X-Files repair

The X-Files has finally made its way onto the workshop bench and, like many machines of its age, it needed a little attention before it was ready to return to action. The most obvious issue was a section of wear on the playfield around the magnet. This is a common area to suffer damage on heavily played examples, as the ball repeatedly pauses and spins in the same location. While the wear tells the story of thousands of games played, we wanted to make sure the rest of the machine was brought back up to the standard players expect at Skillshot.

With the playfield inspected, we turned our attention to the lighting. Every general illumination bulb has been upgraded, giving the machine a much brighter, cleaner appearance while reducing power consumption and maintenance. The improved lighting really brings the artwork to life, making the playfield easier to read and giving every shot a little more impact.

While we were inside the machine, all of the ageing rubbers were replaced with a fresh set. New rubbers not only improve reliability but also make a huge difference to the way a pinball machine plays. The ball rebounds with more energy, shots feel crisper, and the game regains the fast, lively feel it had when it first left the factory.

To complete the restoration, we added a set of atmospheric alien-green LEDs that perfectly suit the mysterious theme of The X-Files. Rather than simply making the machine brighter, the lighting gives it a moody, otherworldly feel that complements the artwork, creating the impression that Mulder and Scully really are investigating something unusual beneath the glass.

With the maintenance complete, The X-Files is back where it belongs on the arcade floor. It now plays fast, looks fantastic, and is ready for players to uncover the truth. Whether you're chasing high scores, taking on the game's challenging modes, or simply reliving one of Sega's most memorable licensed pinball machines, it's once again ready for action at Skillshot.