Kingpin

[awarner]

I'm curious, what isn't done on Kingpin's Software? I've played it a bit on VPMAME but haven't really dug in too deep.

I know a bit about the board reproduction costs, and Gene told me he had looked into recreating the one custom chip on the board.

Anyone who's been in the code have any knowledge? I must say, it's an awesome soundtrack.

-Al-
_________________
Former BBB #95
Pins and Vids #4, A New Hoax DVD, Available NOW at www.pinsandvids.com for only $12.00 plus shipping.

[CraigC]

Lloyd olson sez that it's complete.

argues with anyone who says it isnt.

-c

[sellenoff]

I played Lloyd's game quite alot when I was there. Pics of the trip here:
http://pinmame.retrogames.com/steve/triptolloyds/index.html

I would say that while the code may be considered complete, it's very rough around the edges in my opinion. Kind of the way Cactus Canyon is also complete, but rough.

It could use some tweaks and bug fixes, and some refinement to make it truly amazing, but as it stands it's quite good already.

-Steve

[sellenoff]

I'd love to get a look at the code and see what the state of it is.

I've offered to help Gene work on the code if he wants, as well as to help him work out the details of the custom chip by examinging the code, but other than a quick reply from Kim, haven't heard anything..

I'd also love to add some more stuff to BBB and release a custom IPB version of the software for us.

-Steve

[Lloyd Olson]

I've argued in the past because some of the people that thought the software wasn't complete have never played a kingpin, or played a kingpin with everything working. I've played a couple and they had issues with the ramp optos and other switches in the rear not working, making it impossible to complete things.

[robertwinter]

[sellenoff]

Sure go ahead.. just please keep the photo credits for me & LLoyd, thanks.

[BigBangJoe]

There are two things which I think are incomplete (based on playing it on VP):

1) The music while bribing the cops is completely different in style than any of the other music. It seems to me that this bit of music was not yet made at that point in time. It could be that Chris Granner meant this to be the final music, but in that case I don't like that choice. I really like all other music and sound in the game.

2) When you complete a mode, a kind of end-of-mode feature begins where one of the gangsters tries to get rid of you, so you have to try to kill him first. However, it is also possible to start another mode and the previous mode is just cancelled. The previous mode does not score anymore, and you never get the end-of-mode feature. In one game, I got to Kingpin and all the gang-members complained that I doublecrossed them or something like that. However, in that game I never completed any mode. Maybe this is also like it's supposed to be, but I feel this does not work very well. Either the mode should be finished before you can start a new one, or the modes should be stacked. It's the same as playing "Hit cousin It" on TAF for just 10 seconds because "Raise the dead" starts. Maybe I don't understand the rules and there is a completely logical explanation.

The software is completed enough to use it without any modifications. In fact I don't understand how the software could be that completed while the game was not even the next in line to be produced.

If IPB can reproduce Kingpin, then they should produce quite a lot of extra boards to use as spares for the other Capcoms. With a total of only about 3000 Capcoms produced, it would be a pity to have to destroy an Airborne or Pinball Magic, just to repare a BBB. *That* is what I like most about this project