Frank Welker

Back to Cybertron (and the ’80s)

Unlike Stern’s earlier Transformers table (which leaned into the Michael Bay films), this new release proudly taps into the original 1984 animated series and The Transformers: The Movie. That means familiar story arcs, authentic video clips, and a heavy dose of Gen 1 flavour woven directly into gameplay.

Players step into the role of the Autobots, teaming up with Optimus Prime to stop Megatron from harvesting Earth’s energy, conquering Cybertron, and ultimately dominating the universe – classic Saturday morning stakes, now played out through silverball action.

source: Stern Pinball via YouTube

More Than Meets the Eye… Literally

True to its name, this machine is packed with mechanical wizardry. Stern is pushing boundaries here with standout toys and features that elevate the experience beyond a standard licensed table:

• Animatronic Megatron complete with a rotating fusion cannon that can fire balls back at the player
• Soundwave cassette deck ball lock that captures and launches balls into play
• Optimus Prime bash toy standing ready for battle on the playfield

Add to that Energon Cube power-ups, Dinobot team-ups, Tech Spec card collecting, and mission-based gameplay, and you’ve got a table that feels like a playable episode of the cartoon.

Soundtrack of a Generation

Stern hasn’t skimped on audio nostalgia either. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie, the game features the iconic power ballad “The Touch” by Stan Bush, alongside original music and custom callouts from legendary voice actors Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron, Soundwave).

Yep — this one is basically engineered to trigger goosebumps.

Cutting-Edge Pinball Tech

Under the hood, More Than Meets the Eye runs on Stern’s SPIKE 3 system, delivering enhanced visuals, audio, and rule depth. The game also integrates the company’s Insider Connected platform, introducing a new Cyber Coin wallet system that lets players unlock extra modes and challenges.

There’s even talk of a unique simultaneous two-player mode, where competitors can go head-to-head in real time – a rare twist that could shake up competitive pinball sessions.

Three Models, One Epic Battle

As expected, Stern is offering the full range of trims:

• Pro Edition – AUD $11,950 (ETA August 2026)
• Premium Edition – AUD $15,500 (ETA September 2026)
• Limited Edition (LE) – limited run of 750 units – AUD $$20,500 (ETA September 2026)

Each version scales up in toys, visual flair, and gameplay complexity – with the Premium and LE packing in the headline features like the animatronic Megatron.

Limited Edition

The Verdict: A Cornerstone Worth Rolling Out For

With Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye, Stern has delivered a love letter to fans who grew up in the golden age of cartoons, toys, and arcade grit. It’s loud, flashy, packed with fan service, and – importantly, pushes mechanical innovation forward in a way that keeps modern pinball exciting.

For Aussie collectors and location hunters, this could be one of the standout releases of 2026. Whether you’re chasing high scores, reliving childhood battles, or just keen to hear Optimus Prime bark orders while you flip, this machine looks primed to deliver.