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You are here: Home / Archives for pinball machine

pinball machine

Yippee Ki‑Yay! The Ultimate Die Hard Pinball Machine Is Real

November 19, 2025 By ausretrogamer

Yippee Ki‑Yay, Pinball Fans!

Hold onto your flippers—because yes, there is a real-life Die Hard pinball machine… and it’s as epic as you’re imagining. The catch? It’s a one-off masterpiece crafted by Virginian pinball wizard Jason Good.

Seriously, can you believe no major pinball manufacturer ever made a Die Hard machine? With all the action, explosions, and John McClane one-liners, this franchise was practically made for pinball!

What started as a Visual Pinball X digital project has now become a fully playable, physical Die Hard Trilogy pinball machine – and the results are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Jason and his team have nailed it with incredible artwork, gameplay, and cinematic flair.

Honestly, someone alert the big pinball companies: grab Jason and his team, get the license, and make this official! Until then, we’ll just have to live vicariously through this one-off gem. Yippee Ki‑Yay indeed!

image source: Facebook (Jason Good)

 

Filed Under: Pinball Tagged With: Die Hard, Die Hard Pinball, Die Hard Pinball Machine, Die Hard Trilogy, Die Hard Trilogy Pinball, gamer, Geek, homebrew, Homebrew Pinball, Jason Good, John McClane, one-of-a-kind pinball, pinball machine, Yippee Ki-Yay

Stern Pinball Revives the Undead: The Walking Dead Remastered Rises Again!

November 5, 2025 By ausretrogamer

The Walking Dead Lives Again – Stern’s New Remaster Bites Back! 🧟‍♂️

Ah, timing is everything! Just a few days after Halloween, Stern Pinball has dropped a monster announcement – their second remastered pinball machine, and this one’s a true undead legend. That’s right, the 2014 masterpiece The Walking Dead has been resurrected for a new generation of players!

Back when it first shambled onto the scene, The Walking Dead was a breakout hit – John Borg’s chaotic, fast-flowing design and Lyman Sheats Jr.’s brilliant, tension-filled code made it one of Stern’s most atmospheric and addictive titles ever. It captured the grim, relentless fight for survival perfectly, blending strategy, horror, and adrenaline in a way few machines could match.

Now, more than a decade later, The Walking Dead Remastered brings the apocalypse back to life – bigger, bloodier, and more technologically advanced than ever before. Powered by Stern’s new SPIKE 3 system, this modern reanimation features a gorgeous 18.5” full-HD display, immersive high-fidelity audio, wireless headphone support, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, and a new lighting system that lets players bathe in all that zombie-fighting glow.


source: Stern Pinball

The playfield? It’s a loving update to Borg’s original design, complete with enhanced versions of the fan-favourite “Cell Block C” Prison building, the gruesome Well Walker toy, the infamous Bicycle Girl ramp, and that glorious crossbow that fires pinballs across the playfield – now re-engineered for even smoother, more precise mayhem. Players can expect dynamic new RGB lighting, illuminated zombie heads on the slingshots, and a remastered rule set that builds on Lyman Sheats Jr.’s legendary original coding, keeping the “risk vs reward” gameplay alive and kicking.

The visuals have been fully overhauled, blending painterly new art and high-quality video elements that tie into iconic moments from AMC’s hit series. Even better, The Walking Dead Remastered includes fresh custom audio callouts from the show’s stars Michael Rooker (Merle) and Danai Gurira (Michonne), adding even more atmosphere to the carnage.

Of course, Stern’s Insider Connected platform is built right in — letting players track achievements, join global leaderboards, and participate in exclusive challenges. Survive the Prison, fight through the CDC, wade through the Blood Bath, and see if you can outlast the Horde to become the Last Man Standing!


source: Stern Pinball

Collectors will want to hunt down the Limited Edition – capped at just 500 units worldwide. The LE packs in Stern’s Expression Lighting System and matching Speaker Lighting System with Walking Dead-themed effects, a stunning mirrored backglass, exclusive armour and decals, designer-autographed bottom arch, shaker motor, anti-reflection glass, and even a signed certificate of authenticity. It’s the ultimate prize for any fan of the series, or anyone who knows a true zombie classic when they see one.

The Walking Dead Remastered is available now in Premium and Limited Edition models, with accessories on the way. It’s a fitting tribute to both the franchise and the late Lyman Sheats Jr., whose work continues to define modern pinball excellence.

So grab your crossbow, load up on pinballs, and prepare to fight the dead — and fear the living. Stern’s The Walking Dead Remastered proves that even in pinball, some legends refuse to stay buried.

