Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball – Pinball Rumour Mill

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Having caused quite a stir with our recent Back to the Future Pinball Machine – Pinball Rumour Mill blog post, we can now add to the melting pot by suggesting that an all-new Stern Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine might well beat Marty and Doc to it.

According to the January Kaneda​ Pinball podcast, rumours abound that a new Stern Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine is not just a rumour, its ready to be released and there should be a major announcement by Stern very soon.

Taking Pinball to Another Level – Quite Literally!

Rumours also suggest that the new Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine takes pinball on to another level from the recent Stranger Things Pinball Machine, and quite literally too, with the Ninja Turtles pinball featuring different playfield levels, representing the New York sewer system, allowing the ball to reappear in different areas of the city. It is also suggested that the game, designed by John Borg and Gary Stern, will feature a physical diverter, which would give you the choice of which way you want the ball to go and which way you want to travel around the game.

Spectacular Artwork by Zombie Yeti

It is also rumoured that the new Ninja turtles pin features spectacular artwork by the critically acclaimed Jeremy Packer, alias Zombie Yeti, who created the outstanding artwork for Stern’s Ghostbusters, Iron Maiden, Deadpool, and Primus Pinball Machines and is said to be a massive fan of Ninja Turtles. Zombie Yeti also lists among its clients names such as Harley Davidson, 20th Century Fox, Adidas, Reebok, Foo Fighters and Microsoft. So, a Stern Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine featuring Zombie Yeti artwork promises to be something very special. Add to that some original voiceovers from the 1980’s animated series and the whole game becomes something quite atmospheric.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball – the Data East Original

The Data East original 1991 Ninja Turtles pinball machine, designed by Joe Kaminkow and Ed Cebula featured Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo targets, a sewer sinkhole, two ramps, captive ball, three bumpers, a spinner lane, spinning pizza, a plunger skill-shot and a multiball play, and almost 30 years on good condition and refurbished Ninja Turtles pinball machines are still in great demand.

Brand New Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine

A brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pinball Machine with 21st century technology and creative input from John Borg, Gary Stern and Zombie Yeti is going to be way too good to miss. So, make sure you don’t! Hear it here first on the Pinball Heaven blog or call us for updates on 01772 816677.

Back to the Future Pinball Machine – Pinball Rumour Mill

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Rumours are currently floating around that Stern may be about to release a Back to the Future Pinball Machine.

While there have been many video games released based on the successful Back to the Future trilogy, accommodating platforms from Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64 through PlayStation 3 to iOS, only one Back to the Future Pinball Machine has ever been released, and that was a whole 30 years ago.

1990 Data East

The 1990 Data East “Back to the Future: The Pinball”, designed by Joe Kaminkow and Ed Cebula featured a tuned bass ported cabinet, a high fidelity digital stereo sound system and four songs from the trilogy, including classic hits from ZZ Top and Huey Lewis and the News. However Michael J Fox refused to allow his image to be used on the game.

In 2017 a virtual pinball adaptation of the film trilogy was developed and released by Zen Studios as one of a set of three add-on tables for Pinball FX 3, but to date there has been no remake of the original 1990 Data East game. So, could a new Back to the Future pinball machine by Stern be just around the corner?

From Data East to Stern Pinball

The lineage for a new Back to the Future pinball machine by Stern is all there.

Managed by Gary Stern, Data East produced innovative pinball machines using high-profile properties from 1987 to 1994, including Guns N’ Roses, Star Wars and Back to the Future. In 1994 Data East sold out to Sega, who just four years later decided to withdraw from the pinball market altogether. Then in October 1999 Gary Stern bought the business from Sega and renamed it Stern Pinball. So, the lineage is certainly there. And considering that Data East’s Back to the Future co-designer Joe Kaminkow recently worked with Gary Stern to produce the Beatles pinball machine, it is not inconceivable that the Stern/Kaminkow line-up could be the driving force, 30 years on, behind a hi-tech Back to the Future remake. So what is it going to look like?

