Fireworks is Ticking Me Off

[CoolTrainerTerry]

In the first level, I got my personal high score in that level, 40432, and when I looked at the list, I should have been second at that point, but I was at the very bottom of the list, not even in the top 18! I was so mad, so I tried again, and got 40335, wasn't second, but in the top seven, but I was still at the bottom of the list, not even in the top 18! What is going on?!? Anyone alse having this trouble?

 

[DemonLlama]

I'm confused. Why should you have been second? or in the top seven? How would you know this? Were the scores shown out of order, or was your 40,432 in order and at the lower end of the list?

 

[CoolTrainerTerry]

Well, I looked at my score, and looked up at the list to see where I should have been because people with 30000 were passing, but I wasn't.

 

[Disney Dreams]

The trouble is that the absolute best players are playing fireworks constantly right now to get lots of credits for Halloween. It is the that much harder for anyone else. I usually can make it to round 5, right now I cannot even get beyond level 2 right now.

It really makes earning credits a complete nightmare.

 

[DemonLlama]

So there were people with lowers scores listed above yours?

Hmm, never seen that happen before.

I thought maybe you were referring to other games where you've seen different scores go through. That just depends on whose playing your game as to what score will be needed to advance.

 

[DemonLlama]

The trouble is that the absolute best players are playing fireworks constantly right now to get lots of credits for Halloween. It is the that much harder for anyone else. I usually can make it to round 5, right now I cannot even get beyond level 2 right now.

It really makes earning credits a complete nightmare.

Not to hijack the thread, but fireworks is ticking me off right now because all the good players are in it and won't compete. Everyone of them stops at 240,000 everytime.

I played 20 games this afternoon and had some real competition in about half but no one would play to the end. (Got two more magic pins for my trouble, but half the credits. . . )

I don't know, if you can play that well, it seems like a real shame to stop and just sit there and watch the last round without even trying.

And for the people who are working really hard to earn their first fireworks magic, they finally manage to get past 240,000 only to find out they ended up in first because the four players ahead of them stopped? Meh, no thanks. I'll just keep playing.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

I'm one of the fireworks fanatics, and while it's only happened once, what you're describing has happened to me in the last couple days. I think I had 92,000 at the end of Level 2. Well, instead of being in the top three, it showed me as 10th, I think, and that I only had 74,000 points. And then came the giant boot back to the lobby. My guess is so many people are playing it so often that it's causing issues. Example: I took a break for awhile tonight, but I've been back since 9:30-ish EST. I've gotten in a whopping total of 3 games because I keep being booted back to the lobby before the game even starts. Tried refreshing, tried logging in again, and nothing fixes it. A couple others mentioned the same problem. So, either my computer really does hate me, or fireworks is a bit stressed at the moment.

 

[Pixie Dusted]

I agree Fireworks is frustrating right now. I ussually get to 240,000 but lately I am lucky if i can make it past the level 3. I've had some of my highest scores on level 2 and 3 tonight but still can't get to level 5. Your best bet is keep trying...every so often I get into a group of average scoring players.

 

[CoolTrainerTerry]

It's just, people with lower scores then me were passing to Level 2, and I got booted.

 

[Lil' Debbie]

Every night for the past week, I have had the same problem with fireworks~My score at the bottom of the screen doesn't match the score in the center of the screen. They can be off as much as 20k! The bottom is higher than the center screen score and I get the boot! (even when there are people with lower scores than me!) I am lucky if I get two accurate scores a night. As for the sandbagging, alot of people are doing this because of Halloween coming up. I have been guilty of this, but I will make it known to people in the lobby of my intentions. And I don't sandbag all the time, but when you are the family atm, I sometimes need a credit advance. So I will apologize right now to anyone I have offended when I stop short in a game. But with my luck lately, sandbagging has not been the problem. I just need the scores to match an entire game.

 

[TodayinVMK]

I have never seen a lower score get booted. That does sound strange. You should take a screen shot and then bring it to the attention of vmk, via contact us.

Demonllama, the players need credits and trying to get 1st place just doesnt pay off. It may seem frustrating to you, but remember the players didnt create the award system. Personally me and my friends make it a competition to see who can take the worst place or closest to 240,000. It is quite fun actually.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

I admit I'm one of the ones stopping at 240,000 almost every time. I hate it, but I feel like my hands are tied. In all the time I've been playing, I've sandbagged a handful of times prior to this. I love shooting for the win, and I like trying to get a personal best score. But at the moment, if I want to buy Halloween things and later Christmas things, I don't have much choice. I'm in grad school, and my professors are working me to death. On average, I can only manage to get on for a few minutes each day, if at all. Yesterday I managed Phinny's quest and that was it. I'm working all the time, I have class 12 hours a day several times a week, and so when I get a free day like today and last Friday, I don't have the luxury of going for the win and getting half the credits. Like I said, I don't like it, but VMK set it up that way. If it makes it any better, I have been giving the magics I win away to new players. At least that's something.

 

[aengus]

I stop at 240,000 points almost EVERY single time I play fireworks

I proudly admit it, I am not sure why people feel guilty? is this an ethics thing? sorry just dont get it.

I am busy trying MY BEST to get as close to 240,000 as possible, so I dont buy the argument its not right to not try your best LOL.

