Williams tables - stage flipping?

[Ecktown]

While playing the Getaway I realised that stage flipping was not possible (or at least I have not found out how) with a Microsoft controller. Not only for this table stage flipping would be highly useful. Are there plans to introduce this?

[Airk]

do you mean portrait mode? like viewing it long ways?
there is a button somewhere in the settings to "apply" for a extra key to enable portrait mode, i think they just want to make sure youre not trying to run a digi-arcade at a mall kiosk or something

[Matt Beeching]

Wasn't familiar with this technique, very interesting! I agree it would be a worthwhile addition.

[VanAlphen]

I had to look up the term. My guess would be it's an unintended feature on some real tables. Zen might not even be aware of it. Although it would be interesting and useful for tables like The Getaway, I'm not sure if it should be implemented.

[AcadDude]

Originally posted by VanAlphen:

I had to look up the term. My guess would be it's an unintended feature on some real tables.

For real tables it requires a double leaf spring switch that is intentional. It would be tough to map to a keyboard for most keyboard emulators.

[Airk]

Originally posted by AcadDude:

Originally posted by VanAlphen:

I had to look up the term. My guess would be it's an unintended feature on some real tables.

For real tables it requires a double leaf spring switch that is intentional. It would be tough to map to a keyboard for most keyboard emulators.

searched it, seems like the function could be replicated by having 2 buttons next to each other, say q/w and o/p, or the triggers/bumpers on a controller.

[MuddyWolf]

It was possible in FX2. You could/can easily configure it in the operators menu.
Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, there's no operators menu in FX3 so all the features that came with it are gone too.

[Ecktown]

It was also possible in the Pinball Arcade (with LT/RT on a 360 controller - so it is possible with just one button) and is very important for tables with an upper flipper. I hope this will be introduced in FX3!

[Ecktown]

It would be great to hear from Zen concerning this topic ;-)

[PinStratsDan]

I remember it being a very helpful technique on Biolab on my Xbox 360. This discussion links in to my current frustration with the game - not having sensitive enough flipper control. I'll do a seperate post on that.

[VanAlphen]

Originally posted by AcadDude:

Originally posted by VanAlphen:

I had to look up the term. My guess would be it's an unintended feature on some real tables.

For real tables it requires a double leaf switch that is intentional. It would be tough to map to a keyboard for most keyboard emulators.

Yeah, the use of double leaf switches is obviously intentional, but for what purpose? To me it just doesn't seem likely it was meant for stage flipping where you use the last 5-10% of the length of the button to control the upper flippers. Pinball is meant to be a challenging game with simple controls namely a plunger you pull and buttons you slam.

To me it seems more likely double leaf switches are used for easier testing, repairing or just out of tradition.

If stage flipping was an intentional feature wouldn't it be widely known and included in instructions, promotional flyers, official demonstration games etc?

With the stage flipping being intentional or not implementing 'double leaf switches' for analogue triggers would make the game more authentic however it would also allow us to remap the feature over multiple buttons making the game easier and less authentic.

[Ecktown]

I repeat - it was possible in The Pinball Arcade (at least with LT and RT on the Microsoft controller) and of course stage flipping is a normal technique which is available in most pinball tables that have an upper flipper.
This is simply a feature that's missing in FX3 so far.

[Ecktown]

I don't know if it is this update or if I missed it before but stage flipping now works. :-)