Back to the Future Pinball Machine

Video Projector Innovation & Michael J Fox?

You would certainly expect Stern to make use of the films’ most striking features, such as deploying a huge flux capacitor in the middle of the playfield to trigger a bonus play. The video projection innovation recently deployed in Stern’s Stanger Things pinball could be used to make the most of Doc Brown’s DeLorean achieving the 88mph. And a raised Marty McFly hoverboard level could also create an immersive feature. But, could Stern convince Michael J Fox to allow them to use his image this time? With no pun intended at all, that could be the game changer.

Hi-Tech Back to the Future Pinball Machine Remake

All pure rumour mill at the moment, but in the current market a hi-tech, LED driven Back to the Future remake by Stern Pinball would make a whole lot of sense. And if Marty and the Doc get to cover Biff in manure, then I for one would buy one!

Deadpool & Beatles Pinball at ArCains

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Pinball Heaven is delighted to have supplied Beatles Gold Edition and Deadpool Pro Edition pinball machines to the new ArCains gaming arcade, which is situated in the Cains Brewery Village in Liverpool.

Cains Brewery Village lies in Liverpool’s famous Baltic Triangle. Once part of the industrial heart of the city, the Baltic is now one of the most exciting and fast-growing areas of Liverpool. It has become a thriving and cutting-edge destination that is at the heart of the Independent Liverpool scene and home to a growing number of digital and creative businesses. Unlike other cultural quarters of Liverpool, the Baltic is not polished and prepared; it’s raw, organic and exciting. Located on Stanhope Street, ArCains is just a stone’s throw from Liverpool’s waterfront tourism attractions and the city’s arena and convention centre.

ArCains: Ingeniously Named

Ingeniously named to include the historical site in which it sits, as well as making reference to what’s inside, ArCains is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, gaming arcade in Europe. Spread over three floors, ArCains offers hundreds of games set to free play, in an immersive experience which includes arcades, PCs, consoles, pinball, hot dogs, pick n mix and two bars. Just pay to enter and stay all day! Unsurprisingly, ArCains has opened to great reviews.

Pinball Heaven at ArCains

Great Reviews

A small selection of ArCains reviews:

“Went with my son today, both of us loved it, great day, staff really friendly and helpful, my lad hit the nail on the head by saying it’s like an all you can eat buffet….. for gamers, was really nice to show him the older games from my childhood whilst there is a very good verity of modern games too. Will sure be coming back, great value for money.”

“The staff were super friendly the drinks where reasonable priced and the choice in games was fantastic and they uploaded a game specifically for me and my friend I’m so looking forward to future outings there and so plan on hiring them out for my birthday absolutely recommend this place for new and old school gamers or if you want a nice place for a fun date or just a general gaming day/night.”

“Loads of games, great variety of things to do and being able to play them without worrying about putting loads of money into a machine is great. i have always wanted an arcade that has a flat fee allowing you to play the games as much as you want. loved it!”

“Great environment to chill and play games. so many games to choose from. you could lose yourself for hours in there.”

“Fantastic afternoon with my son! great fun and great value. Looking forward to going back soon.”

Visit ArCains

Pinball Heaven is proud to be associated with ArCains and we look forward to a long and enjoyable association with this superb, must visit, gaming destination.

You can visit ArCains at Cains Brewery Village, Stanhope Street, Liverpool L8 5XJ. Tel 0151 459 9088.

Stern Stranger Things Premium

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Stern Stranger Things Premium – available now from the Pinball Heaven online shop.

Having taken a look at Stern Stranger Things Pro in our January 16th blog post, perhaps now would be a good time to take a look at the addition features of the Premium version of the game.

