System-J Pinball

System-J Tactics Pages Approach

The Tactics pages serve as both a reference and an expansion to the v2 Score/Rule Cards. They include links to dedicated tutorials, general information about the game, video tutorials, gameplay insights, and other valuable resources I have found. Additionally, these pages offer write-ups for aspects of the code that lack comprehensive documentation. Ultimately, immersing oneself in a game can be incredibly enjoyable and rewarding, especially when you understand the reasons behind why you got a great score, or got to a mode you haven’t seen before.

I compile these pages while researching the game’s code. During these ‘deep dives,’ I often discover gaps in the documentation for specific code elements. In such cases, I attempt to provide write-ups (and videos, when applicable) that clarify those parts of the rules. These pages not only contain links and videos to the most useful resources I have found but also present new information that may not be available elsewhere.

You may often hear the phrase, “aim for the blinky lights.” However, this advice does not apply as effectively to newer machines. Modern, heavily coded games frequently offer multiple pathways to achieve a high score; part of my goal with these pages is to provide a fresh perspective on the game beyond existing advice. I believe a crucial pinball skill is the ability to recognize the current state of the game, adapt quickly, and shift focus when new opportunities arise. This approach encourages players to develop a habit of adapting (with practice) and helps prevent distractions or frustration when the game does not go as planned, or when you are unsure why you played as long as a friend but ended up with a lower score. By gaining a better understanding of the code, you should be able to discern which shots are worth pursuing and which are not, even amidst the ‘blinky lights’.

If you have the v2 cards installed on your game, the Tactics pages can complement them effectively. There is a straightforward connection, as each game’s Tactics Page features a QR code for easy access. Additionally, these pages provide further explanations for sections of the cards that could not accommodate all the information I wanted to include. They are designed to work together, so as you learn more from the cards, though gameplay, and via info from the Tactics pages, you can eventually feel comfortable and get more out of the advanced sides of the cards. Ultimately, these resources are aimed at players who want to deepen their understanding of the game and explore how it all works.

Like the System-J cards, these Tactics pages are not intended to be a definitive guide for improvement, but rather a resource to integrate into your gameplay. I hope these Tactics Pages help you better understand your game, leading to a deeper enjoyment of pinball.