Well I have been wanting to do a custom pin for a very long time and procrastinated for a very long time but ever so slowly building up the design skills, reproducing parts in a 3d model space including the cabinet etc, making mods, reproduction parts etc (selfish plug to where you can find those)
https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=swinks&sort=newestI have been inspired by the other builds but pinballrockstar from the Minion pinball and a few others have been real encouraging and even though this theme might not be for everyone I am sure people might be able to offer some thoughts & help along the way and learn from my approach.
a good thread is the Minions Pinball
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/we-are-building-a-minions-pinball-updates-every-fridayAlso no one has done a modern style Surfing Pinball with ramps so reckon it is overdue.
Some of you know that I have 2 dream theme pins - Surfing Pinball and Dukes of Hazzard Pinball (DoH). I jumped into the DoH a little too early (deep end) as have lots of ideas but the issue being the programming as have zero experience and would prolong the project alot and has already - so that one is being handbraked until I get this built which is way more achievable as it is going to be a simplier pin allowing me to build up some skills. Some of the game features in this one will be great experience for the DoH Pin.
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=14442.0Now for this game:
- it will be a simplier pin and a cross breed between a re-theme and custom pin - meaning I will be using the rules from an existing game and the playfield design will be custom.
- rules will be from Bally's Skateball as I will be using a full set of Alltek boards and led displays and that means the programming is done as the game will be about going surfing and enjoying the experience and enjoying the surf session. I will be upgrading some mechs like the flipper mech to a 90's bally style to improve on some mechanical efficiencies but sure the slight drop in power may cause a challenge - see when I get there. I will also use a stern style sling mechs.
Big thanks to ddstoys ages ago for helping me out with parts (flipper, sling mechs etc) that will soon go to the chromers.
Big Thank to strangeways for sending me some gear for the other game - it will still happen I just need to build up my skills, but really appreciate your help
My goal will be a something little in artwork somewhere as a thanks to those that helped me as a tribute and thanks for their help.
- but for sounds I will be using 2 x WAV triggers for backing songs and sounds for that more modern feel.
- I tried to go for a fan layout with a difference
- once the game is running I can always then consider doing a proc / fast upgrade ??? if I feel the need but really keen in keeping this game as a shallow rule set but challenging to play - we will see how that goes.
Features
(will update with changes as we go along) currently it will have:
11 x drop targets
4 x additional switches linked to servo's via servo triggers to activate 2 additional mechs and will operate in a EM style way as no programming required. - more on these features later.
2 x slingshots at the bottom
1 x slingshot at the top to replace the pop bumper
4 x flippers
3 x roll over star inserts to replace the top in-lane switches
1 x swappable feature from a pop bumper to a 3 or 2 post horizontal spinner to add variety to the game play = means different playing experiences - this is the wave impact zone / a submerged rock ???
2 x reverse inlanes which is inspired by Bally's Fathom but with the Skateball style through gates.
1 x swappable bolt in centre post or a plate under the flippers to mix up the play
1 x direct feed ball launch to the bottom flipper (kook - a beginner surfer) or to the upper rhs flipper (pro surfer) via a switchable gate or drop down wireform - still nutting this one out.
2 x ramps (one is the wave ramp) and other is a big move (aerial) or a back door move - gotta see how the wave and ramps turn out.
this is the skateball rule set to adopt into this game