As with Stern Stranger Things Pro, Stranger Things Premium features distinct hand-drawn art in addition to the custom sculpted, interactive Demogorgon bash toy, guarded by drop targets and a rotating ramp, two hideout ball scoops, a Demodog spinner, three custom ramps, and game rules that will transport players into the Upside Down. However, the Premium version of the game features one or two very interesting additions…

Telekinetic Multiball

The gameplay in Stranger Things focuses on unlocking the hidden meanings of supernatural events occurring in and around the town of Hawkins, Indiana, including the appearance of a girl known as “Eleven” with telekinetic abilities. Stern Stranger Things Premium features an Eleven themed “telekinetic” magnetic ball lock; a ramp diverter which feeds a hidden electromagnet behind the back panel that recreates Eleven’s spooky telekinetic powers, to grab the ball and lock it for Telekinetic Multiball, grabbing and holding onto multiple balls before releasing them all at once, challenging players to suddenly contend with a cluster of balls making their way down the table together.

Stranger Things Premium Trailer

Video Projector Innovation

Through Stranger Things Premium pinball machine, Stern attempts to take pinball to a whole new level, by introducing for the first time, a video projector that displays images and animations directly onto several sections of the playfield, including the screen. So, while the Pro has a decal on its screen, Premium has a white screen showing animated clips from the projector. The ramps on the Premium playfield also feature rather plain-looking decals when compared to the colourful artwork on the Pro. That’s because the projector also illuminates the ramps, along with the arcade sign over the left ramp entrance and the spinner in the left outer orbit lane.

This engaging innovation brings a whole new dimension to pinball by creating dramatic interactions with the gameplay action. And if well received by the pinball faithful, it is not inconceivable that Stern’s video innovation might well be the shape of pinball things to come. Only time will tell.

Stranger Things Premium – Projector Gameplay Reveal

Enhanced Premium Cabinet

The cabinet finish on Stranger Things Premium is also stepped up, featuring a powder-coated steel bottom arch which replaces the plastic moulded arch of the Pro version. It also boasts an exclusive Stranger Things Season 2 themed full colour high definition translite and unique side decal cabinet hand-drawn artwork.

So, with the addition of Eleven’s Telekinetic Multiball, plus an innovative gameplay projector, coupled with distinctive cabinet design, if you are looking for an even more immersive Stranger Things Pinball experience, then Premium is most cetainly worth a consideration.

Stern Stranger Things Premium – Enquiries

If you would like to enquire about Stern Stranger Things Premium, call Pinball Heaven on 01772 816677, or visit our online shop.

Rick & Morty Pinball Machine

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Following hot on the trail of their critically acclaimed Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle, Wisconsin based Spooky Pinball has released its eagerly anticipated Rick and Morty pinball machine.

Designed by Scott Danesi who also designed 2017 Pinball News Game of the Year, Total Nuclear Annihilation, the Rick and Morty pinball machine has been produced in both Standard Edition and Blood Sucker Edition. And following in the Spooky Pinball tradition, with their latest creation being limited to a run of just 750 machines, Spooky’s Rick and Morty has proved to be so sought after, it has already sold out!

Spooky Beginnings!

Starting life as a podcast “Spooky Pinball” on April 1st 2010, in 2011 Charlie Emery took a custom game to the Midwest Gaming Classic. That in turn lead to a meeting with Ben Heck who also shared a passion for pinball. Ben didn’t want to re-theme games, he wanted to build them from the ground up, so both driven by a vision for pinball innovation, on 1st February 2013, Spooky Pinball LLC was born. They weren’t hanging about either, releasing seven original titles in less than seven years is some going for a new pinball venture. And to this day the Spooky Pinball podcast continues, with their 10th anniversary 120th podcast show due to be aired on 1st March this year.

Rick and Morty Pinball game layout explanation

Spooky Pinball Fang Club

Both the Standard Edition and Blood Sucker Edition Rick and Morty Pinball Machines were only made available to members of the Spooky Pinball “Fang Club” and according to reports, pre-orders sold out within 4 hours. However, for those of you who haven’t yet joined the Fang Club and are not familiar with Spooky Pinball’s latest offering, this is what you have missed…

Rick & Morty Pinball Game Features

Rick and Morty features include: Custom voice over from Justin Roiland, adventures from the series, video clips & songs from the series, additional music created by Scott Danesi, P3-ROC control system, intergalactic custom art, HD LCD, full RGB lighting, nteractive Rick’s Car, the Smith’s house, Danesi 2.0 ball lock system, rapid portal transport and antigravity assist.

