Next From Stern Pinball: Stranger Things

The chatter about the next pinball table from Stern has been hinting that it would involve the hit Netflix TV show Stranger Things, and as you already know from the headline to this post, that’s exactly what it is. I don’t know that the show would have fit for a video game, which is where it’s nice to have the pinball canvas to create on. Here’s the trailer, then more commentary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY61cP8ZZmc

By what I’m reading, this is showing the Premium model. The primary attraction on the playfield is the movable projection screen, that actually employs projection mapping – something I’ve been saying should be happening for a while now. However from the word on the street, this tech is not going to be on the Pro models. We’ll have to wait and see what that does to stand out.

This screen not only serves as a target and something to show animations on, it serves as a ramp to attack the Demogorgon target that appears to swallow the pinball. The projection doesn’t just happen on the screen though – it also animates separate targets, including stand-ups, the spinner on the side and even the ramps, which is a really nice touch. I think that alone helps this to stand out from your typical pinball machine (ironic, in that so many playfield ideas don’t do much to move away from the late 80s/early 90s, but this one which is based an 80s show is doing something pretty advanced for the genre).

It also employs some fun magnet tricks and seems to have plenty of clips from the show, while employing some custom animations on the normal screen. I am seeing complaints about how dark the playfield is – sometimes that depends on the venue too, although most places will be kinda dark (my Addams Family and Jurassic Park pins are a bit dark).

What do you think about it from this preview?