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

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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 😉

‘The Walking Dead’ Arcade Game

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

Over Christmas break, I discovered the arcade game “The Walking Dead” at a local Dave & Buster’s, a sports bar and video arcade. The object of the game is to shoot as many zombies as possible for a high score, and to get through the stages without getting nibbled on. As an enormous fan of the television series and comic book, the game was calling out to me when I bought a massive number of tokens.

When I’m playing the exciting game, shooting zombies with my crossbow, I’m not thinking about anything else in the world. My troubles and the bad news headlines all fall away. It’s an escape into a fun, fictional world, created by the great Robert Kirkman. You begin in the West Georgia Correctional Facility in Story Mode, and you’re fighting your way through the corridors and the expansive, open yard. One of the most thrilling parts when you’re in the yard is when you shoot a tanker with an arrow with an explosive on it, killing all the surrounding zombies. Some of them are just dazed, but it gives you time to escape from the starving herd.

The Raw Thrills, Inc. game is fantastic because you can easily reload your crossbow by pulling back on the handle to load again. The action is so hurried, you have about a split second to decide where to aim.

image source: Raw Thrills

It’s somewhat annoying when parents and kids walk by the outer doors, and they peek at my gameplay. Hours fly by when I’m enthralled in the combat of the game. I like it when you open a door of the prison and a zombie is right there behind it, ready to pounce on you and bite you if you’re not careful. “The Walking Dead” arcade machine is in a dark area of the arcade, so I have a feeling of isolation and total immersion when the place isn’t crowded.

I still go back and watch some of my favorite “Walking Dead” episodes, and they are usually centered around the character, Daryl Dixon. I really like the episode “Still,” that aired during the fourth season. Most of the episode is Beth and Daryl hanging out at a golf country club. It’s a haunting episode and the performances by Emily Kinney and Norman Reedus are superb. The episode is a rather dramatic one with some heft. The new Daryl Dixon series on AMC had one of the best pilot episodes I’ve seen in some time. It’s called “L’ame Perdue.”

As I finish writing this on a snowy, frigid night, I’m contemplating going to Dave & Buster’s to play “The Walking Dead” game again. Luckily, they’re open late.



‘The Last of Us’ Series First Look

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

Recently, a production image of the HBO series “The Last of Us” was released. It’s our first look at the cable show based on the iconic video games “The Last of Us” and “The Last of Us: Part II.”

The first image has great attention to detail. It’s not much, it’s just Joel and Ellie looking out across a field at abandoned plane wreckage. It would have been nice to get a face reveal, but the image of the two main characters from behind is a smart marketing tease.

Pedro Pascal has been cast as Joel, the game, and series’ smuggler and main protagonist. I’ve been a Pascal fan since his brief stint on “Game of Thrones.” His starring role on the Netflix series “Narcos,” opposite the great Boyd Holbrook, was where the 46-year-old actor gained international fame as the cold, DEA agent who is obsessed with capturing Pablo Escobar. The pairing of Pascal and Holbrook is one of the best fictional, law enforcement pairings in recent television history. I’ve watched “Narcos” several times for the writing and characters. When I heard the news that Pascal was cast as Joel in “The Last of Us” series, I was instantly excited to see what HBO will do with the popular property.

The idea of “The Last of Us” as a television series or limited series is better than a movie. A series gives the story more chance for expansion and the ability to develop the characters. The game already has a rich world that can be expanded on with the right show runners who know the universe.

To me, like many others, “The Last of Us” franchise always had a “The Walking Dead” feel to it. Even the production image that was released looks a little like a scene from the AMC “The Walking Dead.”

Post-apocalyptic properties are hot right now. Could “The Last of Us” be the next must-see HBO show? They haven’t had a monster hit like “The Sopranos” or “Game of Thrones” in several years. The production still didn’t show much, but it was just enough of a tease to peak the interests of the megahit game’s fans.



 

Negan in Tekken 7 is Smart

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By: D.C. Cutler, U.S.A.

