Chicago Expo floor, you could see the cabinet looked as professional as any other game in the hall."
Artwork got UV laminate over it and base product was probably changed to SUV
-
From the guys themselves:
"update video today. If you missed the Chicago Expo last month, this will be your first time seeing the new prototype machine. Tons of minor and some major updates were made to the machine since the previous prototype and I think you will be happy to see the changes that were made.
You'll notice the lighting patterns have changed dramatically as to be less obnoxious during gameplay.
Some animations have been changed to better reflect what the final product will look like (note the Killing Spree and Replay animations).
Brand new, properly formed ramps have been installed on this machine. While they are certainly not the final designs and the fact that they are not transparent is certainly not permanent, the shot placements and angles are.
Center targets and the pop bumpers behind them have moved further up the playfield for playability. We have gotten significantly less "death shots" off the center targets in this build.
Many software updates and tweaks have been made for better playability and balance, as well. More to come, of course, during and after more play-testing.
So let's move on to the video itself. Over the recent course of this project, we live, eat, sleep and breathe essentially nothing but Predator. That being said, it's easy to slip our minds that many of you have never gotten to play a complete game on Predator or have even seen a complete game being played.
With that in mind, we shot video of two complete games being played. First exhibition tries to focus on multiball modes and the integration of the Hunt feature, while the second playthrough focuses more on conventional mode-based gameplay.
A lot of editing went into the presentation of the video update, but it should be said that once the gameplay videos start, they are completely unedited and unmodified. What you see in the video is exactly how the game plays as it sits today with all of its flaws included. We like to think we are aware of all of the flaws in the video, at least, but feel free to let us know your concerns and comments. After all, this is how the game grows and is a big part of why we do our updates in the form of videos in the first place.
At any rate, here's the video. Let us know what you think, but go easy on Sulkie Stevie. He's very sensitive!"
[ Invalid YouTube link ]
-
SkitBPinball put out a reminder
"December 14th is going to be a pretty busy day for us, I can tell you that right now. You are right in remembering that date, but we're trying to be an lenient as possible with pre-owners. If someone has special circumstances that prevent them from being able to make their deposit, PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY (kevin@skitbpinball.com). While we have a very real need to know who is serious about this project, we certainly don't want someone to lose their game because of a timing issue, especially during the holiday season. That being said, once Dec14 comes and goes, if we haven't heard anything from someone, we have to assume that he/she would be giving up their spot. That's when the waitlisters will start being moved into the pre-order spots.
Oh, and on that note, we have lost very few pre-orders, especially compared to the numbers I was worried about, initially, but I can tell you there are some spots opening up. I'm not sure if it's enough to cover the entire waitlist, but we'll know more on the 14th."
-
There will be a couple in Qld ^^^
-
latest video
utoplay=1&rel=0
-
some updated points of interest
1. Yes, only 250.
2. Don't forget the card-pc that will be running it, as well.
3. Hand drawn art
4. Playfield will not be silk-screened. There is just too much detail in the art to use the old-school approach, so we have to go a very different direction. Small update on this: The playfield artwork will NOT be any sort of overlay as previously mentioned. We have experienced some infamous delamination, and that is not acceptable. Playfields will be clearcoated for decades of dependability.
5. LED displays, yes, but not likely Pin-led. Working with Vishay right now.
6. Software updates will be in the form of new micro-SD cards if needed. There will be web options for software-savvy types, as well.
7. All toys will be interactive in one way or another. And no 'toy-bashing.'
8. Yes, shaker motor will be coded and wired, but will not be included.
9. We've seen so many cool topper ideas. We may include one, but right now we haven't decided. It will mostly depend on cost.
10. Yes, all LEDs throughout provided by CoinTaker lighting.
11. Flipper Fidelity sound system
12. The power supply is universal with very little modification. If by "modification," I mean you simply hook the power cord into it a different way. Very cool, for sure.
-
Skinned body toy: Prototype toy in testing position. The newest (final, I'm thinking) will be here on Saturday with some other cool stuff. He will interact with the ball by way of the left ramp, but has a tendency to shake and sway with general nudging and pop-bumper-action that I really dig. Also, plastics will obviously play a large part in his appearance on the final game.
