Pinball Brothers Alien Rulesheet

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Game Information:

  • Lead Designer:
  • Code/Rules:
  • Lead Mechanical Engineer:
  • Artwork:
  • Computer Graphics Art Director:
  • Lead Sound Designer:
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  • Wiki Rulesheet based on Code Rev:
    • Edit the Code revision, if applicable, when you make changes

Originally planned to release under startup company Heighway Pinball before their abrupt shutdown, Alien returned to production in 2022 as Pinball Brothers’ first release. As Ellen Ripley, the player must fend off alien creatures in their quest to survive in the darkness of space.

Rules Overview:

  • Shoot the Air Lock to start missions. Follow the flashing blue arrows. If mission isn’t lit, shoot the left and right ramp to relight it.
    • The more missions you complete, the more you score in bonus, so don’t tilt.
  • Shoot the Xenomorph targets for Ambush Multiball, and the spinners / Vent 1 for Sentry Guns Multiball.
  • Complete DROP and SHIP at the ramps for 2x scoring.
  • Collect weapons by shooting the standup targets. Use the display to determine what each weapon does and press the launch button to use them.

Layout:

Skill Shots:

Plunge the ball using the launch button. The ball is fed to the right flipper, and all shots are lit for skill shot. Each shot scores points that increase each time the same skill shot is made, and a different award depending on which one was made:

If three different skill shots are made in a single game, a Super Skill Bonus of 5M is awarded along with any awards from the skill shot itself.

Missions:

At the start of the game, the player can choose between which of the two films they want to play. Each film has a set of four missions and one wizard mode. The Air Lock is lit by default for the first mission of the game. For further missions, the Air Lock has to be lit by rolling through the left and right return lanes (“WEYLAND” and “YUTANI”).

Points from successfully completed missions (ie. without time running out or the ball draining) are added into end-of-ball bonus, and special lights at the right outlane after 4 completed missions. They also boost the values of the final wizard modes for each movie set, and award the next Weapon.

Once either set of missions have been played, the player will switch to the set of missions that they didn’t play.

"Alien" Missions:

  • Derelict Ship: Shoot the bumpers to explore the nest. Scoring in this mode is determined by how many eggs were destroyed beforehand; blue shots add more points to the base bumper value, and green shots add more time. Destroy 12 eggs to light the 3 Vents for a value based on the number of destroyed eggs & how much time was remaining. Then, shoot the Air Lock to win the mission.
  • Acid Burn: Find the acid on 3 decks by shooting 3 lit blue shots, while avoiding the green shots; hitting enough green shots will end the mission in failure prematurely. After the three shots have been made, shoot the Air Lock to win the mission.
  • Find Jonesy: Make 2 orange shots that change very quickly, unless you hold the ball and wait. The orange shots represent Jonesy, Ripley’s pet, exploring the ship - as soon as you hear a “meow” from the game, pay attention and determine which shot you need to make next. The fewer misses, the more points you score. Win the mission at the Air Lock after making the two shots.
  • Tunnel Hunt: Shoot the 3 Vents once each - the left eject, the right lane, and the upper loop - to light the Air Lock to win the mission. The value of the Air Lock is doubled if Vents 1, 2, and 3 are made in the correct order prior to shooting it.

After playing all four missions, the next mission will be Self-Destruct.

"Aliens" Missions:

  • Combat Drop: Phase 1 - make four shots to any of the weapon standup targets to board the ship. Phase 2 - shoot the left or right ramps to pilot the ship, and then the Air Lock to land the ship. Only one ramp shot during Phase 2 is required to light the Air Lock to win the mission - but further ramp shots can be made for more points before shooting the Air Lock.
  • A-P-C: Blue shots are lit, for 10 seconds each, to navigate the station. Completing the APC drop targets during this mission instantly awards the currently lit shot and boosts scoring for the rest of the mission. The final shot of the mission will always be at the Air Lock.
  • Bug Hunt: Phase 1 - make 3 ramp shots to light the Host target / magnet to examine a colonist. Phase 2 - fend off the Xenomorph infestation by shooting flashing blue shots while avoiding unlit shots; unlit shots will reduce scoring for the rest of the mode. Only one blue shot is required to light the Air Lock to win the mission.
  • Queen’s Nest: Alternate shots between either orbit (which feed the bumpers during this mission) and the Air Lock. Complete this sequence 3 times to finish off the Alien Queen and win the mission. Scoring during this mission is determined by the number of eggs that were destroyed beforehand.