We may have to upgrade our beloved 2014 TWD Pro machine 😉

Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: gamer, gaming, John Borg, Lyman Sheats Jr, new pinball machine, pinball machine, pinball player, Stern, Stern Pinball, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead pinball, The Walking Dead Pinball Remastered, The Walking Dead Remastered, TWD

Pinball 2000 Reborn: A Stunning Revenge From Mars Pinball Conversion By COOLTOY

October 23, 2025 By ausretrogamer

COOLTOY’s Pinball 2000 Transplant Triumph

What happens when retro sci-fi meets modern pinball craftsmanship? You get a one-of-a-kind Revenge From Mars machine that’s turning heads and flipping expectations, literally.

Content creator and pinball enthusiast COOLTOY has pulled off a jaw-dropping transplant: taking the iconic Pinball 2000 system from its original cabinet and giving it a sleek new home in a modern-style pinball cabinet. The result? A machine that feels like a time-traveling hybrid – equal parts 1999 innovation and 2025 flair.

🚀 A Quick Blast from the Past

Originally released in 1999 by Williams Electronics Games under the Bally label, Revenge From Mars was the first machine to use the Pinball 2000 system. Designed by George Gomez, it fused traditional pinball mechanics with interactive video overlays projected onto the playfield – a revolutionary concept at the time. It was also the spiritual sequel to the beloved Attack From Mars, and followed by Star Wars Episode I.

But while the gameplay was ahead of its time, the cabinet design was very much of its era. That’s where COOLTOY stepped in.

🔧 The Transplant Operation

COOLTOY’s project involved transplanting the guts of Revenge From Mars into a traditional-style cabinet sourced from the talented folks at Barrels of Fun Pinball. This wasn’t just a shell swap, it was a full-on reimagining.

  • Custom artwork by the legendary Brian Allen of Flyland Designs gives the machine a bold, comic-book aesthetic that pops.
  • A custom topper from The Electric Playground (TEP) and Brad Albright adds flair and personality.
  • The result is a machine that looks like it rolled straight out of a Martian arcade in the year 3000.

🎥 See It in Action

COOLTOY walks us through the entire build in his YouTube video, showcasing the cabinet, artwork, and gameplay in glorious detail. Check it out below:


source: COOLTOY

🕹️ Why It Matters

This project is more than just a cool mod, it’s a celebration of pinball history and creativity. It shows how retro tech can be preserved, enhanced, and reimagined for new generations of players. For fans of Revenge From Mars, it’s a fresh way to experience a classic. For modders and collectors, it’s inspiration to think outside the cabinet.

 

Filed Under: Pinball, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Alien, Barrels of Fun, Brad Albright, Brian Allen Flyland Designs, Cooltoy, Cooltoy's Revenge From Mars, Modder, Pin2K, pinball, Pinball 2000, pinball machine, pinball mod, Pinball2000, Revenge From Mars, RFM, Topper

“If It Bleeds, We Can Play It!” – Predator Pinball Is Coming

June 2, 2025 By ausretrogamer

“If it bleeds, we can play it!” – Predator Pinball Incoming! 🛸💥

June 12 is no ordinary day, folks – it marks 38 years since Arnie first tangled with the galaxy’s deadliest hunter in Predator! And what better way to celebrate than with the possible reveal (on this day) of a brand new Predator pinball machine from our extraterrestrial-obsessed pals at Pinball Brothers?

🎯 We’re calling it now – June 12 could be the day this beast lands! So clear your calendars, polish those flippers, and prep your coins!

According to Pinball Brothers, this isn’t your average pin –

“A brutal wide-body game forged in the heart of a cinematic legend. Built to hunt, The Predator Pinball will throw you into a world of hurt.“

👾 Brutal? Wide-body? World of hurt? YES PLEASE.

If this turns out to be true (which it will be!), we’re looking at a must-play machine that’ll bring 80s action, sci-fi mayhem, and brutal pinball chaos together in one gorgeous cabinet.

Stay frosty, retro gamers – this hunt might begin sooner than you think! 🕹️🔥

 


source: Pinball Brothers

source: supplied

Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: 1980s, 80s movie, Arnie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dutch, John McTiernan, new pinball machine, paramilitary, pinball, pinball brothers, pinball machine, Predator Pinball, wide-body pinball

Thrill Of The Chase: Pulp Fiction BMF LE Pinball Machine

February 28, 2025 By ausretrogamer

Worth the Wait: Our Pulp Fiction Pinball Adventure!

