22 replies to this topic

[PinballFan82]

This may be an extremely stupid question - but what's the difference between VPX and VPT files?

 

Are VPX files created using version 10 of Visual Pinball?  And VPT from the previous versions?

 

Will I run into compatibility issues loading VPT files into Visual Pinball 10?  Or vice-versa?

 

Will I run into compatibility issues using PinballX?

 

In downloading .vpx files, I realize pretty much everything in the past few years is in .vpx format while everything that is currently in my cabinet is in .vpt format.  If I run into issues using .vpx files should I look for a compatible .vpt file?

 

Again, my apologies if I should clearly know this but I obviously do not...  SIGH.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Matt

[jino0372]

I hope this helps.

 

Q. What's the difference between VPX and VPT files? 

A. VPX is the file extension for tables created using Visual Pinball 10.x.x.  VPT is the file extension for older Visual Pinball version (9.x.x and 8.x.x).

 

Q, Are VPX files created using version 10 of Visual Pinball? And VPT from the previous versions?

A. Yes and yes.

 

Q. Will I run into compatibility issues loading VPT files into Visual Pinball 10?  Or vice-versa?

A. Yes.  VPT files will open with VPX but they will more than likely error out or not play at all.  They need to be converted.  There is a lot of differences in how a table is created in VP9 vs VP10.  VPX tables will not open at all with Visual Pinball 9.x.x and lower.

 

Q. Will I run into compatibility issues using PinballX?

A. Nope.  PinballX and other front ends can be setup with the different versions of Visual Pinball but you need to setup the correct version for the table file you downloaded and open the table files with the correct VP version.  Some tables require VP995 or 10.7.x and some of the very newest releases are for VPX8 (10.8.x currently in beta).  The author of the table may have listed the version required where you downloaded the file or it could be in the script.  Trial and error works too.  I found that most VP9 tables work great with the latest VP9 version and most VP10 tables work great with the latest VP10 version.

 

Q. In downloading .vpx files, I realize pretty much everything in the past few years is in .vpx format while everything that is currently in my cabinet is in .vpt format.  If I run into issues using .vpx files should I look for a compatible .vpt file?

A. There is still a lot of tables released for VP9 that have not been converted to VPX.  I am sure there are a lot released in VP8 that have not been converted as well. Typically, the VPX version is going to look visually better, have better physics, and overall gameplay.  I only use a VP9 tables if I really like it and there is no VPX version.

[PinballFan82]

Thank you very much.  I've been running into a number of issues and this might explain it.

 

Another question:  I've ended up putting both my .vpx and .vpt files into one tables folder.  Is this okay?  Or should I have them separate?

 

Lastly, just to clarify:  I'm using PinballX on my cabinet to take advantage of the wheel, etc.  I'm currently linking it to VP version 9.1.1 (or something) and opening VPT files to play.  Sounds like if I want to use PinballX to access VPX files to play, I'd have to make sure it's opening Visual Pinball 10 (or greater).

 

Thanks again.

[strells]

Curious what tables are only in VP9 that you're hanging on to.

[jino0372]

Thank you very much.  I've been running into a number of issues and this might explain it.

 

Another question:  I've ended up putting both my .vpx and .vpt files into one tables folder.  Is this okay?  Or should I have them separate?

 

Lastly, just to clarify:  I'm using PinballX on my cabinet to take advantage of the wheel, etc.  I'm currently linking it to VP version 9.1.1 (or something) and opening VPT files to play.  Sounds like if I want to use PinballX to access VPX files to play, I'd have to make sure it's opening Visual Pinball 10 (or greater).

 

Thanks again.

 

I have my VP9 and VP10 table files in the same table folder.  I don't have any issues.  I have not used PinballX in a few years but I believe there is only one option labeled for Visual Pinball in the setup wizard.  If you have that set to a version of 9 that works for you then leave it alone (FYI...I would use version 9.9.5).  In the setup...there is an option for other systems.  There you can setup VPX.  This is a link to an older post on the GameEx Forum but it should point you in the right direction. --> https://forums.gamee...up-in-pinballx/

Curious what tables are only in VP9 that you're hanging on to.

 

One I still have is Lights, Camera, Action (Gottlieb 1989).  I believe there is an unauthorized VPX version of it floating around.  My list of VP9 tables is getting really small as more and more are being converted to VPX.

[PinballFan82]

I'm partial to EM games from the 70s as that was my prime playing time. Loserman76 did an AMAZING job recreating games from that time (may he RIP). Though, Space Shuttle is my fave. I'm sure there are some hidden gems I've never played that I would like to try.

