STERN code updates for X-Men and Transformers Pinball

At long last, STERN Pinball today released code updates for its Transformers and X-Men pinball machine models.

Both these machines really needed a code update, and owners had been waiting a long time, and feeling pretty neglected.  Time will tell if these updates satisfy them, there hasn't been a lot of reaction yet in the community.  I did have a chance to check out the new code on a Transformers LE just now.  I don't know the game well enough to know how dramatic an improvement we are talking here, and I liked the game before this.  I will say, I just had the best game of Transformers I've ever played, so it certainly didn't hurt. :)

You're damn right I'm a Decepticon!

These two code updates are so fresh, there aren't even any patch notes yet.  I will come back and post them here when they are live, just to provide an example of the kind of changes a code updates involves.

As most pinball owners know, you can get the latest STERN code updates here, on their website.

4/3/2013: below is an example, the update notes from the Transformers LE update.

V1.8 - March 14, 2013
=======================

- First pass of the redemption system.
    see http://www.sternpinball.com/downloads/Stern_Pinball_Redemption_System_Software_Manual.pdf
    for details.
- added an adjustment for launching balls after a locked ball.
- fixed a bug where Optimus/Megatron Super Jackpots were not initialized correctly when MB progression is turned off.
- The Optimus Prime Multiball progressive Super Jackpots are now scored based upon how many times Optimus Prime MB was started prior to scoring the Super JP.
  1 start = 100% of Super jackpot escrow.
  2 starts = 75% of Super Jackpot escrow.
  3+ starts = 50% of Super Jackpot escrow.
- The Megatron Multiball (A) progressive Super Jackpot is now scored based upon how many times Megatron MB was started prior to scoring the Super JP.
  1 start = 100% of Super jackpot escrow.
  2 starts = 75% of Super Jackpot escrow.
  3+ starts = 50% of Super Jackpot escrow.
- added Optimus Prime & Megatron Multiball minimum Super Jackpot scoring logic.
- added Autobot/Decepticon HSTD info to instant info
- added MB progress adjustments
- added Decepticon High Score tables.
- added Autobot High Score tables.
- added redemption ticket sounds
- added rule progression to the Optimus Prime Multiball rules.
- added rule progression to the Megatron Multiball rules.
- Changed text coordinates for redemption award display effect.
- Added game-specific display effect, lamp effect, and sound effects for redemption.