Variance in Simulation

[Ccv]

I'm new to TPA, so applogies if this has been discussed, but I found it interesting in how some tables play better in real life while others play better in simulation. There even seems to be variance in simulation across platforms.

For example, I could never make ramp shots in Medieval Madness IRL, while in the simulation, just about every shot seems to go right up a ramp. The biggest difference though has to be Arabian Nights where the lamp spins like a top. I've never found a table IRL where the lamp would go even one full revolution.

I wonder though if it just boils down to experience on a table. For example, I loved Theater of Magic IRL and played it quite a bit. Although I like the TPA version on Xbox, I can't stand it on the iPad.

Is it just me, or do you find the simulations vary in difficulty and/or realism? Do the simulations vary, or are some tables just better suited to the iPad than others?

 

[MadScience2006]

Sure, the simulations vary, even the same tables across different platforms. You have to remember that simulating an analog game with it's analog physics in the digital world can only be so accurate. There are simply too many variables in the analog world. And word is that FarSight intentionally make the simulated tables a bit easier than the actual tables. The actual tables are meant to make money (keep the player pumping in the $), yet still be fun. The simulations are meant to be fun but not so frustrating that the player doesn't want to play anymore. The simulations have already made their money when you purchase them.

 

[vfpcoder]

Just for the record, my nephew owns an actual "Attack from Mars" table and I feel like I'm getting at least 80% of the fun of the real thing when I run the PA sim on my iPad 3. (If Farsight ever gets nudging working based on the iPad 2 and up gyroscope I’ll probably prefer the sim to the real table!) Keep in mind that my nephew initially paid about $4000 for his table and has easily spent another $1500 bringing it fully up to specs. And he always seems to have several lights out and/or a bad switch. So getting 80% of the fun out of the sim on my very versatile iPad 3 puts me way ahead of the game in my book!

 

[Ccv]

I agree that the simulations are fantastic. I just found it strange that I am so inept at theater of magic, when I was pretty good at it IRL. Most of the others where I've played both, I do much better in simulation.

I agree with you on nudging. Even with the best gyroscopic nudge, it's not going to feel like nudging a 400 pound real life table. This is probably the biggest reason why the simulation tables need to be a little easier.