Willing to download and play as many games as I can. I'm kinda OCD like that.

[Mike DA Spike]

2 ways for pinballx to configure.
Create 2 systems (1 for vpx and 1 for vp9)
Or use alternateexe for the few vp9 tables.
This will launch the tables from same dir with the exe file you provide for that table.
I still have a vp9 tables folder, but think I have all now in vp10 (since bigus1 migrated 'Frank Thomas's Big Hurt' to vpx)

[djredick]

 

I hope this helps.

 

Q. What's the difference between VPX and VPT files? 

A. VPX is the file extension for tables created using Visual Pinball 10.x.x.  VPT is the file extension for older Visual Pinball version (9.x.x and 8.x.x).

 

Just a slight correction here.  VPT files are versions 9.x.x and below.  I remember them being in VP v6.0 and above.

[PinballFan82]

Thank you all for your continued help with this issue.  I had hoped to try these out yesterday but was unable to...

 

Just a little more background... 

 

Just like all of you, I've been a pinball fan since forever.  I've owned three machines "Black Hole," "Mata Hari" and "Space Shuttle."  "Black Hole" I had to sell because I was moving, "Mata Hari" I sold to a friend and "Space Shuttle" was great but it ate fuses like M&Ms.

 

I bought a used VPCab from the Seattle Pinball Museum quite a long time ago (six years ago?).  Because it was used, it was a bit wonky to begin with but the price was right and I downloaded a ton of games from VPForums (thank you!!) and it worked pretty well.

 

After we bought a work-out machine, we had to tuck the Cab into an "office" - out-of-sight, out of mind.  Also, it seemed that every time I played it, for some reason that particular game wouldn't load or work properly ("Power Play" for instance doesn't have enough ooomph to launch the ball) and I've just not made it a priority to working through all the nagging issues.

 

Now I have a 20 month old grandson who is interested in it and figured now would be a good time to try and get it fully back up and running and get him addicted properly.

 

Thanks again, you guys rock.

 

Matt

[jino0372]

Hi Matt....it sounds like you will need more that just a software upgrade.  You may need to update the PC before moving on to some VPX tables.  VPX is more taxing on your system than VP9 was.

 

I have three "real" machines right now.  They are Freedom (Bally 1976), Capt. Fantastic (Bally 1976), and Space Mission (Williams 1976).  BTW...I'm not purposely collection machines from 1976  .

 

I also have two Virtual Pinball cabs.  One is a small cab and the other is a mid size.  I would like to have a full size Virtual cab but my game room is already busting at the seems.  I also have VP on my desktop and laptop.  I used these machines primarily for table development.

 

In the past I've owned, at different times, three Baby Pacman's, Old Chicago, Roller Disco, Paragon, Wizard, Eight Ball Deluxe, Haunted House, Embryon, Harlem Globetrotters, Viking, and Lost World.  I think that it  .

[PinballFan82]

Capt. Fantastic was a favorite down at my local bowling alley.  Wizard is great, too.  Freedom I used to play at the local Circle K.  And the last time I was in Vegas, I went to their pinball museum and took a photo of the "Special When Lit" arrow from Old Chicago and got that tattooed on my left arm.

 

I'm running Windows 7 and sadly, I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to computers and upgrades.  Whether I just need to add more RAM memory or swap out the motherboard.  If I CAN'T play VPX games, there's still plenty of good stuff I'm able to play - I'd still would like to try, though...

 

Great collection of pinball games.  Hopefully you have a spouse/partner that is understanding.  My wife and I courted over playing Space Shuttle at a local 7-11.  We've been married nearly 36 years.

[Halen]

I have 90 vpt tables in my collection. Rogue pinball has an extensive list of high quality VPT tables.

 

Thanks Itchigo.

[wiesshund]

Capt. Fantastic was a favorite down at my local bowling alley.  Wizard is great, too.  Freedom I used to play at the local Circle K.  And the last time I was in Vegas, I went to their pinball museum and took a photo of the "Special When Lit" arrow from Old Chicago and got that tattooed on my left arm.

 

I'm running Windows 7 and sadly, I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to computers and upgrades.  Whether I just need to add more RAM memory or swap out the motherboard.  If I CAN'T play VPX games, there's still plenty of good stuff I'm able to play - I'd still would like to try, though...

 

Great collection of pinball games.  Hopefully you have a spouse/partner that is understanding.  My wife and I courted over playing Space Shuttle at a local 7-11.  We've been married nearly 36 years.