Rick and Morty Pinball Machine – Full Reveal

Standard & Blood Sucker Editions

The Standard Edition game will also feature Standard Spooky Silver Vein Armour, while the Blood Sucker Edition will feature custom metallic purple powder coat (Kalaxian Crystal Purple), custom cut portal rails, numbered laser etched fang club plaque and matching powder-coated display panel and apron.

Add-ons will become available later this year including: portal speaker grills/light kit, butter cabinet, target decals, knocker, shaker, plastic protectors, interior graphics, bill acceptor ready door and coin box and lid.

Fang Club. Podcast & Blog

So, if you might be interested in the next Spooky Pinball release, make sure to subscribe to their Fang Club, engage with their podcasts and keep an eye on the Pinball Heaven blog. Because if the recent Rick and Morty instant sell-out was anything to go by, you will need all the advanced warning you can get!

Stern Stranger Things Pro

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Stern Stranger Things Pro – available now from the Pinball Heaven online shop

In our November Pinball Rumour Mill blog post we considered the potential of a Stranger Things pinball machine opening up a whole new pinball audience for Stern, but at the time we had no indication as to whether the simmering Stranger Things rumours would ever amount to anything. But just a matter of weeks later on the 23rd of December, Stern took many pinball followers by surprise and announced the launch of their Stern Stranger Things Pinball Machine, in Pro, Premium and Limited Editions.

Incredibly the Stern Pinball Facebook page featured shots of customers receiving their brand-new Stranger Things machines just hours after the official announcement was made. So, this also has to be one of the best choreographed pinball launches in recent history. Nice one Stern!

Official Stranger Things Game Trailer

A Perfect Fit for Pinball

Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc. commented, “Stranger Things is one of the most successful shows of all time, connecting with people around the world and across generations. This game features action, mystery, suspense, and humour; Stranger Things is a perfect fit for pinball.”

Having hit the screens for the first time in July 2016, Stranger Things has enjoyed unprecedented popularity on Netflix and is now their most popular original show, with over 64 million views; almost 20 million more than their second highest rating series, The Umbrella Academy.

According to Stern, in the Stranger Things pinball machine players will experience the terrifying forces in Hawkins, Indiana that turn this small town “upside down” with supernatural elements, strange sightings, and government secrets. Stranger Things pinball machines will immerse players in a search to unravel the extraordinary mysteries and secret government experiments taking place at the Hawkins National Laboratory. The gameplay focuses on unlocking the hidden meanings of supernatural events occurring in and around the town, including the appearance of a girl known as “Eleven” with telekinetic abilities. The ball is wild as Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Joyce, and Police Chief Jim Hopper help Eleven close the dimensional gate.

Stranger Things Pro Game Play

Stern Stranger Things Pro Edition Features

Brought to life by legendary designer Brian Eddy, the Stern Stranger Things Pro Edition features distinct hand-drawn art by Bob Stelvic. It also boasts a custom sculpted, interactive Demogorgon bash toy guarded by drop targets and a rotating ramp. Stern Stranger Things Pro also includes two hideout ball scoops, a Demodog spinner, three custom ramps, and game rules that will transport players into the Upside Down. So just a typical night in Hawkins then!

Order Stern Stranger Things Pro

To order the Stern Stranger Things Pro pinball machine, visit the Pinball Heaven online shop or call us on 01772 816 677.

Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland – deeproot Pinball

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Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) by deeproot Pinball set to launch in 2020.