DMD/Software: The software in the game is our newest batch. A handful of major changes since it was in Chicago along with a TON of minor changes for balance control and debugging. Most notable difference in the software that you'll see immediately is the new DMD action. Literally every animation has been redone with lots of added effects, fonts, instructions... Lots of jazz on-screen now, but I don't believe it is distracting or disorienting at all. Many new animations have been added in, as well, in situations that didn't have an animation before. All of these things have been optimized for the new 16-color LED display, also. Also, lots of new sounds and call outs have been added to this build. The infamous "ain't got time to bleed" is finally present, along with some other good ones that hadn't been implemented yet.
Hardware: Outside of the clear ramps, if you haven't had a chance to see them yet, not a lot of change on the hardware side of this prototype. We couldn't get some things in line quickly enough to have our newest one available for play, so we brought "old faithful" from the Chicago expo. We actually had to sprint to reassemble it before the show, so if it blows up, uhh, it's Aaron's fault.
Company stuff: We have a few big announcements to make on Saturday during our seminar / fireside. All good news, stay tuned!
Artwork: Two quick things, here. First, the artwork is not finalized, but, as you can see, is VERY close. Secondly, we are getting a lot of input, reactions and feedback both here at the expo and here on PinSide, and it's fantastic. How any other company can make major decisions about this kind of stuff without consulting the fan base is beyond me. While we surely can't make changes for everyone, we most certainly take all comments seriously. Keep the comments coming, but keep them constructive. Also, "this is awesome" messages are always helpful
-
That's a very cool looking toy. It'll be good to see it all come together in its final version.
-
I think in this case it may have been better if photo realistic art had been used rather than a comic/cartoon representation on the playfield?
Personally I would have spread the artwork out a bit more across the top of the playfield as well - top half is nearly all red/orange cloud bursts and little else.
Each person in the squad has a unique identity, so why not use that to its full potential in the game with artwork in the applicable location?
Arnie - Front and Centre of playfield - perhaps just the heads of Arnie and Predator facing each other?
Mac - Right ramp.
Billy - Left ramp.
Blain - Pop Bumper area.
Dillon - left and right outlane drains so when you lose the ball you get "Dillon, you son of a bitch" speech.
Hawkins - left and right loops.
etc.
-
I sent an email a few days ago asking to go on the wait list. Will see how that pans out. ()
-
here are a few mock ups by some guys in the states
-
a show announcement
-
some playfield toys
-
Coming together well, but I agree with Pinsanity's comments.
I think in this case it may have been better if photo realistic art had been used rather than a comic/cartoon representation on the playfield?
-
here is the cabinet that the guys will be using for their pins, but Predator will not be a blue cabinet
-
here are a few shots from Allentown Pinfest this weekend with the art worked playfield in the game
looks like it still needs the insert wording and the uv strip light is for hunt mode where all the lights will go out and show up UV printing and whites etc.
-
.
-
Latest video....
utoplay=1&rel=0
-
Just thought I'd pop up the link to a playfield video the SKIT B boys posted earlier today illustrating how the UV paint looks under black light. Not quite in production yet...but getting closer to playing PREDATOR in 2014!
&feature=youtu.be
-
Being a huge fan of the Predator movies myself, i've been keeping a close eye on this thread *%*
Looks AWESOME!! i love what they've done with this game with the lighting, sound and DMD animation @@* @@*
I WANT one #.# #.#
-
Being a huge fan of the Predator movies myself, i've been keeping a close eye on this thread *%*
Looks AWESOME!! i love what they've done with this game with the lighting, sound and DMD animation @@* @@*
I WANT one #.# #.#
contact them and get on the list, I was on the list but had to give up my position. playfield looks great especially the UV hidden predator blood
-
contact them and get on the list, I was on the list but had to give up my position. playfield looks great especially the UV hidden predator blood
Much as i would like to do so, i just cant see myself spending thousands of $$ on a pin (ANY pin), mainly as i couldn't spare the $$.. i'd have to sell a few of my other games to get it and that aint happening *.* *.* *.*
If i were rich and had lots of room id already have my name down for one of these games *%* *%*
-
Just thought I'd pop up the link to a playfield video the SKIT B boys posted earlier today illustrating how the UV paint looks under black light. Not quite in production yet...but getting closer to playing PREDATOR in 2014!