After playing all four missions, the next mission will be Loader Battle.

Multiball Modes:

There are four multiball modes in Alien, with a final wizard mode available after playing all four. Multiballs are mutually exclusive, though missions that were started earlier continue to run during multiball, and Sentry Guns Multiball can stack onto any active multiball and double all jackpot scores.

Hypersleep Multiball:

Light the hypersleep ramp for lock by completing the APC drop targets on the far right of the game. For the first Hypersleep Multiball of the game, only 2 balls need to be locked at the ramp - subsequent Hypersleep Multiballs require 3 balls to be locked. Shooting the hypersleep ramp, even if it isn’t lit for lock, also lights one of the left outlane rollovers for Revive.

During Hypersleep Multiball, all shots are lit red to revive members of the crew from hypersleep and score jackpots. Once all seven shots have been made, they will relight. The jackpot value can be increased by completing the APC drop targets, or multiplied by +1x by completing the APC drop targets in order.

Sentry Guns Multiball:

Once enough ammo has been collected by hitting enough switches or shots (500 for the first multiball), Vent 1 lights for Sentry Guns Multiball. Subsequent Sentry Guns Multiball attempts require 1000 ammo to light.

During Sentry Guns Multiball, shoot the spinners to light the Xenomorph targets for a jackpot determined by the number of spinner shots made. Once the ammo on the display reaches below 50, the Air Lock lights for a super jackpot based on the total jackpot values collected before the super was made. The sequence then resets.

Ambush Multiball:

Shoot the targets under the Xenomorph enough times to begin Ambush Multiball. The first Ambush Multiball of the game requires five shots to the targets to qualify - this number increases on subsequent hits. Using the shotgun also registers two Xenomorph hits. Before starting Ambush Multiball, the base jackpot value can optionally be increased by completing Xenomorph lifecycles.

On the final shot, the game will darken and attempt to hold the ball on the magnet below the targets so that the Xenomorph can capture the ball and Ambush Multiball will begin. Aliens are attacking from four different quadrants on the display - make shots on the playfield to score jackpots, increase their value, and drive them off. If an alien reaches the center on the display, the jackpot value will reset to minimum and the center Xenomorph target must be made to relight the jackpots. After all attacking aliens have been defeated, Vent 3 will light for a super jackpot based on the total jackpot values collected before the super was made, decreasing over time.

Save Newt Multiball:

Complete two Xenomorph lifecycles to start Save Newt Multiball. The lifecycle sequence is as follows:

  • Egg - Left or right orbit
  • Facehugger - Vents 1, 2, or 3
  • Chestburster - Host target / magnet
  • Xenomorph - Xenomorph targets

On the final shot, Save Newt Multiball will start (taking precedence over any progress towards Ambush Multiball to prevent the two from stacking). This is a complex 4-ball multiball split into three different phases:

  • Phase 1 - Shoot the red flashing shots to use the plasma cutter. Each shot during this phase scores a 1x jackpot and increases the base jackpot value for the remainder of the multiball. After about 30 seconds, Newt will be abducted and must be rescued.
  • Phase 2 - Shoot either Vent 1, 2, or 3 to rescue Newt. The correct vent is randomly determined each time the multiball is started. Incorrect shots score 1x the jackpot value, the correct shot scores 2x the jackpot value and increases it.
  • Phase 3 - Alternate shots between any lit target (for 1x jackpot), then Vent 3 (for 3x jackpot). This sequence repeats until multiball ends.

Other Scoring:

Weapons:

Weapons are scored in various ways throughout the game:

To select a weapon, use the flipper buttons to select the weapon you want (extra ball button on the original Heighway model). Then, to use the weapon, press the launch button. Using the launch button will remove the weapon from your inventory, forcing you to collect it again.