 

I dont know the PC specs of your vpin, but if it is old, and not well suited to VPX, it still is not dead in the water, even without upgrades.

 

VP9 will literally run on almost anything that can boot windows XP or better.

And there are a LOT of really nice VP9 tables.
Big Bang Bar, Fishtales, Blackhole and Grand Lizard are a few of the ones that come to mind, many others also
Detruk's VP9 heavymetal is good also and Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Lots of really good vp9 tables

 

For the sake of Sanity
I do keep VPX and VPT in separate folders.
Easier to keep things organized.
Not required but i do it and it helps when you are wanting pinballX to run these tables with VPX and these with physmod 5 and these with vp 995 etc

Most VP9 tables i run in VPinball995, except a few physmod tables, which i run in VPinball99_PhysMod5_Updated
Having the tables in their own folders helps with that as far as pinballX goes

[jino0372]

Capt. Fantastic was a favorite down at my local bowling alley.  Wizard is great, too.  Freedom I used to play at the local Circle K.  And the last time I was in Vegas, I went to their pinball museum and took a photo of the "Special When Lit" arrow from Old Chicago and got that tattooed on my left arm.

 

I'm running Windows 7 and sadly, I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to computers and upgrades.  Whether I just need to add more RAM memory or swap out the motherboard.  If I CAN'T play VPX games, there's still plenty of good stuff I'm able to play - I'd still would like to try, though...

 

Great collection of pinball games.  Hopefully you have a spouse/partner that is understanding.  My wife and I courted over playing Space Shuttle at a local 7-11.  We've been married nearly 36 years.

 

My wife is fine with my toys as long as they stay in the game room.  

 

My mini VP cab is using an old Lenova Laptop with built in graphics and it runs some VPX tables pretty good.  In the video/graphic options in VPX I believe I used the preset for low end PC.  It's fine on that because the screen is 13.1".  It will work with your older PC but you may have to play with the settings to find your sweet spot.  

[PinballFan82]

I have 90 vpt tables in my collection. Rogue pinball has an extensive list of high quality VPT tables.

 

Thanks Itchigo.

 

When I start PinballX, I've got over 700 machines at my disposal.  Do they all work?  No.  Are they all fantastic?  No.  Are there some duplicates? You betcha.  But there are some great pins in there.

 

I know that I should focus on "quality" over "quantity" and, at one point, I had created a spreadsheet document that went through and rated each machine, whether it had a working backglass, if it even worked at all, etc.  I probably should do that again.

 

As for VPX, there are certain machines that I would like to play again that I've played in the past that I don't think are in VPT format.

 

"Escape from the Lost World" - there's a WIP version in VPT format.  Looks like the VPX version has better graphics and is finalized more.  I played this quite a bit when I found it in a smoke shop in Seattle a number of years ago.  Really enjoyed it.

 

I remember playing "Triple Action" aka "Star Action" at my local roller rink with my girlfriend Delcia back in 1977.  For some reason, that's hitting my memory button in an emotional sort of way.  I don't think there's a "Triple Action" or "Star Action" in VPT format.

 

There's just something about playing pinball.....

[Itchigo]

I have 90 vpt tables in my collection. Rogue pinball has an extensive list of high quality VPT tables.

 

Thanks Itchigo.

Thanks Halen!

 

My whole vp9 collection is shared in the downloads area. I had a little over 900 2 screen vp9's. The reason I don't share my vpx's is because they are way too big. I have 1437 tables in my cab (I don't do reskins so there are no duplicates).

[PinballFan82]

Finally having a chance to sit down and try out VPX 10.7.3...

 

And getting errors like:  "Are you using DOF?"  "Are you using Knockers?" etc. and then it ends with a "controller" error or a path error.

 

Am I missing something that should be in the folder with the .exe file?

 

I was able to load one game but got a "door open" notice in my DMD and figured I would restart the game and that would fix it but then my playfield went all white and, eventually the program gave me an error or completely rebooted my machine.

 

So....the jury is still out on whether or not I can play VPX games on my 3 screen cab.

 

Thanks, again, for your help.

[jino0372]

What VPX installer did you use?  It seems like you are missing some scripts.

[PinballFan82]

I just copied over everything from VPinballX73_minimal into it's own folder.  I didn't see a "set up" file.

[wiesshund]

I just copied over everything from VPinballX73_minimal into it's own folder.  I didn't see a "set up" file.

1st you need to grab and run the installer
then you can drop the minimal ontop of it to update it.