File Name: Road Runner (Original) (SSF, 3 Monitor Setup, FizX 3.3)
File Submitter: GeorgeH
File Submitted: 03 Oct 2023
File Category: Future Pinball
Manufacturer: OriginalYear: 2006
Permission to MOD?: No
Version 1.06
Note: I had to create a split zip file to have file sizes less than the required size of 100MB.
- To extract the files for this table, you must download each of the 4 zip files on the download link.
- You will need to unzip each of the 4 files. You need to save the extracted files ("Road Runner 1.06zip.001", " Road Runner 1.06.zip.002" " Road Runner 1.06.zip.003" and "Road Runner 1.06.zip.004") to the same folder.
- Then extract " Road Runner 1.05.zip.001" with your zip program (7Zip will work) and a folder named "Road Runner 1.06" will be created that contains the files you need for this table.
Additionally, I’ve added displays for the FizX tweaker to the playfield apron, as I’ve done with later tables. Over the past few months, I’ve fine-tuned the sound levels in the audio for the pup pack I use. I’ve included the latest version of the pup pack, although if you've already installed the one from my updates to Medieval Madness or Indiana Jones, there’s no need to replace it.
There are also some updates for desktop users. One of the most useful changes is the increased duration of content on the 26-digit segmented display. During my testing, I noticed that some displays flashed by too quickly to read, so I’ve increased the duration to make them easier to follow. I also updated the sound levels of the Fleep recordings in the FP editor. Additionally, I’ve added a reminder on the 26-digit display during attract mode, showing which keys control the FizX tweaker and lighting.
It seems that more users are running AMD processors on their PCs. Historically, AMD CPUs have had compatibility issues with Future Pinball. Many users report hard crashes after about 10 minutes of gameplay—or even sooner. In addition to crashing, AMD processors can cause stuttering and other performance problems. I received a report from a user on a previous version of this table, where the playfield appeared as a gray screen with no image, and the system was using an AMD CPU. Systems with AMD GPUs are even more prone to crashes, and unfortunately, there’s little that can be done to resolve these issues. AMD graphics cards are known to have compatibility problems with many games, not just Future Pinball. Table developers cannot be held responsible for issues related to AMD hardware. Some users mistakenly blame these issues on script errors when they are actually caused by hardware incompatibility.
Users with AMD Ryzen CPUs paired with NVIDIA graphics cards have had more success running Future Pinball. I’ve received reports that some users with this configuration encounter a string error, but it was successfully fixed using a solution I posted in the script. You might want to try this fix if you’re experiencing other issues with this setup. Since I have an Intel CPU in my PC, I’m unable to replicate or test any AMD-related problems you may encounter.
I would like to thank DigitalArts for his help in testing this table on his cabinet. Since I don't have a cabinet myself, his assistance was invaluable in ensuring everything works properly for cabinet users. After some trial and error, we discovered that DMDExt does not support Future Pinball's DMD effects, so the default option must be used instead.
These are just some of the changes. Be sure to check the full list of updates I’ve posted below. I really appreciate all the feedback on previous versions, and I believe I’ve addressed all the changes that were requested. I hope you enjoy it!
—George
Version 1.05
I am posting version 1.05 of Road Runner to correct a bug that is in version 1.04. While I was at it, I created a new version of the table for a 3-monitor cabinet setup. Note that the requirements listed in version 1.04 still apply so please read them.
I hope you enjoy it!
George
Version 1.04
My intention on this version was to update some minor errors on the FizX tweaker. I have been playing it quite a bit and decided it was worth adding more features, especially since everyone seems to like it. The main features I added are Surround Sound Feedback (SSF), Lighting, and Easy Play Mode. I think this table would appeal to children who would probably prefer the Easy Play Mode. All the features I added are listed below. I highly recommend you read the Instructions PDF file in the download or else you will probably miss out on some of the nice features I added.
BAM – Must Read
This table requires BAM 1.5-373 or later for it to perform as intended and to not crash or generate error messages.
Lighting
I added lighting modes for Day, Dusk, Night, Dark Night and FP Original. Press the Special 2 key to toggle through the lighting modes. FP Original disables the spotlight but it helps those that have lower end PCs.
FizX and Tweaker
I upgraded from FizX Lite 3.0 to the full version of FizX 3.3.1 which includes updating the menu system we call a tweaker. Press the Special 1 key to open the FizX tweaker and read the directions on the overlay on how to navigate the system. I moved the options on the tweaker so the parameters I use the most are display first on the list with the lesser used parameters at the bottom of the list. By default, the full version adds upgrades to rubber posts, slingshots and drop targets. I manually added the FizX bumpers. I also added 2 invisible rubbers posts to each slingshot which helps to perform post passes and works quite well on this table.
Surround Sound Feedback
I added Surround Sound Feedback (SSF) the for both DOF and PUP to help out the pinball cabinet users. Debo26 tested this table on his cabinet. To make SSF work, you must add the PUP-Pack that is included in the download. Copy "FP_PUP_SSF_GEORGE" to your PUPVideos folder. You also need to change the following options in the script to "True":
DOF_enabled = false
PUP_SSF_enabled = false
This change actually benefits everyone because the process of adding SSF requires replacing all the standard FP mechanical sounds with Fleep's incredible recordings. I am sure you will notice an improvement.
Plunger Modification
Popotte developed a plunger mod that added a new feature to the code I had been using. The code that I used in the past makes the plunger pull back more slowly, making it easier to hone in on just the right power to hit certain skill shots on most tables. This table does not have a skill shot but it does help to be able to control the ball on the upper playfield.