Since its foundation in 2015, deeproot Pinball,  part of R&D Tech Company deeproot Tech and based in in San Antonio, Texas, has been quietly making progress on its plan to become a major pinball manufacturing company. With a fresh approach to the pinball market, in May this year deeproot Pinball stated they were not looking to “compete with existing pinball manufacturers and churn out the outdated and uninspired pinball package as it exists in the market today” but had chosen a chosen a different path, working on “The simultaneous development on hundreds of unique pinball innovations and tens of titles…”

And deeproot’s progress so far appears to be all positive. They have been in licensing talks for several major pinball titles and have hired among others, pinball machine designer John Popadiuk, who started work in the business for Bally in 1980. They have also hired one of the top ten pinball players in the world, Steve Bowden as their rules designer. So, it was no surprise when deeproot announced that two early prototypes of their first pinball machine, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) would be at the Houston Arcade Expo in November, the announcement was met with much eager anticipation.

Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland - RAZA

Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) Prototype

It is important to note that the pictures in this Pinball Heaven blog post of Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) are shown in prototype form. Some elements such as the cabinet shape and cabinet, backbox and translite artwork are not the finished product, while other features such as the display and playfield layout are not expected to change significantly. It is expected that the final iterations of Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) could be revealed as early as June next year. Watch this space!

Cabinet, Backbox, Shooter, Coin Door & Flipper

The RAZA prototype cabinet and backbox look very conventional designs, but might change prior to production. The cabinet shown has a very conventional shooter rod, start button and coin door, as well as just a single flipper button on each side.

Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) Playfield

The playfield too harks back to the glory days of pinball design when game designers were always striving to devise ever more imaginative playfield toys. Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland was, of course, originally a Zidware design created by John in his studio in Streamwood, Illinois. The design has changed significantly since then with much more emphasis on the theme park elements, although there are a few obvious similarities including the Z-O-M-B-I-E inserts, the centre-left ramp, the orbit lanes and the target at the very back of the playfield.

The new design packs plenty of shots and features into the playfield, including a Ferris wheel, a dare devil cycle ramp with a target at the end, three roll-over buttons in front of a swinging target along with some more conventional drop and stand-up targets and a spinning disc. There are also some throwback references to earlier theme park games by Barry Oursler, who is also designing at Deeproot, such as “ride the Ferris wheel”, “dunk the dummy” and “ride the rollercoaster”.

Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland - RAZA

Ned & Ultra-Wide-Aspect Display Panel

At the back of the playfield is a swinging target with a model of the chief alien bad guy, Ned, along with a ramp feeding to him. Above this, the colour display is an ultra-wide-aspect panel which gives plenty of space left and right for in-game information but not much height for portrait-shaped objects such as faces, or indeed the game’s logo. Scoring for this ‘retro’ design is kept deliberately low with no trailing zero, but with room for the score to reach just shy of ten million. Speaker grilles are below the panel, not allowing for very large drivers but giving a more integrated look and providing space above for a full-size translite.

Promising Start for deeproot’s RAZA

These prototype views reveal a promising start for deeproot Pinball’s forthcoming Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) pinball machine and we eagerly await the reveal of the final visuals sometime around June next year. Model variations and pricing have not been annouced yet, but as soon as we find out, you can be sure we will let you know on this Pinball Heaven blog, so make sure to stay tuned!

More Information

For more information about the forthcoming deeproot Pinball, Retro Atomic Zombie Adventureland (RAZA) pinball machine, contact Pinball Heaven today on 01772 816677.

Medieval Madness Pinball Machine – The Remake!

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Medieval Madness Pinball Machine Royal Edition announced by Chicago Gaming.

One of the all time top 5 pinball machines has been lovingly remanufactured by Chicago Gaming in USA and now you have the chance to own one of the best new pinball machines ever made, for sale exclusively in the UK at Pinball Heaven.

Chicago Gaming is pleased to offer the rebirth, under license from Williams Electronics Games Inc. of the original smash hit pinball machine, Medieval Madness. Recreated to the exacting standards of the original game, this remake contains a number of enhanced features not available on the original game including: modern electronics, fully adjustable color display, all LED lighting, and class D digital audio amplifier.

