Date: 8th September, 2015
As predicted, today saw the release of the first pictures and details of Stern's next game, Game of Thrones, based on the hit HBO series of the same name.
The Pro translite image
As usual there are three versions of the game planned, but at launch only pictures of the Pro and the Limited Edition models have been revealed. The Premium will be shown at a later date. The Limited Edition model's production run is capped at 700 machines, with the usual signed playfield, certificate and a special plaque.
Here are Stern's pictures of the Pro and LE cabinets and playfields, but be aware that although we regularly get computer renderings of the cabinet artwork, the playfield is usually photographed. In these shots all the playfield images are renders, and so do not accurately represent how a fully lit playfield will look.
The Pro cabinet and translite artwork is very much about the show's characters, with no repeat of the dominant network logo as with AMC's The Walking Dead..
The Pro's left side
The Pro's right side
The Limited Edition's artwork, meanwhile, is dominated by the fire-breathing dragon - not an entirely new motif for a pinball.
The Limited Edition's left side
The Limited Edition's right side
Like the LE versions of designer Steve Ritchie's earlier games, AC/DC and Star Trek, the side armour on Game of Thrones is extended to feature laser-cut cutout designs. Although it looks identical to the Pro model's armour, the LE's side rails, legs, hinges and lock bar are all powder coated in glossy black.
The LE features a mirrored backglass hand-painted - like the cabinet artwork - by illustrator Bob Stevlik.
The LE's backglass
Here's Bob's hand-painted backbox side art for the LE.
LE backbox side art
(click to enlarge)
Sadly, as you can see and despite the availability of plenty of full-colour high-definition assets from the TV series, Game of Thrones continues to use a simple red LED dot-matrix display. No LCD just yet from Stern.
And so we move onto the playfield, starting with the Limited Edition which, naturally, has the most features.
The LE's playfield
(click to enlarge)
The most dominant playfield feature has to be the castle mini-playfield at the top left of the game.
The castle mini-playfield
(click to enlarge)
This is fed from the left ramp and features two flippers, three standup targets, an orbit shot, two exit lanes, a 'Moon Door', all topped off with a motorised, fire-breathing dragon.
The exit onto the left ramp return wireform
(click to enlarge)
There are also three shots below the Castle mini-playfield to ensure it doesn't create a dead area on the main playfield. However, it's sheer size means it inevitably dominates the upper part of the game.
The castle mini-playfield
(click to enlarge)
Which make it all the more surprising that the whole mechanism is missing from the Pro model.
The Pro has no mini-playfield
You still get the Dragon, but this time it is mounted over the mystery shot lane. This features a kickback mechanism like the Raptor shot on Jurassic Park or the Ram in Big Buck Hunter. There is also an up-post beneath the Dragon's plinth which can trap the ball for mystery awards or during video mode.
In comparison to the LE, that whole area of the playfield looks somewhat sparse on the Pro.
Returning to the LE, at the back right corner of the playfield we find the Iron Throne toy which can hold and eject balls fed to it from the mini-playfield.
The Iron Throne
(click to enlarge)
But for a real ball lock, we have to look at the right ramp exit which has a Lord of the Rings-style lock area, but this time with the addition of a sword which 'cuts' each ball free.
The ball lock area on the right ramp return
(click to enlarge)
The lock release mechanism
(click to enlarge)
This is common to all three models as is the 3-bank of drop targets on the left of the playfield, but only the Premium and LE get the drop target in front of the right ramp entrance.
The right ramp entrance has a drop target on the Premium and LE
(click to enlarge)
Just to the left of the right ramp entrance is a weighted battering ram which piles into a standup target at the end of the lane to register a hit.
Break through the door with the ram
(click to enlarge)
At the start of each game a player has to choose to which of the six houses they wish to pledge allegiance and fight for. Each house brings a different set of features and is indicated by a progress grid just above the flippers.
The six houses
There are also opportunities to increase playfield scoring by up to 5x, and then cash in that multiplier at the Iron Bank. That's just one of the functions of the action button mounted on the lock bar.
The action button on the lock bar
Other uses are: choosing your house, selecting other houses to battle, picking items to purchase, launching the ball, entering your high score initials, and wielding your sword in the game's video mode. Yes, that's right. Game of Thrones has a video mode featuring you with your trust sword and your opponent attacking you with an axe. This began as just stick figures fighting, but later software has fleshed them out somewhat. There's no chance of a peaceful settlement here. You either win the battle or you die.
So here's Stern's list of which feature goes with which model:
The features grid
(click to enlarge)
This grid reveals a couple of changes to Stern's previous game design.
First of all, the power cord becomes a standard IEC computer-style lead, just like on later Williams/Bally games.
Secondly, the latch-style lock bar is now standard on all models, including the Premium and Limited Editions, but (thankfully) the playfield support 'pegs' haven't yet taken over from the slides on the top-end models.
