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You are here: Home / Archives for The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian

This Is The Way: Microsoft & Lucasfilm Launch ‘The Mandalorian’ themed Xbox Gaming Gear

March 6, 2023 By ausretrogamer

This Is The Way

Celebrating the start of The Mandalorian season 3 on Disney+, Microsoft/Xbox and Lucasfilm have teamed up to launch ‘The Mandalorian’-themed gaming gear, including cool Xbox Series X|S Mando livery!

The third season of The Mandalorian follows Grogu as he reunites with Din Djarin, so what better way to celebrate this much-loved Star Wars series than to have a colour-coordinated controller, a hoodie and best of all, a human-sized armoured floating pram (Pram XL), which doesn’t really float, but would still be cool to win.

The comp/sweepstajes for The Mando-themed Xbox Series X|S is open to everyone on the planet, with the only entry requirement being a retweet of this tweet!

PS: For more news and how to enter the sweepstakes to win the Pram XL, head over to the Xbox News site right now.

image source: Microsoft Xbox News




Filed Under: Announcements, Modern Gaming Tagged With: Box Series S, Competition, Din Djarin, gamer, gaming, Geek, Grogu, Mando, Microsoft Xbox, MS Xbox, Pram XL, Star Wars, The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian Xbox Sweepstakes, videogames, Xbox, Xbox Series X, Xbox sweepstakes

LEGO Unveils An Ultimate Collector Series of The Mandalorian’s Razor Crest

September 30, 2022 By ausretrogamer

*GULP* LEGO teased us earlier this week (see the below mind-blowing tweet) with the Ultimate Collector Series version of The Mandalorian’s Razor Crest set!

All you need to know is that it will be made up of 6,187 pieces and will be rich in details! The LEGO Star Wars Razor Crest set will include removable engines and a cockpit, an escape pod, and a minifigure-size carbon-freezing chamber, as well as minifigures featuring the characters of Grogu™, the Mandalorian™, Mythrol™, and Kuiil™ on a buildable Blurrg™ model.

Once built, you can proudly (play with it, or) display your creation with an innovative stand and information plaque. This ultra cool Collector Series Lego Star Wars Razor Crest set will set you back US$600 (~ AU$950.00)! Now hurry up and release it now, please!!!!!!!

The cockpit, the escape pod, the carbon-freezing chamber, the engines… witness the power of the force as LEGO® bricks connect to create the Ultimate Collector Series version of The Razor Crest, ready for The Mandalorian and Grogu’s next mission. #LEGO #StarWars #LEGOStarWars pic.twitter.com/X2DTGPb8Dz

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) September 26, 2022

source: technabob

 




Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: gamer, Geek, geeky, Grogu, Lego, Lego Razor Crest, Lego Star Wars, LEGOStarWars, Mando, nerd, Razor Crest, Star Wars, StarWars, The Mandalorian, Ultimate Collector's Edition Razor Crest

Interview with The Mandalorian Pinball Designer – Brian Eddy

May 24, 2021 By ausretrogamer

To say we are fans of Brian Eddy designed pinball machines would be a gross understatement! There is a reason why Brian’s machines have withstood the test of time and are still ranked as the best pinball machines of all time – they are pure fun and are approachable for all players, regardless of skill level.

When Stern Pinball announced back in March 2018 that Brian would be making his return to pinball, the excitement among his many fans (us included) was palpable. There was speculation on what Brian would be working on over at Stern, with his maiden (Stern) title being Stranger Things, released in December 2019. Since then, Brian had been working on his sophomore Stern game, which we now know was The Mandalorian. Officially released on May 11, 2021, The Mandalorian has garnered a lot of interest and attention around the world, all for good reason – it’s a Brian Eddy designed pinball machine of one of the most popular Disney+ TV series based on the largest pop culture franchise in history.

As Star Wars fans and of course, Mando fans, we have also been caught up in the excitement of all things The Mandalorian pinball, so it was great to have a chat with Brian about his experience in designing this highly anticipated pinball machine.

AUSRETROGAMER: How difficult was it designing and creating The Mandalorian while season 2 was still in progress?
Brian Eddy [BE]: It was certainly a challenge. We wanted to use both seasons, so we focused on ways of making it happen right from the start. Disney wasn’t able to tell us much about season 2 during development. It was all kept very secret, just like the reveal of The Child in season 1. So like everyone else, we had to wait for each episode to air to see what happened and what content would work in the game. Disney was very supportive of using season 2 and helped us plan ahead on how we could make it happen. The art needed to be pretty much done before Season 2 even aired, so we did things like leaving space on the backglasses and playfield for certain characters or items. We didn’t know who or what they would be, but Disney said, “you should leave some space here for 3 characters”. Then when the episode aired and the item was revealed, the artist, Randy Martinez, would quickly fit in the item to get us to production on time. We did the same in software and left certain holes in modes for themes we expected we would want from season 2. It actually worked out really well and allowed us to pick and choose from the best characters and scenarios that fit the game but was rather tricky at times since it came so late in the development cycle.