Medieval Madness is widely held to be one of the best pinball machines of all time. This status coupled with the fact only 4,000 of these games were built has driven the resale value of the original game beyond the reach of most pinball collectors.

Whether you are a pinball novice or expert, you’ll come to appreciate the game’s universally appealing gameplay, which includes the exploding castle, motorized drawbridge and two pop-up trolls. Your mission in this multi-ball game is to battle for the kingdom! Step back in time to the middle ages of the 15th century where kingdoms were fought and lost for.

Watch the Roger Sharpe Medieval Madness Video

Medieval Madness Pinball Machine – All LED Lighting

Never replace a bulb again! The new Medieval Madness pinball machine features all LED lighting. Great effort was invested in recreating the warmth and feel of the original incandescent bulbs with the modern reliability of LEDs.

MMRs system hardware and software slowly ramp LED brightness up and down to emulate the look of the original incandescent bulbs.

The LED manufacturer rates the life of each individual LED at 50,000 hours if driven to full brightness. Each playfield insert is backlit by a cluster of three LEDs which are driven only to one-third the manufacturer’s specified maximum brightness. Should any of the three LEDs in a single insert cluster ever fail, the system hardware will automatically increase the brightness of the remaining LEDs to compensate for the failed LED. This redundancy, coupled with the long life of the LEDs, means most owners of the Medieval Madness remake will never replace a single lamp over the game’s lifetime.

Medieval Madness Features Menu

The new features menu allows the operators to:

  • Set the display colour
  • Adjust the speed at which LED bulbs ramp up and down
  • Adjust the strength of coils
  • Adjust the shaker motor strength
  • Adjust dip switch settings
Medieval Madness Pinball Machine

Medieval Madness Classic, Special & Royal Editions

The new Medieval Madness Pinball Machine is available in Classic Edition, Special Edition and a very special Royal Edition. All three models boast the all-new LED lighting. In addition, the Classic Edition features a 13-1/8″ display and stainless trim. The Special Edition features the same stainless trim but with an XL 19-1/4” display, along with an HD colour upgrade, premium enhanced sound system, RGB LED general Illumination and RGB LED back board lighting.

The Medieval Madness Royal Edition delivers everything you would expect from an LE Spec machine. This includes: XL 19-1/4” display, black diamond trim, speaker panels, backbox hinges, lower arch and coin-door, an HD colour upgrade, premium enhanced sound system, RGB LED general Illumination, RGB LED back board lighting, King of Payne Topper, black cabinet side mirrors and shaker motor.

Royal Edition – Limited Production Run

For those of you interested in the Medieval Madness Royal Edition, please note that the production run is seriously limited, so these Royal Edition machines will not be available for long!

Medieval Madness Pinball Machine Remake – Enquiries

To enquire about the Chicago Gaming Medieval Madness Pinball Machine Remake, contact the official UK Distributor, Pinball Heaven on  01772 816 677 or email us

To place an order, please visit the Pinball Heaven Online Shop.

Stranger Things Pinball Machine – Pinball Rumour Mill

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Is Stern Pinball: Stranger Things pinball machine likely to happen, or is it just yet more pinball rumour mill wishful thinking?

On 15th July 2016, Netflix released Stranger Things, an American science fiction horror television series created by the Duffer Brothers. Five weeks later, on 19th August 2016, Stern Pinball’s Facebook cover photo was changed to resemble Netflix’ Stranger Things tree backdrop and opening titles. Since then rumours have been floating around about a possible Stern Pinball: Stranger Things pinball machine.

Stranger Things – only three years old

Stranger Things has only recently celebrated its third birthday and is unlikely to be instantly recognisable to the majority. So, it is perhaps unlikely that anyone would gamble on creating a pinball machine based on such a relatively new title. This is particularly pertinent when you consider a couple of Stern’s most recent themes: Jurassic Park, whose franchise first launched onto the big screen in 1993 and The Munsters, whose first outing was aired as far back as September 1964. So, would an imminent Stern Stranger Things pinball machine simply be way too soon?