When it was revealed at EVO that Negan from “The Walking Dead” would be a new character in Tekken 7, I thought it was one of the most out of left field crossover ideas ever conceived. But after some thought, it’s pretty smart for both properties.

I wonder who called who? Did the makers of Tekken 7 call “The Walking Dead” people, or was it the other way around? Negan being in Tekken 7 is an odd choice because the character is more of a manipulator and schemer than a brawler. However, he has had his moments of hand-to-hand combat in the comic book.

And who does this help more, Tekken 7 or “The Walking Dead”? The ratings for the AMC television show have been on the decline. Negan is a fascinating character, but since his appearance, the show’s ratings have been on a downward spiral. Will adding Negan bring more players to Tekken 7? I’m sure Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the actor who portrays Negan, will have a blast doing the voice work for the popular game. Like his Negan or not, Morgan is a solid actor who always elevates everything he’s involved in.

image source: golem13.fr

I’m sure when Negan is available in Tekken 7, every gamer will select him to see what he’s capable of in a scrap. It’ll be interesting to see Negan’s fight moves. His bob wired baseball bat, Lucille, will be appealing to use on an opponent, but I don’t see how the game keeps its Teen rating if you do. In the comic book and the show, Lucille is a very violent weapon. I can’t see Negan doing air combat flips and powerful jump kicks. He could ground and pound and do brutal overhead hits that result in wall bounces.

Those in attendance at EVO seemed excited that Negan will be featured in Tekken 7. They went absolutely wild when Negan was teased in the trailer. The decision of adding Negan to the Tekken franchise is a bold one. Curious gamers that are fans of both properties will find it irresistible to try a few brawls with Negan.

image source: gamegeek.gg

 

Ausretrogamer 2016 Highlights

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As another year draws to a close, one can’t help but to reflect on the year gone by. With a record number of visitors hitting the site, we had a heap of highlights in 2016, so dwindling them down to a handful proved to be harder than we thought. Are you ready? Here we go!

We started the year by learning how pinball machines work and how to troubleshoot general problems – a course that was well worth doing!

Getting the grand tour of ZAX Amusements and getting to play the newly released (at the time) Ghostbusters Pro pinball machine was a double highlight!

What better way to spend your birthday than having the awesome Ms. ausretrogamer organising a birthday mystery tour involving escape rooms, USA foods, retrogaming hunting at vintage markets, arcade action and a drive-in movie!

It is always a wonderful surprise when you go on a holiday and find a market that has retrogaming goodies! Carrara Markets delivered the thrill of the hunt buzz we were looking for!

After the birthday mystery tour, it was only fair to repay Ms. ausretrogamer in kind, by surprising her with The Walking Dead Pro pinball machine for her birthday. The look on her face was priceless!

When Marcus Sezonov extended us an invite to his Rosstown Retro Pinball Arcade tournament, we definitely could not pass up the opportunity. With a fantastic pinball collection comprising of classic machines from a variety of manufacturers from around the world, we could not stop flipping the silverball. Oh yeah, Marcus also had an original Japanese Space Invaders cocktail table to satisfy our arcade urge.

Being part of Australia’s biggest gaming event is a privilege. For PAX Aus 2016, our Classic Gaming Area was even bigger and better – more arcade and pinball machines, old school computers and consoles, handhelds from yesteryear and for the first time, a classic gaming museum!

Another PAX Aus 2016 highlight was participating in Seamus Byrne’s Geek Trash or Treasure? Finding Collectibles with Real Value panel in the Gamespot Theatre! We can now say that we popped our public speaking cherry.

Last but not least, meeting Jack Guarnieri at the recent exclusive Melbourne Jersey Jack Pinball event was a huge highlight and one we will not forget in a hurry! Oh yeah, playing the Pat Lawlor designed, Dialed In, was pretty great too!

We can’t wait to see what awesomeness 2017 brings us all! We’ll take this opportunity to thank you for your patronage and hope that you’ll come and visit us again in 2017.

Happy New Year to everyone – we hope it is a happy, healthy, successful and fun one!