ARG: Did you have to re-design or retro-fit any design aspects (mechs/shots etc) as season 2 unfolded? If so, what where they?
BE: We did not change any mechs/shots for season two. We knew with the development timeline, that would not be possible. But that was fine as we picked the core concepts of the series and items from season 1, we knew it would be in season 2 to make sure they would still be relevant and stayed away from ones we thought would not be a big part. Though I will say, we were shocked when the Razor Crest was blown up toward the end of season two as it was a core of the series, but it’s still a really important element and a tight tie-in with Mando.

ARG: Which model do you begin designing for first and why?
BE: I start with the premium. I like to look at the whole picture of the design and how all the elements work together and fit on the playfield. How does each element enhance that model but not change it completely. Then for the Pro, look at what elements can be removed while still making sure the core playfield is there. It’s a tough balance as I want all the models to be fun and a little unique in their own way. I think we found that balance well on Mandalorian, each model plays similar, but a little different, and both are fun!

The Mandalorian Lead Designer, Brian Eddy (Left) with Lead Software Engineer, Dwight Sullivan

ARG: This machine oozes Brian Eddy with clever and unique mechs, intelligent design that draws players of any skill levels and flowy shots that ramp up the difficulty (in a good way!) – do you have a favourite mech, shot or design aspect in The Mandalorian pinball machine(s)?
BE: I always like to have flow in a pinball machine which is a core element I love in Steve Ritchie games. You will have these moments when playing where you just hit shot after shot, each shot leads to another, and it just feels great when you pull it off. Shot-wise, the right up/down scoop is fun because it changes the flow and allows you to loop continuously on one shot for a set period of time. A fun “how many times can you do it” break from flipper to flipper flow. But I think my favorite is the Encounter rotating playfield. It’s deceptively simple but challenging to play well. We start it out flat with simple rules of hitting lit targets, and most people can play this for a bit. Then as you get comfortable and get deeper into the game, it will start rotating steeper and steeper, and your reactions need to be quicker and tuned to the new gravity. At times it’s moving when you are playing, so there are lots of variations. It’s also obvious what you need to do to hit the flashing targets, but it’s hard to master. That adds up to a lot of fun long-term. Rule design-wise, I like most things to be pretty straightforward and easy to follow for anyone who jumps in. The programmer, Dwight Sullivan, is doing a fantastic job achieving that feel while adding in some long-term strategic elements for the more skilled players, like saving Beskar to trade at the Foundry for features.

ARG: We also absolutely love the look of the rotating Encounter upper mini playfield (on the Prem/LE models), how did you come up with that and were there many iterations from concept to final design?
BE: Yes, lots of iterations. I went through several different layouts. I had more targets at first and different playfield shapes, but some were too hard to hit and not as fun. I tried larger and smaller playfields, and each had its pluses and minuses. I wanted to be able to go near vertical, so that drove some of the size and balance also. I tried mini flippers but went with full size as you just didn’t have enough time to make targeted flips or enough power for it to work as well when vertical with the mini flippers. Spacing was a big issue between the flippers also. Too much, and it was way too hard when vertical, too little, and the ball wouldn’t drain. Then fitting it all onto the playfield was a tight space challenge. The mechanical engineer, Tom Kopera, did an amazing job fitting it in and delivering a ball no matter what angle it’s at. I didn’t want it to be an element of the playfield where you went, and play was stopped for a long time while you were playing it and then back to the main playfield. I wanted it to feel like a shot on the main playfield, integrated into the flow, where you could go anytime for a quick unique challenge, even in a multiball. On the Pro, I find it a similar but different experience. Since you only have one flipper, there can be some bumping element to playing it well that is fun in its own way. We also increase and decrease the flipper strength to help ramp up the difficulty. So both are fun to play in their own ways.

ARG: When this machine came up, did you have to fend off other designers to get the gig?
BE: I was already a big fan when it came up and would have fended off others, but I didn’t need to do that. I was ready to start my next game, and George Gomez came to me and said it was available and if I was interested. I jumped on instantly even though the schedule was a bit tight, but it was worth it for such a great title. So it came down to the right time, right place, right theme, the right team.