I do feel sorry for the players that find it difficult to advance at times like this when we all need credits tho.

 

[NorgeKathrine]

I haven't had the problem that Terry is talking about, but I have noticed that the better players are out in abundance. I work nights and it's much better in the daytime, if anybody can manage to play then. The kids are all in school and most people are working so I have much better odds of getting into the fifth level.

I am still trying to get good enough to get 240,000 points in a game. My personal best so far is 228,000. I didn't realize you got less credits for winning the game than you do for a 240,000+ 2nd place. I see that as vmk's fault and I wouldn't blame anybody for stopping at the highest credit amount. Halloween and Christmas are coming and people all want to do major shopping!

P.S. If anybody has any fireworks pins they don't want, feel free to send them my way! I don't have much, but I'll try to work out a trade.

 

[PhiloftheFuture]

I'm one of the fireworks fanatics, and while it's only happened once, what you're describing has happened to me in the last couple days. I think I had 92,000 at the end of Level 2. Well, instead of being in the top three, it showed me as 10th, I think, and that I only had 74,000 points. And then came the giant boot back to the lobby. My guess is so many people are playing it so often that it's causing issues. Example: I took a break for awhile tonight, but I've been back since 9:30-ish EST. I've gotten in a whopping total of 3 games because I keep being booted back to the lobby before the game even starts. Tried refreshing, tried logging in again, and nothing fixes it. A couple others mentioned the same problem. So, either my computer really does hate me, or fireworks is a bit stressed at the moment.

that's what i was thinking. there are a lot more people playing, and perhaps that is causing glitches. every once in a while i get left behind in the lobby, but i've never been booted out of the game when i was not suppose to...

as for sandbagging, i take it as a part of the game now and come to expect it. it takes skill not only to get high score, but also to stop at 240,000. so if you got skill to do either, why not? i just think it's a little unfair to the actual winner.

lately because of halloween, if i am on pace to break a personal best, i keep on going, but if i mess up, i try to stop, but half the time i foget to stop and keep on going anyway. i'm always happy when i'm against NaviMap or SillyKid because i know i can go to the end and not worry about stopping...

 

[MiakodaWDW]

I'm having serious FW issues. And I don't like when people say "dont sandbag!" I mean, vmk makes it where we have to NOT win and get over 240,000 to get 1,300 credits as opposed to 675 if you win. That's lame. So yeah, I'm gonna stop at 240,000! I needs me some cash! Sorry but in every game it's every man for himself, except in team games, but even then there is competition. Like in HM when two teammates are chasing the same ghosts. I can tell everyone is trying for credits for Halloween now, b/c I got the boot 3 times in a row, and that never happens. I cannot always get 240K, but usually I can at least get to 5th level.

~M~

P.S. and is the game going slow for everyone? it is for me

 

[AmberDaze]

I usually don't stop at 240, but as I mentioned before...I am on a credit run for the coming month, and I will occasionally stop. But...I like to at least try to get one game on the board for over 280, and like I have said before -- there are many times I find friends going into the 5th level, and depending on how I'm doing, I may just decide to continue to the end anyway. It's really just a game of chance at that point.

 

[Disneyfan_77]

I'm a "sand-bagger" and proud of it!
It's an accomplishment to get as close to 240,000 points as possible.
If VMK were to change it to first place paying top prize , then you better believe I would be scoring 280,000 plus every single game.

I am sure either way the prize system is set up, there are going to be unhappy people. The current way leads to people being upset because of the 240-stops. If first place paid the most, I am most definitely sure people would be complaining why does so-and-so have to always be first.

At least the current scoring system allows for a possible 4 out of 5 people to earn 1300 credits for every single game played! Alot more wealth to be shared that way!!!



To get back on topic:

To the OP , I am sorry that you , like more others, are getting frustrated with fireworks.
Unfortunately, just like last holiday season, the best of the best are coming back out to earn those sought after credits. I wish I could tell you that it will be better; instead, I am going to have to warn you it is only going to get worse. More game bugs, more boots, and just more of all-around craziness will be present !Especially true if another prize like ice is introduced in the following months!

 

[aengus]

At least the current scoring system allows for a possible 4 out of 5 people to earn 1300 credits for every single game played! Alot more wealth to be shared that way!!!

I always wondered if that was why they were doing it, to award more people the credits, and perhaps give someone a chance to get 1st place that might not have gotten the chance otherwise. Just cant get them to admit it or deny it LOL

To get back on topic:

I wish I could tell you that it will be better; instead, I am going to have to warn you it is only going to get worse. Especially true if another prize like ice is introduced in the following months!

ouch. It's true too. Wait until the costumes are actually out. Then everyone will be in there. There is one bit of good news tho, The new pirates prizes are going to cause alot of attention and be a distraction.

 

[twyla]

Now that I have the new machine, and fireworks has become easier, I make it to level 5. Heck I've been number 1 a lot lately. I'm amazed that ppl can stop so short on a dime. I still have to play hard for the 240,000 and by the time I notice I've got it, I'm the only one playing! That's okay though I enjoy the victory while I have it!

But out of 24 wins I've only got 2 cards, what's the deal? I've given away my previous cards but can't seem to acquire the replacement.

And as to the original post, I've not been bounced from FW, heck since the new machine I'm not even bounced from HM>