Here's how Stern announced the game, along with details of the prices of the the three models which are unchanged from the previous Kiss game.
| Stern Pinball to Release Game of Thrones® Pinball Machines
World’s Leading Maker of Arcade-Quality Pinball Games Partners with HBO Global
Licensing® to Announce Newest Pinball Title
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL – September 8, 2015 – Stern Pinball, Inc., the world's oldest and
largest producer of arcade-quality pinball machines, proudly announced today the availability of
Game of Thrones pinball machines. Inspired by the hit HBO® drama series, the newest Stern
machines put players in the heat of battle where noble families fight for control of the Iron
Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.
Stern’s Game of Thrones Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition machines are packed with features
and toys that provide an irresistible challenge to play against kings, knights, knaves and
dragons. Each player can choose to be a Knight of the Stark, Lannister, Greyjoy, Baratheon,
Martell, or Tyrell family Houses, and pick other Houses to battle. Game of Thrones actor Rory
McCann as Sandor Clegane (The Hound) guides the player throughout the game with
authenticity and strong presence. The goal of the game is to rule the seven kingdoms of
Westeros.
“The Game of Thrones pinball machine celebrates the much-loved HBO series and gives fans
an intense, high-energy pinball experience,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern
Pinball, Inc.
The Game of Thrones pinball machine will be available in three models offering a variety of
pricing and exclusivity for Game of Thrones fans and pinball collectors. All three models feature
an animated, interactive dragon that roars, flies, and breathes fire through the magic of all-LED
lit playfields. Players can slam the ball into the Battering Ram, attempting to break down the
Castle Doors and grab features such as Super Jackpots, Wild Fire, and Playfield Score
Multipliers. The animated mechanical Sword of Multiball holds back reinforcements until it’s
time to attack. A bank of three Drop-Targets lights the Lord of Light Lanes to protect against
side drains and awards other progressive features. A Kickback fires the ball in anger when
struck.
Players can win valuable random awards and features with Reel Pops™, a fun new software
mechanism, by playing the Pop Bumpers and spinning three virtual spinning reels on the
display. When three identical symbols line up, the player is awarded the prize shown on the
reels. Earn Gold and spend it on needed weapons and features. An Action Button is featured
on the front molding for the largest array of interactive play features ever seen in a pinball
machine.
The Game of Thrones Pro model includes all the above features and 7 multicolor Shield inserts
that represent the great Houses of Westeros and special shots on the playfield. Lightning-fast
ramps and orbits send the ball on fascinating and versatile courses throughout the game.
Enter a whole new realm with Game of Thrones Premium and Limited Edition Pinball models.
Vastly different from the Pro model, both Premium and Limited Editions feature a massive and
challenging Castle upper playfield with a second set of full size flippers, shots and an animated
Dragon. Both models feature dazzling, full-playfield, color-changing LED’s throughout the
game. An Elevator serving two “floors” brings the ball up to the Castle where the players battle
against Houses and Dragons. The second Elevator floor delivers the ball to the Iron Throne,
where victories great and small can be celebrated. Amazing light shows and effects are a visual
celebration of players’ victories.
The Limited Edition model delivers all the play features of the Premium model, while also
featuring a Certificate of Authenticity, a numbered plaque, a designer-autographed playfield, a
beautiful, hand-drawn cabinet and backglass artwork by Bob Stevlik. Exclusive, glossy, blackpowder-coated, laser-cut side armor features dragon elements of the Targaryen Sigil and is
inscribed with the Targaryen House motto, “Fire & Blood”, all highlighted with a rich, red
mirrored backing.
Pricing and Availability:
- Pro Model: $5,995 MSRP
- Premium Model: $7,595 MSRP
- Limited Edition Model: $8,795 MSRP
Game of Thrones Pinball is available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers
around the world.
About Stern Pinball, Inc.
Stern Pinball, Inc., headquartered just outside Chicago, Illinois, is the oldest and largest
producer of arcade-quality pinball games in the world. Stern’s highly talented creative and
technical teams design, engineer and manufacture a full line of popular pinball games,
merchandise and accessories. Recent Stern titles include KISS, WWE WrestleMania, The
Walking Dead, Mustang, Star Trek, Metallica, The Avengers, X-Men, AC/DC, Tron,
Transformers, Avatar, Iron Man, Batman, Spiderman and many more! All of Stern’s pinball
games are crafted by hand and assembled by Stern’s expert team. A broad range of players
enjoy Stern’s games from professional pinball players that compete in high-stakes international
competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball
for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.
About HBO Global Licensing
HBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO® brand for the development and
merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network's award-winning
programming. With products created around hit series like Game of Thrones® and True Blood® as well as classic series like The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, and Entourage, items include
fashion apparel, figures, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, prop and costume replicas,
games, books, and beverages, as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with
upscale, designer brands. Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, at
http://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at
42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City. HBO Global Licensing products are also sold
internationally across Europe (www.hboshopeu.com), Asia and Australia.
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We'll be back with much more on Stern's new Game of Thrones pinball right here at Pinball News.
© Pinball News 2015 |