ARG: Are you a fan of the TV series? If so, what did you think of season two’s conclusion?
BE: Huge fan. I think it’s the best put-together Star Wars show to date. It’s a fresh take on the universe with the “space western” feel and all the nostalgic hooks and tie-ins to the existing Star Wars world. I loved the ending with Luke coming back. It was pretty emotional for a lot of people in my house. I think we all knew it was a possibility, but until it happened, we just didn’t know. Even Disney wouldn’t tell us a thing right up to when it aired. It was certainly satisfying to watch. I am sad that it seems like Grogu may not be as big an element in the next season, but he couldn’t have ended up with a better person to train him, so I’m sure we will see more of him in the series. I’m looking forward to where Disney will take the series and all the new series starting up like The Book of Boba Fett! It’s a great time for Star Wars fans!

It absolutely is a great time for Star Wars fans, and an even better time if you are into pinball! Brian’s love of the franchise has definitely translated well into The Mandalorian pinball machine, which on first impressions, looks great and plays well with signature Brian Eddy design elements injected all over the playfield. We can’t wait to play it!

image source: Stern Pinball




Filed Under: Pinball Tagged With: Beskar, Brian Eddy, Brian Eddy interview, Dwight Sullivan, Grogu, interview, Lucasfilm, Mando pinball, pinball, Pinball Interview, pinball machine, pinball wizard, Star Wars, Stern Pinball, Stern Pinball The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian LE, The Mandalorian pinball, The Mandalorian pinball machine, The Mandalorian Premium, The Mandalorian Pro

This Is The Way – Stern Pinball’s The Mandalorian

May 12, 2021 By ausretrogamer

The Mandalorian has garnered critical acclaim among Star Wars fans and critics alike for good reason, it’s an awesome TV series! Since it’s the hottest property right now, it is no surprise that we find the Emmy award-winning show on all kinds of licensed products. With Stern Pinball’s great working relationship with Lucasfilm and their proven success with their previous Star Wars pinball machines, the two giants have once again collaborated to bring us the hottest streaming TV show in the galaxy into pinball form – introducing The Mandalorian range of pinball machines; the Pro, Premium and Limited Edition.

The Mandalorian Pinball Game Trailer

With a 16 month development cycle, Stern’s Director of Marketing, Zach Sharpe tells us that Brian Eddy (Lead Designer), Dwight Sullivan (Lead Software Engineer) and the rest of the development team have worked hard to cram as much of The Mandalorian storylines into the machine. Zach goes on to say that this game’s development was unique (from previous pinball machine developments) due to the fact that the team was working on the machine while Season 2 was airing. Even though Lucasfilm was tight lipped about Season 2’s storylines, they did provide input to Stern’s team by advising them to leave some “space” whether it be in artwork or on the playfield for something that would be critical to the story they were trying to achieve in The Mandalorian pinball experience – and we are glad that they did!

For those new to The Mandalorian saga, the series is set after the fall of the Galactic Empire and before the emergence of the First Order and follows the travails of a lone gunfighter, The Mandalorian, in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. Stern’s new machine emulates the world of Mando by transporting players to a galaxy far, far away as they play as the titular protagonist, teaming up with key allies and protecting Grogu, while battling dangerous enemies and forces across their journey.

So what’s in the three models of The Mandalorian pinball machines that transports the player in this awesome Star Wars universe?

Hold onto your Amban phase-pulse blaster and prepare for battle on the gravity-changing, rotating Encounter upper mini playfield available on the Premium and Limited Edition models. This innovative, motorised rotating playfield is packed with six stand-up targets, lights, and two full-size flippers for high intensity pinball action.

What bounty hunter doesn’t like or watches out for ambushes?! Like the Mandalorian seen in the series, players can be ambushed by enemy forces. A dynamic inner loop shot activates an up/down horseshoe scoop ramp for fast, repeatable precision shooting, creating tense experiences on the Premium and Limited Edition models.

Players can navigate their way to multiball mayhem by hitting a unique hanging uplift target attached to a custom moulded Razor Crest ship – success in hitting the target qualifies a centre ramp shot on the Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models.

The Mandalorian Pinball – Premium and LE features

The Mandalorian Pinball – Pro model features

Other features of The Mandalorian-inspired pinball machines include a large custom sculpture of Grogu, authentic video and audio from seasons one and two, and exclusive custom speech performed by actor Carl Weathers (Greef Karga). The game includes the iconic title theme song by Ludwig Göransson and stunning hand-drawn artwork by Randy Martinez, one of today’s most popular comic artists.