The weapon awarded from any of these methods will always be the next one in sequence. At the start of the game, for instance, the first weapon will always be the handgun; then, if the player hasn’t used the handgun already, the shotgun; etc.

Collecting all five weapons lights the extra ball at the hypersleep ramp or activates a short ball saver if the extra ball has already been collected.

The weapon sequence is:

  • Weapon 1 - Handgun - Increases the bonus multiplier by +2x.
  • Weapon 2 - Shotgun - Spots 2 Xenomorph hits. If the Xenomorph targets are lit for an award in another mode, the shotgun will collect the award as well.
  • Weapon 3 - Smart Gun - Smart Collect. Instantly collects everything currently lit on the playfield (ie. lit mission shots, lit hypersleep locks or extra balls, etc.).
  • Weapon 4 - Pulse Rifle - Instantly starts 2x Scoring.
  • Weapon 5 - Flamethrower - Activates the ball saver for 2 seconds. Perfect to use right before the ball drains.

MU/TH/UR Mystery:

Mystery lights at Vent 1 after making shots to Vents 1, 2, and 3. It can also be lit by making a skill shot to Vent 1 at the start of a ball.

Mystery, as usual, is pseudo-random and will typically help you out based on what’s currently active. Awards include:

2x Scoring:

Spell DROP and SHIP at the left ramp and right ramp, respectively, to start 2x scoring for 20 seconds. Subsequent DROP and SHIP completions during the game increase the timer by 20 seconds per activation, to a maximum of 60 seconds.

The “2x” insert on the center of the playfield flashes whenever 2x scoring is active, accompanied by a series of beeps that gradually intensifies as the boosted scoring is about to expire.

2x scoring can also be activated by using the pulse rifle (always for 20 seconds) and from a random mystery award.

Recharge Target:

The target under the hypersleep ramp marked “Recharge” lights during any mission or multiball mode and generally helps the player out in several ways, based on the currently active mode. (Any info?)

Combos:

Combos can be a lucrative source of points thanks to the long timers for each shot and just how many shots there are on the playfield. Shoot any shot on the playfield to light another shot for an X-way combo and some points that increase depending on the length of the combo. The last 2 shots made in a combo won’t be lit to continue it, so a variety of shots have to be made to keep going.

In addition, there are two special combos that function slightly differently:

  • Chestburster Combo: After a ball is held on the Host magnet, either via a direct hit or by rolling through it via the bumpers, shoot Vent 3 to score a Chestburster Combo. Every 3 Chestburster Combos holds over a minor scoring value that would otherwise reset at the end of the ball.
  • Host Combo: Shoot Vent 1, then immediately use the upper left flipper to shoot for the Host target / magnet. The Host Combo value is determined by the total combo value that has been collected over the course of the ball.

Bumper Scoring:

Shots to the bumpers over the course of the game destroy eggs, indicated on the screen by a green egg symbol with a number over it indicating the amount of eggs destroyed. The orbits send the ball to the bumpers when hypersleep lock is lit.

Rolling through an inlane, then shooting the opposite orbit increases all bumper scoring by 5x for as long as the ball remains in the bumpers after shooting it. This will always divert the ball to the bumpers regardless of current status.

Bumper hits determine scoring during the “Derelict Ship” (Alien) and “Queen’s Nest” (Aliens) missions.

Rescue:

Completing the APC drop targets in order - from top to bottom - activates Rescue. A quick countdown can be seen on the display. Shoot the Xenomorph, when flashing yellow, to lock in the countdown value and start a frenzy with all switch hits starting at that value. Completing the APC drop targets during the frenzy, in any order, awards the built up value - and the Xenomorph can be shot during the frenzy to increase the timer. Further Rescue attempts require more APC drop target completions, and start at a lower value.

Revive (Left Outlane Ball Save):

At the start of the game, one of the two rollovers at the left outlane area is lit for Revive, which will instantly save a ball that rolls over it. Once Revive has been used, it can be relit by shooting the hypersleep ramp. Both Revives can even be lit at the same time by doing this.