&feature=youtu.be
Great artwork, love the idea of uv paint
-
I wonder how it will go in 20 years time when you need to restore the playfield. I'd imagine the uv will be hard to copy.
-
latest video showing the finished game - looks good, and music is a good match as well
-
Just thrown down a deposit on a Predator after shifting up the waiting list.
I'll see how things progress regarding production, but at this stage it looks like another Predator machine for Aus.
Full gameplay video with objectives:
[ Invalid YouTube link ]
-
congrats mate ^^^ cool to have one of those rare games in the collection
-
Congrats, looks cool.
I would rather have a Lebowski myself if I was to go in for one of these boutique games but Predator looks the goods.
-
Just thrown down a deposit on a Predator after shifting up the waiting list.
Can i ask when you joined the waiting list?
I joined it back in April last year and i was told in November i was about 2 weeks away from getting a spot.
Just wondering if you were before or after April?
-
Early last year, I'll have to check old emails for the exact date.
-
Early last year, I'll have to check old emails for the exact date.
Thanks, just wondering if i am close or if i have been overlooked?
Congrats by the way!
-
Looks like predator is turning out to be a big scam, Hitler isn't happy either!
http://captiongenerator.com/33856/Hitler-Reacts-to-Predator-Scandal
-
It sure has turned for the worst.
Hope the two guys above manage to get their money back. Followed this with interest on Pinside but never had the balls to throw down some money, was very very close but the whole WoZ thing here turned me off ever doing that.
Real shame, would have been awesome to have in the collection, that and Matrix....one can dream
-
Just thrown down a deposit on a Predator after shifting up the waiting list.
I'll see how things progress regarding production, but at this stage it looks like another Predator machine for Aus.
Full gameplay video with objectives:
[ Invalid YouTube link ]
I hope any forum member who did put $ down gets it back somehow.
I would be amazed after reading the PinballNews article if the guy who ran the scam and lied about the licence doesn't face serious criminal charges in the USA.
-
Well good news for me today. My CC company got my money back via Paypus today and I even made $345 extra due to the exchange rate. Can't argue with that.
-
Excellent news.
-
Well good news for me today. My CC company got my money back via Paypus today and I even made $345 extra due to the exchange rate. Can't argue with that.
congrats, a failed investment that made you money ^^^
-
It sure was swinks. I'm buying parts with that extra money :)
-
quite a few US guys formed as a collective I believe to taken action against Kevin as has been seen buying things even though claiming bankruptcy. The interesting thing is the Marshalls picked up up and took to a court and below is the 41minute court hearing basically giving him a short period to present all the info otherwise will be locked up.
https://soundcloud.com/user-800669943/1bk2016-21030-20170120-111818
or on itunes
Kaneda's pinball podcast - worth a listen
-
I listened to the recent podcast, and I really have only had a passing glance at the history of this disaster. It amazes me how the legal system does protect criminals, and the law is some cases provides them with a vehicle to abuse the system. So Kulek has provided the discovery items to him attorney, who has passed it onto the Trust's attorney several times. The Trust's attorney has seen only photocopied HTML documents that appear to be irrelevant. But it took the US Marshalls to have Kulek presented to the court for non compliance.
Who is telling the porkies ?
-
Basically, last year Kevin declared he was bankrupt.
Remember he has just DECLARED it, well for it to happen, he has to PROVE he has no assets not just declare it.
This is the part Kevin has been having a little trouble with.
To the point he was found in contempt of court for not cooperating and a warrant went out for his arrest before Xmas.
Kevin was picked up last week and bought before a judge.
Hence the audio transcript Mr Swinks posted.
He must appear at the court at 9 am today with answers.
Possibly more happening on Monday as well.
While all this has been happening the lawyer for the predator buyers(creditors) has been slowly following the money trails and finding some.
You see the frustrating thing about it is the creditors can't go ahead with any claims until Kevin comes clean and that's why this info is so important
-
Part 2 for those interested.
If you want to skip to when Kevin talks it is at the 1 hour mark.
https://soundcloud.com/user-800669943/1bk2016-21030-20170127-091530 (https://soundcloud.com/user-800669943/1bk2016-21030-20170127-091530)
-
A train wreck. How ANYONE can run a business using other people's money and not keep records..
-
A train wreck. How ANYONE can run a business using other people's money and not keep records..
lots do unfortunately. Usually newbies