Stranger Things Pinball Machine - Rumour Mill

Unprecedented explosion in popularity

Stranger Things has enjoyed an unprecedented explosion in popularity since its launch in 2016 and is now Netflix’ most popular original show, boasting 64 million views; almost 20 million more views than the streaming platform’s second highest series, The Umbrella Academy. Furthermore, for its third season Netflix revealed that Stranger Things had broken all viewing records, with 40.7 million households watching the show in its first four days. So, Stranger Things continues to grow exponentially. Unsurprisingly, Netflix announced on 30th September 2019 that they had renewed the series for its eagerly awaited fourth season.

Stranger Things – the perfect pinball friendly theme?

To pitch Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers showcased images, footage and music from classic 1970s and 1980s films such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Poltergeist, Hellraiser, Stand by Me, Firestarter, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Jaws, in order to establish the tone of the series. So, given the increasing demand for 70’s and 80’s retro games, could it be that Stranger Things proves to be the perfect foundation for a brand new, retro-feel pinball machine?

Indeed, Season One alone lends itself to a highly immersive playfield: set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in November 1983, the first season of Stranger Things focuses on the investigation into the disappearance of a young boy, Will Byers, amid supernatural events occurring around the town, including the appearance of a faceless monster called “The Demogorgon” and a girl with psychokinetic abilities, known simply as “Eleven” who helps the missing boy’s friends in their search. And with episodes entitled: “The Vanishing of Will Byers”, “The Weirdo on Maple Street”, “Holly, Jolly”, “The Body”, “The Flea and the Acrobat”, “The Monster”, “The Bathtub” and “The Upside Down”, the possibilities sound endless.

Stranger Things Pinball Machine - Rumour Mill

Stern Pinball: Stranger Things – sounding good!

The soundtrack wouldn’t be half-bad either, featuring original, retro-sounding atmospheric synthesizer sounds which pay homage to legends such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and John Carpenter. And with additional music from artists including The Clash, Joy Division, Toto, New Order, The Bangles, Foreigner, Echo and the Bunnymen, Peter Gabriel, and Corey Hart, a Stern Pinball: Stranger Things pinball machine just started to sound a whole lot better.

A whole new pinball audience

It also has to be said that given the broad demographic of the Stranger Things audience, coupled with the fact that Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced it is currently working on a PlayStation 4-exclusive game, Stranger Things would bring pinball and Stern to a whole new and rapidly expanding audience. This could prove to be the most inspired piece of pinball marketing we have witnessed for many years.

Will Stern Pinball: Stranger Things ever see the light of day?

So, there we have it: a retro-feel, 1980’s based, record-breaking, supernatural hit series with a world of possibilities at its fingertips, utilising a superb soundtrack and appealing to a wide and rapidly expanding audience. Will Stern Pinball: Stranger Things ever see the light of day, or will it remain forever stuck in the pinball machine rumour mill?

Whatever the outcome be sure to read it here first…

Updated 23rd December 2019 – Stranger Things Pinball Machine is now available to order!

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory™ Collectors Edition

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Jersey Jack Pinball has revealed the full detail of it’s the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory™ Collectors Edition pinball.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory™ Collector’s Edition pinball machine production is set to begin this month. This highly anticipated model is packed with exclusive features and extras that will have pinball fans saying, “I want it now”!

Pat Lawlor Design

This pinball masterpiece was designed by the legendary Pat Lawlor, designer of Dialed In!, Twilight Zone, and over a dozen other classic games, including the best-selling pinball machine in history, The Addams Family. “Willy Wonka is for me, a watershed game for a lot of reasons,” said Lawlor, in an interview with Special When Lit Pinball Podcast. “This game is probably right now the pinnacle of what you can create in the 21st century as a pinball machine… this game is going to show everyone how deep the pinball world can still go.”