The limited edition version includes an exclusive full colour mirrored backglass inspired by Beskar armour, iconic custom cabinet artwork, custom high gloss powder-coated pinball armour, a custom designer autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and Certificate of Authenticity. With only 750 Limited Edition (LE) machines available, we reckon they will sell out fast!

The Mandalorian Pinball – Pro v Premium playfield

As we leave Stern Pinball to bask in their new pinball glory, we ask Zach to tell us what his favourite shot is on this new pinball machine, he tells us, “On the Premium/LE models the dynamic inner loop almost acts like two shots as it can become a ramp shot by activating an up/down horseshoe scoop. It feeds the ball back to the left flipper for repeatable looping opportunities and can get quite intense, especially during ambushes!”.

To say we can’t wait to flip this new pinball machine would be a massive understatement. This is the way!

For those of you in the market for The Mandalorian pinball machines, this is what they’ll cost you**:

  • Pro Model: $US 6,199
  • Premium Model: $US 7,799
  • Limited Edition Model: $US 9,199

** For sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.

NOTE: For our Australian readers, please contact Amusement Machine Distributors (AMD) or Zax Amusements for pricing and availability of The Mandalorian pinball machines.

The Mandalorian Pinball – LE model

The Mandalorian Pinball – Premium model

The Mandalorian Pinball – Pro model

Accessories – Razor Crest Knob, Art Blades & Side Armour




Filed Under: Announcements, Pinball Tagged With: Beskar, Brian Eddy, disney, Disney Plus, Mandalore, new pinball machine, pinball, pinball news, Pinball Press, pinball service announcement, pinballpress, Randy Martinez, Star Wars, Star Wars pinball, Stern Pinball, Stern Pinball The Mandalorian, Stern The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian pinball, Zach Sharpe

Happy Star Wars Day and May The 4th Be With You

May 4, 2021 By Alex Boz

Star Wars

Happy Star Wars Day!

No, I am not your father, but from one Star Wars geek to another, May the 4th be with you!

When it comes to pop culture franchises, none are bigger than Star Wars. As a kid, I was consumed by it – Masters Of the Universe was a close second though 😉

I was lucky enough to be there when the original trilogy was playing in cinemas (late 70s to early 80s) and following on from that, begging my parents for anything Star Wars related, from the Kenner action figures to Return of the Jedi t-shirts to wear to school.

As an adult, the love of Star Wars has not diminished one bit, but my tastes for Star Wars related collectable content has definitely expanded. The pick of my current fave Star Wars related memorabilia is our Stern Star Wars Comic Art Premium pinball machine.

This year’s highlight for me was being honoured on a Walter Day’s Video Game & Pinball Trading Card with our beloved Star Wars pinball machine – check it out below!

If you have any favourite Star Wars items, please share them with us all either via Twitter or Facebook!

 



Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: darth vader, Geek, Happy Star Wars Day, Luke Skywalker, Mando, May the 4th be with you, pinball, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, Star Wars Day, Star Wars Geek, Star Wars pinball, Stern Pinball, The Mandalorian, trading cards, Vader

The Mandalorian Virtual Pinball is coming to Pinball FX3 – We have spoken!

October 27, 2020 By ausretrogamer

You guys know that we are huge STAR WARS fans yeah? And we hope you know by now that we are also massive PINBALL fans, be it the real or virtual kind.

With the news that Zen Studios’ Pinball FX3 will add The Mandalorian pinball machine to the platform is darn awesome news! The Mandalorian will be their 20th Star Wars themed pinball machine, featuring story-based missions following events of the first season from the hit Disney+ series.

Before you ask (or if you’ve already seen the above pic), of course cute baby Yoda will be featured! Now roll on Spring (aka: Autumn for us!) 2021!

As the great Kuiil said, “I have spoken”!


source: Zen Studios

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Modern Gaming, Pinball Tagged With: baby Yoda, darth vader, Kuiil, pinball, Pinball FX 3, Pinball Life, Pinball Pinball, Pinball Press, PinballFX3, pinballpress, Star Wars, Star Wars pinball, The Mandalorian, The Mandalorian pinball, The Mandalorian pinball on Pinball FX3, Video Games, Virtual Pinball, Zen Studios, Zen Studios Star Wars, Zen Studios The Mandalorian

Christmas 2019 Retro Gaming and Pinball Gift Ideas

December 11, 2019 By ausretrogamer

It’s that time of year when the ausretrogamer team does the hard yards by going shopping to curate a plethora of cool retro and pinball products that you can grab as Christmas gifts for your geeky friends and family (and yourself too)!

Here we go!

