Stranger Things Pinball Revealed: First Images, Video, and Gameplay Details - IGN (2024)

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*Cue Dustin's weird purr sound.* Stranger Things LE Pinball Cabinet, Playfield, and Toys: First Images Stranger Things Pro Pinball Cabinet, Playfield, and Toys: First Images How does the projector work and where is it mounted? Does it work in well-lit rooms? Is it an off-the-shelf projector or custom? Will the game feature clips and audio from all three seasons? Are there custom voice call-outs? What music will the game feature? Is there a video mode? What is it? How is the upside-down worked into gameplay? Who designed the playfield, led the code, and did the art? In This Article Where to Watch References

Stranger Things

*Cue Dustin's weird purr sound.*

Netflix's Stranger Things will be the next pinball machine from Stern Pinball Inc. The trailer video above and images and interview with Stern's Zachary Sharpe below reveal some cool, innovative details unique to this pinball machine. The Limited Edition and Premium versions of Stranger Things pinball will feature a unique projector system that animates ramps, targets, and a central screen on the playfield. These versions also feature a magnetic, hovering ball lock on the back panel of the machine that is inspired by Eleven's telekinesis powers. Of note is the playfield design by Brian Eddy, designer of widely-loved Medieval Madness and Attack From Mars pinball machines, who is returning to pinball design after a two decade break.Here's a look at the three distinct art packages for the Limited Edition, Premium, and Pro models of the Stranger Things pinball machine:
Stranger Things Pinball Revealed: First Images, Video, and Gameplay Details - IGN (1)
Stranger Things Pinball Revealed: First Images, Video, and Gameplay Details - IGN (2)
Stranger Things Pinball Revealed: First Images, Video, and Gameplay Details - IGN (3)
We've collected the first close-up images of Stranger Things Limited Edition (LE) and Premium model playfields in the image gallery below. Note the blank white spaces on the central targets, ramp, and screen that transforms into a ramp feeding the Demogorgon toy.

Stranger Things LE Pinball Cabinet, Playfield, and Toys: First Images

As with many modern pinball machine releases, the Pro version is a simplified playfield -- Stranger Things Pro model lacks the projector and magnetic ball lock and is most likely what you'd find in a bar or arcade near you. Here's what the simplified playfield looks like up close:For more details on gameplay, audio and video from the show, and the projector, we interviewed Zachary Sharpe, Director of Marketing at Stern.

How does the projector work and where is it mounted? Does it work in well-lit rooms? Is it an off-the-shelf projector or custom?

The projector is mounted under the bottom arch so as a player you can’t actually see it. The effect is magical as you initially wonder how all the surfaces on the playfield are lighting up and animating. The image projects onto the whole game and on to specific surfaces where we focus images. Some of those surfaces include the big screen in the middle of the playfield, the ramps, the standup targets, and drop targets. As with any projector the brighter the room the lighter the images but the projector is pretty bright because it’s only about 26” away from the surfaces. In an ambient home or arcade environment, it shows up really well. The projector is off the shelf technology customized for Stern. We tried a lot of different routes before we found the right partner to make it happen.

Will the game feature clips and audio from all three seasons? Are there custom voice call-outs?

Yes, but only from seasons 1 and 2. We have actual clips and speech from the show along with scenes we custom created using the 3D models from the series or ones that our talented video art production team developed specifically for the game. It’s a great mix of memorable scenes from the show and unique custom created content just for the pinball machine.

What music will the game feature?

The main theme music everyone knows from the show is in the game and it really helps pull you into the feel of the Stranger Things world. We also have over 20 tracks inspired by the music from Stranger Things created by the super talented Ken Hale.

Is there a video mode? What is it?

No there is not currently a video mode in the game. There is a mode in the game called Quarter Hunt that’s based on the scenes from the show where Dustin, Lucas, and Mike are trying to find quarters to go to the arcade. A common undertaking for any kid from the 1980s!

How is the upside-down worked into gameplay?

Just like in the show, at any point the game will flip into the upside down for a brief period of time where you have to make specific shots before you switch back to the real world. You never know when it’s going to happen but you know you can score big when it does if you make the shots. Plus there are other modes where we recreate scenes from the show that take place in the upside down world.

Who designed the playfield, led the code, and did the art?

Brian Eddy designed the playfield and vision for the game, Lonnie Ropp led the code and rule design and Mike Vinikour helped out on rules design and balance. The three of them battled it out (in a good way) to get the best rule set to make the game fun for all players. Bob Stevlic did the custom art package for every model of the game. But it was really a whole team at Stern Pinball of mechanical engineers, programmers, video artists, musicians, and art support that made the game possible.Finally, here are both versions of the Stranger Things playfield, showing the differences:
Stranger Things Pinball Revealed: First Images, Video, and Gameplay Details - IGN (4)
Stranger Things Pinball Revealed: First Images, Video, and Gameplay Details - IGN (5)
Stranger Things pinball is available now. The Pro Model has an MSRP of $US 6,099, the Premium $US 7,699, and the Limited Edition Model $US 9,099. The Limited Edition Stranger Things machine is limited to 500 units produced.Samuel Claiborn is IGN's Managing Editor and both fixes and breaks pinball machines in his garage. TCELES B HSUP to follow him @Samuel_IGN on Twitter.

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Stranger Things Pinball Revealed: First Images, Video, and Gameplay Details - IGN (2024)

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