Some things in life are totally worth the wait—like the perfect coffee, a great concert, or finally getting your hands on that dream pinball machine. In this case, we waited almost TWO YEARS (yes, you read that right!) for our Pulp Fiction Bad Mother Flipper Limited Edition pinball machine (Ed: Wow, that name is a mouthful!).

The Thrill of the Chase

Our quest began in March 2023, when a fateful social media post set our pinball-loving hearts racing. A new machine was coming, designed by Mark Ritchie (yes, THAT Mark Ritchie!) from Play Mechanix, under the umbrella of RAW Thrills, and manufactured by Chicago Gaming Company.

When I hit play on the official trailer, Ms. Ausretrogamer happened to walk past. Her reaction?
💥 “We HAVE to get this!”
💥 “We HAVE to get the Limited Edition with that amazing topper!”

Well, as a certified pinball tragic, I didn’t need much convincing. The only problem? Securing one.

A Little Pinball Luck

Call it fate, serendipity, or just good timing—Wayne from Mr. Pinball Australia sent out an email just an hour after the trailer dropped. He had all the details on how to lock in an order, and I wasn’t about to waste a second.

My reply? “Lock us in for a Bad Mother Flipper Limited Edition!”. Deposit paid. Order confirmed. Now all we had to do was… wait.

The Agonising Wait

At first, we were optimistic. Production was supposed to kick off in late 2023—perfect timing for an epic Christmas surprise! But as the weeks turned into months, doubts started creeping in. Pinball forums buzzed with news of delays, and it became clear that our patience was about to be seriously tested.

So shiny (and new)!

23 Months Later… Jackpot!

As the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait”—and in this case, 23 months of waiting!

Then, the moment we’d been dreaming of finally arrived: an email confirming our machine was ready for pickup! 🎉 The excitement was REAL. Seeing that notification pop up put a massive grin on my face—and on Ms. Ausretrogamer’s too!

We had done it. We had secured one of our dream pinball machines, and now it was finally coming home to the Ausretrogamer Fun Factory.

Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got some flippin’ to do! 😎🎮

Filed Under: Pinball Tagged With: Chicago Gaming Company, gamer, gaming, Mark Ritchie, Mr Pinball Australia, Old School, pinball, pinball machine, Play Mechanix, Pulp Fiction Bad Mother Flipper Limited Edition, Pulp Fiction BMF LE, Pulp Fiction Limited Edition pinball, Pulp Fiction pinball, Pulp Fiction SE, Retro, Retro Gamer, thrill of the chase

Alice Goes to Wonderland Pinball: A Kickstarter We (Reluctantly) Can’t Ignore

February 19, 2025 By ausretrogamer

At ausretrogamer, we’ve maintained a firm stance against featuring Kickstarter projects, aiming to shield our readers from the uncertainties that often accompany crowdfunded ventures. However, the upcoming “Alice Goes to Wonderland” pinball machine by Wonderland Amusements has managed to capture our attention, challenging our usual reservations.

A Bold Promise: Affordable, Mechanical Pinball for the Home

Wonderland Amusements pledges to deliver a fully mechanical pinball machine at 80% the size of a standard unit, all for under US$1,000. This proposition is undeniably enticing, especially for enthusiasts eager to bring the tactile joy of pinball into their homes without breaking the bank. The machine draws inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, aiming to blend classic pinball mechanics with whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” themes. The company has showcased vibrant artwork and animations that promise an immersive experience.

The prototype AGtW is looking good!

The Team Behind the Vision

The leadership at Wonderland Amusements comprises industry veterans with impressive resumes. CEO and Creative Director Jerry Cummings brings over 35 years of product development experience, having collaborated with giants like Disney and Mattel. Product Development lead Andres Quiros boasts a background in entertainment and gaming, including pivotal roles at Arcade1Up and as the founder of New Wave Toys. Their combined expertise suggests a team capable of navigating the complexities of bringing such a product to market.


source: Wonderland Amusements on YouTube

A Cautious Enthusiasm

While the project is ambitious and the team experienced, it’s essential to approach this with measured optimism. The challenges of manufacturing a mechanical pinball machine at this price point are significant. Potential backers should weigh the excitement of the concept against the inherent risks of crowdfunding. As always, we advise thorough research and consideration before supporting such projects.

For those intrigued, Wonderland Amusements’ Kickstarter campaign is slated to launch in March 2025. You can sign up for notifications on their Kickstarter pre-launch page.

Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement of the project.

Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: Alice Goes to Wonderland pinball, Alice In Wonderland, Arcade1Up, gamer, Geek, Lewis Carroll, New Wave Toys, pinball, pinball geek, pinball machine, Retrogamer, Wonderland Amusements

Obey Your Pinball Master with Stern Pinball’s Metallica Remastered!🤘⚡

October 17, 2024 By ausretrogamer

Stern Pinball Unveils the Thrilling Metallica Remastered: A New Era of Pinball Gaming

Stern Pinball, Inc. has just announced the launch of Metallica Remastered, an exciting upgrade to one of its most iconic pinball machines, originally released in 2013. This new version not only retains the spirit of the beloved classic but also enhances it with cutting-edge technology, making it a must-have for pinball enthusiasts and Metallica fans alike.

What’s New in Metallica Remastered?

The Metallica Remastered machine boasts significant upgrades, including a vibrant full-color LCD display featuring all-new animations and stunning live concert footage. Powered by Stern’s modern Spike 2 electronics, this game elevates gameplay and presentation, allowing players to enjoy an expanded tracklist with 22 songs—eight more than the original.

The game also includes exciting new features like an Expression Lighting system, improved artwork by renowned Metallica artist Rhys Cooper, and enhanced mechanical devices that add to the overall gaming experience. The original playfield layout has been preserved, but players will benefit from new geometry, improved gameplay toys, and dramatic UV lighting effects.


source: Stern Pinball – YouTube

Metallica: A Legacy of Influence

Since its inception in 1981, Metallica has redefined rock music, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and groundbreaking sound. Their cultural impact extends far beyond music, creating a massive global fanbase. This new pinball machine pays homage to their legacy while offering a fresh take for both old fans and newcomers.

Design and Features

Stern Pinball’s design team, led by John Borg and software engineer Raymond Davidson, has meticulously reimagined the original game. They’ve introduced three stunning new sculptures: Sparky, the Hammer, and illuminated Skulls, along with a new Metallica logo on the back panel. Enhancements to the iconic Lyman Sheats rule set add two new game modes inspired by Metallica’s latest albums—72 Seasons and Hardwired…to Self-Destruct—alongside a new “Blackened” Wizard Mode.

Players can expect an immersive experience with over 1,000 new speech calls from the band, new sound effects, and seamless integration of additional Metallica tracks, complete with HD-quality concert footage.

L to R: Premium & Limited Edition

Limited Edition Highlights

For collectors, the Limited Edition (LE) model is a treasure. Limited to just 500 units worldwide, this version features exclusive elements such as the Expression Lighting System™ and custom-designed artwork. Other perks include upgraded audio, anti-reflection playfield glass, and a numbered plaque with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Get Yours Today!

Metallica Remastered is now available in Premium and Limited Edition models, with a range of accessories set to launch soon. Pinball fans and music lovers alike won’t want to miss out on this exhilarating new chapter in pinball history.

Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: Expression Lighting System, Insider Connected, John Borg, Lyman Sheats, Metallica, Metallica Remastered, pinball machine, Rhys Cooper, Spike 2, Stern Pinball, Stern Pinball Metallica Remastered

Marvel’s Days of Future Past Comes to Life with Stern’s New The Uncanny X-Men Pinball Machine❌

September 5, 2024 By ausretrogamer

Enter the (Jack) Danger Room: Stern’s The Uncanny X-Men Pinball Brings Classic Marvel Action

Stern Pinball has unveiled their latest creation, The Uncanny X-Men pinball machine, designed by Jack Danger. This highly anticipated release dives deep into the beloved “Days of Future Past” storyline from Marvel comics, bringing a thrilling new experience for X-Men and pinball fans alike.

The game features a stunning playfield, with the Premium and Limited Edition (LE) models including standout features like the animated Sentinel toy, which rises from the playfield to challenge players, and Beast’s Lab, a vari-target feature exclusive to higher-tier models. The Sentinel head is a major focal point, capable of interacting with the ball through bash toys and even altering gameplay with its hands on the Premium and LE versions.


source: Stern Pinball, Inc.

Visually, the game shines with comic-style artwork from Jeremy Packer, aka Zombie Yeti, which perfectly complements the X-Men theme. The soundtrack, composed by Charlie Benante of Anthrax and Pantera, adds a dynamic and immersive layer to the action.

The gameplay is packed with interactive features. The Danger Room section, located near the left outlane, provides a high-risk, high-reward environment, while the Cerebro Lock offers a unique magnetic mechanism that holds and releases the ball, allowing players to shift between past and future missions. For tech-savvy players, Stern’s Insider Connected platform introduces game-specific achievements, mutant powers, and online quests, adding a fresh layer of connectivity to the classic pinball experience.