The plunger that Popotte created has two modes of operation:
1) The slow plunger pullback is the same as previous versions I used and works like a normal plunger would by pressing the plunger key. The only difference from the default plunger is that it pulls back more slowly so you can more easily identify the place where you want to let go of the plunger.
2) The second method is where you can use the up and down arrow keys to position the plunger exactly where you want it before it is released. Then you press the plunger key to release the ball. It can be adjusted very precisely for your shot.
Camera Views
I created two camera view profiles. I set one of them, to be the default in the script although the changes you make will be saved. You can change the default camera view by pressing the "V" key repeatedly to toggle the two options.
Easy Play Mode
You can change a setting in the script to "Easy Play Mode". The default is set to "Normal Play Mode". The download includes two sets of rules in PDF form, one is for easy play and the other for normal play. An example of one of the changes I made is to change the drop targets on the upper playfield to light two of the lights on the playfield for RUNNER when you hit all 4 drop targets. Normal play mode requires you hit all 4 drop targets 6 times to spell RUNNER which gets rather tedious. This option is great for children but it's good for everyone because it helps you get higher scores and makes it more fun.
Rotated Display
Finally, I added a version of the table for those of us that have desktop PCs with a single monitor that can swivel so it is oriented in an upright position. I call it rotated display. The "Full Table 2" view only uses about 50% of the screen for the playfield where this option uses about 90% of the screen. It produces a more immersive gaming experience. If you don't have a single monitor that can rotate, then you need to use the other version of the table in the download. You can try it on a standard monitor to see what it looks like but it will be oriented sideways. In order to play the table, you need to change the "Rotation" option to 270 degrees on the "Preferences" > "Video / Rendering Options" screen of the FP editor.
Version 1.03
One of the guys informed me that when the ball rolls down either inlane and hits the flippers, it bounces upward. I moved the flippers down slightly to correct the problem. I thought the flipper angles and swing might need to be adjusted but I found that the old settings worked best.
When I was working on the issue, I also noticed the ball would sometimes get stuck in the inlane below the right wire ramp. I found the ball was hitting a ring hanging down from the ramp so I changed the ring. I changed the ring so it has an open bottom and allows the ball to pass.
One of the guys recorded a video of the table and I noticed that the player never held the plunger down long enough to launch the ball up to the miniplayfield. I think the reason for it was the plunger mod that I added. The purpose of the plunger mod is to take more time for the plunger to pull back to provide more control over when the ball is released. I decided it took too long to pull the plunger back so I shortened a timer on the plunger mod to make it draw out a little more quickly. I also enlarged the opening over the plunger so you can see more easily when you want to release the ball.
Even before I released the table, I thought the ball rolling sound was not quite right on the wire ramps. When I was developing this change, I realized that there was an alternate wire sound that I liked better so I added it.
The light inserts on the playfield seemed too dark, especially during the attract mode so I brightened them a little.
Version 1.02
Road Runner is a great table created by the incredible table developer Roney Pinball. I decided I wanted to work on a simple table with a simple update so I chose Road Runner. It didn't take long; however, to determine that it was a bit more sophisticated than I thought. It has a flyer that explains a few things but not everything. I decided to write a set of rules since no one had ever posted them before now. I wrote quite a few rules that filled up both instruction cards on the apron but I was able to add everything I wanted.
I added FizX Lite 3.0 and the latest version of the FizX tweaker. An improved version of the lighting tweaker was published on Avatar 2.2. Since then, Gimli and I have spent much time improving the tweaker. We found three huge bugs that have been resolved. Avatar 2.2 had occasions where end users reported getting string errors that have now been resolved. One bug was caused by Future Pinball sometimes performing calculation errors, like 6 times 10 being equal to 59.9999. That might be considered close enough but it causes havoc on an array where every two characters in the string represents the saved value for one parameter. We fixed it by adding rounding for each calculated value to a non-decimal number. I have noticed that the fix has made the tweaker much more stable without any string errors.
I have added overlays that describe each of the parameters on the FizX tweaker. I provide directions on how to navigate the tweaker on the first screen that you see when the tweaker opens. All you need to remember is to press the Special 1 key to open the tweaker. If you want a longer description of the Reset to Default, Reset to StartUp, and Save functions, arrow down to the end of the parameters and you will find a detailed description of each. Unfortunately, the tweaker does not have enough save locations to add settings for the upper flippers. If you want to change the settings for the upper flippers, they can be changed in the script. You can, however, change the settings for the main flippers on the tweaker.
If you are not familiar with FizX, you might find the parameters on the tweaker intimidating. You will however be able to understand the option for "Bounce Choices". The option refers to the bounce of the ball off the flippers. The "Bounce Choices" option allows you to make selections that anyone can understand. For example, you can select "Low Bounce" or "Medium Bounce". I recommend you try making changes to this option. I have already made adjustments on the tweaker but everyone knows I like the flippers to have a very low bounce. From what I have seen, most folks like higher bounce.
I didn't add my usual lighting mod this time but I think you will like the lighting nevertheless. There are lots of options at the beginning of the script where you can change the lighting and other options.
Zip File – Must Read
There is a zip file included in the download. It contains the model of a ball with 1K polygons. Do not unzip the zip file. Just save it with the same name as the table and place it in the same folder as the table. If you don't use it, the physics won't be correct.
Table Loading Screen
There are two table-loading textures as listed below. The first landscape texture is the default and is intended to be used on desktop PCs. The portrait texture is intended to be used on pinball cabinets.
LoadingLandscape.jpg
LoadingPortrait.jpg
Conclusion
The entrance to the right wire ramp was rather problematic. The ball kept bouncing around the ramp entrance and not going down it. However, persistence paid off and I managed to get it to work. This table was otherwise a pleasure to work on. I hope you enjoy it.
GeorgeH
Click here to download this file
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