Collector’s Edition Features

The Collector’s Edition model features a beautiful Candy Red cabinet, legs and wire-forms, exclusive playfield artwork with sparkle, exclusive cabinet artwork and mirrored back glass, mirrored topper with multi coloured RGB LED lights, cabinet LED glow package, Everlasting Gobstopper™ shooter knob, numbered brass plaque, RAD-Cals, side interior cabinet artwork, laser-cut rule card, and signatures from three of the movie’s original cast members: Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Paris Themmen (Mike Teavee), and Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), and Jack Guarnieri, Pat Lawlor and John Youssi. The game will also feature custom speech by Julie Dawn Cole.
The Collector’s Edition model also includes four flippers, six balls, a captive ball, seven magnets, Wonkavator™ Super Ball Lock, spinning Everlasting Gobstopper™, Red Most Secret Machine™, Oompa Loompa™ camera sculpture, 7” Wonkavision™ LCD, a 27” HD LCD screen with interactive 3D animations, and candy coloured LED light shows.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory™ Collectors Edition Pinball Promo

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory™ Collectors Edition Gameplay

Gameplay features four multi-balls, collecting Wonka Bars™, spelling Scrumdiddlyumptious™, touring Wonka’s Factory™, and a host of other goodies to lead you down the chocolate river to three wizard modes, including Pure Imagination™. Scenes and dialogue from the original 1971 film directed by Mel Stuart, starring Gene Wilder, are showcased bringing this exciting theme to life.

Purchase Direct from the Official UK Distributor

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory™ Collectors Edition can be purchased direct from the official UK distributor, Pinball Heaven by visiting our online shop or calling us on 01772 816 677.

Star Wars Comic Art Pinball Machine Launched

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Stern Pinball’s new Star Wars Comic Art Pinball Machine available in both Pro and Premium Editions

Stern Pinball’s Star Wars Pinball machine, originally launched in 2017 is getting a makeover, with the addition of original, hand-drawn “Comic Art” from long time Lucasfilm artist Randy Martinez.

Despite the interesting gameplay, movie clips, and fantastic sound of Stern’s 2017 Star Wars pinball machine, the original art package held Star Wars back from being truly great. Happily, the newly launched Comic Art Star Wars Pinball Machine appears to remedy this.

Stern Pinball Comic Art Pinball Machine

Artwork by Randy Martinez

Stern’s new Star Wars themed pinball machines feature the artwork of one of today’s most popular artists, Randy Martinez.  Randy has been illustrating for over 30 years receiving countless accolades of his work.  Through a broad spectrum of his skills, Randy has been creating cartoons, caricatures, illustrations, paintings, and 3D art for Lucasfilm since 1999.

Randy’s art first appeared in Star Wars Kids Magazine, before he quickly moved on to create cartoons and caricatures for Star Wars Insider.  Randy was chosen to create the official key art for Star Wars Celebration IV, Celebration V and Celebration Europe.

“Fans of both pinball and Star Wars will be impressed by this hand-drawn comic artwork.  It is stunning and captures everything a true Star Wars fan could ever want in their pinball machine,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball Comic Art Pinball Machine

Pro & Premium Editions

The Star Wars Comic Art Pro and premium pinball machines made by Stern are packed with features that provide an irresistible game experience. The game includes select dialogue and footage from the original Star Wars trilogy, color-changing LED-lighted inserts, and a sculpted TIE fighter. All models feature two LCD screens. The Premium model also features art representing an exploding Death Star, a sculpted LED-lit Millennium Falcon and an interactive hyperspace loop that encircles the playfield and can accommodate up to 5 pinballs at once.

Reserve your Star Wars Comic Art Pinball Machine Today!

To reserve your new Star Wars Pinball Machine in Pro or Premium Edition, visit our online shop, or call Pinball Heaven today on 01772 816 677.