Tiny Arcade Frogger via Amazon AU$32.64

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego Handheld Game via Amazon AU$28.66
Boardwalk Arcade: TMNT Mini Pinball via Amazon AU$32.57

The Mandalorian t-shirt via Amazon AU$28.99

MicroArcade Tetris via Amazon AU$32.57

Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis USB Controller 8-Button Arcade Pad via Amazon AU$32.57

My Arcade Mini Data East Retro Arcade Player via Catch AU$79

The Game Console : A History in Photographs via Book Despository AU$38.16

Complete Pinball Book: Collecting the Game and Its History via Book Depository AU$88.46

Pinball Wizard Enamel Pin (Red Glitter) 1980’s Throwback via Etsy AU$15.24

Custom NES Retro Gaming Themed Black Shoes – Ladies/Mens via Etsy AU$106.66

Sega Mega Drive Mini via Amazon AU$129

Polaroid OneStep 2 Viewfinder i-Type Instant Camera via Catch AU$196

Star Wars Chewbacca Jumpsuit via Catch AU$59.99

LEGO® Star Wars Darth Vader’s Castle Building Set via Catch AU$197

Star Wars The Black Series Darth Vader Premium Electronic Helmet via Catch $159

Harry Potter Hogwarts Back To School Backpack via Catch AU$29.99

My Little Pony – Princess Celestia via Amazon AU$15.00

GO-TCHA Evolve Smartwatch for Pokemon Go Daredevil Red via OzGameShop AU$59.99

Sonic Boom – 5 Figure Multipack – Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Amy & Dr. Eggman via OZGameShop AU$32.69

Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition Nintendo Switch via OzGameShop AU$57.99

Star Wars Pinball Nintendo Switch via OzGameShop AU$42.99

Rick and Morty Spaceship & Garage Large Construction Toy Set via Amazon AU$29.31

Data East Classic Collection SNES Cartridge via Amazon AU$36.04

Attack From Mars Pinball – Shadowbox Art via Etsy AU$196.59

Tempest X RepliCade via Amazon AU$215.06

Casio Retro Calculator Unisex Watch via Amazon AU$39.00

8BitDo SF30 Pro Bluetooth Controller via Amazon AU$59.99

 

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: Books, Christmas, classic, gamer gifts, gamers, Geeky Gifts, geeky xmas gifts, Gift Ideas, gifts, Kris Kringle, Lego, old school gifts, pinball, pinball books, pinball gifts, Retro Gaming, Retro Gaming gifts, retro gaming xmas gifts, Rick and Morty, Secret Santa, Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Xmas, Xmas gift ideas

New Star Wars Game

April 29, 2019 By ausretrogamer

By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

This month, at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, the trailer for a new Star Wars game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, was released to a room full of diehard Star Wars fans. The two-minute trailer for the Electronic Arts game gave fans an intriguing story preview and stunning action-packed visuals.

I grew up playing Star Wars games. The Empire Strikes Back for Super Nintendo is still one of my favorite video games. It’s also one of the hardest. I played a little of it recently and I was reminded of how difficult each level was.

Jedi: Fallen Order had a great trailer, but there was little gameplay shown. It takes more than a good trailer to get Star Wars fans excited for a new game. The last few Star War games haven’t been stellar outings. I enjoyed Star Wars Battlefront II, but it felt like it wasn’t the game that was advertised. Star Wars in gaming is like a sleeping giant; with the right creative team and the vast universe at their disposal, something really special could be produced any year.

Star Wars games have always had excellent trailers, but most of the games haven’t lived up to their stellar previews. Jedi: Fallen Order looks like a fugitive story where the protagonist is running from the Empire. That’s a cool, original set-up. The story takes place after Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, when Order 66 was initiated. It’s like a superhero origin story where the hero has to hide their powers. In Jedi: Fallen Order, the main character’s powers are The Force. The trailer shows a new Star Wars location; that gives me hope that it’ll be entertaining. However, Jedi: Fallen Order won’t have multiplayer.

The EA game will be released around the same time as the new Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Will the Star Wars faithful be more hyped to play Jedi: Fallen Order or watch The Mandalorian if the entire series drops? Fans can do both, but my main focus will be seeing what Jon Favreau does with a Star Wars bounty hunter series. For many fans, the game will be put on hold if they can stream all of The Mandalorian.

Jedi: Fallen Order, which will be released on November 15, looks like it has great potential. Star Wars needs a game that knocks it out of the park.

Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: darth vader, DC Cutler, disney, Disney Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Jedi: Fallen Order, Jon Favreau, Luke Skywalker, Order 66, Sith, SNES, Star Wars, Star Wars game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, super nintendo, The Mandalorian

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