Extra Ball / Special:

Extra balls can be lit at the hypersleep ramp by:

The right outlane can be lit for Special by successfully winning 4 missions from any set.

End-of-Ball Bonus:

Bonus is determined by:

All multiplied by the bonus multiplier, which increases by completing “L-V” at the top rollover lanes. These lanes don’t change with flipper operation.

Wizard Modes:

Self-Destruct ("Alien" Wizard Mode):

After completing all four missions in the Alien set, the next mission will be Self-Destruct.

Ripley realizes that the only way to truly kill the Xenomorph is to shut down the entire ship, force the alien out of the air lock, and potentially risk her own life in the process. To successfully escape the ship and the Xenomorph, the following shots must be made within 60 seconds:

  • Phase 1 - Shoot the left orbit, left ramp, right ramp, and right orbit to evacuate the ship. After making all four shots, shoot the Air Lock to finish the phase.
  • Phase 2 - Shoot any of the Xenomorph targets, then drive off the alien for good by shooting the Air Lock.
  • Phase 3 - Shoot Vent 1 to ignite the ship’s engine, flee with your life, and successfully win the wizard mode.

After winning phase 3, 4-ball multiball begins with Victory Laps active based on the missions that were completed prior to the wizard mode. Victory laps can be relit by completing all major shots, and are deactivated once the multiball ends.

Loader Battle ("Aliens" Wizard Mode):

After completing all four missions in the Aliens set, the next mission will be Loader Battle.

Take control of a giant mech suit to ultimately kill the Alien Queen by making the following shots within 60 seconds:

  • Phase 1 - Shoot the left orbit, any Xenomorph target, and the right orbit once each to attack the Queen.
  • Phase 2 - Shoot Vent 1 to lure the Queen, then shoot the Air Lock to push the Queen into the airlock.
  • Phase 3 - Make four ramp shots to escape, then shoot the Air Lock to kill the Queen, successfully winning the wizard mode.

After winning phase 3, 4-ball multiball begins with Victory Laps active based on the missions that were completed prior to the wizard mode. Victory laps can be relit by completing all major shots, and are deactivated once the multiball ends.

All-Out War (Final Wizard Mode):

Once all missions and all multiball modes have been played in a single game, the center column of inserts will begin flashing white, along with the Xenomorph target. Seems like something good is about to happen - shoot the Xenomorph target to find out.

At the start of All-Out War, your performance over the course of the game is calculated to determine the jackpot values of the multiball before 4 balls are launched into play and the chaos begins:

  • Bumpers - value based on how many eggs were destroyed
  • Xenomorph targets - value based on the number of completed lifecycles
  • Weapon standup targets - value based on the number of collected weapons
  • Ramps - worth the highest combo value collected this game
  • Vents - worth the most recent Save Newt Multiball jackpot value
  • Host target / magnet - worth the most recent Ambush Multiball jackpot value
  • Orbits - worth the most recent Sentry Guns Multiball jackpot value
  • APC drop targets - worth the most recent Hypersleep Multiball jackpot value

During the multiball, along with scoring all the points described above, you can score even more by completing any of the following shot sequences…

  • Making a shot to Vents 1, 2, and 3 scores a super jackpot determined by how well you did during missions.
  • Shooting both orbits, both ramps, the Air Lock, and the Xenomorph target increases the scoring multiplier for the wizard mode by +1x.
  • Shooting all the Weapon standup targets adds a ball into play.

All-Out War ends once the player returns to single-ball play. Multiball progress at this point is remembered, so if you were to start a second All-Out War in the same game, you would “just” need to play all 10 missions to start it.

2 Likes
2

Another way to accumulate bonus is to use the first weapon. Maybe you can include that in the section End-of-Ball Bonus.

3

Also wondered what is the extra ball value in competion mode ?

4

I can’t swear to it, but I believe it’s 7.5M – which is also the value assigned for the purpose of the Smart Gun weapon deciding which is the “best” shot to award.

1 Like