The Uncanny X-Men models L-R: Pro, Premium & Limited Edition
The Uncanny X-Men Pinball Designer, Jack Danger, threw everything at the playfield, including the kitchen sink!

With only 811 Limited Edition units available worldwide, a nod to the Earth-811 timeline of the storyline, this machine is set to be a highly sought-after collector’s item.

Whether you’re a seasoned pinball enthusiast or a die-hard X-Men fan, this machine offers an exciting blend of nostalgia, advanced gameplay mechanics, and connectivity that promises to keep you coming back for more.

Pricing:

  • Pro Edition: $US 6,999 / $AU 11,950**
  • Premium Edition: $US 9,699 / $AU 15,500**
  • Limited Edition: $US 12,999 / $AU 20,500**

** $AUD pricing to be confirmed

Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: comics, DeadFlip, Insider Connected, Jack Danger, Marvel, new pinball machine, new pinball release, Pinball Life, pinball machine, Stern, Stern Pinball, Stern Pinball's The Uncanny X-Men pinball, The Uncanny X-Men, Zombie Yeti

Stern Pinball Unveils the Exciting 70th Anniversary Edition of Godzilla

July 10, 2024 By ausretrogamer

🎉The King of the Monsters is back in Black & White! 🎉

Get ready to roar with excitement! Stern Pinball has just launched the eagerly-awaited black-and-white 70th Anniversary Edition of their hit Godzilla game, and it’s a sight to behold.

  • 🔥 Price Tag: AUD $15,500
  • 🌟 Edition Level: Premium
  • 🔒 Production: Unlimited – No cap on the number of machines produced!

This special edition stays true to Stern Pinball’s commitment to not reissue Limited Edition models after their initial run. So, while it’s not a Limited Edition, it’s still got plenty of exclusive flair.


source: Stern Pinball

Monochromatic Marvel: The cabinet and backbox artwork are strikingly monochromatic, with the 70th Anniversary logo adding a pop of color. The sleek design is complemented by matching red backbox trim and red flipper buttons, giving it a distinctive look.

Artistic Touches: Though it’s not a Limited Edition, this version features a monochrome adaptation of the original Limited Edition’s left-side and front cabinet art. Interestingly, the left and right sides of both the cabinet and backbox are mirror images of each other, apart from the 70th Anniversary logo. The brushed metallic finish adds a classy touch to the design. Plus, the translite image has been creatively reimagined from the original Limited Edition design.

Playfield Perfection: The playfield takes inspiration from the Premium/Limited Edition, boasting a full monochromatic 70th Anniversary makeover. The artwork, decals, and plastics all sport the stylish black-and-white theme, with the flipper bats now in white instead of the original yellow. However, the playfield inserts and billboard LEDs keep their original vibrant colors, ensuring a visually stunning gameplay experience.

Don’t miss out on this incredible 70th Anniversary Edition of Godzilla – a perfect blend of nostalgic design and modern gameplay. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or a Godzilla fan, this machine is sure to bring epic fun to your game room! 🎮👾🦖

image source: Stern Pinball, Inc.

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: Anguirus, gamer, Geek, Godzilla, Godzilla 70th Anniversary, Godzilla 70th Anniversary Edition, Godzilla 70th Anniversary Pinball Machine, Godzilla pinball machine, Kaju, Keith Elwin, King of the Monsters, Mechagodzilla, Mothra, pinball, pinball machine, pinball wizard, Rodan, Stern, Stern Pinball, Xilien

Play A Huge Pinball Machine In The Centre of London Courtesy Of PlayStation UK

June 1, 2024 By ausretrogamer

A giant PlayStation pinball machine you can play in the middle of London 👀

PlayStation UK has teamed up with the UEFA Champions League Festival to bring lucky Londoners a huge interactive Astro Bot pinball machine!

This is all in celebration of this weekend’s UCL Final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

Whatever you do, do not rage tilt this thing!

Yes that’s a giant PlayStation pinball machine and yes you can play it. 👀

Join us at the UEFA Champions Festival in Trafalgar Square where the highest score on Friday and Saturday will win tickets to the UCL Final. #UCLfestival pic.twitter.com/6aP7zHHxTQ

— PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) May 30, 2024

 

Filed Under: Modern Gaming, Pinball Tagged With: Astro Bot pinball, huge real pinball machine in London, pinball, pinball machine, Playstation, Playstation pinball, PlayStation UK, UCL Festival, UCLfestival, UEFA Champions League

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